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 education (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 submits one winner from their class, the school then determines one winner for the school (teachers and PTA members judging). Each winning poster from participating schools are then sent to the Water Education committee where a state winner is found 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 January 2nd through March 1st. The poster will be due no later then March 1st at 5 pm.

Download offical rules and entry form:
Entry form packet

1. Entries must relate to 2008 theme, The Water Cycle
2. Art 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, but such assistance must result in
student’s understanding of end thoughts and principles.
Artistic rendition to be accomplished solely by
student. Combined entries by two or more students
are not eligible.
4. Official 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 $3 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 school. One
winner per river basin will be chosen.
11. All state entries must reach the Division of Water
Resources listed on Entry Form by March 1, 2008, 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, some collages are not
recommended for mailing.
4. Printmaking: All graphic processes such as linoleum
cuts, serigraphs.
River Basin Winners will be honored at the Water
Education Awards Banquet on May 3rd at the Living
Planet Aquarium. Each Basin winner will receive a
$150 savings bond. The winning schools will receive
$125. Transportation and housing at winner’s expense.
Individual trophy 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