FLOW is seeking Central Ohio artists to turn storm drains in the Short North into public art!
Phase One was painting 10 storm drains in the OSU campus area. Phase Two will be 10 storm drains in the Short North area!
ABOUT THE PROJECT:
FLOW is excited to use public art as a tool for storm drain education. We hope to connect the local businesses, residents and general public to more education on storm drains. We want the art to help explain that what goes down the storm drains exits directly into the Olentangy River.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Artists need to be 18 years old or have parental permission. Artists must demonstrate in their application that they have the ability to complete the project.
PROPOSAL DEADLINES:
Round One: Submit application and 3-5 example(s) of current artwork. Deadline: July 14, 2023. Artist chosen for round two will be notified by July 18, 2023.
Round Two: Chosen artists will be selected and asked to submit artwork specifically for the storm drain. Artists are compensated $25 for their design. Deadline: August 9, 2023. Artists chosen to paint on storm drains in the Short North will be notified by August 11, 2023.
Round Three – Selected artists will receive $225 for painting designated storm drain murals.
October 7th: Paint Storm Drain (October 8th Rain Date)
SELECTION PROCESS:
A panel of community members from FLOW and Short North Alliance will select the finalists at each stage.
WHERE WILL THE ART GO?
All artists will be assigned a specific storm drain. Photo, location and storm drain dimensions will be given to artists. Storm Drains are in high traffic areas along High Street between the Short North area. Each storm drain will be marked so artists do not exceed the storm drain art boundaries.
FLOW will have an art storm drain tour on their website as well as do publicity for residents to experience the different artwork and get more information about individual artists.
WHAT SUPPORT WILL BE GIVEN TO THE ARTISTS?
FLOW volunteers will be available to answer questions and provide support during the whole process. All artists will need to sign a waiver for the painting event. Traffic cones and safety vests will be provided. Artists are allowed to bring an assistant on the day of painting.
FLOW is given permission by all selected artists to use pictures of the chosen artist’s artwork on social media, FLOW’s website, the project report and any other outlets.
Round one: Submit application and 3-5 example(s) of current artwork.
Round two: Chosen artists are selected and paid $25 to design storm drain specific artwork.
Round Three: Chosen artist will receive $225 for painting their storm drain mural on the designated storm drain.
The storm drain areas will be power washed before painting day. Paint and mixing containers. Artists need to bring their own paint brushes and any additional supplies they want. Once done the art will be sealed and an anti-graffiti coat applied.
DESIGNING YOUR ARTWORK:
Our theme this year is:
The Olentangy River starts here! Only rain down the drain!
Artwork should connect the public to the Olentangy River. You may be surprised to know that the storm drain empties directly into the Olentangy River and we are trying to bring attention to the fact that what goes down the drain goes to the river.
STORM DRAIN DESIGNS MUST ALSO ADHERE TO THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:
- The physical storm drain must be incorporated into the painting but the metal storm drain will not be painted on.
- The artwork must contain no business logos, brands, trademarks or illegal activities depicted.
- All artwork must be public friendly.
- FLOWOHIO.ORG must be painted at your location.
- We also welcome you to put your signature on your artwork.
SUBMITTING YOUR ARTWORK CHECKLIST: ROUND 1 CHECKLIST:
You can view the walking tour of the OSU campus storm drains here
oad salt is everywhere during winter months. It keeps us safe on roads and sidewalks, but it can also pose a threat to fish and wildlife as well as human health.
FLOW began monitoring in 2022 and plans to continue this year. We welcome more volunteers so we can obtain a clearer picture of how road salt is impacting our watershed.
Abby Hileman is the Salt Watch Coordinator at the Izaak Walton League of America. In her role, Abby leads the efforts of the Salt Watch program, expanding the project into new regions across the country, reaching new groups of volunteers, and providing resources to make lasting change—from data to action. Abby grew up in Western Pennsylvania, where she began her journey as a lifelong conservationist. She has a passion for connecting people to their communities and to nature and believes that small scale actions add up to make a big impact on conservation success.
