Deadline: 15-Jan-2026
Entries are now open for the International Kids’ Owl Art Contest an annual and highly competitive art competition, began as a local coloring contest to involve young people in the Festival of Owls.
The primary objective of the contest is to involve young people in the Festival of Owls, with judging criteria based on innovative presentation, skill, and the message conveyed. All properly labeled entries are judged by a panel of area artists. Judges are looking for innovative presentation, unusual perspective or viewpoint, a message or idea that is being conveyed, skill with the medium appropriate to the age group (although sometimes the significance of the message is more important than the medium), colors coordinated or contrasted for emotional impact, design elements that work together, and humor.
The contest is open to children aged 18 or younger, and all entries must be original works created without any assistance from adults or AI. There is no entry fee, and each person is limited to a single entry. Schools have the option to submit a package containing up to 50 entries for consideration. Entrants will be separated into age categories as follows: 0-5 years, 6-9 years, 10-14 years, 15-18 years.
To be considered, artwork must be a two-dimensional image of an owl on paper of any size that can be mailed and hung. The artwork cannot contain any plant or animal materials. Digital art is permitted as long as it is printed, properly labeled, and mailed. All submitted entries become the property of the International Owl Center and will not be returned. The submitted art may be used for various purposes including decoration, fundraising, and promotional materials.
Entries must be mailed and received by January 15, 2026. A specific form must be taped to both the front and back of the artwork for proper labeling. All entries that include a legible email address will receive an emailed certificate of participation that may be printed out, though they are not customized with the names of the entrants due to the large volume of entries. You may add the artist’s name to the certificate. Schools that mail a package of entries will receive one PDF certificate so teachers can print as many copies as needed and write the students’ names on the certificates. If mailing from a school, please include an email for the teacher/school and an email for the student/guardian. First, second, and third place winners in each age category will be awarded a framed and signed certificate. The winners will be notified by email in mid-February, and images of the winning artwork will be posted on the website by mid-March.
For more information, visit International Owl Center.
