Clearwater Launches New Storm Drain Mural Program for Residents
CLEARWATER, Fla. – As part of the city of Clearwater’s ongoing effort to engage residents in meaningful public art and placemaking programs, the city of Clearwater is introducing the Storm Drain Mural Program.
The Storm Drain Mural Program allows residents to beautify the city’s storm drains and also serves as an opportunity to educate the community about the importance of keeping storm drains clean.
Residents can select a storm drain within the city boundaries and create an appealing art design. The art must promote watershed conservation, ocean friendliness or litter prevention.
The city provides all the necessary supplies for free. Many municipalities offer this program, but the city of Clearwater is one of the only ones that provides all of the necessary supplies free to residents, including paint, brushes and stencils.
This free program is designed for artists at all levels – welcoming beginners and professional artists. The program is also excellent for students, who can earn volunteer service hours.
The initial design must be approved by city staff before the storm drain can be painted and the supplies can be checked out.
While the program enhances public art in Clearwater neighborhoods, the painted storm drains also serve as an educational tool by reminding the public that maintaining clean storm water and storm drains is environmentally vital.
To mark the launch of our new Storm Drain Mural Program, the city of Clearwater has commissioned Clearwater artist Beth Warmath to paint the inaugural storm drain mural on the corner of Fort Harrison Avenue and Cleveland Street. Join us at 10 a.m. Oct. 7 for a ribbon cutting celebration. All are welcome to attend. You may also stop by on Oct. 5 to watch Warmath paint the mural.
This is the third public art and placemaking project the city has initiated this summer. Earlier this summer, the city introduced Sidewalk Rain Art and Signal Box Art. Both programs are active and have received widespread community interest and support.
To learn more about the Storm Drain Mural Program, Sidewalk Rain Art and Signal Box Art, visit myclearwater.com/placemaking_playbook or email neighborhoods@myclearwater.com.
