The Art of Conservation®
Throughout history, North America has been home to tremendous diversity of wildlife and bird species. Since the 1960s, Songbird populations in North America have dropped 29 percent over historic averages. Three billion birds have been lost with additional species decline each year. Many species of songbirds are threatened and at risk for becoming endangered. Habitat loss and the use of chemicals have been linked to declines of over 50 percent in some species. Recent studies revealed drastic population losses in the 529 bird species observed across the entire western hemisphere. While one single factor cannot be attributed to these losses, the data is clear that public awareness and education about this critical issue is needed now, more than ever.
The Art of Conservation® Songbird Art Contest™ is an art competition hosted by Wildlife Forever, focused on sharing the wonder and species diversity of North American songbirds. Building off the successful Wildlife Forever Fish Art Contest® and inspired by the legacy of artist and conservationist Jay Norwood Darling, participants will learn about a North American Songbird Species and compete for prizes and international recognition.
Participants are required to submit an original piece of artwork accompanied by an essay detailing the unique characteristics of their chosen bird species and their conservation needs. Participants will have until November 30th of each year to submit their entry to the contest by mail to Wildlife Forever. A judging event will be held in December with avian biologists, local birders, and partner organizations.
Connecting people to nature through the arts has helped to transform policy and management, as well as benefit wildlife species across the world. Raising awareness and educating the public on how to help recover North America’s songbird population will create stewardship and lasting benefits to people young and old, ensuring the future of conservation.
How to Enter
The 2022 Songbird Art Contest is now open and accepting entries.
1. With an adult, review the Rules and Guidelines for the 2022 Contest.
2. Select one of the following Official Species to base your entry on.
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Brown Creeper
Cedar Waxwing
Chipping Sparrow
3. Use books and reputable online resources to research your bird species. You may choose to print out the Guided Research Form to keep track of your findings.
4. Create your Songbird Art Entry consisting of two parts:
Part A
An original horizontal or vertical illustration between 8.5″- 9″ tall and 11″- 12″ wide in size featuring any of the species above.
Part B
A personally written essay (one side of one page) sharing what you learned about your songbird. Essays will be judged and awarded, but are not required, for contestants in Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade or from countries other than the USA.
5. Complete a contest Entry Form.
Eligibility
The Songbird Art Contest free and open to all persons in grades K-12.
Only one entry allowed per person, previous entries are not eligible.
An entry consists of an entry form, artwork, and creative writing submission (writing not required for grades K-3rd)
Entries must abide by the guidelines below and be submitted by November 30th, 2022