Drain Smart, a public art program aimed at raising awareness, education and protection of local water resources, expanded its project to Bryant during the month of August! They featured drain art around the branch. If you didn’t get a chance to view the artwork in person, you can see photos and the official press release below.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Wednesday, January 30, 2019)—A coalition of state and local agencies and nonprofit organizations are excited to announce the fifth year of Drain Smart; a public art program aimed at raising awareness, education and protection of local water resources. For the first time the project is expanding from Little Rock to North Little Rock and Bryant. 

“North Little Rock Mayor Joe Smith and the City Council’s response to Drain Smart murals being painted in North Little Rock has been very positive. We are excited to bring this project and its water quality message to North Little Rock this year,” said Margaret Powell, the City’s Director of External Affairs. 

In most cities across Arkansas storm drains flow directly into the nearest waterway. When it rains, water picks up everything in its path and carries it through storm drains into our creeks and rivers. Drain Smart is an engaging public art / environmental education program that uses art to communicate the importance of reducing street litter so it doesn’t get washed down a storm drain and pollute water and wildlife habitat. 

The Drain Smart Committee is calling for artists to submit their ideas for murals to be painted on 18 storm drains in Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Bryant. Selected artists will receive a $150 stipend, and basic paint supplies. 

This exciting project gives artists the opportunity to express themselves via semi-permanent public art in the form of a small-scale outdoor storm drain murals. This art will then serve to educate the public on watershed and stream protection. 

Artists have until March 15 to submit their applications along with a sketch of their idea. Artists will be notified by March 29 and all art will be completed by June 3. Artists will be eligible for an additional final prize to be given to the winners chosen by public voting.