There are two 1-million-gallon water towers on a hill east of Harrison Boulevard in South Ogden. They've been there for decades, so most people probably don't notice them anymore -- but that's going to change.
To celebrate the city's 75th anniversary, South Ogden is inviting artists to design murals for the water towers.
"Many of us who have grown up here have passed by those things daily, and they've become a part of the landscape," said Christy McBride, special event coordinator for South Ogden. "It will be neat for the community to see them transformed into art pieces."
The towers currently sport a neutral background, with the word "South" on one and "Ogden" on the other. That design was painted on more than 20 years ago.
"They're starting to look run-down and fading, so they needed to be painted anyway," said McBride. "Why not make them something special?"
Interested artists are asked to design murals to cover the front view of each water tower -- a space 116 feet wide by 32 feet tall on each tower.
The design competition is open to professional muralists and amateur artists.
"We want this to be a community project all the way around," said McBride, adding that artists can work individually or as groups. "We're even letting elementary students design."
One child from each grade will win the opportunity to paint a design on a smaller-scale mock tower.
The artist whose design is selected for the million-gallon towers wins $1,500.
Artists, including young designers, must complete an application process for their murals to be considered. Forms and details can be found online at www.southogdencity.com.
The application includes creating scale drawings of the designs, turning in additional artwork that represents the artist's style, and answering some questions about the intent of the mural design.
Applications are due 5 p.m. April 29.
The new murals are being funded, in part, with grants from the Weber Arts Council, the Utah Division of Arts and Museums, RAMP and South Ogden.
But it's going to take a lot of paint and supplies to cover the giant towers, so the city is also hoping people will help sponsor the project. Donors of $250 or more get to vote for their favorite design, sign the towers during the dedication ceremony, and be recognized through a commemorative art piece at City Hall.
The organizers are also looking for volunteers to help with the actual painting.
The new paint job is expected to last another 20 to 30 years.
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