From 2009 to 2014, local artists were challenged to creatively paint rain barrels to celebrate the importance of water quality. Artists were selected based on their applications addressing a yearly theme. Teachers were encouraged to use this activity as a teaching tool in their classroom. Each year, 25 artists were selected and had five weeks to paint and return their barrels. During the month of April, the barrels were put on display with interpretative signage, and later the barrels were sold, with proceeds supporting environmental education programs.
2010 Artistic Rain Barrel Program
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Display Period
March and April 2010
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Display Location
Lincoln businesses and libraries
Final week at the Pioneers Park Nature Center -
Live Auction
April 17, 2010
Pioneers Park Nature Marke -
Proceeds Benefiting
Friends of Pioneers Park Nature Center, scholarships to Adventure and Extreme Nature Camp

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Chris Thody "Saving Water is for the Birds"
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Becky Lamb "Batik Barrel"
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St. John The Apostle Catholic School, 4th Grade Class "Know Water, Know Life, No Water, No Life"
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Friend Public Schools Art Instructor, Greg Holdren "Water, the World's Greatest Resource"
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Deanna Larson "Mesa in the Garden"
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Kim Boone "Prairie Silhouettes"
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JoAnne Shipperbottom "Mother Nature"
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Valerie Oertli "Autumn Hawk"
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Schoo Middle School, 8th Grade Art Club, Adam Schwanniger "Nebraska Wetlands"
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Catherine Griesen and Linda Helton "Portal to the Prairie"
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Diane Ogden "Fish"
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LSW Art Club Sponsored by Melissa Mordy "Taking Flight"
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Sue Gardner Fenster "Dew Gathering"
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Guild of Natural Science Illustrators "The Benefits of Trees"
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Community Alternatives Nebraska Senior Center "Somewhere Over the Rainbow..."
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Gregory Dank "Tide Pool"
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Douglas Snow "Harmony"
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Julia Lauer-Chéenne "Floral Fiesta"
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Andrea Riley "Wetland Whimsy"
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Sarah Thomas "All Clear"
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Rachael Wells "Rain Dance Cranes"
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Mary Miller "RAZZLE DAZZLE"
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Bryan LGH Child & Adolescent Unit "Unity + Respect = Beautiful Nebraska"
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Parkview Christian School "Greater Things Are Yet To Come"
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Kathi Woody "Shimmery, Sparkly, Raindrops"