Storm Drain Art Contest
The Alachua County Environmental Protection Department
is hosting its first ever Storm Drain Art Contest! The purpose
of this contest is to increase awareness of local water quality
issues, specifically stormwater pollution, while showcasing
public art.
Eligibility
Art submission is open to all Alachua County residents
ages 16 and up. If you are not a permanent resident of
Alachua County (e.g., a college student) or reside in a
neighboring county (Gilchrist, Marion, Levy, etc.) but have
a strong connection to Alachua County’s water resources,
you are still eligible to enter.
Design
Designs should address one or more of the following
topics/messages in a creative way:
Storm drains carry stormwater runoff into local
creeks and other water resources
Why only rain should enter storm drains
Stormwater pollution prevention
Water quality
Health of aquatic ecosystems
The connections between people, wildlife habitat,
and our drinking water
Deadline
The deadline for artwork submission is March 18, 2022.
Winner Selection
Two winning designs will be selected by April 1, 2022.
Winner selection will be based on artistic quality,
creativity, reproducibility,
and how well the design
communicates the importance of protecting our
waterways. The two winners will be awarded a free guided
river tour led by Adventure Outpost, and interpretations
of their artwork will be reproduced on storm drain inlets
near the entrance of the new parking area at Sweetwater
Preserve on SE 16
th
Ave. in Gainesville. The completed
murals will be unveiled to the public at an event in 2022.
Submission Details and Guidelines
• Read FAQs first!
• Please submit the original artwork. Photos or
scans will not be accepted.
• Please complete the attached entry form. Entries
with incomplete information may be disqualified.
• Your completed entry form and artwork can be
mailed or delivered to:
Alachua County Environmental Protection Department
Attn: Storm Drain Art Contest
408 W. University Ave, Suite 106
Gainesville, FL 32601
• Artists must utilize the templates available on the
Alachua County Storm Drain Art Contest
web page.
• One entry per artist (artists can select to provide
an entry for each template A and B).
• All designs must be original.
• No three-dimensional submissions or designs that
require objects to be attached to storm drains.
• Please limit your color palette to a maximum of
7-8 colors.
For more information, contact Haley Cox at
hcox@alachuacounty.us or 352-264-6825
Artwork by Deanna Derosia (2020). Indian River County, Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions
1). Can my design include ocean imagery or depictions of marine habitats or species?
Answer: No. This contest was created to highlight stormwater issues specific to Alachua
County. Although storm drains in coastal regions often lead to the ocean, much of Alachua
County’s stormwater is channeled into creeks. Since we do not live in a coastal county, oceans
and marine life are not appropriate subjects.
2). Can photographs or three-dimensional artwork be submitted?
Answer: No, these submittals will not be accepted. Designs must be sketched, painted, etc.
and fit within the template shape provided. No 3-D components will be attached to the inlet,
sidewalk, or curb.
3). How will my design be painted on the inlet?
Answer: An interpretation of your design will be reproduced by a contracted professional.
4). Can I sign my artwork?
Answer: Signatures are optional. If your design is selected to be reproduced on one of the
storm drains at Sweetwater Preserve, you will have the opportunity to sign the completed
mural when the artwork is unveiled to the public.
5). Why can’t I use more than seven or eight colors?
Answer: Utilizing a limited color palette is more cost effective and enhances color harmony.
Please note that brighter/bolder colors will likely be more visible on the inlet structure.
6). How long will my design be visible?
Answer: For as long as the paint lasts! We will be using a special type of mineral paint designed
to achieve a long-lasting finish on exterior surfaces, concrete, and masonry. Your artwork will
likely be on display for years!
The information below will be used to contact you if your artwork is amongst the winners. Please print neatly.
Artist First Name: ________________________________________
Artist Last Name: _________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________________________________
Apartment Number: ________________________ City: _____________________________
State: ___________________________ Zip/Postal Code: ____________________________
Email Address: _______________________________________________________________
Phone Number: ________________________________
Please note: contact information for artist will need to be provided if artwork is amongst the winners.
If under 18, please provide:
Parent/Guardian Name:
__________________________________________________________________________
Email Address: _______________________________________________________________
Phone Number: ________________________________
All participants: Please check boxes below.
Contest Entry Form
Deadline for artwork is Friday, March 18, 2022
I understand that this artwork will become the property of Alachua County and may be
displayed publicly.
I certify that this artwork is my own and that reproduction will not violate the rights of any
third party.
I understand that my name and artwork may appear in media releases and may be used in
future promotions for water quality protection and education.
Deadline for artwork is Friday, March 18, 2022
TOP
required
BOTTOM
optional
Storm Drain Artwork Template
Below is a schematic of what the storm drain looks like installed. Please use the template provided on the next page
to create your artwork. The “top” portion of the storm drain is required. The “bottom” portion is optional.
We will have both a “right” and “left” storm drain – you may provide a design for either OR both orientations. Also,
please note how pedestrians will approach the storm drain as shown on the site sketch below and on the template. This will
allow you to adjust the orientation of your artwork accordingly.
Sidewalk/Multi-use Path
Sidewalk
Multi-use
Path
Roadway
Crosswalk
Optional
Required
Roadway
Crosswalk
Sidewalk
Multi-use
Path
Optional
Required