The Art of Rain Barrels! What catches the eye of the passerby? People living in Emmaus already know the answer -- artistic rain barrels!

Now in its third year, the Rain Barrel Art Silent Auction showcases the talent of local artists, while also helping to promote public art. All proceeds from the rain barrel auction benefit the EAC and are used to fund this project and future EAC programs and events, such as the Student Horror Film Festival, Chalk the Walk, and SnowBlast Winter Festival. EAC members Mike and Linda Waddell have chaired the rain barrel project for the last two years. “The rain barrels are not only functional and environmentally friendly, they are unique works of art, offering an aesthetically pleasing addition to any patio, deck, and other outdoor space,” says Mike.

The Arts Commission invited artists to creatively paint rain barrels as part of a fun way to make an artistic statement. Artists submitted sketches and short summaries of their intended design and those chosen volunteered their time to create beautiful works of art on 55-gallon rain barrels.

Bids start at $100 per barrel with minimum bid increments of $10. Final bids will be accepted during Community Day at Community Park on Saturday, July 20 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Auction results will be announced at 3 p.m. Winners must be available to pick-up their rain barrel that day.

The barrels were painted by Ellen Wilson - Does This Barrel Make Me Look Fat?; Kaylee Kraft - Koi Fish and Cherry Blossoms; Angela Faidley - Starry Night over Emmaus; Emmaus High School student, Angie Felan - Peacock Abstraction; Emmaus High School student, Katie Thomas - Abstracted Pandas; Emmaus High School student, Kailey Herring - Seahorse Abstraction and Lauren Kuhn - Shake, Cattle and Roll.

"We were excited to receive so many creative submissions - many styles reflect different personalities of art," said fundraiser co-chair Linda Waddell.

The rain barrels were donated by Kraft Foods Lehigh Valley. Additional thanks to Wentz Hardware, Emmaus Run Inn, Vinart Collision Center and Emmaus Farmer's Market.

For more information, visit www.emmausarts.org