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Arts & Culture

Paint the town: Allentown looking for artists to paint storm inlets

Allentown Mural Jason Zulli
Jason Addy
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LehighValleyNews.com
Artist and Northampton Area Community College professor Jason Zulli speaks Thursday, June 15, in front of his mural, which won an annual contest sponsored by People First and Allentown Mural Arts.

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — It's a storm that all can see.

The city of Allentown is on the lookout for artists to paint murals on nine of 8,800 storm inlets as part of its Go with the Flow Inlet Mural Painting Contest.

  • The City of Allentown is looking for artists to paint storm inlets
  • The deadline to apply is Aug. 1
  • Selected muralists will be notified by Aug. 31

The project hopes to call attention to the inlets, which connect streets to streams, by creating mesmerizing murals that raise awareness about the harmful effects of pollution flowing with rainwater.

"Our team wanted to find a creative and innovative ways to increase awareness of environmental issues," said Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk.

"We're massive supporters of the arts, so this was a great way for us to combine the two, as well as provide a unique opportunity for artists to leave a unique and lasting impact on our city.

"I'm so excited to see how Allentown's brilliant arts community will unleash their creativity and present solutions to inspire a cleaner and healthier Allentown."

stormwater drain.jpg
Courtesy
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Allentownpa.gov
Allentown is looking for artists to draw murals on the city's 8,800 storm inlets.

How to sign up

Artists and artist groups interested in participating are required to submit their applications and sketch designs by the deadline of Aug. 1

The city will select and notify nine finalists by Aug. 31.

These finalists will then paint their designs on one of nine pre-identified inlet grates in the Arts Park — each measuring a 3 feet by 4 feet rectangular area.

"This was a great way for us to combine the two, as well as provide a unique opportunity for artists to leave a unique and lasting impact on our city."
Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk

The city will provide paint, sealant, brushes, stirrers and safety materials. Murals must be completed by Oct. 15, 2023.

The public will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite murals. First and second place winners will be recognized as Clean Stormwater Champions at the city’s Stormwater Stewardship Awards in November.

For more detailed information and to submit an application, click here.

Artists with any questions can call Stormwater Education Manager Gabriel Caprio at 610-437-7587.