Youth Art Contest

Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art

Our 28th Annual NSCNA Youth Art Contest is OPEN NOW!! This year’s youth art contest encourages entrants to take a step back and focus on an entire habitat, rather than a specific animal—we’re talking about ecosystems! By definition, an ecosystem is a community of living organisms in combination with the nonliving components of their environment, working together. This can include the animals, weather, plants, and landscapes that all combine to make a cohesive habitat.

Ideally, each entry will contain at least one animal and plant life surrounded by a habitat that suits them. For example, a great white shark depicted in a small pond, surrounded by lily-pads and crayfish would not follow the theme, while a great white shark depicted in a vast, open ocean with clownfish and seaweed floating around would follow the theme. Note: while a piece that does not follow the theme may not be disqualified, the judges may not give it high marks. Good luck, artists!

Forms are available online at nedsmithcenter.org!

Artists will be divided by grade into four categories: grades 1-3, grades 4-6, grades 7-9, and grades 10-12. Prizes will be awarded in each category: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and Honorable Mention. One piece will be awarded Best in Show. Winners will be announced at the end of July at the Center’s annual Nature and Arts Festival.