2026 Student Art Contest

 
 
 

Prizes:

Middle School Winner: $250

High School Winner: $5

Submissions due June 30, 2026

Winners 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!

Download the Submission Form Here

WHAT: A visual arts contest celebrating the theme “Loons in the Ecosystem.” Students are encouraged to interpret the theme in any way they wish, but to make sure there is a hint of a loon in it!

  • All visual art forms 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 artwork to ensure works can be judged without bias.

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

WHO: 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 or will be entering 6th grade in the fall of 2026. Students can be enrolled in any school within the Adirondack Park or be home-schooled.

WHEN: Contest submissions are due by June, 30, 2026. Submissions should be delivered to the Adirondack Loon Center at 75 Main Street, Saranac Lake. Submissions can be delivered in person, by mail (mail to: Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation, ATTN: Art Contest, PO Box 195, Ray Brook, NY 12977), or in batches collected by a teacher or Loon Center staff member if coordinated ahead of time.

WHY: The goal of this contest is to celebrate young artists and encourage them to think about the importance of healthy Adirondack ecosystems - how are we all connected? How do we make room for all living things in Adirondack ecosystems?

HOW: Winners will be selected by ACLC Board members. Winners 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!

Questions? Email Sylvie Casella at scasella@adkloon.org.