Local fourth and fifth-grade students are putting their hearts into conservation – one brush stroke at a time. Their crafting inspirational artwork to be featured in two OUC-sponsored calendars for 2026.
A student from Andover Elementary in Orlando works on a drawing for the Water Color Project.
Since 2006, The Water Color Project, a creative collaboration between OUC and Orange County Public Schools, has turned students into water-saving champions with paintbrushes, crayons and markers in hand. Fourth and fifth graders dive into conservation, then bring it to life through inspiring illustrations that teach the community why every drop counts. Meanwhile, middle and high schoolers take it up a notch by transforming ordinary rain barrels into stunning works of art. These one-of-a-kind rain barrels are showcased at local art exhibits and then auctioned off – with the proceeds benefitting the visual arts program at the student’s school. From classroom to canvas to community impact, these students are drawing and painting a brighter, bluer future!
Students from Lakeview Elementary School in St. Cloud show off their energy conservation themed creations.
In the Watts Savings Project, students from the School District of Osceola County are turning energy smarts into eye-catching art! Since 2024, this hands-on initiative has empowered young minds to explore energy efficiency and express their ideas through creative, conservation-themed illustrations.
Each year, OUC employees select 13 standout pieces for both the water conservation and energy conservation calendars – transforming student artwork into tools for community awareness.
Featured artists get their moment to shine at a spring awards ceremony, where creativity and community spirit take center stage.
Complimentary 2026 calendars will be available free to the community in January – just in time to kick off a new year of conservation and inspiration.
