For the second year in a row, the stormwater program will be adding several small murals adjacent to downtown storm drains. The murals depict wildlife along with messages about keeping pollution out of local waterways. In August, 22 artists submitted ideas and four were chosen to paint the sidewalks adjacent to the selected drains on September 23 and 24.
Based on the program of the same name in Springfield, UpStream Art employs local artists to develop the artwork. Then we and supply paint, painting materials, traffic control and canopies for each location. This year there will be three sites on Willamette Street and one in the Whiteaker neighborhood near Crux Rock Gym. When the paintings have dried, the artworks are sealed and are expected to last 3-5 years.