My Clearwater
Summer 07
Art in Unlikely Places
Storm drains are rarely noticed and you would think
never fancy.
But in the city of Clearwater, volunteers have
changed that.
The residents of Del Oro Groves know all they have to do is
walk outside their doors to see dozens of beautiful paintings,
thanks to Marion Rowe and fellow volunteers, who have
painted more than 25 storm drains in the neighborhood.
By using the city’s storm drain mural program, Rowe has
been able to beautify her community, talk about the joy of
art, and discuss the key role storm drains play in keeping
neighborhoods clean.
The city requires each painted storm drain has a quote
directing passersby to keep trash out of the drain, and
the neighbors of Del Oro Groves excel at creating catchy
phrases.
Rowe has applied her artistic mind to the blank canvas of
each storm drain and has created eye catching works of art
that also help keep our waterways clean. Her designs range
from colorful sunsets and images of local birds, to pictures of
pristine Clearwater Beach.
Not only has the art beautified the neighborhood, but it has
also increased the connection and sense of community pride
among residents.
“It just started to grow as neighbors walked by. It brings
happiness,” Rowe said.
Residents of the city have completed more than 80 storm
drain murals since the inception of the program. If you
would like to paint a storm drain in your neighborhood,
visit www.myclearwater.com/residents/neighborhoodservices/
clearwater-placemaking-hub/storm-drain-muralprogram.