[Lexington, Ky.] –Bluegrass PRIDE will once again hold its annual Roll Out the Rain Barrel program, a fun and artistic way to promote rain barrels and draw attention to the importance of maintaining water quality. Established in 2004, the program provides an environmentally friendly outlet for local artists to put their own touch on rain barrels, bringing increased attention to the importance of maintaining water quality.
Artists who are interested in participating are required to submit a short summary of their intended design for their rain barrel. These submissions will be judged by PRIDE staff and from them, 20 participants will be selected. Teachers who wish to include their classes in the Roll Out the Rain Barrel Program will be required to submit a short description of how they will use the rain barrel as a teaching tool for consideration. The deadline for summaries is December 19, 2008.
Once the artists are chosen and the barrels completed, thousands of people throughout Central Kentucky will be exposed to this artwork, as photos of all decorated barrels will be posted on PRIDE’s website where visitors will have the opportunity to cast a vote for their favorite. The barrel that receives the most votes will be awarded the coveted “Earth Artist Award.” Additionally, all artistic barrels will be on display with interpretative signage throughout Central Kentucky during April and May 2009. The barrels will later be auctioned off on eBay with proceeds benefiting Bluegrass PRIDE.
“We’ve seen some beautiful art come to Central Kentucky as a result of the Roll Out the Rain Barrel Program,” said Amy Sohner, executive director of Bluegrass PRIDE. “In the past, the program has received national attention and I hope that 2009 will be our biggest year to date.”
Interested artists and teachers should log on to www.KentuckyPRIDE.com for more information and to view a complete list of guidelines for the program.
Bluegrass PRIDE is a 501(c)3 organization devoted to providing environmental resources and information to schools, community groups, local governments and citizens throughout 18 counties in Central Kentucky.
