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Colorado Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Artwork Contest Details

What is the goal of the contest?

  • Inform Coloradans about the dangers of lead and how to prevent lead exposure.

Who can enter the contest?

  • All children in K-5th grade.
    • Must attend public, private, parochial, or home school in Colorado.

How many designs can a student submit?

  • Only one entry is allowed per student.

What is the prize?

The top three winners of the artwork contest will:

  • Have their designs featured on various materials such as buttons, stickers, mugs, or tote bags that will be handed out at various events.
  • Receive an e-gift card.
    • 1st place student = $300
    • 2nd place student = $200
    • 3rd place student = $100

Submission requirements

  • Artwork must cover one of these topics:
    • What is lead?
    • How does lead get into our homes?
    • How does lead get into our bodies?
    • How can you prevent coming into contact with lead?
  • Artwork can be any of the following:
    • A drawing - pencil, charcoal, colored pencils, or markers.
    • A painting - oil, acrylic, watercolor, or tempera.
    • A form of mixed media or collage.
    • An original digital creation or photographs.
      • No use of AI of any kind.
      • Copyrighted characters (such as Mickey Mouse), product logos, and trademarked or brand names cannot be used.
  • Submission size of 8.5 x 11 or 11 x 17 is preferred, but all submission sizes will be accepted.

Judging criteria

Designs will be judged on their visual communication, accuracy, and originality. In other words:

  1. Follow submission requirements.
  2. Understand the topic.
  3. Have fun and be creative!

Submission instructions

  • Send artwork and submission form in one of these ways:
    • Via email: cdphe_leadreports@state.co.us
    • Through mail: Colorado Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
      Attn: Amanda Otamendi
      4300 Cherry Creek Dr S
      Denver, CO 80246
  • Submission must be made by a teacher, parent, or legal guardian with a signed submission form.

When is the submission deadline?

  • Entries are due by October 25, 2025.

Teacher incentive

The teachers of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will each receive a $200 e-gift card.

Teacher resources

If you need resources, we can mail you a kit that includes some of the materials you will need to complete the activities within the Lead Curriculum, while supplies last. The materials within the kit include:

  • Blue, purple, red, and green non-toxic glitter.
  • Food coloring.
  • Travel-sized baby powder.
  • Grass seed.

Submit your order here: Lead Curriculum Supply Order Request.

Why should my class participate?

In addition to the winning designs being shared with Coloradans and beyond, the 1st place winner will receive a pizza party to share with the class. Lastly, the Lead Curriculum and Artwork Contest is a great way to bring Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) activities into the classroom!

Lead curriculum

CDPHE has a complete curriculum about lead exposure prevention aimed at grades K-5. We encourage you to make this curriculum work for you. If you have any questions or comments about the curriculum materials, please share them with us. On behalf of the Colorado Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, we appreciate your willingness to help prevent childhood lead poisoning.

Contact ToxCall at (303) 692-2606 or email cdphe_leadreports@state.co.us for additional information.