Have wildflowers ever inspired the inner artist in you? Shenandoah National Park’s annual Youth Wildflower Art Contest is virtual once again, but this year, we are opening this tradition by to all Virginia students in grades K-12 to participate! This year’s young artists can share their creativity by uploading their entries online. See details for uploading in the “How” section below.

Who

The contest is open to all K-12 students (including home-schooled students) throughout Virginia. One entry per student and total entries may be limited.

What

Each student may submit one piece of artwork. For the subjects of their work, artists must use wildflowers that are native to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Shenandoah National Park. To help you choose, we’ve put together a list of eligible native wildflower species.

Submissions must be on flat media, and may include acrylic, watercolor, charcoal, pencil, fabric, etc. Artwork should not be matted, mounted, or framed. Photographs, computer-generated, or computer-enhanced artwork will not be accepted. Works will be judged on the basis of original design and artistic composition. Judges will select the top entries from each grade level, and one of the top entries will be selected as the “Best in Show.”

If you’d like some art tips before getting started, be sure to check out our virtual wildflower watercolor workshops with artist Betty Gatewood.

When

We will kick off National Park Week with accepting submissions! You can submit art from February 13th through April 7th, 2023. The winners will be notified after the judging process has been completed and invited to participate in a winners’ ceremony at the visitor center at Big Meadows during the 2023 Wildflower Weekend on May 6th. Winners are not required to attend the winners ceremony.

How

You can get started any time with your work! Participants will upload an image or scan of their artwork online through Call for Entry website. Submit your artwork on CaFÉ (callforentry.org).

In order to upload your artwork, you must first sign up for a free Call for Entry account. After creating an account, proceed to uploading your artwork. Detailed instructions for uploading artwork may be found on the website. Last, follow the instructions for applying to the contest and you’re all done. Good luck!