The fourth annual Storm Drain Art Contest is now complete!

This year’s contest had Kingsport’s children at the heart as the majority of the storm drains were next to elementary schools. The message behind this year’s contest will hopefully inspire citizens of all ages to Keep Out Pollution – That’s the Solution! The public is encouraged to visit the drains and pick a favorite.

Drain locations include:

• Washington Elementary – Alexandra Sheffey
• Jefferson Elementary – Ashley Roberts
• Kenwood Road – Brenda Barkley
• Roosevelt Elementary – Joel Hammitt
• John Adams Elementary – Kaylee Osborne

All of the drain designs are unique. From mermaids to sewer-dwelling turtles, the images found on this year’s storm drains all remind us of one thing: the importance of keeping our storm drains clean.

“I’m so thankful I was chosen to participate in Kingsport’s storm drain art contest,” said Ashley Roberts, artist of the drain at Jefferson Elementary. “It was an honor to give back to my community, and for my drain specifically, which is near Jefferson Elementary school, to give back to my former school system. I had a fun time designing it, painting it, and spending time with my mom during it. Overall, it was great to get that hands on experience in mural painting!”

Several of the artists got the opportunity to see their message in action, as children from the nearby elementary schools and neighborhoods would stop by to visit.

“While painting my mural, I have enjoyed interacting with the people and especially the children,” said Brenda K. Barkley, who worked on the Kenwood Road drain. “I feel in getting one child to ask questions I have accomplished my goal, to promote awareness about the ongoing problem of pollution and how it affects a lot of different areas. The choices you make in life are not only yours but everyone’s. In being first-time grandparents, my husband and I wanted to do something to help make our world a better place. We would like our granddaughter, Layken Grace, to know we stood for this cause and hopefully in doing so, she will grow up to do the same. (If you look closely, Layken’s name is incorporated in the artwork.) And remember, clean water matters.”

This year’s storm drain art contest saw many families being brought together, showing how powerful it can be when we work with others.

“Getting to share my art with my family and the community was a great opportunity to express just how connected we are. I got to work with Teresa Sheffey, my mother-in-law, who I have not gotten to see much due to the pandemic,” said Alexandra Sheffey. “I got to see the children play at the nearby school with their teachers and even had strangers stop by to say hello. I felt joy as they all cheered me on and talked about art and the message. It is a small thing to pick up after yourself and doing so has a big impact on everything around you, even things yet to be, like baby ducks. I hope that people realize just how important they are, clean up, be kind and enjoy the beauty and people around them. ”

With the success of the fourth year of the storm drain contest, the Stormwater Department plans to hold the contest again next year.

“I was really excited to have drains painted at four elementary schools this year,” said Amanda McMullen, stormwater quality control technician for Kingsport Public Works. “My hope is that teachers will take their students outside to gather around the drain and talk about water pollution.”

Sponsors for this contest include Barge Design Solutions, LDA Engineering, Mattern & Craig, Now or Never Tattoo Gallery and Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts.