By Alec Johnson
Artists are invited to participate in a new event coming to the Carmel Farmers Market and the Carmel Arts & Design District. Rain on Main, is a juried, painted rain barrel contest to feature participating artists and their work.
Rain on Main is designed to help educate the public about the value of water conservation. The event is sponsored by the Carmel Utilities, the Department of Storm Water Management and the Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District.
In addition to having the painted barrels judged by experts, there will also be a “People’s Choice” selection based on votes from the public who will have the chance to see them at the Carmel Farmers Market on Aug. 1 and then the following week along Main Street in the Arts & Design District – up until the Aug. 8 Gallery Walk, where they will be auction off to the highest bidders, with net proceeds used to fund water education signage in Carmel Clay Parks.
Rain barrels are growing in popularity across the country and decorated barrels are not only nice to look at, but are a great way to save water and help the environment. Artists are invited to paint a rain barrel with an original design. The rain barrels will come primed, thanks to the generous in-kind support by Carmel businesses Touch ‘N Go Collision and Sherwin-Williams and will be ready to be painted when picked up by area artists.
Interested artists are encouraged to contact Sue Maki at [email protected] or 571-2673 for all the details regarding the contest. Once participation is confirmed, artists will be able to pick up a rain barrel immediately at the Carmel Utilities water distribution office. The finished product is due no later than July 17.
