A Creative Contest for Members Only!
The National Aviary is calling on YOUR creative talents! Submit your own original artwork, inspired by your favorite National Aviary residents, to our Members-only contest!
The winners and their families will be invited to meet one National Aviary Animal Ambassador in a one-on-one experience with our Expert trainers! 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. For all current species, click here.
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., October 25
- Onsite Voting: Wed., October 28 – Mon., November 11**
- Be sure to stop by the Aviary and cast your vote; encourage others to do the same!
- Public Online Voting: Wed., November 4 – Fri., November 13
- In the running to win? Spread the word by sharing the contest on social media with your friends and family!
- Notifications of Winners: Wed., November 20
- This Holiday Season: The winning sticker(s) will be available for purchase in our Gift Shop
- Winners will also receive a few stickers for personal use!
Guidelines
- Artists must submit in one of two categories: Ages 12 and Under or Ages 13 and Over.
- Limit to one submission per person.
- 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 copyrighted imagery. No AI artwork will be accepted.
- Artwork must be done by hand, in a medium that will translate to a sticker (examples include paint on a canvas, drawing on paper, or a handmade collage). No photography or digital art will be considered for this contest.
- Artwork must translate well to a 2D sticker without compromising the original integrity of the piece.
- All dimensions are accepted.
- The National Aviary reserves the right not to showcase artwork that we deem does not meet the above criteria.
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! All originals will be returned after the winners are announced.
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 for participation in this contest
- If artist is under 18, your submission must also include the following:
- 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 use 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!
Inspiration to Start Your Artistic Journey
Pro Tip: Use your Membership now to visit for FREE and get inspiration in person!
Questions? Email [email protected] or call 412-258-1147.