As part of its "Clean Water Works" campaign, the City of Bend and its Arts Beautification and Culture Commission have selected three local volunteer artists to paint four of the city's storm drains during the first week of August. The goal is to use art as a way to increase awareness about the connection between street storm drains and the Deschutes River. The project coincides with Upper Deschutes Watershed Council's Stream Stewardship Day, a cleanup effort taking place at Riverbend Park on Saturday, August 8.
David Kinker, a local landscape artist, will paint two storm drains: one on the corner of Pageant Park near the footbridge over the Deschutes and another along Harmon Boulevard near the baseball fields. Kinker draws inspiration from nature and having worked as a river guide throughout the Pacific Northwest.
"My artwork reflects the sincere love of our natural environment and water and rivers specifically. This project is a natural mix for my two greatest loves, painting and a lifetime love affair with the river," Kinker said.
Nick Maithonis will paint the drain on Tumalo Avenue at the southern end of Drake Park. Maithonis sees his art as a way to share ideas and concerns with the public, such as the impact Bendites have on the Deschutes and its surrounding wildlife.
"It's our duty to take care of the Deschutes not only to preserve an important landmark and recreational site, but also to maintain the crucial life source to native habitat," Maithonis said.
Lisa Marie Sipe was drawn to Bend for its fresh air, snowy mountains, and clear rivers and lakes.
"The artwork I'm creating...combines local aquatic wildlife (Oregon Spotted Frog, Foskett Speckled Dace, Warner Sucker and Bull Trout) in the shape of a water droplet. I wanted to visually reinforce that the water going into the storm drain is traveling directly to where local wildlife lives," Sipe said.
She will be painting the storm drain at Galveston Avenue and Columbia Street.
Look for these artists during the first week of August. (Locator map: goo.gl/bnz717.)
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