Flow Storm Drain Art
Only Rain Down the Drain
Art is and will always be an effective medium for conveying messages and creating awareness. Thanks to an environmental education grant provided by the Columbus Foundation, the Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed (FLOW) set out to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our waterways and ecosystems through a unique public art initiative: “Only Rain Down the Drain.”
In collaboration with the University District Organization (UDO) 10 local artists were selected to transform 10 storm drain sidewalks along the east side of High Street from North Oakland Ave to 11th Ave.
Why Storm Drains?
One of the major contributors of pollution to our waterways is directly through our storm drains. Litter and debris emptying from the storm drain into the river is a big pollution and it happens almost too easily. Example: a solo cup is not properly disposed, then the wind takes it and blows it down the drain where the solo cup finds itself in our watershed ecosystem. Additionally, many people don’t know how the reality of how one piece of litter can cause detrimental affects to our waterways.
FLOW saw this as an opportunity to educate the public and envisioned a creative approach to capture pedestrians’ attention while delivering an important message – “Only Rain Down the Drain.”
Conceptualizing the Message through Art
Since the University District is a high foot traffic area and experiences littering, FLOW partnered with UDO to bring their vision to life. A call for artists was created in which artists went through 2 rounds. On the second round, artists were tasked to creatively incorporate the “Only Rain Down the Drain” message into a design for the sidewalk murals.
Meet the Artists Behind the Murals
10 artists selected were:
Ayuka Shichinohe (@ayukart_)
Cindy Bryden (@artbycjbryden)
Caroline Cable
Dexter Komakaru (@dxtrose)
Donna McCarty-Estep (@donnaestep)
Elaine Bell (@alltradesdesignco)
Gaynelle Sloman (@Gaynelleimagines)
Jennifer Nicole Murray (@JenniferNicoleMurray)
Miriam Baranov (@miriambaranov)
Sam Kochan (@melli.feraa)
The Intersection of Advocacy and Art
On Sunday, May 21st, the Storm Drain Art Project came to life as eager artists painted their sidewalk squares along the east side of High Street from Oakland Ave to 11th Ave. This public event attracted curious pedestrians and passersby who stopped to admire the captivating artwork in progress.
This project seamlessly blends environmental advocacy with public art. By transforming ordinary storm drains into captivating murals they serve as constant reminders that our actions have consequences beyond what we can see.
The Final Results
To learn more about the artists and locations check out the Flow Storm Drain Art page or go to flowohio.org
