Student‑led storm‑drain art project approved for five downtown drains

The city and Eastern Shore Arts Center outlined a storm‑drain public‑art project intended to raise awareness that “only rain belongs in the drain.” Nicole Love, the city’s grants coordinator, said the arts center (with partners including Pelican’s Nest and local high schools) applied for funding and received a $5,000 award from the Alabama State Council on the Arts.

Lindsay Lawrence of the Eastern Shore Arts Center described a field trip with 10 high‑school art students who studied the local estuary and watershed and will submit designs; the program will select five final designs to paint on five strategically located drains (including one across from City Hall and one near Fairhope West Elementary). Students will work in pairs; the plan calls for pressure washing sidewalks before painting and a sealant to protect artwork.

Councilmembers supported the project and asked staff to coordinate pressure‑washing and to avoid scheduling conflicts with street maintenance or construction. Staff said the work will be done from the sidewalk with students and chaperones in safety vests, and that no road closures are expected. The project expects to begin painting in February, with a reception and unveiling after the arts and crafts festival.

What’s next: Staff will schedule pressure washing and coordinate material selection, student chaperones and a painting timeline; if additional funding is needed, staff suggested applying for next year’s arts grants.