Let's be honest one of the reason's a lot of people don't have rain barrels is their lack of curb appeal.  

Well, the CEE is involved in an environmental art project to fix that problem!

 2015 Rain Barrel Painting Event and Benefit Auction Project

The CEE is painting not 1 but 2 rain barrels.  

These rain barrels will be on display at the Cincinnati Zoo during April and then will be auctioned off in a silent auction during Party for the Planet on April 23rd.   Proceeds will go to education programs focused on the reduction of stormwater runoff and promotion of healthy habitats.  

We have gotten our rain barrels and have put on the first coat of primer paint.  We are excited to begin the background next.  Check back to watch our progress and don't forget to go to the zoo during April to see ours and all the other 49 rain barrels on display.  Remember, if you need a pretty rain barrel the auction is April 23rd.    

Without further ado, let me introduce to you our two projects.  They might look like twins that are wall flowers but come back over the next couple of weeks and see how they develop into their own personalities.  

The one on the left is Pollock - a type of fish, and artist :-)

The one on the right is  Ara -  which means  "Brings rain" in Persian (thinkbabynames.com)

2nd Annual Rain Barrel Art Project

Artists are needed to participate in the 2nd Annual Rain Barrel Art Project, hosted by the Regional Storm Water Collaborative and the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. This joint effort continues to educate the community about water conservation and pollution caused by storm water runoff. A great way to reduce that runoff is to harness rainwater in your very own rain barrel. Typically, rain barrels are a drab color, but with the touch of the artists, they come alive with scenes of nature, wildlife, Cincinnati, and many other designs, making them much more appealing to install on the side of your home. Utilizing a rain barrel could save a homeowner up to 1000 gallons of water in just one summer. - See more at: http://blog.cincinnatizoo.org/2013/12/27/calling-all-artists-2/#sthash.OnhJOCzz.dpuf