Contest Overview:
- Who: Students Grades 9-12
- What: Must be a colored sketch in a square shape to be transferred to the 5×5 panel
- When: Submissions Due December 1st!
- Where: 15431 Fitzhugh Road – Dripping Springs Personal Warehouse
- How: Submit a Hand-drawn Colored Sketch
- Cost: NONE! We supply all the paints and materials to Winners
- Eligibility: Dripping Springs and Surrounding community Students, grades 9-12; Plus an Open Class for recent graduates, younger submissions, and adult submissions
- 10 Talented Winners & $2K in prize Money & Community Recognition
“We wanted to turn this tank into something that reflects the creativity, pride, and identity of the Hill Country,” said Steve Garrison, Founder of Personal Warehouse. “It’s about showcasing local talent in a way that lasts.”
Dripping Springs Personal Warehouse Water Tank Art Contest
Dripping Springs Personal Warehouse Launches “Water Tank Art Contest” for Local Students Grades 9–12
Dripping Springs Personal Warehouse®, located at 15431 Fitzhugh Road, has announced an exciting new community art initiative giving local high school students the opportunity to make a lasting mark on the Hill Country skyline.
The Water Tank Art Contest invites students to design original artwork to be painted on 10 large panels (each approximately 60″ x 60″) of a prominent on-site metal water tank. The project celebrates creativity, community pride, and the spirit of Dripping Springs.
Total prizes of $1,500 will be awarded, including a People’s Choice Award, City Lifestyle Magazine Award, Developer’s Award, Chamber of Commerce Award, and a Mystery Judge Award, among others.
Entries will be accepted through November 14, with winners celebrated at a Community Painting & Reveal Event in December.
Local high school students are invited to submit original artwork celebrating “The Spirit of the Hill Country.” Ten submissions will be selected to be painted on individual 60” x 60” metal panels located prominently on the Dripping Springs Personal Warehouse site.
Art should celebrate Hill Country themes — nature, heritage, innovation, or community life. Designs must be original and suitable for public display. Collaborative team entries (up to 3 students) are allowed.
The sketch serves as the design concept and guide for the final piece that will be painted on the tank. It does not have to be a fully rendered painting, but it should clearly convey the intended composition, color palette, and overall vision for the final artwork. Students should aim for a colored hand sketch that illustrates the principal elements and layout so the judges can visualize what the finished piece will look like once scaled up. During the painting phase, artists will have the chance to refine details and adapt to the surface conditions under supervision.
Think of it like an architect’s rendering or storyboard, clear, intentional, and expressive, but not necessarily the fully polished end product.
Regardless of paper size, the drawing will need to be in square format, which can easily be transferred to the final 5’x5’ painting.
Eligibility: Open to all high school students (grades 9–12) residing in or attending school within:
- Dripping Springs ISD
- Lake Travis ISD
- Bee Cave area
- Local Private, Charter, or Homeschool Programs
Plus an Open Class for recent graduates, younger submissions, and adult submissions.
Awards & Prizes
| Award | Prize | Description |
|---|---|---|
| People’s Choice Award | $500 | Selected by community voting on social media |
| City Lifestyle Magazine Choice | $250 | Chosen by the City Lifestyle Dripping Springs editorial team |
| Developer’s Choice | $250 | Selected by the Personal Warehouse® development team |
| Chamber of Commerce | $250 | Chosen by the Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce |
| Mystery Guest Judge | $250 | Awarded by a special guest (TBD) |
| Up to 5 Runner-Ups | $100 each | Additional designs selected for permanent display on remaining panels |
Timeline
| Phase | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Submission Period | December 1, 2025 | ALL SUBMISSIONS DUE. Original concepts accepted via on-site drop-off. |
| Judging & Voting | December 5, 2025 | People’s Choice Judging begins. Committee review and community voting. |
| Winner Announcement | December 11, 2025 | Winners Announced! (on-site and online) |
| Painting | January 5, 2026 | All paintings to be completed. |
| Reveal Event | January 8, 2026 | Unveiling Party! On-site community painting and awards celebration. |
Submission Details
All entries must include:
- Student name, grade, and school
- Artwork title
- Artist statement (≤100 words)
- Colored hand sketch of the design (8.5×11 or 11×17)
- Electronic photo or scan (JPG/PNG ≤10MB)
- Parent/guardian consent (if under 18)
Drop-Off Location for Original Artwork:
Dripping Springs Personal Warehouse, Unit 106
15431 Fitzhugh Road, Dripping Springs, TX 76114
For more information, to receive updates on the project, and/or to coordinate drop-off please email Tawney Stedman, RED Commercial Real Estate
Tawney@RedCommercialRE.com | 512-960-6261
Please note: You must also submit your original artwork (hand sketch of the design) at the Drop-Off Location listed above.
Artwork Submission Form
Please use the secure form below to submit your artwork.
All fields are required.
Painting Parameters
- Surface Dimensions: Approx. 60” x 60” per panel (10 total panels)
- Material: Primed metal tank panels (sponsor will handle priming)
- Theme: “The Spirit of the Hill Country”
- Medium: Exterior-grade paints only (paint list and recommendations forthcoming). Sponsor will provide all painting materials.
- Approved Colors: A provided palette of pre-approved exterior colors must be used (students may propose tone variations). Artists will mix colors to meet their design.
- Inspiration Access: Participants are invited to visit the site to view their ‘canvas’ prior to submission
- Painting Event: Winners will recreate their designs on-site with guidance from the project team