CARMEL, IN - Local artists (professionals and talented adult amateurs) are invited to participate in the ninth annual Rain on Main event, a popular painted rain barrel art contest and auction that will include cash prizes in two categories as well as exposure for participating artists and their work. Cash prizes are made possible by event sponsor Greenscape Geeks.

Rain on Main uses art on ordinary barrels to help educate the public about the value of water efficiency. The event is sponsored by Carmel Utilities, Carmel’s Department of Storm Water Management and the Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District. Rain barrels have grown in popularity across the country and decorated barrels are not only nice to look at but are a great way to save water and help the environment.

Artists are invited to paint a rain barrel with an original design. The rain barrels will come primed, thanks to the in-kind sponsorship and support from Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes, Tom Wood Collision Center and White’s Ace Hardware and Garden Center.

The painted barrels will be displayed and judged by an independent panel of experts and the general public will be given the opportunity to vote for their favorites. Here is the schedule of events:

August 11: The 20 decorated barrels will be posted on Facebook and placed on display in the Carmel Arts & Design District. The public can begin voting on a “People’s Choice” winner by going to the Rain on Main Facebook page and voting until Saturday, August 19. Also on August 11, an online auction will begin at Noon and Individuals can bid on their favorite barrel to take home. You must register for the auction by texting RAIN to 88793 or visiting rainonmain.com. The auction will conclude at 11 a.m. on August 19.

August 12-13: The barrels will remain along Main Street and the designs will be judged by an independent panel. First, second and third place artists will receive cash prizes.

August 19: The barrels will be moved to the Carmel Farmers Market, where the online auction and “People’s Choice” voting will continue during the Market hours. The “People’s Choice” award winner will be announced live at the market at 10:45 a.m., just before the online auction concludes.

Net proceeds from the auction will fund water education signage in the Carmel Clay Parks, some of which have been installed at Founders Park, located at 116th Street and Hazel Dell Parkway.

Interested artists are encouraged to visit the Artist Info Page at www.RainOnMain.comhttps://www.rainonmain.com/artistinfo.html to learn more, see previous years barrels, and apply to participate. Once your participation is confirmed, you will be able to pick up a rain barrel to begin work. The finished product will be due back no later than July 7. Questions may be directed to Claire Lane at 317-773-2181 or Claire.Lane@hamiltoncounty.in.gov.