The Young Artists Water Education Poster Contest allows teachers to combine water/science education, individual creativity and artistic skills for a learning activity that meets many learning objectives.
Students from the fourth grade are encouraged to share their artistic talents in creating posters that tell a story about water  in Utah (each year a new theme is given). With the use of crayon, chalk, charcoal, pencil, watercolor paints and ink, students can let their imaginations take over to create fine masterpieces. Teachers and parents can have input in the development of theme and principles upon which the artwork is based, but the rendition of the poster must be accomplished solely by the student.

Judging of the posters starts in the classroom. Each teacher chooses a winner from their class.  The school then determines one winner for the school (teachers and PTA members judging). Each winning poster from participating schools is then sent to the Utah Division of Water Resources where a state winner is chosen for each of the eleven river basins. Winners are awarded individual trophies, a school traveling plaque and they will be honored at the Water Education Awards Banquet.

For more information on the Young Artists Water Education Poster Contest, contact the Water Education Coordinator for the Division of Water Resources at 801-538-7299

will run from December 1st, 2009 through February 27th, 2010. The poster needs to be post marked by February 27th at 5 pm.

Download offical rules and entry form:
Entry form packet
Official Entry Form

1. Entries must relate to 2010 theme, Water Works
2. Poster size to be from 11” x 17” to 22” x 28”
Entries smaller than 11” x 17” are NOT eligible!
3.Entries will be judged on basis of concept first and creative thought, sound principles and artistic rendition second. Teacher and parental input is acceptable in development of theme and principles upon which artwork is based. Artistic rendition should be done solely by student. Combined entries by two or more students are not eligible.
4.An entry form must be completed for each state level entry including student and teacher or parent signatures, and taped on the back of entry.
5. Entries become property of the Utah Division of Water Resources. They may be used by the organization for educational purposes.
6. Entries accompanied by $4 postage and handling fee will be returned to students.
7. Each Utah elementary school may submit one entry for state judging. Schools submitting more than one poster will be disqualified.
8. Each participant will receive a certificate.
9. Teachers are responsible for judging at classroom level. They may request assistance from PTA volunteers, community artists and/or local water experts.
10. State level judging is under the direction of the Division of Water Resources. Judging will be completed without referencing names or schools. One winner per river basin will be chosen.
11. All state entries must be postmarked by February 27, 2010, to qualify for state judging.

Definition of Terms
1. Drawing: Crayon, chalk, charcoal, pencil, ink or any other medium used for drawing or sketching.
2. Painting: Any appropriate paint such as tempera, oil, watercolor.
3. Collage: Materials deemed suitable by art teachers. Collage composition should be secure enough to travel. Because of rough handling in the mail and effects of climatic changes, collages are discouraged
4. Printmaking: All graphic processes such as linoleum cuts, serigraphs.
River Basin Winners will be honored at the Water Education Awards Banquet on May 1st. Each Basin winner will receive a $150 savings bond. The winning schools will receive $125. Transportation and housing will be at winner’s expense. Individual trophies and school plaques will be awarded.

Map of the river basins. (see where your school is)
List of Basins and the schools inside each basin