Local Puget Sound artists will flock to downtown Keyport Thursday to turn storm drains into public art.

The Kitsap County Public Works’ Stormwater Division is putting on the Art for Clean Water event from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., to emphasize the link between storm drains and surface waters, and to help connect the community to its local water resources.

“We want to paint the picture that pollutants that make their way into storm drains end up in our local waters, affecting water quality, habitat and wildlife,” Michelle Perdue, stormwater monitoring and outreach manager, said in a news release.

“The Keyport community is the perfect location for this project with its walkable streets, enthusiastic community response and direct connection to our natural waterways.”

The artists were selected by a committee that reviewed a dozen submissions of proposed artwork on storm drains. Spectators are encouraged to watch the artwork take shape, support the artists and vote for their favorite completed design at kcowa.us/stormdrainartvote.

For more information about the event, call 360-337-5777. Submitted ideas can be viewed online at kcowa.us/artforcleanwater.