Storm Drain Art Contest Winners
The winning storm drain art entries have been chosen! After receiving a dozen entries, the Stormwater Department has selected five winners.
Meet your winners!
- Ellen Brewer – Storm drain by Bank of Tennessee
- Lauren Whipple – Storm drain by Kingsport Imaging
- Suzanne Barrett Justis – Storm drain by Suzanne Barrett Justis Fine Art
- Joel Hammitt – Storm drain by Kingsport Public Library
- Audra Miller – Storm drain by Now or Never Tattoo
“I would like to thank everyone who entered the contest,” said Amanda McMullen, stormwater quality control technician for Kingsport Public Works. “What I like most about this project is the use of art to educate the public about environmental concerns.”
Each of the winners will receive $100 and paint for their design. The artists will begin painting the first week of September, with the designs being completed by the end of September. To follow along with the progress of the storm drain art and to meet the artists, check out and like the Kingsport Public Works Facebook page. The public is encouraged to take a walk downtown when the artists are working and ask questions and snap their own photos of their favorite drain in progress.
Sponsors for this contest are all local businesses and include Bank of Tennessee, Kingsport Imaging and Now or Never Tattoo Gallery.
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 here.
