THUNDER BAY—Artists have been known to paint on unique surfaces like buildings and cathedral ceilings, but a painted rain barrel is also quite an undertaking.
EcoSuperior’s seventh annual Painted Rain Barrel Auction has 30 of these unique works of art up for bidding this week. It’s a fundraiser for the organization’s environmental programs that encourage citizen stewardship throughout the Lake Superior basin.
The painted rain barrels at EcoSuperior’s annual auction event are one-of-a-kind creations by local artists that can also provide effective stormwater management.
The seventh annual Painted Rain Barrel Auction, presented by Landale Gardens, has moved to Intercity Shopping Centre this year. Barrels will be on display from Friday at 5 p.m. until Sunday at 3 p.m. Bids start at $75.
The public has the weekend to view the barrels and make a bid. On Sunday at 3 p.m. the bids will close and winners will be notified to pick up their barrels and take home a unique piece of outdoor art.
“We are so grateful for the time and creativity volunteered by so many wonderful artists in our community,” says EcoSuperior event co-ordinator Matt Spackman. “There is something for everyone, with themes ranging from wildlife and birds, indigenous art, growth and renewal, and Canada’s 150th birthday.”
Artists are competing for cash prizes including best environmental theme, best group art, and best individual art.
The event also includes a treasure hunt for kids, who can seek out design elements on each barrel for a chance to win a prize package, and also vote on the Children’s Choice artist winner. The artist who paints the barrel garnering the highest bid receives 50 percent of the total bid as a prize. The record for highest bid since the event began is $475.
Each year, the event raises more than $4.000 for EcoSuperior’s community programs such as the nature-based summer day camp for kids, Central Gardens Natural Environment Park, litter-prevention activities and school programs.
