TownePlace Suites is looking to create a larger presence among the city by hosting more events such as the bluegrass-themed one they held Saturday.
Nectar Valley, runner-up in the ROMP band competition 2021, filled the first floor with their music while guests were able to peruse bluegrass-themed artwork in the conference room.
Erin Shannon, Director of Sales and Marketing at TownePlace Suites, said she wanted to spotlight a local artist and provide a chance for people to come to the hotel with no pressure.
“Owensboro was just launched as the Bluegrass Capital of the World. So we thought what a perfect time to bring in some bluegrass paintings,” Shannon said.
Artists Rex Robinson said events like this can help him and others get their art out more brodaly to a viewing audience. Robinson had the walls lined with art depicting the history of bluegrass, including ROMP, Bill Monroe and more.
Two of the canvas featured the Father of Bluegrass performing at ROMP with his band, and the story behind getting Monroe onto the stage.
“[Of my work here,] that’s probably one of the strongest in the history of Owensboro, even though it was really hard,” Robinson said.
Robinson said that the new distinction as the Bluegrass Capital of the World and ROMP inspires some of the work that he does, including his painting titled “Blessings of the Bluegrass.”
“I’ve tried to compose pieces and hope they express that and I’m just so appreciative of the opportunity always to share my work,” he said.
Shannon said the event will continue through the weekend, and this won’t be the last time the hotel will host events of that scale.
“I want to bring in a lot of different artists,” Shannon said. “So I’m looking at doing a lot of not only different types of events here, but then packages as well.”
