A passion project that brings art out of the gallery and into everyday life.
– Mike Contreras, 2SP’s Director of Sales and Marketing
As breweries strive to stand out with bold flavors and inventive branding, Aston, PA’s 2SP Brewing has carved a unique space by connecting the worlds of fine art and craft beer. Their Public Domain Series goes beyond the taproom, serving as a cultural crossroads where visual fine art meets local brewing tradition.
This initiative began with Circadian IPA, featuring the artwork of the naturalist John James Audubon, known for his detailed & dynamic watercolor paintings that cataloged North American bird species and can be seen at the Audubon Center in Audubon, PA. Mike Contreras, 2SP’s Director of Sales and Marketing, saw an opportunity to weave more artwork and history into the brewery’s identity. From there, the Public Domain Series took flight.
known for his detailed & dynamic watercolor paintings that cataloged
North American bird species and can be seen at the Audubon Center in Audubon, PA.
Each beer in the series is paired with a notable piece of artwork in the public domain that has ties to the Philadelphia area. This approach allows 2SP to use iconic images freely, without copyright constraints, while encouraging drinkers to explore the art’s origins. The packaging includes QR codes that link to artist bios and further information, making each can a conversation starter and an opportunity to explore renowned works of art.
Beyond the beer, the series supports Art Goes to School, a volunteer-run program that introduces children across the Delaware Valley to art and its cultural significance. In supporting this cause, 2SP continues to prove that beer, when done thoughtfully, can be more than a beverage – it can be a vehicle for education, connection, and transformation.
In addition to Circadian, the series has also included Letters from Aston, which displays Vincent van Gogh’s The Postman, After Hours Black & Tan, bearing Edouard Manet’s Le Bon Bock, and Midsommar IPA, featuring The Feast of St. John by Jules Breton. These selections aren’t arbitrary; they are matched thoughtfully. As Contreras puts it, “Finding the right piece of art is like scoring a movie – you need the music, or in our case the image, that fits the scene.” For example, Manet’s painting – a portrait of a robust man enjoying a pint – feels tailor-made for a rich, layered Black & Tan. The visual doesn’t just decorate the can, it enhances the experience, adding depth and context to what’s being poured.
The series also reflects a personal philosophy. Contreras, raised in a household that valued both art history and working-class grit, sees beer as a bridge. “If we can use our beer to get friends and neighbors to appreciate art, it can open a whole new world,” he says. It’s this blend of accessibility and substance that defines the Public Domain Series – a passion project that brings art out of the gallery and into everyday life.