Chattahoochee River Conservancy – Rain Barrel Auction (Artist Call)
Columbus is a unique place. Our city was built on the banks of the Chattahoochee River, a source of life, entertainment and respite for many. We also are fortunate to have a growing and active community of local artists, each with their own perspective to bring to the table.
The Chattahoochee River Conservancy (CRC) is a local nonprofit organization which has been working since 2010 to protect and preserve the Chattahoochee River watershed. Their work ranges from water quality testing to educational outreach, to the restoration of native plant species on the river. Their environmental work is funded by donations and financial contributions from businesses, organizations, and individuals throughout the community who recognize the value of the Chattahoochee River and the importance of protecting it.
In 2021, CRC hosted its first rain barrel auction, a fundraiser which uniquely merges conservation, environmentalism, and art. Ten local artists from various backgrounds each painted a rain barrel for the auction. The artists are known for their different styles, from Butch Anthony’s trademark skeleton overlay folk style to Jessica Kennedy’s bright pops of color. Ralph Frank painted a barrel in his signature lettering, and other artists, such as Chris Johnson, Charles Fowler, and Julianna Wells, all took on the project to create their own one of a kind designs.
Rain barrels are relevant to the work of the CRC because they help conserve water, minimize erosion from runoff, and can help reduce pollutants that enter the watershed when water from flooding yards enters a stream. While it is not advisable to drink rain water collected in rain barrels, it can be used for things like watering the garden, washing a vehicle, or washing outside windows. Using a rain barrel can save a homeowner an estimated 1,300 gallons of water a year, according to the EPA.
The CRC’s partnership with local artists in the rain barrel auction helps expand their reach in the community, and invites the artists to use their unique talents to help promote a healthy and clean river. We all have something we can contribute, and art is not irrelevant to conservation. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Art can often convey messages more effectively than words.
From the Great Blue Heron to the native Shoal Lily to whitewater kayakers, the painted scenes on each rain barrel in the 2021 auction celebrated life on the Chattahoochee River. Artist Estella McCall painted a rain barrel for the 2021 auction with the theme “Glitter is Litter” to raise awareness about the negative impact glitter can have when it is released into the environment.
Auction participants and the general public were invited to view the rain barrels at CRC’s annual dinner event where they could take part in the auction or just enjoy experiencing the art and meeting with the artists.
The Chattahoochee River Conservancy rain barrel auction creates an opportunity for local artists to get involved in conservation efforts as well as for the community to support local art, learn more about practical ways they can protect the river even while at home, and become a part of an effort to connect the river with the people who live around it.
When we connect with a place, we begin to care about it. And when we care about it, we want to protect it. The CRC continues to find ways to encourage a connection with the Chattahoochee River and a community that protects its natural resources.
This year’s Chattahoochee River Conservancy rain barrel auction is in the works and will take place later this year. The CRC is] looking for artists to join them in their mission by painting a rain barrel for the fundraiser. Ten new rain barrels will be auctioned this year. Rain barrels are supplied by CRC to artists.
If you or anyone you know is interested in learning more about how you can participate in the CRC’s rain barrel auction, email Natalie@chattriver.org
To view works from the 2021 rain barrel auction and get updates on the CRC’s upcoming auction, follow @chattahoocheeriverconservancy on Instagram and Facebook.
By Natalie Downey