From August 15 through August 23, 2026, local artists will brighten sidewalks around Fort Wayne with colorful murals and an important message: “Only Rain in the Drain.”
Fort Wayne City Utilities news release:
Painting the Way Toward Cleaner Rivers
Local Artists Bring the “Only Rain in the Drain” Message to Fort Wayne SidewalksFort Wayne, Indiana (August 11, 2026) – From August 15 through August 23, local artists will brighten sidewalks around Fort Wayne with colorful murals and an important message: “Only Rain in the Drain.”
Through the power of art, the murals are designed to catch attention, spark conversations and connect the community with a simple way to help protect local waterways.
Storm drains carry rainwater directly to nearby creeks, streams and rivers. Clean Drains encourages residents, neighborhoods and businesses to keep drains clear and prevent trash, chemicals and other waste from washing into the water.
Participating artists will create murals next to storm drains, showcasing their talent and commitment to cleaner rivers. Two artists will create murals along Calhoun Street during Open Streets on Sunday, August 16, offering visitors an opportunity to watch them work while enjoying activities along the event route.
Artists and Locations:
- Alex Chronister – Berry and Lafayette Street – Penny Drip
- Sarah Pursell – W. Wayne Street and Broadway – Broadway Christian
- Taylor Anderson – Fairfield Avenue and W. Wayne Street – Pfeiffer House
- Kayla Metzger – Wayne St. near Webster Street – First Presbyterian Church
- Gwen Updegraff – Barr and E. Lewis Street – Anthis Career Center
- Colin Ballinger – Fairfield and Wayne Street – Trinity English Lutheran Church
- Amanda Dornbush – Fulton and Main Street – Henry’s Restaurant
- Shayla Thomas – W. Douglas Ave. and Webster St. – Parkview Field
- Becky Stockert – 1645 N. Wells St. – Looks Like Virgo/McClish Service
- Amanda Foley – Vermont and California Avenue – Lakeside Park
- Amanda Stout – S. Calhoun and W. Douglas streets – Botanical Gardens (during Open Streets August 16)
- Hannah Rutigliano – Van Buren and W. Main Street- Lutheran Downtown Hospital
- Haley Tabb – E. Lewis and Calhoun Street – St. Mother Theodore Guerin Chapel (during Open Streets August 16)
- Elliana Heintz – Webster and Brackenridge Street – near Parkview Field
- Cassidy Merkle – Wayne and Clay Street – near Early Childhood Alliance Center
- Bee Swanson – W. Rudisill Boulevard and Beaver Avenue – WBCL Radio
Making a Difference
Clean Drains Fort Wayne: Be River SmART, sponsored by City Utilities and Art This Way, a program of Downtown Fort Wayne, uses vibrant murals to educate the community about environmental conservation and inspire all of us to step up and help protect local waterways.
With this year’s additions, local artists will have completed 160 Clean Drains murals throughout Fort Wayne.
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