Those driving by Weddle Elementary School may soon find a purple and orange octopus near a storm drain in front of the school.
With an orange eye and a blue baseball cap reading “Keizer,” the octopus is posed with two red colored pencils to write “only rain down the drain” with its tentacles.
Expected to be painted in June, the octopus is the first submission received and approved by the Keizer Public Arts Commission for the city’s storm drain art program.
The program is a collaboration between the city’s Environmental Services Division and the arts commission, with a goal to boost awareness of protecting waterways with artwork on the storm drains.
According to the submission form, art can be submitted by anyone 14 years or older, with prompts to explore the relationship between humans and waterways through storm drains or promote streams, wetlands, the Willamette River or riparian wildlife.
All submissions must include “only rain down the drain” in the design.
City Councilor Lore Christopher said the city sought designs for the art through a contest, with chosen artists awarded a $200 stipend.
Christopher said the city is prioritizing artwork for two storm drains this year: one at the intersection of Chemawa Road and 15th Street and another along Alder Drive in front of Weddle.
Arts Commission Chair Deborah Sisco said the octopus is tentatively planned for the Alder Drive location, pending approval from the Environmental Services Division. If it is not approved for Alder Drive, it will be painted at the other prioritized location.
Salem resident Mario Salazar was given the stipend for his octopus submission. In an artist statement, he said the marine creature is one of his favorite aquatic animals and the artwork conveys an important message to the community in “a fun and family friendly way.”
Sisco said the commission is still looking for artists to submit art by the end of June. However, submissions may be accepted through the summer.
Sisco said the commission will prioritize drains along main roadways and near schools.
NEWS TIP? Contact reporter Krista Kroiss at [email protected].
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