A close-up of Nathan Zimmerman's grand prize winner, "Early to Rise at Sundown."

Nathan Zimmerman’s grand prize winner, “Early to Rise at Sundown.”

The competitions are held annually to highlight the environmental and economic benefits of rain barrels, large containers that collect thousands of gallons of rain water a year from roofs and downspouts. DNREC hopes to educate the community and encourage people to use rain barrels to reduce rainwater runoff and improve water quality.

Youth Division Finalist, Saint Thomas More Academy (Kara Scarangella)’s submission, “Tiki – H2o Progenitor”

Grand Prize Winner, Nathan Zimmerman, of Milton, Del.’s, piece (right), “Early to Rise at Sundown,” will eventually be used at Woodburn, the Governor’s Residence in Dover, Del.

The five finalists in the youth division will be voted on and displayed, along with Zimmerman’s barrel, at the DNREC building during the Delaware State Fair.

Twenty participants, teams and individuals, were chosen to participate based on their applications, and each received a primed 55-gallon barrel, topcoat, bubble wrap, and five weeks to finish; the rest was up to the artists.

Water collected from rain barrels can be used for chores you would normally use a hose for, like watering lawns and gardens, and cleaning your car. Plus, they help lower water bills.

Visit the Delaware Watersheds website for more information, and to see all of the finalists from the 2016 competition, and past year’s finalists and winners.