Calling Young Artists Ages 5 - 18!
Artists ages 5 - 18 are invited to create artwork featuring native plants, animals, and landscapes found at the Southeast Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges for the annual Wild Things Youth Art Contest. The competition spotlights the richness of Southeast Louisiana’s native wildlife and habitats through drawing and painting mediums. This program encourages youth to learn more about the natural world found in our own backyard.
Contest Rules
The Wild Things Youth Art Competition is open to two categories: Categories are Drawing (pencil, pen and ink, charcoal, or pastel), and Painting (oils, watercolors, tempera, acrylics or pastel). Artists may submit only one entry. Artwork must be original, recent work, and must not be computer generated. Artwork submitted in a previous year may not be re-entered. Art will be judged in five age groups: 5-7; 8-10; 11-13; 14-16, and 17-18.
Artwork must be at least 8 1/2 " x 11" and cannot be larger than 20" x 24" matted. Artwork must be matted. Artwork must not be framed. Signatures, names, and other text on front of artwork will be disqualified.
Artwork must represent native Louisiana wildlife, i.e. wildlife that is indigenous to Louisiana (plants, animals, landscapes and any combination of these). Entries will be automatically disqualified if they depict exotic or invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Learn more about invasive species (nutria and water hyacinth).
A panel of judges will select first, second, third and honorable mention winners in each category and age group. Ribbons and prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place winners; honorable mention winners will receive ribbons. Award ceremony will be held at Wild Things on Saturday, Oct.12, 2024.
Entry Deadline is Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024
How to enter:
Download an entry form here
Send entries to:
Art Contest /U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
61389 Hwy 434
Lacombe, LA 70445
For more information contact Refuge Ranger Becky Larkins at 985/882-2025 or by email at rebecca_larkins@fws.gov
Wild Things Youth Art Contest is made possible through the generous support of the Friends of Louisiana Wildlife Refuges, Inc.