Boulder County's young artists have a fresh canvas to express their appreciation for an essential resource: water. The Keep It Clean Partnership (KICP) is inviting students in Boulder County to participate in the 2025 Boulder St. Vrain Watershed Art Contest, celebrating its fourth year. Cristina Ramirez, KICP Coordinator, announced that the contest is now open for K-12 students residing or schooled within the county. Artists are prompted to interpret, "I am grateful for water because...", a theme intended to provoke contemplation about our interactions with water in the local environment, according to Boulder County.
Last year's contest seemed to strike a chord, attracting over 200 students from 50 schools who shared their experiences alongside friends, family, and the natural world within the watershed. "The Keep it Clean Partnership is excited to host another round of this student art contest, which brings out amazing creativity in our community’s students," Ramirez told Boulder County. Participation is free, and, with no cost to enter, the contest opens doors for all young artists to showcase their work and perhaps win prizes while reflecting on the importance of water.
Contest winners will be chosen across four grade divisions, with a panel of judges determining the top three per category. Grades K-2 and 3-5 enjoy rewards such as $75, $50, and $25 in art supplies and gift cards for the first, second, and third places, respectively. Meanwhile, older students in grades 6-8 and 9-12 can win cash prizes of $100, $75, and $50. These incentives not only recognize the efforts of young talent but also foster a continued passion for the arts and environmental awareness.
Entrants must submit a single piece of two-dimensional artwork on an 8.5-by-11-inch sheet of paper, alongside a sentence expressing their gratitude for water. Acceptable media include crayons, markers, pencils, paints, pastels, fabric, watercolor, chalk, and collage, although photographs and digital creations are not eligible. According to Ramirez's engagement, kids can submit pieces in either English or Spanish through the contest form. Contest details and alternative submission methods can be found on the dedicated website. Those with inquiries can reach out directly to Ramirez for further discussion or clarification.
The occasion persists as part of KICP's broader mission to bolster watershed health across Boulder, Lafayette, Louisville, Longmont, and the town of Superior, alongside Boulder County itself. Submissions for this year's art contest must be in by Sunday, Nov. 9, at precisely 11:59 PM Mountain Time, ensuring all participants have ample opportunity to craft their visual stories before the deadline.
