The streets of Kingsport are set to become a canvas for environmental messaging as the city's Stormwater Department, in collaboration with Kingsport Cultural Arts, kicks off its eighth annual Storm Drain Art Contest. The initiative, which seeks submissions from local artists to adorn five storm drains, aims to draw attention to the significance of river, stream habitat, and aquatic wildlife protection. A splash of color and creativity, combined with an educational message, is what they're after in this blend of art and advocacy.
For those interested in making their mark and possibly earning some pocket change, the competition is open to artists aged 12 or older. Contestants are requested to submit a color sketch of their proposed artwork, which could spread across the street, the sidewalk, or ideally, both. Not only are visuals important here, but incorporating text to highlight the educational aspect of stormwater is encouraged. To toss your hat into the ring, make sure to include your name, phone number and, email with the entry. The cutoff for submissions is on August 8.
The chosen artists won't just get to see their work on public display. They'll each pocket $150 for their efforts. Winners will make a start on their masterpieces come early September, armed with a quart of basic colors in red, yellow, blue, white, and black paint. For those unsure about the finer details of the contest rules, or if you're ready to make the leap and apply, visit the City of Kingsport's website and search 'storm drain art contest' for the full rundown.
