2026 Student Art Contest

Download the Submission Form Here
Download the Submission Form Here

Nature and Art Belong Together

The Student Art Contest is a visual arts project celebrating middle and high school artists from districts within the Adirondack Park to encourage a connection between art and the natural world.

This year, the theme for the contest is “Loons in the Ecosystem.” Students are encouraged to interpret the theme any way they wish, but to make sure there is a hint of a loon in it!

  • All visual art forms are accepted and can include (but are not limited to): drawing, painting, sculpture, graphic design, collage, etc.

  • AI submissions will not be judged.

  • All artwork must be an original creation by the student submitting the work.

  • Please do not put student names or other identifying labels on the artwork to ensure works can be judged without bias.

  • Students will have the option to reclaim their work from the Loon Center after judging and display.

More Details

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE:

  • Middle and high school students from schools within the Adirondack Park. This is roughly students aged 11 - 18, and includes students who graduate in 2026. Students can be enrolled in any school within the Adirondack Park or be home-schooled.

WHEN:

  • Contest submissions are due by the end of the day on June 30, 2026.

  • Submissions should be delivered to the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation. Submissions can be delivered in person by individual students or in batches collected by the teacher to the Loon Center at 75 Main Street, Saranac Lake, NY 12983. They can also be mailed to: Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation, ATTN: Art Contest, PO Box 195, Ray Brook, NY 12977.

  • If delivery is a barrier to participation, contact scasella@adkloon.org to discuss a possible pick up by Loon Center staff.

WHAT ARE THE PRIZES?

  • Middle School Winner: $250 scholarship

  • High School Winner: $500 scholarship

HOW WILL WINNERS BE NOTIFIED?

  • Winners will be selected by ACLC Board members. Winners will be announced on July 18, 2026 during the Loon Census Party at the Garagery in Saranac Lake, NY, from 11 am - 1 pm. Winners need not be present to win!