LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — Gwinnett County high school students can submit original artwork for the 2027 Drops of Color Calendar Art Contest through Sept. 30.

Twelve entries will be selected for inclusion in the Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources calendar, with one chosen for the cover. Winning students are expected to be notified by mid-October.

Artwork must emphasize the importance of safe, clean and reliable water or environmental stewardship in Gwinnett County. Entries should focus on tap water or natural water found in local lakes, rivers and streams. Artwork featuring oceans or bottled water will not be accepted.

Suggested subjects include Gwinnett’s waterways, water conservation, freshwater pollution prevention, drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment and water infrastructure.

The contest is open to Gwinnett County residents enrolled in grades nine through 12 at a public school, private school or homeschool during the 2026-27 school year. Each student may submit one entry, and entries must be created by one student.

All artwork must be original and two-dimensional. AI-generated artwork is prohibited.

Students may use colored pencils, crayons, paint, pastels, photography, non-AI digital art, collages or mixed media. County officials recommend using bright and bold colors because they reproduce more clearly in the printed calendar.

Entries must measure 8.5 by 11 inches and use a horizontal orientation.

The application requires the student’s contact information, a photograph of the artwork, an artistic statement of no more than 50 words and a release signed by a parent or guardian. Applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30.

Students should retain their original artwork after applying. Water Resources staff members will arrange to collect the winning pieces from the students’ schools so they can be professionally photographed for the calendar.

Selected artwork may also be displayed at a Gwinnett County Water Resources facility or event. Winning artists will be recognized with a proclamation during a Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners meeting.

Questions may be directed to DWRSchools@GwinnettCounty.com. Students who cannot submit their artwork digitally should use “Art Calendar Contest” as the subject line when emailing the department for additional submission instructions.