The ASO Student Art Contest is so much more than its name suggests. It’s a mission to get young people to connect with birds. Students not only submit their artwork, they provide a description of the diet and habitat of their chosen species.

Scientific studies show that what kids are exposed to helps wire what they care about later. Interest doesn’t have to start with direct observation of wildlife — it can start through creativity.

Get an inside look at the planning and execution of ASO’s most impactful outreach program. Meet the judges who pick the Best in Show winners in each of four categories: Realism, Graphic Design, Cartooning and Recycled. See the award-winning artwork and learn the criteria that merit the highest honors.
ASO has been hosting this annual area-wide competition for more than 40 years! Dozens of our members volunteer hundreds of hours each year to help make the Awards Show possible for area youth and their families. And their efforts have paid off!

At the awards program, every piece of art (more than 750 this year) is displayed on panels that line the first floor of Harper Hall at Creighton University. The awards ceremonies pack the Harper Hall auditorium with standing-room-only crowds… not just once… but three times during the day of the show!
Please join us on June 11 to see how the members of ASO are helping create future birders. You will be awestruck by the dazzling array of talent, knowledge and creativity shown by these K-12 students.

Our monthly programs are free and open to the public; they are held in the private meeting room at DJ’s Dugout, 777 N 114th Street. Meet and mingle with other nature-lovers at the 6 p.m. social hour, followed by the program at 7 p.m. Find program details and register at Audubon-Omaha.org/Calendar-of-Events

Artwork: Finley J., Best of Show for Recycled Artwork, 2026 (Species: Common Nighthawk)