Young artists invited to showcase utility heroes in art contest

Calling all young artists! The coolest trucks in town need your help telling their story, and there are some seriously awesome prizes waiting for the best submissions. The Roseville Utilities Youth Art Contest is back for 2025, and this year's theme is guaranteed to get kids excited: "Roseville Utility Trucks in Action." These aren't just any ordinary vehicles — they're the superheroes of the streets, keeping our community clean, safe and running like clockwork. Think about it: Garbage trucks swooping in to save the day from overflowing bins, electrical line trucks reaching sky-high to keep the lights on, and water trucks ensuring every tap flows smoothly. Now it's time for these hardworking heroes to get the spotlight they deserve through the eyes of Roseville's most creative minds. Three ways to make your truck shine Contest organizers have cooked up three exciting approaches to spark young imaginations: Power Poses are all about making your chosen truck the star of the show. Picture a mighty garbage truck flexing its bin-lift muscles against a brilliant sunrise, or an electrical truck standing proud with its boom extended like a superhero's cape. Team Effort artwork should capture the magic of trucks working together. Imagine a vactor truck and electrical line truck as the ultimate dynamic duo, parked side-by-side with all their equipment ready to tackle whatever challenge comes their way. In Action pieces should show these mechanical marvels doing what they do best. Whether it's an electrical truck reaching toward power lines or a street sweeper making the roads sparkle, these trucks are always on the move. Four chances to win big The contest welcomes artists from across the age spectrum with four categories: 4 and under, 5 to 8 years old, 9 to 12 and 13 to 17. That means everyone from tiny tots with their first crayons to high school artists can join the fun. Here's where it gets really exciting: Roseville Utilities staff will choose three finalists from each age group based on creativity, originality and how well the artwork captures the contest theme. Then the real fun begins — those finalists go head-to-head in a Community Choice vote on social media, where the entire community gets to pick their favorites. The nitty-gritty details parents need to know Before your young artist gets started, here are the must-know rules: All artwork needs to be created on 11-inch by 8.5-inch paper in landscape orientation (think horizontal rectangle, not vertical). Sorry, portrait-style submissions won't make the cut, and digital art or AI creations are off-limits — this contest is all about hands-on creativity. Don't forget the most important part: The artwork must include the name of a utility or utility truck somewhere in the design. And parents, make sure to include all the contact information on the back or on a separate sheet: artist's name, age, address, plus parent or guardian name, email, address and phone number. All submissions must be received or postmarked by Wednesday, Aug. 6. Email submissions are a no-go, so plan for an in-person drop-off or mail delivery. Community Choice winners will score big with baskets full of art supplies and exclusive Roseville Utilities merchandise you can't get anywhere else. But here's the best part — all finalists receive framed certificates and get their artwork featured in a 12-month calendar that families across Roseville will treasure. Drop off or mail artwork to: Utility Exploration Center Youth Art Contest, 1501 Pleasant Grove Blvd., Roseville, CA 95747. Questions? Reach out to pkkrug@roseville.ca.us. This contest is more than just an art competition, it's a chance for young people to celebrate the everyday heroes that keep our city running smoothly while showcasing their incredible talents. So grab those art supplies and let's see Roseville's utility trucks through fresh, creative eyes. Discovering family-friendly destinations and adventures beyond our backyard. For questions or comments, email Jessica at jessicah@goldcountrymedia.com.