It will soon be time for the Original Art Rain Barrel Auction at Indiana University’s South Bend campus. Conducted by Fellow recipient, Kathleen Petitjean, in conjunction with the school’s Center for a Sustainable Future, this fun evening is much more than just supporting a worthy cause. It is an opportunity for local arts, children, businesses and the community at large to join forces in a cause much bigger than any single individual.
The 55 gallon barrels that are being transformed into beautiful and utilitarian outdoor works of art are donations from an eclectic group of 12 area artists and organizations including SNAP, the Special Needs and Abilities Preschool at which Ms. Petitjean is an OT. Nature scenes, abstract art and commercial humor are all reflected in the variety of designs.
The goal of the Rain Barrel Auction is to raise awareness of the value of water as a natural resource. Simple rain barrel water collection is an excellent, low-effort method for collecting water for summer gardens and lawns. It is also a way of protecting St. Joe River in the process. Passive water storage can be cost-effective for the home owner as well. Benefits of the auction will go towards the Indiana State South Bend (ISSB) Center for a Sustainable Future whose vision includes teaching, research and service in sustainable lifestyles for the campus, community and world.
Other focuses of the Center include developing sustainability curriculum and courses for the university, ongoing research and civic engagement through accepting public speaking engagements, contributing articles in local newspapers and promoting community projects such as “Tough Recycling.” Building an eco-friendly campus is also part of the vision and just last year the first “green” Community Building was opened at the River Crossing Campus Apartments. It is the first LEED certified building on the Indiana University campus.
Prior to the Original Art Rain Barrel Auction event, these colorful and innovative rain barrels can be seen at their underwriters from April 1–April 22, at the ISSB Museum of Art April 22–May 6 and just prior to the actual auction which is scheduled for May 6 at 7:00PM at the Century Center on campus. Goodrich Auction Company is donating its services to create a lively and entertaining evening. There will even be a drawing for a free unpainted rain barrel. Come early and support this very worthwhile cause.
Evening wear and garden gloves recommended but not required!
To see all the Original Art Rain Barrels, please go to: http://www.auction-info.com/viewauction.asp?AuctionID=406
To become an underwriter for this event, please contact Kathleen Petitjean at: Petitk712@gmail.com or csfuture@iusb.edu
For more information about rain barrels and water conservation, please go to: stjoseph.iaswcd.org
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