Artists needed for SWCD challenge

Rain barrel sketches are due by May 14

The Grundy County Soil and Water Conservation District is seeking local artists to participate in a Rain Barrel Artists Challenge this summer.

Artists can be individuals or groups and must be 16 years of age or older. They are asked to create conservation- or nature-inspired sketches painted on a rain barrel on or before May 14. The designs must be incorporated 360 degrees around the barrel.

From sketches that are submitted, eight artists will be selected to transfer their work to a rain barrel provided by the district. The top eight will be announced by May 21. Artists will be able to pick up rain barrels from the GCSWCD office the next morning beginning at 9 a.m. Completed rain barrels would be due back to the GCSWCD office on June 28 by 3 p.m.

Painted barrels, as well as profiles of each artist, will be on display at the 3 French Hens French Country Market in Morris on Saturday, July 14 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Following the market, barrels will be on display at participating municipalities, businesses and offices throughout the county. They will also be available for viewing on the GCSWCD Facebook page. While viewing the barrels, the public may vote on which design they appreciate the most.

The artist whose rain barrel is selected as the winning design will receive a $75 cash prize. Second place will receive a $50 cash prize, and third place a $25 cash prize. All will be featured in articles in local papers as well as the GCSWCD newsletter.

A silent auction for the rain barrels will be held at the 3 French Hens French Country Market on Saturday, Sept. 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. At the conclusion of the bidding, the GCSWCD will announce the winning design and the winning bids of the silent auction. Those purchasing the rain barrels will be able to take them home with them that day.

Interested artists can send their name, contact information, and sketch to the GCSWCD, 3605 N. Route 47, Suite B, Morris, or contact the GCSWCD office at (815) 942-0359, ext. 3 with questions or concerns.