UpStream Art in Northwest Arkansas

What is UpStream Art?

This unique and engaging educational program utilizes art to communicate the function and importance of storm drains. UpStream Art gives artists the opportunity to express themselves with semi-permanent public art in the form of a small-scale outdoor storm drain mural.

The purpose of UpStream Art is to draw attention to storm drains with the hope that observers stop and think about where the water flows after it enters. If residents understand that stormwater flows untreated to creeks, streams, rivers and lakes, then they will be more conscious of potential pollutants that can enter those waterways.

Happy fish swims the sidewalk in Jeffi O'Kane's UpStream Art 2013 artwork.

This project, along with the involvement of our vibrant art community, is unique and has a positive impact on water quality protection.

See what watersheds we are protecting

UpStream Art started in NWA in 2012 and our participants have since painted 54 murals across Benton and Washington Counties in Northwest Arkansas! The UpStream Art program was based off a similar program initiated by the James River Basin Partnership in Missouri and has served as a model in locations across the state, county, and even other continents. 

View the Upstream Art Galleries

View the Watersheds in Northwest Arkansas!

Is the Upstream art program still active?

With 2022 marking the 10-year anniversary of the project, there are several activities going on throughout the year, including maintenance of existing murals. We hope to make a call for artists in the future.

Want to help protect local streams creeks and streams?

Check out these 10 Things You Can Do to Protect Stormwater, and follow #KnowtheFlowNWA on social media for more ideas!