6 Artists Awarded As Part Of 2022 'Art On Fire' Hydrant Contest

GENEVA, IL — Six artists have been recognized for their contribution to Geneva's "Art on Fire" hydrant design competition at Monday's City Council meeting.

Every year, the City of Geneva, in collaboration with the Cultural Arts Commission, hosts a design competition that allows artists to adopt and paint fire hydrants throughout the community.

In the 2022 competition, Kristine Metoyer took the top prize for her hydrant, titled "Flowers in Bloom," located at the corner of Sixth and Franklin streets, near Liberty Park.

Louisa, Lianna and Chiara Surtz's "Floating on Flowers" hydrant, which can be found at the intersection of Fourth and Franklin streets, earned second place, while Carole and Ethan Ellermeir's hydrant on Second and Hamilton streets, called "Boba Frett, Litterbug Bounty Hunter," came away in third place.

A sixth artist, Emilia Amaya, won in the International Cultural Exchange Committee category for her "The Great Getaway" hydrant at Brigham Way and Fargo Boulevard.

Since the contest's inception in 2013, more than 120 hydrants have been painted, including eight this year — four of which won awards. In 2021, another four hydrants were painted, whereas none were decorated the year prior due to the pandemic.

A virtual tour of all painted hydrants can be found on the city's website.