Storm Drain Mural Project 2024

Ozaukee County Watershed Coalition

 
 

CALL FOR ARTISTS

The Ozaukee County Watershed Coalition (OCWC), in collaboration with Downtown Port and the City of Port Washington, is seeking an artist to express themselves with semipermanent public art in the form of a small-scale, outdoor storm drain mural. Artists are encouraged to aesthetically transform a storm drain from functional infrastructure to an engaging work of art that draws attention to water-quality protection and the positive impact Port Washington residents and visitors can have on their environment.

WHY PAINT STORM DRAINS?

Storm drains lead directly to our waterways. Every time it rains, trash and pollutants on our streets are carried into the storm drains, which lead directly into rivers, creeks, and Lake Michigan. The impact on local water sources can significantly degrade fish habitat, drinking water supplies, and recreational opportunities. By painting Port Washington storm drains, we are reminding residents that our neighborhoods are connected to our creeks, rivers, and ultimately Lake Michigan and the rest of the Great Lakes.

2023 OCWC Storm Drain Mural. Artist: Maggie Kornowski

CRITERIA

Designs should remain roughly within the dimensions of the storm drain structure while being bold, original, and demonstrate artistic merit. When designing artwork, artists are encouraged to consider the following themes:

  • Storm water pollution: “Only Rain Down the Drain”.

  • Environmental Protection: The importance of clean water.

  • Port Washington Ecosystems: Local wildlife/habitats and natural beauty.

 Designs must adhere to the following criteria:

  • Educational value: work should educate and engage residents on themes such as storm water pollution, environmental protection, and/or Port Washington ecosystems.

  • Aesthetic value: work should be pleasing and add beauty to the community.

  • Proposed work must fit within the designated space and utilize all parts of the drain including the mouth of the drain and metal manhole cover.

  • Design cannot contain business promotions or advertisements.

  • Design cannot include any breach of intellectual property, brands, trademarks, or depictions of illegal activities.

  • Design cannot incorporate any physical objects attached to drains.

  • Design must be family friendly.

 The City of Port Washington reserves the right to remove any artworks for any reason, at any time.

SELECTION PROCESS

All submissions must be received by April 30th, 2024.

A panel of judges, including volunteers, elected leaders, and City of Port Washington employees, will select an artist by May 16th. All proposals will be evaluated on artistic merit and unique storm drain integration.

The selected artist will be notified on May 17th.

LOCATION

N Lake Street in Downtown Port Washington, between Inventors Brew Pub and Marina.

PROJECT COMPLETION

The 2024 Storm Drain Mural should be planned for installation during Downtown Port’s “Paint Week” June 21st – 29th, 2024.

Paint specialized for sidewalks must be used to ensure the longevity of the project. Paint can be provided in basic colors (white, black, red, yellow, blue), allowing the artist to mix colors as needed. Basic brushes and containers for mixing can also be provided. Artists may want to bring their own unique tools and brushes. If the artist would prefer to purchase their own paints and supplies for the mural they should keep itemized receipts for reimbursement.

Ozaukee County Watershed Coalition is actively seeking sponsorship and other funding to provide artists a stipend for their efforts. The amount of the stipend will be shared prior to the mural installation.

QUESTIONS

Please contact OCWC Co-Chair Peter Vander Velden with any questions at: