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 design to be implemented. Artists receive the barrel and technical assistance from the Regional Storm Water Collaborative. 

How to Submit Artwork

Project Timeline​

• Compete your design on the design form. 
• Go to the entry form and submit your idea and artwork for approval. - The entry period for the 2024 Rain Barrel Art Project will open on October 2nd.  
  • ​Each artist may submit up to three sketches.
  • Each teacher may submit up to 15 sketches. 
• ​​If your design is approved, 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 eBay auction. 
• The money raised from the auction goes towards environmental education at SaveLocalWaters.org and the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden.

2023 Project Timeline - Tentative
October 2, 2023 to December 15, 2022 - Entry Period 
December 18, 2023  to December 20, 2023 - Selection Period
December 21, 2023 - 2023 Artist Selection Released 
January 6, 2024 10am-Noon -  Artist Workshop and Rain Barrel Pick Up @ Cincinnati Zoo 
January 6, 2024 to March 29, 2024 - Painting Period
 March 28, 2024 from 11am - 1pm and 5-6pm - Rain Barrel Drop Off  
April 1 to April 25, 2024 - Rain Barrels Displayed @ The Cincinnati Zoo
Dates TBD - Rain Barrel Art Online Auction
April 25, 2024 - Artist Reception @ Cincinnati Zoo
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