City of Concord Recognizes 2026 Stormwater Art Contest Winners

The City of Concord recognized the winners of the 2026 Stormwater Art Contest, celebrating student creativity while promoting environmental education and bringing awareness to the harmful effects of stormwater pollution.

Mayor Steve Morris and members of City Council recognized this year's winners, Aashna Tandon, a seventh grade student from Harris Road Middle School, and Bhavya Mundra, a fifth grade student from W.R. Odell Elementary School, during the April City Council meeting. Aashna Tandon was also recognized as this year's overall winner across age groups for receiving the highest overall score from the panel of judges.

Following the Council recognition, the City hosted a reception for contest participants at ClearWater Arts Center & Studios. The reception was a time to celebrate the students' creativity and hard work, and for the students and their families to see their artwork on display in a professional gallery.

Members of the public are invited to visit ClearWater Arts Center & Studios during open gallery hours to view the student artwork. The stormwater artwork will be on display through July 20, 2026, and is also available to view on the City's website at ConcordNC.gov/StormwaterArtContest.

The City's annual Stormwater Art Contest invites students to use their artistic talents to highlight the importance of protecting local waterways. Participants learn how everyday actions, like properly disposing of waste and preventing pollutants from entering storm drains, can impact our water quality.

"I want to create awareness in our community to follow best practices on stormwater management in our day-to-day lives," said Aashna Tandon, the 2026 middle school winner. "I truly believe in the idea of 'One Community, One Water, One Goal.'"

Bhavya Mundra, the elementary school winner, shared a similar perspective on the importance of education and awareness. "There are many kids and adults who may not realize what happens to stormwater," Mundra said. "By bringing awareness, we can reduce contamination and help protect our little fish friends."

As part of the Stormwater Art Contest, the 2026 overall winner's artwork will be installed near a storm drain within the city, serving as a colorful and creative reminder that "only rain belongs in storm drains." By combining art and environmental education, this contest continues to inspire students to take an active role in keeping Concord's stormwater system pollution-free.

For more information about the City of Concord's Stormwater Art Contest, visit ConcordNC.gov/StormwaterArtContest.

2026 Stormwater Art Contest Winners, Bhavya Mundra (left) and Aashan Tandon (right) holding their winning artwork.

2026 Stormwater Art Contest Middle School Winner Aashna Tandon (left), Mayor Steve Morris (center), and Elementary School Winner Bhavya Mundra (right) at the April 2026 City Council Meeting