DOVER, DE, April 2, 2014 -- The Delaware Department of Natural Resources (DNREC) and Department of Transportation (DelDOT) have selected finalists in a month-long rain-barrel painting contest, held Jan. 14 to Feb. 14, in an effort to educate the public on the benefits of using rain barrels to reduce rainwater runoff and improve water quality.
Eleven Delaware artists have been chosen by DNREC and DelDOT to paint creative designs on a rain barrel in the competition to have their work put on prominent public display. The rain-barrel art finalists are:
· Alan Rich, Rehoboth Beach
· Kathi Schiavoni, Townsend
· Laura Schmidt, Wilmington
· Natalie Wipf, New Castle
· Bruce McKinney, Milton
· Kim Klabe, Rehoboth
· Leah Curran, Bear
· Susan S. Johnston, Dover
· Diane Calloway, Laurel
· Kim Littleton, Laurel
· Monika Bullette, Wilmington
DNREC and DelDOT chose the artists based on their applications and designs. After being selected, the artists had five weeks to paint and return their barrels. The barrels will be displayed at the Delaware Agricultural Museum during the month of April. One grand prize-winning rain barrel will then be installed at Woodburn, the Governor's Residence.
The display will give their work exposure to thousands of visitors, and photos of all decorated barrels will also be posted on the Delaware Watersheds website (www.delawarewatersheds.org). Additionally, following the contest, artistic barrels will be dispersed for display at local events, at local businesses, with local governments, and as prizes for social media contests.
See also: "DE contest to promote rain barrel use in improving stormwater management"
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