
In a splash of creativity for a cause, the Public Works Department of San Marcos is reaching out to the local young Picassos and Frida Kahlos for an artistic contribution. Their latest initiative, the "What Goes Here Flows Here 2025" calendar contest, isn't just about pretty pictures—it's about the starker reality of preventing stormwater pollution and preserving the water quality of spaces like the San Marcos River. Kids and teens from grades K-12 across the San Marcos area aren't just invited but encouraged to put their artistic chops on display by submitting their environmentally-themed masterpieces by the June 30, deadline.
According to the City of San Marcos, with a chance to flaunt their creativity and get an eco-conscious message across, these student artists need to make sure they stick to the guidelines. Entries need to be original and hand-created with a medley of materials from crayons to fabric allowed and must be focused on themes like "only rain down the drain," because after all, what splashes onto the streets can ripple into the ecosystems we covet, it all ends up where it shouldn't; the contest demands one-of-a-kind submissions on 8 ½ by 11-inch paper or poster in landscape format—and let's not forget, each student can only submit one piece of artwork.
Parents and educators, mark your calendars and nudge those kids—winners of the contest will see their thought-provoking art featured in the very calendar that aims to raise awareness about such pressing environmental issues, as per the city's official call for submissions on their website. The fine print? Submitted art becomes city property, meaning it won't be returned, so snap a picture for the fridge before sending it off.