Water Keeps Life Flowing

Illinois American Water is excited to announce our “Water Keeps Life Flowing” Art Contest!

Now more than ever, it is important to educate our next generation about our water systems. The Illinois American Water plays a critical role in students’ daily lives by providing water service that supports handwashing, laundry, meals, and dishwashing, as well as many essential jobs like firefighting, healthcare, and so much more.

Contest Rules and Guidelines

ELIGIBILITY

The contest is open to third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students in schools served by Illinois American Water. The contest can serve as a classroom project, and individual submissions from students who live within the company’s service territory are also welcomed.

THEME

Entries should reflect positive messages about how water keeps your life flowing. Remind students how critical water is to daily life. We need water to grow gardens and manufacture products. We also need water to fight fires and for public health.

ARTWORK

All artwork must be the student’s original work. Distribute the enclosed flyer to your students. Ask them to draw a picture within the box and write one sentence BELOW the artwork, which describes why our water systems are important and/or what reliable, safe water service means to them. Acceptable media are paint (watercolors or oil), colored pencils (preferred), markers or pastels.

ENTRY FORM

Please ensure the teacher’s full name and student’s full name are clearly written on the flyer but not within the artwork area. Do not attach entry forms with paper clips or staples, which can damage the artwork.

RIGHTS TO ARTWORK

Without exception, all submissions become property of Illinois American Water. Through submission of artwork, the student, their legal guardian, teacher, and school grant non-exclusive reproduction and publication rights to the works submitted, which will not be returned. The artwork and identifying information like name, school, etc. will be featured on future Illinois American Water marketing materials and other communications.

DEADLINE TO APPLY

All entries must be postmarked by Thursday, October 24, 2024. We are not responsible for entries that are late or lost in the mail. Please mail to:
Marisa Markowski
Illinois American Water
1000 Internationale Parkway
Woodridge, IL 60517

MAILING

Entries must be mailed flat or rolled in a tube - no folding, please! If mailing flat, please be sure to use cardboard or a similar material to protect the artwork.

JUDGING

The judges will consider creative vision, artistic talent, and understanding of water systems. Winners will be announced in November. Illinois American Water reserves the right to not award a winner if no entry merits such designation. Past winning artwork can be found on our @ilamwater Facebook page.

PRIZES

Up to ten winners will be selected statewide. The winners will earn their classroom a $100 donation. Funds may be used to purchase supplies or hold a celebration for the class.

MORE INFORMATION

Contact Marisa Markowski at Marisa.Markowski@amwater.com or visit our online learning center at: www.illinoisamwater.com
Art contest guidelines and application can be found here.

Artwork completed by 2022 Contest Winners.
Left/Top: Marie U.
Right/Bottom: Natalie K.