Rain on Main, a painted rain barrel art competition and silent auction, will return to the Carmel Farmer’s Market from 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 18. The event is sponsored by the Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), Carmel Utilities and the Carmel Storm Water Program.
Twenty local artists have volunteered their talents to paint urn-style rain barrels for the event. The barrels will be displayed along Main Street in the Arts and Design District in Carmel Aug. 10-17. The public can then bid in a silent auction at the Carmel Farmers Market on Aug. 18 and take one of the beautiful and functional art pieces home.
“A rain barrel can save a homeowner an average of 1,300 gallons of water a year, and on top of that, these barrels are one of a kind works of art!’ said Claire Lane, Hamilton SWCD Urban Conservationist.
“Carmel residents are eligible for a $50-$75 cost share rebate toward their storm water utility bill for each rain barrel installed at their property,” said John Thomas, Carmel Storm Water Administrator. “So that’s another incentive that can be applied to these unique barrels.”
View the barrels and learn more about the artists at RainonMain.com. The public can visit the Rain on Main Facebook page to vote for a favorite barrel in the People’s Choice competition. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winner as well as the winning selections from the judged art competition.
Rain on Main is sponsored by Anthony’s Chophouse. Touch N’ Go Collision, White’s Ace Hardware, and Sherwin Williams also provide support.