Submit Your Art and Leave Your Mark through Storm Drain Covers
Published on May 07, 2026
What if a piece of your artwork became part of Renton’s landscape—literally? This year, we are launching our Inaugural Citywide Artistic Storm Drain Cover Design Contest. We’re inviting artists of all ages to submit designs by May 15 to help transform everyday infrastructure into meaningful public art.
Yes, we’re talking about storm drain covers—the metal lids we walk and drive over every day. Renton is ready to bring creativity to the streets, and we want your imagination to lead the way.
Why Storm Drains?
Storm drains are the hidden veins of our city. They carry rainwater from our streets straight into our creeks, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and groundwater. They’re essential and often overlooked.
Your design can help change that. We’re looking for artwork that sparks curiosity, celebrates Renton’s natural environment and culture, and reminds people of the world flowing beneath their feet.
What We’re Looking For
Your design should be inspired by at least one of the following them:
- Renton’s natural environment
- Our community and culture
- The stories that make this city unique
We want art that feels bold, joyful, and meaningful. Something that can stand the test of time (and tires).
A few things to keep in mind when submitting your art:
- The design must fit a 25-inch diameter circle
- Use bold, high-contrast shapes—no tiny details
- Minimum line width and spacing: ¼ inch
- Relief depth: ⅛ inch to ¼ inch
- Up to 5 solid colors (not including black linework)
- All colored areas must be clearly defined and separated by raised lines
- Your design must also be original, family-friendly, and free of copyrighted or trademarked material.
Additional eligibility and technical design requirements can be found in the Call for Art. Please review before starting and submitting your design. Once a design is finalized, we may need to make small adjustments for safety, casting requirements, or to add identifying text.
How to Submit
You can submit your design digitally or by mail. When you submit your application, please include:
- Your artwork
- A brief statement about your design
- The signed application form and template
- Your contact information
Digital Submissions: Email your artwork, short design statement, and completed application form to: tsolly@rentonwa.gov. Vector files are preferred (PDF, AI, EPS, DXF, DWG), but JPEG and PNG are welcome too.
Mail-In Submissions: Send your materials to:
ATTN: Troy Solly, Public Works Department 2026 Citywide Artistic SD Cover Design Contest 1055 S Grady Way Renton, WA 98057
The Call for Art, application form, and template are available online at: www.rentonwa.gov/RMAC
Questions? Email tsolly@rentonwa.gov at least 48 hours before the deadline.
Let’s bring beauty to the places we least expect it—and celebrate Renton’s creativity from the ground up. We can’t wait to see your submissions!