Between now and June 9, the City of Springfield’s Stormwater Team is looking for artists of all ages and from anywhere in Oregon to apply for this summer’s mural-painting project, UpStream Art.

“This project is perfect for artists who paint and who care about the environment,” said project lead and Environmental Services Technician, Mary Healy. Five artists will be selected to participate and be compensated $1,000 each for painting murals around storm drains near Agnes Stewart Middle School.

One of the biggest threats to the Willamette and McKenzie rivers is pollution from urban runoff. The murals are a simple, yet important, reminder that storm drains across the City create a direct connection from Springfield’s streets to local waterways. As rain washes over hard surfaces such as roofs, parking lots, and roads, it collects contaminants including vehicle fluids, herbicides, pesticides, bacteria from animal waste, soaps from car washing, organic debris, and litter.

“These pollutants flow into storm drains and out to the rivers, where they harm the waterways and the quality of life that we all enjoy,” said Healy. “The goal for UpStream Art is to inspire community members to do their part in preventing pollutants from entering storm drains.”

The UpStream Art Artist Application along with information for self-guided tour options can be found at bit.ly/upstreamart.

What: The UpStream Art mural painting project seeks mural painters for an installation to occur this summer.

Who: The City of Springfield’s Stormwater Team seeks painters of all ages and living in Oregon.

Where/When: Artist applications due to the team by June 9, 2021. Murals to be painted near Agnes Stewart Middle School in September 2021.

Additional Information: Mary Healy, environmental services technician, 541.726.3626 or mhealy@springfield-or.gov. bit.ly/upstreamart

Background: Every summer since 2016, the City of Springfield has commissioned artists to use their creativity to decorate our storm drains and walkways with beneficial water quality messages. Currently there are 26 UpStream Art murals that can be viewed along an approximately 2-mile walk from the Booth-Kelly Trailhead of the Mill Race path, through downtown Springfield near City Hall, to Willamalane’s Adult Activity Center next to Island Park, and back to Booth Kelly.