Everett to Spend Thousands on Art for a Dozen Rain Barrels

In an effort to draw attention to surface water management, the City of Everett is asking artists to submit ideas on how to cover rain barrels in art. The city will pick the top 12 – 15 submissions and pay each artist selected $300. Here is more on what the city is looking for…

Everett Rain Barrel project

Click to learn more about rain collection in Everett.

It’s not a traditional canvas, but the city of Everett is hoping that a rain barrel will inspire local artists to create works of art that highlight the importance of stormwater management.

In 2014 the city’s public works department will launch “Let it Rain,” a stormwater management program designed to help homeowners control runoff on their properties and reduce their risk of flooding. The program will include rain barrel displays in downtown Everett and at the Everett Mall from February to June.

“We hope that artists will be inspired by Everett, the Puget Sound, gardens, rivers, storms or other green stormwater management ideas, but there are no restrictions in terms of creativity,” said Apryl Hynes, surface water public education specialist. “Barrels can be decorated with any media – paint, metal, clay, glass, wood, or whatever helps tell the story.”

The Let it Rain program will provide assistance with green stormwater management practices, including the use of rain barrels to store rainwater. The program includes help with rain garden installations and downspout disconnections, as well as discounted rain barrels for Everett homeowners.

“Collecting rainwater from your roof is a simple, effective way to save money and conserve water,” said Hynes. “The Let it Rain display will draw attention to the benefits of rain barrels and will hopefully encourage Everett residents to try one out at their homes.”

For more information on stormwater management in Everett, visit www.everettwa.org/letitrain.

Call to artists

Artists are invited to submit their design ideas, including the media they plan to use, to the public works department at 3200 Cedar Street by Friday, Nov. 22. They should include examples of their previous work. Submissions can also be sent via email to ahynes@everettwa.gov. Artists should explain how they plan to keep their barrels safe from the harsh elements – human and meteorological – for an entire spring outdoors.

Selected artists will be notified to pick up their barrels in early December, and will receive a $300 stipend after completing their barrel. Photos of the barrels will be featured on the city’s website and social media channels.

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My Everett News is a hyperlocal news website featuring news and events in Everett, Washington. We also cover City of Everett information and items of interest to those who live and work in Everett.

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