More than 300 elementary schools and 40,000 fourth- and fifth-graders have participated in the OUC’s annual calendar design competition over the two decades of the Water Color Project’s existence. | Courtesy Orlando Utilities Commission
Pablo Picasso once said: “Every child is an artist.” For the last 20 years, Orlando Utilities Commission has recruited these bright young creatives to produce one-of-a-kind works for adornment of colorful conservation calendars and decorative yet practical rain barrels.
The eco-friendly Water Color Project is part of OUC’s educational outreach partnership with Orange County Public Schools. It’s designed to engage elementary schoolers through high schoolers—and hopefully the rest of us as well—in efforts to promote stewardship of the planet and preservation of natural resources.
More than 300 elementary schools and 40,000 fourth- and fifth-graders have participated in the annual calendar design competition over the two decades of its existence. Middle schoolers and high schoolers participate in the similarly themed rain barrel competition and can work in teams of up to five using paint and barrels provided by OUC.
All calendar submissions must be created without the use of computers or digital tools. The artwork is selected by staffers at the utility, dubbed “The Reliable One,” based upon attention to creativity, originality and how effectively the piece communicates its conservation message.
For the 2026 calendar competition, a fifth-grader who hails from Pinar Elementary landed the cover position with her work-themed “Protect Mother Nature.” Other winning calendar artists were from Aloma Elementary, Arbor Ridge K8, Bay Lake Elementary, Blankner School, Bonneville Elementary, Endeavor Elementary and Waterbridge Elementary.
For the 2026 rain barrel competition, students from Dr. Phillips High School won Best Barrel Overall. Other winners included Kelly Park School (Most Creative Barrel), Timber Creek High School (Best City of Orlando/Orange County Theme), Lake Nona High School (Best Florida Theme), Horizon West Middle School (Best Conservation Theme) and Jones High School (Social Media Favorite). Yet to be determined is the CityArts Favorite.
“The heart of this initiative is authentic student expression, allowing each child’s imagination and unique perspective on water conservation to shine through in a genuine, personal way,” says Karlene Santiago, OUC’s senior community engagement coordinator.
Continues Santiago: “What impresses me most is the honesty and originality that shine through in the students’ artwork. Their designs are imaginative, thoughtful and full of personality—offering a genuine window into how they see water and the world around them.”
A rain barrel auction, which will launch in June and run through July, is open to the entire community. All proceeds raised go directly back to the participating schools’ art programs, helping to strengthen and support arts education.
“Rain barrels offer a simple and effective way for homes and businesses to capture and reuse rainwater that can be used for watering gardens, landscaping, washing cars or rinsing outdoor tools and equipment—everyday tasks that don’t require drinking water,” notes Santiago. “It’s an easy, impactful step anyone can take to support sustainability in everyday life.”
Calendars can be picked up at OUC headquarters, Reliable Plaza, at 100 West Anderson Street, Orlando. Visit ouc.com/community/focus-areas/water-color-project for more information on how to participate.
For the 2026 calendar competition, a fifth-grader who hails from Pinar Elementary landed the cover position with her work-themed Protect Mother Nature. Other winning calendar artists were from Aloma Elementary, Arbor Ridge K8, Blankner School, Bonneville Elementary, Endeavor Elementary and Waterbridge Elementary. A winner from Bay Ridge Elementary is not pictured. | Courtesy Orlando Utilities Commission
