The Alachua County Environmental Protection Department (ACEPD) is hosting its first-ever Storm Drain Art Contest. The purpose of this contest is to increase awareness of water quality issues in Alachua County, specifically stormwater pollution while recognizing local artists who are passionate about environmental stewardship. Artists ages 16 and up are invited to submit a mural design that communicates the importance of protecting and preserving the health of our waterways.
The deadline for artwork submission is Friday, March 18, 2022. Entry forms, artwork templates, and submission guidelines are available on the County’s
Storm Drain Art Contest webpage.
Two winning designs will be selected. Each winner will have an interpretation of their artwork reproduced on a storm drain inlet near the entrance of the new parking area at Sweetwater Preserve (on S.E. 16th Ave. in Gainesville). Winners also receive prizes, including a free guided river tour led by Adventure Outpost. The completed murals will be unveiled to the public in May 2022.
“Many storm drains in Alachua County lead directly to our creeks and groundwater recharge areas,” said ACEPD’s Water Resources Division Environmental Specialist Haley Cox. “This is a great opportunity to showcase public art and draw attention to the connections between people and our watersheds.”