Decorated rain barrels for Lisle display can be used for conservation

No matter how artists decorate their pieces for this summer's outdoor public art project in Lisle, one thing is certain: they're going to turn out green.

And that's just the way organizers of the Rain Barrels of Lisle project want it.

Participating artists in this year's event are being asked to focus their imaginations on painting and decorating 30 55-gallon plastic rain barrels the village has purchased from the Naperville-based Conservation Foundation.

The bedazzled barrels will go on display in downtown and elsewhere around town beginning May 23 and then be auctioned Sept. 13 to raise money for charities supported by the Lisle Area Chamber of Commerce.

But unlike most works of art, these can have a practical purpose, too -- their eventual owners can connect them to their downspouts to capture and conserve water.

It's an artistic stab at being green that could make everyone from Al Gore to Kermit the Frog happy.

Better still, the decorated barrels can look quite snazzy, chamber President and CEO Tom Althoff said.

The chamber has sponsored public art exhibits for several years, but this is the first time it has worked directly with agencies such as The Conservation Foundation and the Morton Arboretum to promote them.

It's also the first time organizers have moved away from more conventional outdoor art items like benches, mailboxes and miniature hot-air balloons to focus on something that ties in with the push toward being green.

"We had two different entities independently come to us with the same idea," Althoff said.

One proposal came from the Morton Arboretum and the other from a village employee.

Sponsors already have snapped up most of the barrels for the $100 fee, but a few still may be available.

"People are very excited about it," Althoff said, "especially the greening aspect and the environmental aspect."

Residents can get an early peek at the decorated barrels during a preview party from 5 to 7 p.m. May 22 at the Hilton Hotel Lisle/Naperville, 3003 Corporate Drive West.

The artwork will start appearing along village streets and in store windows the next day, Althoff said, with many placed on the former village hall site at Main Street and Burlington Avenue in the heart of downtown. A brochure and locator map will be published, too.

But as attractive and practical as the barrels might be, the real test will come when they're put up for auction in September and produce a whole different type of green.

The chamber's biggest haul from its art auction came a few years ago when its decorated benches sold for roughly $13,000. Last year's display, which also featured benches, garnered about $6,000.

"I'd like to see us do about $10,000 this year," Althoff said.

With that goal in mind, the chamber also will conduct an online auction that will allow residents to check out photos on the Web and make their bids electronically. That portion of the auction may begin almost as soon as the barrels go on public display.

"We're trying to make it as convenient for people as possible," Althoff said.

Proceeds will be distributed to 20 charities that belong to the chamber. Winning bidders can earmark their donations to a specific group or put their money in a pool that's divided equally among all the agencies.

If you go

What: Rain Barrels of Lisle community art project sneak peek

When: 5 to 7 p.m. May 22

Where: Hilton Lisle/Naperville, 3003 Corporate Drive West, Lisle

Cost: Free with a business card

Info: (630) 964-0052 or www.lislechamber.com

How rain barrels make a difference

As much as 36,000 gallons of rainwater may fall on the roof and through the downspouts of a 2,000-square-foot home each year.

You can learn how adding a rain barrel to the picture can reduce water bills at The Conservation Foundation's free Rain Barrel Workshop, from 10 a.m. to noon April 12 at McDonald Farm, the organization's headquarters at 10S404 Knoch Knolls Road, Naperville.

Jim Kleinwachter, the foundation's land preservation specialist, will show how to customize a rain barrel with a screen to keep water free from debris and insects.

He also will explain procedures to paint the terra-cotta colored barrels, which are imported from Greece and originally intended for the olive trade.

For those ready to "take the plunge," rain barrels will be available for the one-day discounted price of $50 (regularly $70). The purchase price includes guidance for customizing the rain barrel for your own home.

While adults are learning about conserving water, kids can learn about nature in their surroundings.

In the "Discover Nature in Your Yard" workshop, children will explore the 60-acre working McDonald Farm's restored wetland, prairie gardens and fields.

They'll hunt for signs of life and record their discoveries in a nature journal. Indoor instruction is available in the event of inclement weather. Cost is $3 per child.

To register for both programs, e-mail cthompson@theconservationfoundation.org or call (630) 428-4500, ext. 10. Indicate number of participants for each program.

For information about other activities and events sponsored by The Conservation Foundation, including membership, visit www.theconservationfoundation.org or call (630) 428-4500.