AMERICAN WILDLIFE ART Competition & Exhibition 2025

About the Open Call

The Arcadian Gallery is proud to announce its inaugural American Wildlife Art Competition and Exhibition, a celebration of nature-themed original art and prints. This unique competition provides artists with the opportunity to exhibit their work in both an online exhibition as well as an elegant, brick-and-mortar gallery setting on the main street of Cumberland, Maryland. This exhibition is unusual in that it welcomes fine art print submissions in addition to original artwork. Artists may also submit digital files that the Gallery will print for display and sale if accepted for the exhibition. The show aims to highlight conservation and environmentally themed art and inspire appreciation for the natural world. Our Gallery Director, Christopher P. Sloan, former National Geographic Magazine head Art Director, and celebrated award-winning wildlife artist Carel Pieter Brest van Kempen, our juror, bring unmatched expertise to this event, ensuring that winners and participants gain recognition in the field of wildlife art. Their passion for nature makes this exhibition especially attractive to conservation-minded artists since the Gallery will donate 10% of proceeds from art sales to a conservation cause selected by the juror. There is also an award for the Best Endangered Species Art that results in a $250 donation to a conservation cause of the winning artist’s choosing. The competition also offers a $500 Best Paleoart award. This competition establishes your work among the top tier of wildlife artists, given the esteemed credentials of the juror and director. The Director and juror, both of whom are passionate about nature, have created a special category for this year’s competition. The winner of the Best Endangered Species Art Award wins $250 and another $250 will be donated by the Gallery to the conservation cause of their choice.

What is Offered

Cash prizes totaling $5,250. First Place: $2,500; Second Place: $1,250; Third Place: $500. Best Endangered Species Art Award: $250 awarded to the artist and $250 donated to a conservation cause of the artist’s choice. Best Paleoart Award: $500. Exhibition opportunity both online and in a physical gallery. Recognition and exposure among top-tier wildlife artists.

Requirements

Artists should submit original art and prints, including digital files for printing. Art must be nature-themed, highlighting conservation and environmentally themed subjects. Open to international and local artists.

How to Apply

All entries must be submitted through Café Call for Entry at www.callforentry.org. Clicking on the “How to Apply” button on the Arcadian Gallery site will take you directly to their site. To enter the competition on their site, you must register with them. Registration is free.