The Arts Council of York County is implementing a new public art project centered around local water heritage and water quality.Selected artists are turning their concepts into reality in the form of small-scale, semi-permanent, outdoor murals that adorn storm drains in Old Town Rock Hill, raising awareness and educating the public about the effects of stormwater runoff on water quality.
The public is invited to watch the artists turn their storm drains into works of art from April 22 – 24, 2021, weather permitting.
2021 LOCATIONS
- East Black Street at Sweet Tea Café, 125 Elk Ave., Rock Hill, SC
- Title: City of Rock Hill Stormwater
- Artist: Angela Johnson
- About the Art: City of Rock Hill Stormwater is a playful education and outreach storm drain design, designed to inform the public of the City of Rock Hill Stormwater.
- About the Artist: Anglea Johnson has always been able to see beauty in everything. A native to Rock Hill, Johnson holds a B.A. in Art from Winthrop University. Angela works for the City of Rock Hill, where she focuses on education and outreach for the City of Rock Hill. Johnson’s creativity knows no bounds. During her time away from work, she can be found creating everything from fine art portraits to fun crafts.
- Caldwell Street at The Gettys Center, 201 E. Main St., Rock Hill, SC
- Title: Connected
- Artist: Diane Ramirez-Harrison
- About the Art: Diane Ramirez-Harrison’s design illustrates the connectivity between humans, environment, plants, and animals. She featured the Rocky Shoals Spider Lily, the endangered Carolina Heelsplitter, and Bog Turtles in her design – all are native to the Catawba River.
- About the Artist: Diane Ramirez-Harrison is a teacher, and a visual artist. Originally from Arizona, she has lived and worked in Charlotte for the last fifteen years. Working on community projects allows Ramirez-Harrison to use her gifts to give back to her community.
Why Storm Drains?
Storm drains lead directly to our waterways. Each time it rains, trash and pollutants on our streets are washed into the storm drains and are carried into our rivers, streams, and lakes. Stormwater pollution can significantly degrade our fish and wildlife habitat, our drinking water, and recreational opportunities. By painting Rock Hill’s storm drains, we are reminding residents that our neighborhoods are all connected to our rivers, streams, and lakes.
More information can be found at https://www.yorkcountyarts.