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The California Arts Council is partnering with the Department of Water Resources in a student poster contest meant to raise awareness about water conservation. Students around the state in the 4th and 5th grade are invited to create posters for the Conservation Creativity Challenge that illustrate fun and unique ways to conserve water as the California faces a stifling drought.

Winners will receive prizes and the opportunity to have their artwork displayed in the California State Capitol building.

“The arts offer a unique way to illuminate reality,” Craig Watson, Director of the California Arts Council, said in a press release. “Utilizing the arts and creativity through this classroom poster contest will deepen student engagement and understanding about water conservation in California. We hope the Conservation Creativity Challenge contest will help students engage with these important conservation values in new and fun ways.”

Details about the contest are available at www.arts.ca.gov/conservation. The deadline for entries is March 31, 2015.

“In light of the current, severe drought it is more important than ever to encourage all Californians to develop lifelong resource stewardship habits,” said Michelle Robinson, Water Education Specialist at the California Department of Water Resources, in a press release. “The Conservation Creativity Challenge is a great way for students everywhere to get involved and share their ideas about saving water every day.”