Turning Rain Into Living Art

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From a story by George Mason University Facilities Communications, July 25, 2024

School of Art and Facilities Team members with the new rain barrel in the School of Art Sculpture Yard
Sculpture Studio Supervisor, Professor Ben Ashworth, stands behind the new rain barrel in the Sculpture Yard with members of the School of Art, Mason Exhibitions, and Facilities Land Development.

Mason Facilities, Murals at Mason, and Mason Exhibitions are collaborating again! 

A 55-gallon rainwater collection barrel is now the newest addition to the School of Art's Sculpture Studio Yard. The collected rainwater will irrigate a variety of non-edible plants emerging in sculptural form from the nearby drainpipe and other artistic additions to the barrel. The barrel will be decorated and painted by two Mason alumnae along with many volunteers during the upcoming 9/11 Day of Service.

Facilities Land Development team members, who are also responsible for stormwater management, generously provided the rainwater barrel and are sharing their expertise with the project team. This unique initiative supports their goals of public outreach, education, involvement, and participation. The installation is also supported by Facilities Zone 6's plumbing experts. 

Mason Facilities is a proud partner of the Institute for a Sustainable Earth's (ISE) Mason as a Living Lab initiative, utilizing the George Mason campus environment and socio-environmental system as spaces and places of experimentation, research, and education. 

A photo-op during the most recent (7/24) Lunch Project meeting, an initiative led by Ben Ashworth, Sculpture Studio Supervisor, to inspire collaboration, community, and connection to advance impactful, transdisciplinary projects. 

Photo Credit: Jorge Bañales, Photo Lab Tech, Photography, College of Visual and Performing Arts
Story Credit: Yassmin Salem Program Manager, Mason Exhibitions, College of Visual and Performing Arts