Every year, thousands of Orange County Public School students learn the art of conserving water by participating in OUC’s Water Color Project. The education outreach initiative seeks to inspire students in grades 4 through 12 to create artworks depicting themes related to water conservation.
Elementary students enter drawings for the 13 display pages on OUC’s Water Conservation Calendar, with judging by OUC, CityArts Factory and OCPS staff deciding the cover and monthly art placements. Middle and high school students working as teams paint rain barrels that are judged in six categories — Best Rain Barrel Overall, Best Water Conservation Theme, Best Florida Theme, Best Orlando/Orange County Theme, Best Environmental/Eco-Friendly Theme and CityArts Factory’s choice. All rain barrels are typically entered into a silent auction among OUC employees and OCPS staff. This year, we have opened the bidding to the public with our first-ever virtual rain barrel auction! Proceeds directly benefit the Orange County Public Schools Visual Arts Department. Check out the entries and instructions for bidding below. The auction will be live through Friday, June 14.