Rain barrel art contest finalists named

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and Department of Transportation have selected finalists in a rain barrel painting contest sponsored by the two agencies as a fun way to educate communities on the benefits of using rain barrels to reduce rainwater runoff and improve water quality.

Eleven Delaware artists have been chosen by DNREC and DelDOT to paint creative designs on rain barrels in the competition to have their work put on prominent public display. The rain-barrel art finalists are Alan Rich, Rehoboth Beach; Kathi Schiavoni, Townsend; Laura Schmidt, Wilmington; Natalie Wipf, New Castle; Bruce McKinney, Milton; Kim Klabe, Rehoboth Beach; Leah Curran, Bear; Susan S. Johnston, Dover; Diane Calloway, Laurel; Kim Littleton, Laurel; and Monika Bullette, Wilmington.

DNREC and DelDOT chose the artists based on their applications and designs. After being selected, the artists had five weeks to paint and return their barrels. The barrels will be displayed at the Delaware Agricultural Museum during the month of April. One grand-prize-winning rain barrel will then be installed at Woodburn, the governor’s residence.

The display will give their work exposure to thousands of visitors, and photos of all decorated barrels also will be posted at www.delawarewatersheds.org. Also, following the contest, artistic barrels will be dispersed for display at local events, at local businesses, with local governments and as prizes for social media contests.

http://delawarewatersheds.org/artistic-rain-barrel-contest-entries-adult...