Kingsport Storm Drain Art Contest Winners Selected, Painting to Begin
The winning storm drain art entries have been chosen. After receiving numerous entries, the Stormwater Department has selected five winners.
Meet your winners:
- Alexandra Sheffey
- Ashley Roberts
- Brenda Barkley
- Joel Hammitt
- Kaylee Osborne
Each of the winners will receive $100 and paint to bring their art to life. The artists will start painting this week and will finish within the next month as weather and time allow. To follow along with the progress of the storm drain art, check out and like the Kingsport Public Works Facebook page. The public is encouraged to check out the drains, both in progress and when complete, and snap their own photos of their favorite drain.
Sponsors for the contest this year include Barge Design Solutions, LDA Engineering, Mattern & Craig and Now or Never Tattoo Gallery.
What is Stormwater?
As Kingsport grew, the ground became covered with asphalt, concrete and buildings. Without realizing it, an important part of the water cycle was disturbed. Instead of rain naturally filtering into the ground, it flows over roofs, driveways and streets as stormwater. Stormwater can pick up pollutants and transport them into local waterways via the storm drain system. Pollutants include everyday items like pesticides or fertilizers in our yards, oil in our cars, and even soap. When introduced into the waterway, pollutants have a harmful effect on aquatic life and the health of our rivers.
For more information on stormwater in Kingsport, please visit www.kingsporttn.gov.