2024 Storm Drain Project

The 2024 murals have been completed! The American Lung Association and Ashland Parks & Recreation wants to give a big thanks to all our artists, volunteers, and photographers! A special thanks for DPE for the pictures! Scroll to read more about each of the artists and their mural. 

Cait Irwin, Owner of Irwin Artworks LLC
“Otter Wheel: Love the Lake”

My inspiration behind my design was the playful nature of river otters. Not only are they so important for the lake ecosystem, they are always a treat to observe and bring the energy of pure joy! I felt that the color, as well as their energy, would be a good contrast with the drab concrete.

I jumped at the opportunity to participate in this project because it checked all the boxes for me... Art that creates environmental awareness and advocacy, freedom for artistic expression, beautification of concrete and dull spaces, using a new medium that is also eco-friendly, and being involved in a project that connects me to the area I dearly love and celebrates the most magical body of water, Lake Superior!

For more information about this artist, visit: irwinartworks.com

69B6BA77-8443-4D17-AEFD-A84491812D3B

Sara Beadle

I was inspired by Lake Superior, for the design of my mural. I've always been an environmentalist and interested in how personal actions - big or small - can help protect our home.


FD7D42EF-611B-48BD-A376-5C4EB5DB2577

Marisa N. Pearce
“Generations”

My inspiration for this project was the thought of keeping our water and environment clean for our children and honoring the past. I am a Bad River Ojibwe, and Lake Superior is close to my heart. The Sweetgrass border represents traditional teachings, to love and care for the land and the environment. The agate design on the top represents the past, and the 3 bear cubs represent my 3 children, our future.

I feel it is important to raise awareness and get people thinking. Our future generations depend on us in many ways, including keeping a clean environment for all to enjoy for years to come.

For more information about this artist, visit: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076156995925&mibextid=LQQJ4d


207280D2-F136-40E7-B4E0-00893094A7D5

Caitlin Newago, Ojibwe Artist

I was inspired by the Native plants found in Northern WI that are significant to Bad River and Ojibwe culture as a whole. There’s not nearly enough indigenous representation for a region that has such a large indigenous population - I aim to take up space and use my art to open doors for younger artists to follow suit and go even further than me!

For more information about this artist, visit: www.bizaanideewin.com


A23038A9-0C3E-4DEF-AB3A-93D2473DE926

Alyssia Christopherson
“They’ve Got Their Eye on You”

I’m very inspired by the murals in my home town (Austin, Texas), which usually consist of dramatic lines, bright colors, and weird themes. I wanted to give that little pop while also playing into an “illusion” that the fish are looking at you.

Before starting this project, I had no idea about the kind of impact runoff in storm drains could have on the environment. Because of this, I wanted the viewers to see the fish and be reminded of where the water goes once in the drain.

Artist website:

https://www.instagram.com/a.c.__.art?igsh=MTdzbzhkdTRlbXl2OQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr


2E71F9D2-9C5B-4B5E-B1C0-5241FBD4E194

Courtney Fishback
“The Still Life of the Heron”

One of my favorite past times is birdwatching and living next to Lake Superior has provided gifts of moments of seeing migration of numerous species I thought I would never see. Great Herons share a special place in my heart and I see them all the time at Prentice Park. So I thought it would be special to share in the storm water mural project. The title is a reference one of my favorite authors Tom Robbins to go along with the location of the mural.

I was interested in the project because art brings awareness and it can be use when you feel unheard. I find it very important to know what is going into our water source. And how we need to be more careful with our waste. Water is Life, for all walks of life on this earth.

For more information about this artist visit: www.forkincreations.weebly.com


1B6EB342-079D-4873-97A9-903FD8F69942

Ashland County Wellness and Recovery Court - Staff and Participants

Similar to our program’s health and recovery goals, we see the consequences of detachment and the importance of consciously making good choices to ensure that we and our environment are healthy.

This was an opportunity to engage our participants in a pro-social, community project.


E436D07B-0C92-4B87-9DC0-95F11CAB1E64