In 2005, Groundwork Bridgeport spearheaded an Oil Drum Art project in the city.  Oil Drum Art is an initiative to beautify parks, gardens, and towns by taking 55 gallon steel drums out of the environment and making them into colorful and decorative planters.

The Groundwork Bridgeport staff worked with students in Bridgeport and the Music and Arts Center for Humanity to decorate the oil drums.  The drums used for the project never contained oil, but contained confectioner’s lube, which was used to make Mounds and Almond Joy candy bars in Naugatuck, CT.  Once the drums were cut and decorated, they were used as planters and placed in locations around Bridgeport.   Some of the original decorated oil drums can still be seen at locations such as Harding High School.

The project was a lot of fun and really contributed to the beautification of Bridgeport.  Oil Drum Art has become a popular movement in other cities.  To learn more about the program visit: http://www.oildrumart.org. 

 
More of the creative Oil Drum Art done by the Music and Arts Center for Humanity as well as other students in Bridgeport.