Project aims to beautify rain barrels

Being environmentally conscious doesn't have to be a burden.

In fact, going green can be quite beautiful, at least in the minds of a half-dozen Annapolis artists.

For weeks they've been poring over their creations: stately blue herons, whimsical crabs, fat raindrops - all painted on giant plastic barrels.

The barrels, when placed under downspouts, collect rainwater that can be used to water plants and grass. Environmentalists encourage the use of rain barrels as a way to conserve water and reduce the harmful stormwater runoff that damages streams and creeks.

Normally, rain barrels are oversize plastic...