Pinellas Park seeking mural artists for storm drains

The Pinellas Park Community Redevelopment Agency has a new motto vis a vis stormwater runoff: “Only Rain Down The Drain.”

In an attempt to deter citizens from dumping undesirable materials down street corner stormwater runoff drains – the likes of trash, grease, pet waste, yard waste, paint and other pollutants – the organization is engaging local artists to create murals on the concrete tops of 10 Pinellas Park storm drains.

During a rainstorm, the water runs over pavement, sidewalks and yards, into the storm drains and pipes which empty directly into local waterways, without treatment.

It’s the trickle-down effect, literally.

The project is part of the City and CRA’s education and outreach efforts to raise awareness about stormwater pollution through public art initiatives.

The Storm Drain Mural Project is open to all artists of all skill levels, including groups and students. Artists are welcome to submit more than one design, although all proposals should encompass, in some way, the “Only Rain Down the Drain” theme, addressing the themes of storm water pollution, environmental protection and local ecosystems.

Each artist or group chosen will receive a $500 honorarium. Proposals, along with a sample of previous work (in a pdf or jpeg file format) should be sent to CRA technician Nicole Tikkanen at ntikkanen@pinellas-park.com by Sept. 15. Call (727) 369-5615 for additional information.

The City of Pinellas Park will supply the paint; murals must be completed by Oct. 8.

The specific locations are:

• SE corner 61st Street and 78th Avenue (ball field)
• SE corner 60th Street and 78th Avenue
• Sidewalk drains at Park Station
• 66th Avenue and 61st Street
• 2 – 60th Street and 68th Avenue (6000 68th Avenue)
• 2 – 52nd Street and 76th Avenue
• SE corner 52nd Street and 78th Avenue
• Front of library