Member Art Contest

Member Art Contest

A Creative Contest for Members-Only!

Let your inspiration take flight this fall. The National Aviary is calling on YOUR creative talents! Now is the chance to submit your own original artwork, inspired by your favorite National Aviary residents, into our Members-only contest!

Contest winners will be invited to a special Animal Ambassador Meet and Greet and be featured in an upcoming issue of the Members-only digital publication: Nest News! The best part? Winning artwork will be made into one-of-a-kind stickers, to be sold exclusively in our Aviary Gift Shop this holiday season!

All Gift Shop proceeds go directly to supporting our animals.*

What Kind of Artwork can I Submit?

Your submissions can represent any birds, mammals, or reptiles who currently reside at the National Aviary. This contest is open only to original artwork done by hand. Whether you sketch, paint, or color, we want to see your hand-made interpretation of the animals who call the Aviary home.

Submissions will be placed into two categories:

Ages 12 and Under
Ages 13 and Over

How will Winners Be Chosen?

Submitted artwork in both categories will be displayed onsite at the Aviary for all Guests to vote during a set time frame. The top three finalists in each category will then be entered into a public vote online. Please note: any tiebreakers will be decided by Aviary staff.

Contest Timeline

Artwork Submission Deadline: Sun., November 2
Onsite Voting: Mon., November 3 – Fri., November 7**
- Be sure to stop by the Aviary and cast your vote; encourage others to do the same!
Public Online Voting: Sat., November 8 – Tues., November 10
- In the running to win? Spread the word by sharing the contest on social media with your friends and family!
Notifications of Winners: Mon., December 10
This Holiday Season: The winning sticker(s) will be available for purchase in our Gift Shop
- Winners will also receive a few stickers of their own for personal use!

Guidelines

Artists must submit in one of two categories: Ages 12 and Under or Ages 13 and Over
Artists over the age of 18 must be National Aviary Members. Artists under the age of 18 must include contact information for an accompanying adult National Aviary Member in their submission (we must receive Member caregiver approval to consider the submissions of those under 18).
- Not a Member? Memberships start at $75 – join now to participate!
Artwork must be original to the artist and feature no copywritten imagery. No AI artwork will be accepted.
Artwork must be done by hand, in any medium. No photography or digital art will be considered for this contest.
All dimensions are accepted.

How to Submit Artwork

You may either:

Send a photo or scan of your hand-done artwork as an email attachment to [email protected], or
Drop off your original piece in person at our Guest Services Desk during your next visit!

Please include the following information in the body of your email or enclosed with your hand-delivered artwork:

First and Last Name
Age
- If artist is under 18 your submission must also include the following:
  - First and last name and email address of accompanying adult Member, as well as
  - Permission given in writing by your parent, guardian, or adult caregiver
Title of your artwork
What animal(s) your work features
The best way to contact you (email or by phone)

Regulations

With any and all artwork submitted to the Member Art Contest (not just winning pieces), the National Aviary has the right to use, publish, and reproduce said artwork in printed and digital form over any and all media, including for usage on social media channels and aviary.org, in emails, and in/as print materials for the Aviary’s contest and in our Gift Shop.
Your submission grants the National Aviary the rights to exhibit, give, and/or sell all finished pictures, reproductions, and copies of said original.
*All Member Art Contest participants waive the right to receive any payment for the National Aviary’s usage of any materials as described above. Our birds, mammals, and reptiles thank you for your contribution!