Sidewalk Murals Focus on Storm Drains in Arlington

at **Mass Ave. and Mystic St. by Jacob Ginga**

Bright new murals on Arlington sidewalks mark metal grids meant to draw rainwater back down toward local lakes and rivers. If the grids and drains below are blocked and cluttered, that necessary flow is slowed, or worse!

So art leads our eyes down to places where we can help address that problem when we Adopt a Drain! Here are quotes and links that help explain.

**at Brooks Ave. & Lake St., by Jill Strait**

“A project aiming to draw attention to the vital connection between Arlington’s storm drains and the health of its local waterways is underway! The Storm Drain Sidewalk Mural Project, a collaboration between the Arlington Commission for Arts and Culture (ACAC) and the Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD), highlights the importance of keeping storm drains free of litter and debris.” (quote from Beautiful New Murals Entice You to ADOPT A STORM DRAIN! Arts Arlington)

“Storm drains are a vital part of our infrastructure, channeling water directly into lakes, ponds, and rivers,” explains Jim Feeney, Arlington Town Manager. “Cleaning a storm drain is just like cleaning the banks of a water body, and hundreds of residents have already signed up to adopt a drain in their neighborhood.” (quote from Beautiful New Murals Entice You to ADOPT A STORM DRAIN! Arts Arlington)

“These artists are skilled painters whose work connects art and the environment. They’ve done great work calling attention to this issue. We’re grateful to them and to ACAC for supporting this project.” ( quote from Beautiful New Murals Entice You to ADOPT A STORM DRAIN! Arts Arlington)

“There are over 3,000 storm drains in Arlington. While the Arlington Department of Public Works regularly cleans the inside of storm drains, the outside of catch basins frequently gets clogged with leaves and trash. ” (quote from Adopt-a-Drain Program. Arlington)

“During storms and after heavy snow melts, water flows down the street and into drains, where it enters the stormwater system. Debris like leaves and litter, plus snow and ice, can get caught in these grates and prevent the water from draining properly. This can lead to flooding and pollution of our waterways, such as the Mystic River. You can help by adopting a catch basin in your neighborhood. This means you’ll be responsible for keeping the grate clean of debris.” (quote from Adopt-a-Drain Program. Arlington)

ARTISTS’ SITES: Jill Strait: https://jillstrait.com/painting/ ; Jacob Ginga: https://puntourbanartmuseum.org/open-air-museum/artist/jacob-ginga/ ; Raksha Soni: https://fineartists.boston/raksha-soni/; sequel post should also cover mural by Robin Jones: https://gatewayarts.org/artists/robin-jones/