Wildlife of Arkansas
Student Art Contest
Announcement of the 2024 Art Contest coming soon!
About the Student Art Contest
The theme Wildlife of Arkansas acknowledges the natural beauty of Arkansas by providing the perfect inspiration for students to explore their natural surroundings and their artistic abilities. The term wildlife is not limited to animals, but can also include plants, wildflowers, or landscapes. For more detail, read the Guidelines for Artwork below.
The Wildlife of Arkansas Student Art Contest is made possible by the Arkansas Wildlife Federation, with support from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, guidance from the creative folks at Creative Ideas, invaluable volunteers, and the expertise of professional judges.
The contest is held each school year with a deadline for submissions in the spring. Information for the 2024 contest will be publicized in fall/winter of 2023. Keep an eye on AWF’s social media and website for opening announcements.
Guidelines for Artwork
- Contest is FREE and open to K–12th grade students in Arkansas.
- One entry per student is accepted.
- Artwork must be the student’s original work completed in the current school year.
- Artwork must feature Arkansas-native plants, wildlife, and/or landscapes. Artwork featuring plants, wildlife, or landscapes that are not native to Arkansas will be disqualified.
- All submissions must be titled.
The art contest is virtual with judging done via photographs that are submitted online.
Medium can be oil, acrylic, charcoal, pastel, watercolor, graphite, ink, and mixed media on canvas, wood, paper, or poster board no larger than 24″x32″.
IMPORTANT TIPS FOR SUBMITTING ARTWORK:
- Do your research and make sure your subject species or landscape is native to Arkansas.
- Be sure your artwork is titled.
- Check that all information entered (name, address, email, etc.) is complete and accurate.
- Avoid listing school email accounts that may reject notification emails from AWF.
Three tips for taking awesome pictures of your artwork:
#1 Use good lighting- the best is non-direct outside lighting. No glare or shadows.
#2 Make sure it’s in focus and flat.
#3 Edit it…but do it sparingly. (Crop it, adjust lighting, etc., just make sure the image represents your actual artwork!)
For more tips on how to photograph your artwork check out this video:
Judging
Artwork is submitted online and judged based on 3 criteria: creativity, skill, and interpretation of the theme. A panel of professional artists will select 4 winners in each grade, including 1st place, 2nd place, 3rd place, and honorable mention.
In addition, one Best of Show winner will be selected within the following grade categories: Grade School (K-4th grade), Middle School (5th-6th grade), Jr. High (7th-8th grade), and High School (9th-12th grades).
Recognition of Winners
Winning artwork will be part of a traveling art exhibition showcased at locations around the state, beginning at the Arkansas State Capitol in Little Rock where student winners will be recognized at a reception. Artwork will also be featured in the summer issue of Arkansas Out of Doors magazine, the official publication of Arkansas Wildlife Federation. Each winner will be mailed a copy of the magazine featuring their winning artwork.
Event Disclaimer
Judges decisions are final.
Arkansas Wildlife Federation reserves the right to reproduce submitted artwork for informational and promotional purposes.
*Important: Teacher, parent, and/or student are responsible for properly entering artwork into the correct grade levels and ensuring all contest criteria are met. For questions, please contact Sim Barrow, sbarrow@arwild.org.