The Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department and Utilities Department are seeking artists to apply to join the Water Colors 2021 Storm Drain Mural Project, in which selected artists will design and paint sidewalk murals at five of the city’s storm drains. This public art project is part of the city’s education and outreach efforts to raise awareness about the negative effects of water pollution, according to the city.
“While providing a unique canvas, the juxtaposition of education and public art will remind our community about the need of protecting the city’s water systems while creating poignant masterpieces,” Dennis Smitherman, recreation services manager, said in a statement.
Artists throughout the Central Coast are eligible to apply to join the project, as long as they’re 18 years old or older. Submissions from applicants are due no later than Sunday, May 30. Applicants are required to submit a mural proposal, which should include their proposed artwork.
Artists are encouraged to submit an artwork that reflects support for water quality initiatives. Five applicants will be chosen by a panel of judges, and each of the chosen artists will receive a $250 stipend to complete their proposed murals (and up to $150 in reimbursement for supplies).
Once the five new storm drain murals are completed, photographs of the murals will be posted online at cityofsantamaria.org/art. To find out more about the Water Colors 2021 Storm Drain Mural Project and details on how to apply, call (805) 925-0951, Ext. 2260, or visit cityofsantamaria.org/recreation.
This article appears in May 20-27, 2021.