AmeriCorps VISTA Erin Ouzts and North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy Executive Director Larry Cook display a rain barrel similar to the 15 that will serve as a blank canvas for local artists participating in the organization’s first Rain Barrel Art Auction. The deadline for submissions is Feb. 1.
Photo by Emily CrismanThe North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy is currently offering local artists a one-of-kind platform for promoting their work while simultaneously supporting the organization’s conservation efforts through its first Rain Barrel Art Auction, which will be held March 24.
“This project has dual benefits,” said Larry Cook, executive director of the North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy. “It’s a way to promote a conservation project and an opportunity for artists to have their work displayed and purchased in a unique way.”
Artists are required to submit two photos of paintings, an outline of their idea for painting a rain barrel and up to one page of any additional information they wish to provide, such as a resume or CV, according to Cook. The organization will be accepting submissions for the project through Feb. 1.
He said the purpose of the barrels is to capture rainwater that falls onto the roof of one’s home, which can then be used for various purposes such as watering plants. He said collecting rainwater is also beneficial because it reduces the amount of runoff entering the sewer system, which often carries along pollutants such as litter and motor oil from the streets.
“Our mission is to conserve and protect the natural and cultural resources of the North Chickamauga Creek watershed,” said Cook. “One of the motivations for bringing in artists is to grab people’s attention.”
He said he hopes the artwork on the barrels will cause the public to take notice of the barrels, thereby increasing awareness about a simple way to improve water quality and conserve resources and serving as an inspiration for others to get their own rain barrels.
Cook said 15 artists will be chosen based on their submissions to paint barrels, which they will be paid for and have one month to complete before they are displayed for about three weeks at various locations around town.
The rain barrels will then be sold by silent auction to benefit the North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy at Greenspaces Thursday, March 24 with doors opening at 5 p.m. and bidding ending at 6:30 p.m.
He said the money will go into the organization’s general funds for operational support of conservation programs including land acquisition, trail maintenance and volunteer projects aimed at acquainting the public with the organization and its mission.
Artist application deadline is Feb. 1. Call Erin Ouzts at 842-1163, e-mail vista@northchick.org or visit here for more information. Greenspaces is at 63 E. Main St.