Participate in the Rain Barrel Art Project

The Rain Barrel Art Project is open to artists of all ages and abilities. Interested artists must first submit a design for judging. A group of judges selects forty designs to be implemented. Artists receive the barrel and technical assistance from the Regional Storm Water Collaborative. 

How to Submit Artwork

Project Timeline​

The entry period for 2025 is Closed

• Complete your design on the Design Form. 
• Go to the ​Artist Entry Form entry form and submit your idea and artwork for approval. 
  • ​Each artist may submit up to three sketches.
  • Each teacher may submit up to 15 sketches. To learn more about how to get your classroom involved, print this document.  
• ​​If your design is approved, you will attend the artist workshop and pick up your barrel. 
• Paint your rain barrel.
• Return your finished rain barrel and visit it at the Cincinnati Zoo.

Finished Barrels

• Barrels are displayed at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden for the month of April.
• Barrels are auctioned via an site called 23 Auction. 
• The money raised from the auction goes towards environmental education at SaveLocalWaters.org and the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.

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Design Tips

• Only half of the barrel is visible at a time, so create your design with that in mind.
• Don't forget about the lid!
• Please avoid controversial topics, depicting cultures that are not your own, or using logos in your design.
• Reminder: while the barrel is provided, the artist must acquire their own supplies such as brushes, paint, and sealer. 

2025 Project Timeline - Tentative
October 2, 2024 to December 13, 2024 - Entry Period 
December 15, 2024  to December 18, 2024 - Selection Period
December 19, 2024 - 2025 Artist Selection Released 
January 4, 2025 10:00am-Noon -  Artist Workshop and Rain Barrel Pick Up @ Cincinnati Zoo 
January 4, 2025 - March 27 or 29, 2025 - Painting Period
 March 27, 9:00am - 11:00am OR March 29, 10:00am - 11:00am - Rain Barrel Drop Off @ Cincinnati Zoo (Education Lot)  
March 27/29 - April 24, 2025 - Rain Barrels Displayed @ The Cincinnati Zoo
Start April 1 - April 25, 10:00am - Rain Barrel Online Auction
April 24, 2025, 5:00pm - Artist Reception @ Cincinnati Zoo
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