Rain barrel painted by Willow Springs
EcoSuperior is accepting design submissions for the 7th annual Painted Rain Barrel Art Project, presented by Landale Gardens. Each year EcoSuperior invites local artists, community groups and schools to enter their design ideas to be painted on a rain barrel. The initiative promotes water conservation and offers cash prizes for the artists, while also raising funds for environmental programs in the community.
“Rain barrels not only conserve water, they also protect our waterways and lakes from excessive storm water run-off,” says event coordinator Matt Spackman. “And they can also be transformed into eye-catching, functional backyard art, as demonstrated by our talented participating artists.”
Once they’re painted, the rain barrels will be exhibited and sold in a silent auction at an event held at Intercity Shopping Centre from April 7-9, 2017.
“There are some great incentives to participate: all artists become eligible to win cash prizes in five categories. Plus, the show promises to draw a large crowd in our new location this year at Intercity Shopping Centre, providing artists with excellent exposure over three days. We also post photos of the painted barrels to an early bird online auction and our Facebook page, which has more than 3,000 followers,” added Spackman.
The artist who paints the barrel that earns the highest bid receives 50% as a cash prize. Other cash prizes are generously donated by local sponsors. Prize
Cat Free
categories include Best Individual Effort, Best Group Effort, Children’s Choice and Best Environmental Theme.
The deadline to submit design entries is Friday, February 10; applications are available from EcoSuperior at 562 Red River Road, or download one from ecosuperior.org.
All proceeds from the auction support community programs including educational outreach, summer day camps and environmental stewardship in the Lake Superior basin.
