Winner Susan S. Johnston's entry (Photo credit: DNREC)
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DOVER, DE, May 1, 2014 -- Susan S. Johnston of Dover, Del., has been named the grand prize winner of the first
rain barrel art contest co-sponsored by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources (DNREC) and the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT). The event was a month-long competition, 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. "My rain barrel displays the many
demands on water and how easily and thoughtlessly this treasure can be sullied and taken for granted," saids Johnston. "Along with the imagery pertaining to water, I have incorporated clock and watch pieces to emphasize an immediacy and personal resolve with my theme of 'It's About Time.'" Her work is also featured at Parke Green Galleries in Dover. Her activities in the arts since graduating from Westminster College (New Wilmington, PA) include teaching art for 15 years in public schools in Ohio and West Virginia and illustrating for a national publication, House Plant magazine. She has volunteered for the Downtown Dover Partnership on Design Committee and initiated arts programming for the city's First Friday celebrations. Eleven Delaware artists were selected to paint creative designs on a rain barrel, with Johnston's entry winning the competition, thus entitling her work to be displayed later this year at Woodburn, the Governor's residence. The other 10 participating artists in the contest -- including honorable mention selections from Diane Calloway of Laurel and Kathi Schiavoni of Townsend -- will also have their rain barrels shown at locations throughout the state. Some will be part of social media raffles and drawings, and others will be shown at future outdoors events. Each rain-barrel finalist will also receive a Delaware State Parks pass from DNREC's Division of Watershed Stewardship. The painted barrels have been on display this month at the Delaware Agricultural Museum and can also be seen on the
Delaware Watersheds website.
See also:
"Winners of DE rain barrel contest promoting stormwater management announced"
"DE contest to promote rain barrel use in improving stormwater management"###
