City of Lubbock, Civic Lubbock Inc. unveil storm drain murals; public vote open through June 16

Civic Lubbock Inc. and the City of Lubbock’s Stormwater Compliance Department announced the winners of the 2025 storm drain art project and invited residents to vote for a fan favorite through June 16.

Emily Wilkinson, chair of the Museum and Arts Committee for Civic Lubbock Inc., told the meeting that four artists were selected to paint storm drain murals at the intersection of Thirteenth Street and Texas Avenue and that each artist would receive a $1,000 stipend. "This year, four artists were selected to paint their designs on the storm drains located at the intersection of Thirteenth Street and Texas Avenue," Wilkinson said.

The selections were made by seven jurors representing arts organizations in the city, Wilkinson said. She added the partnership with the Stormwater Compliance Department is the fourth time the two organizations have run the storm drain art project. "With Stormwater Compliance's mission to protect Lubbock's natural resources in mind, the artists painted the murals using environmentally conscious materials, and the storm drains were protected during the painting process," she said. Wilkinson said the murals are expected to remain part of Lubbock's public art for up to three years.

Wilkinson announced the winning artists by name: Michelle Guerra, Ashley Benton, Willis Bagley and Edith Sanchez. She also said the public can pick a fan favorite at lubbockstormwater.org; the artist chosen by public vote will receive an additional $250. "The public can now vote for their fan favorite starting now till June 16 by going to lubbockstormwater.org," Wilkinson said.

The announcement described the awards and the public voting procedure but did not record a formal city council vote or ordinance related to the stipends in the meeting transcript. Residents were urged to view the murals in person at Thirteenth Street and Texas Avenue and cast votes online before the June 16 deadline.