Art Drains

Mills 50, in conjunction with the City of Orlando, desires to create another Public Art Project and seeks entries with a juried selection process to choose the artists.  The purpose of the project is to create an environment which depicts the community’s diversity, creativity, commerce and neighborhoods.  This project, along with the Mills 50 “Art Boxes” and “Art Dumpsters” will enhance the aesthetic of our community for all to enjoy.

“Art Drains” is a unique and educational program that utilizes art to communicate the function and importance of storm drains.  The purpose of “Art Drains” is to draw attention to the usually discreet concrete and iron infrastructure with the hope that observers stop and think about where the water flows after it enters a storm drain.  If they understand that storm water flows untreated to our lakes, ponds and rivers, they will be more conscious of potential pollutants that can enter those waterways.   This project, along with the involvement of our local artists, is unique and will have a positive impact on protecting our water.

There are 25 storm drains identified for this project.  Each artist will incorporate the physical storm drain into their submission.  The general size of storm drains are 4’ x 6’ but this will fluctuate with each drain.  All artwork should remain within the confines of the storm drain structure.  This is the concrete that immediately surrounds the opening (or throat) of the storm drain and the concrete box around the lid.  The lid is the metal manhole cover and may be painted.  The art CANNOT extend into the street.

Entries are open to all two dimensional artists living in Orange and Seminole counties.  Submissions are encouraged to include the message “only rain down the drain” as well as the Mills 50 logo somewhere in the art.  A five (5) point system based on overall aesthetics and design will be employed.  One (1) point will be deducted if “only rain down the drain” and/or the Mills 50 logo is omitted from the submission.  One (1) bonus point will be awarded for local artists, i.e, a business within the District boundaries or a resident living within three (3) miles of the intersection of Mills and Colonial.  The judging panel will determine which selected artist paints which storm drain.  Each artist may paint only a single drain but may make more than one submission.

Sketches must be submitted mailed to Mills 50, 1200 Weber Street, Orlando, FL 32803 or e-mailed to: director@mills50.org, no later than Friday, March 4.  Please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if sketches are to be returned.

Mills 50 will provide paint & materials, up to $75, plus a $100 cash stipend for each of the selected artists.  Artist may exceed the paint & materials cost, but will not be reimbursed by Mills 50 for any costs exceeding $75.

Proposed timeline:

* Judging will occur the week of March 7; selected artists will be contacted by Monday, March 14.

* Storm drains will be painted between March 21 and April 1.  All drains must be completed by Sunday, April 3.