Going with the flow
Watershed Stewards calling for drain designs
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In an effort to create awareness of the environment while adding some artistic beauty around the county, the Penn State Extension Master Watershed Stewards along with the PA Sea Grant, is sponsoring its inaugural project.
The Warren Storm Drain Mural Project is seeking artists from the county to design and paint sidewalk murals near storm drains, emphasizing that many storm drains go directly to rivers and creeks. The purpose of the project is to remind people of the importance of keeping our environment clean. The themes that the artists can work from include "Only Rain Down the Drain" and "Keep it Clean, We're All Downstream."
Creative interpretations are encouraged and Including one of the theme phrases in the artwork is optional. Paint, brushes, project supplies and a high-visibility safety vest will be provided to the artist. No previous public art experience is required. Artists should include at least one native animal or plant that is dependent upon clean water.
The use of reference materials from a variety of sources is permitted; however, submitted designs must be original works created and interpreted by the artist. The final mural must be hand-painted by the selected artist or artist team and must be family-friendly, appropriate for all ages, positive and educational. The mural must be designed for painting on the sidewalk adjacent to a storm drain (not on the drain itself), with approximately 3 by 3 feet in size; creative shapes and organic designs are encouraged.
The first painting will be near the Soldiers and Sailors Park, where Music in the Park takes place throughout the summer. Turning ordinary sidewalks into works of art that serve as a reminder to keep our waters clean, the painting will be created above the drain on the sidewalk.
All local artists of all experience levels are encouraged to apply, and include individual artists, students, families, and collaborative teams. Artists may submit more than one design for consideration. Applicants under 18 are welcome to apply but must have permission from a parent or guardian and be accompanied by a parent or guardian while painting.
Artwork will be evaluated by a four-member selection panel representing the City of Warren,
Warren County Chamber of Business & Industry, the Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward Program of Northwest Pennsylvania, and professional artist and founder of Creekside Art Studios, Kimberly Mickelson-Slocum.
Each panel member will independently evaluate submissions based on the following criteria: creativity, visual impact, educational message and representative of the project goals and theme. The artist(s) chosen will receive an honorarium in the form of gift cards and prepaid visa cards.
Sponsorship opportunities for artist honorarium support may be provided at any of the following levels: Water Drop Sponsor, $25; Stream Sponsor -- $50; River Sponsor -- $100; and Watershed Champion -- $250 or more.
Every contribution--large or small--helps make this inaugural community art project possible and is sincerely appreciated. Sponsors and supporters will be recognized in project communications and at the community reveal event. In-Kind donations are also welcome which could include miscellaneous painting supplies such as a five gallon bucket, plastic containers with lids for paints, assorted paint brushes, paint stir sticks, chalk, kneeling pad, water bucket for brush cleaning, small tarp, rags, high-vis vest, sunscreen and bug spray.
This project is intended to become an annual community art initiative to celebrate artists while promoting clean water stewardship with a goal that all of the downtowns within Warren County have these paintings.
There is a deadline of Monday for artists to submit their ideas which will then be chosen by Aug. 7, giving the artist the rest of August to paint, with a reveal on Labor Day weekend.
For more information, contact project leader Tessa Campbell by phone at (814) 730-3051 or email: warrenstormdrains@gmail.com