NEWPORT, Ky. - City sidewalks in northern Kentucky are about to be turned into an art gallery of sorts, as the area’s chamber of commerce works to beautify and attract more visitors to the region.

95 local artists submitted 107 painted bourbon barrels for the project, which will have each barrel placed in front of a business or landmark in a handful of cities. Solar-powered lights will be installed to illuminate holes in the woodwork and guide visitors toward the buildings next to them. Local officials say 20% of Kentucky’s tourism revenue is generated in this region, and they take pride in being a destination.

“To walk through a place and see images of places in northern Kentucky, a place that’s so dear to my heart, is incredible,” said Justin Otto of Newport on the Levee, as he sat on a barrel in one of his buildings, where all 107 are currently housed. Though the wood is empty, bourbon vapor fills the large room.

The launch of the barrel project coincides with he Kentucky’s Edge Conference and Festival, where local commerce and, of course, bourbon will be highlighted. That takes place October 4 and 5. The barrels will remain in place outside for one full year and then the sponsors can choose where they are displayed.