The Arkansas Wildlife Federation (AWF) is thrilled to announce the launch of its tenth annual Wildlife of Arkansas Student Art Contest, a unique initiative that combines wildlife education with artistic expression. Over the past decade, this contest has successfully encouraged students in grades K-12 to explore and celebrate the diverse wildlife that Arkansas has to offer.
The contest utilizes an online submission process, providing a convenient platform for students, teachers, and parents to submit photographs of their artwork. This accessible approach has significantly increased participation, allowing a broader audience to engage with the contest. An expert panel of jurors is responsible for selecting the top three artworks per grade, along with the prestigious Best in Show award.
Terri Lane, Executive Director at AWF, expresses enthusiasm for the upcoming contest, stating, “This year, we look forward to engaging more Arkansas youth from across the state. By connecting students to wildlife and the outdoors through direct observation and recollection, we hope to inspire children and communities to learn about and appreciate the amazing diversity of wildlife our state has to offer.”
The 2023 Best in Show award was granted to “Mockingbirds and Apple Blossom” by Meiman Li from The Baptist Preparatory School in Little Rock.
One highlight of the contest is the opportunity to showcase the winning artworks through an exhibit at the state capitol, which will later travel to nature centers and other public locations throughout Arkansas. This initiative is supported by lead sponsor, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC), as well as the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), with special thanks to the contest founders at Creative Ideas.
AGFC Nature Centers, which are free of charge, serve as excellent venues to learn about native species and display the winning artwork. The Centers offer a variety of educational opportunities for families to explore nature and gain a deeper understanding of the natural world.
Winners in each grade will be awarded certificates and receive an invitation to attend an awards reception at the Arkansas State Capitol in Little Rock, AR. The winning artworks will be featured in the 2024 summer issue of Arkansas Out of Doors magazine, the official publication of the Arkansas Wildlife Federation.
Submissions for the contest will open on January 15, 2024, and must be submitted by March 29. The Wildlife of Arkansas Student Art Contest is open to all K-12 students living in Arkansas and is free of charge. Artwork must prominently feature Arkansas native wildlife, plants, and/or landscapes.
For detailed contest rules, resources, and submission details, interested participants can visit www.arwild.org/art-contest.
The mission of the Arkansas Wildlife Federation is to ensure a thriving future for Arkansas wildlife. To learn more about AWF and its initiatives, visit www.arwild.org.
