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A Carrollton woman who describes herself as “just a local citizen” is turning everyday infrastructure into a canvas, with help from her three children.
The family is among residents participating in the City of Carrollton’s Storm Drain Art Contest, a community initiative designed to raise awareness about stormwater pollution and environmental stewardship.
The contest invited artists from Carrollton and across the Dallas-Fort Worth area to submit original designs that will be painted on storm drain inlets in downtown Carrollton. Submissions were accepted Oct. 15, 2025, through Jan. 15, 2026.
For Kammi Powell, the project became more than an art submission. It turned into a shared family activity, bringing her children into the creative process while creating art to bring attention to the environmental message behind the program.
This isn’t the first time her family has entered the contest, which started as a way for her children, now 12, 10 and 6, to work on a project together.
“I love that our city is creating these opportunities,” Powell said as she paused her work on the storm drain on South Broadway Street in downtown Carrollton to chat. “It’s so amazing that we get to put our art on display.”
The city’s goal is straightforward: help residents understand that storm drains are not connected to a treatment system. When it rains, water flowing along streets can carry pollutants such as trash, oil and debris directly into local waterways, including those that feed into the Elm Fork of the Trinity River.
Artists were asked to design work that reflects themes such as keeping pollutants out of storm drains, protecting water sources and highlighting the connection between people, wildlife and the environment.
Selected artists are given the opportunity to paint their designs on storm drains in highly visible public spaces, with materials and safety equipment provided by the city.
The program blends public art with education, transforming ordinary concrete inlets into reminders that what flows into the street ultimately impacts local creeks and drinking water.
For families like the Powells, it also offers a chance to connect, create and contribute to the community in a visible and lasting way.
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