Booker Creek Storm Drain Mural
Town of Chapel Hill | 2213-2201 Daley Rd, Chapel Hill NC
This storm drain mural project began as part of an open call from Chapel Hill Community Arts & Culture in collaboration with Chapel Hill Stormwater Management inviting Triangle-based artists to transform prominent sidewalk storm drains into vibrant, environmentally themed public artworks.
What drew me to this opportunity was the challenge of turning everyday infrastructure into a moment of discovery: using bold geometric abstraction, color blocking, and site-inspired imagery to reimagine a functional drain as a visual reminder of water cycles, local community, and our connection to the surrounding ecosystem.
Perfectly aligned with my larger public art practice, this project embraces the opportunity to activate overlooked civic surfaces and creating artwork that invites people to slow down, notice their environment, and engage more deeply with the systems that shape daily life.
Still a work in progress, this mural will be complete by the end of April 2026!
STORM DRAIN DESIGN CONCEPT:
This mural presents a bold, geometric interpretation of how water moves through our environment, transforming an often-overlooked storm drain into a visual story about connection and flow. Using layered color blocks, directional linework, and simplified environmental forms, the design illustrates key moments in the water cycle: rainfall, absorption, movement through soil, and eventual return to local waterways.
The composition is intentionally structured to guide the viewer’s eye toward the drain itself, reinforcing the idea that everything entering this point continues beyond it.
Integrated text reading “This storm drain flows to Booker Creek” makes that connection explicit, helping viewers understand the direct impact of everyday actions on nearby ecosystems. By combining an engaging visual language with clear messaging, the mural makes hidden infrastructure visible and encourages everyday awareness of how small actions contribute to the health of our shared waterways.
Chapel Hill Community Arts & Culture
Chapel Hill Community Arts & Culture is a division of the Town of Chapel Hill dedicated to inspiring creativity and strengthening community through public art, festivals, artist opportunities, and accessible cultural experiences. Their work brings together local artists, residents, and visitors through installations, events, and civic art initiatives that celebrate local voices while activating shared public spaces. With a mission centered on imagination, connection, and community pride, the organization plays a vital role in shaping Chapel Hill’s cultural identity through art in everyday life.
Learn more about Chapel Hill Community Arts & Culture.