The North Chickamauga Conservancy is auctioning 18 rain barrels painted by local artists at green'spaces Thursday, March 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. with bidding starting at 6:30 p.m.
Along with the silent auction, the event features live musical entertainment provided by Louie Wamp and a reception with Link 41 sausages and bread from Niedlov's. Attendees also have the opportunity to enter raffles to win home water-conservation kits.
AmeriCorps VISTA Erin Ouzts and North Chickamauga Conservancy Executive Director Larry Cook display rain barrels at Greenlife Grocery painted by Skylar Layman, age 12, and Scott Drucker. The barrels, along with 16 others painted by local artists, will be auctioned at green'spaces to benefit the conservancy Thursday, March 24 from 5 to 7 p.m."If you're going back and forth as to whether you need a rain barrel right now, it's worth coming out just for the event," said North Chickamauga Conservancy Executive Director Larry Cook. "It should be a good time, and hopefully we'll have good conversations about water-quality protection."
The barrels are designed to collect rainwater for various household uses, such as watering plants.
Each barrel to be auctioned is wholly unique and painted by one of 18 local artists, including everyone from established artists who have been selected to participate in the 4 Bridges Art Festival to a 12-year-old girl. Designs range from abstract to impressionist and will suit a wide variety of tastes, said AmeriCorps VISTA Erin Ouzts, who spearheaded the project.
"[The barrels] are works of art beyond being functional additions to your yard, and they really are something to see," said Cook. "You may just fall in love."
Funded in part by the U.S. Office of Surface Mining, which partners with the conservancy to address water-quality issues within the watershed, the rain-barrel project is a fundraiser benefiting local water-conservation efforts while also providing exposure for area artists.
"It's a good model for engaging artists and creating an opportunity to help people learn about water-quality issues and improve the functionality of their yard by reducing stormwater runoff," Cook said.
All funds raised will go to the North Chickamauga Conservancy, which secured the donated barrels from the Chattanooga Coca-Cola Bottling Company as well as hardware for the barrels from Ace Hardware. The coating on the outside of the barrels meant to prolong their life span is a durable automotive finish provided by Southern Auto Body Supply.
Ouzts said the conservancy is also planning an upcoming workshop for those who would like to create their own barrels to be led by a local master gardener.