Geneva Fire Hydrants Become New Medium For Local Artists

GENEVA—If you take a walk around Geneva, you’ll notice that not every fire hydrant is red. Some look like dogs, or like Santas or like Minions.

The city hopes that more red hydrants disappear and become colorful works art of this summer as part of Geneva’s Art on Fire initiative.

The project, which allows residents to adopt and paint a hydrant, began in 2013. Art on Fire was the dream project of Mayor Kevin Burns, who wanted to bring art out into the community.

“We chose fire hydrants as a unique canvas to accomplish this mission,” said Geneva Communications Director Kevin Stahr.

Since kicking off the project eight years ago, more than 100 decorated hydrants have been peppered throughout the community, engaging walkers and neighbors as they mill about.

“We want to give the artist, whether professional or not, an opportunity to get outside and take on a new activity,” Stahr said, noting the project has been very well received. What originated as a downtown art project began to spread throughout the city.

Not only do participants have a chance to see their art displayed to the world, they are also competing for a prize. The top three artist will be awarded a prize by the city’s Cultural Arts Commission. Artists have the entire summer to complete their projects.

But, don’t get your paint brushes ready just yet. Those wishing to paint a local hydrant must get the design and location approved by the city. Stahr said this is to make sure the hydrants remain visible to emergency workers.

“If it’s night and someone can’t find the hydrant, that’s a problem, Stahr said. But he noted that only about two applications were not approved since Art on Fire’s inception.

For more information about the project, to see a map of all painted hydrants and to apply to paint your own hydrant visit the Art on Fire website.