Artwork by Noah Snyder

“I felt an intimacy with [birds] bordering on frenzy [that] must accompany my steps through life,” wrote John James Audubon. Memorialized in his detailed portraits of birds in their natural habitats, Audubon’s passion still inspires birders today. To advance his legacy and fulfill our mission, Audubon Society of Omaha proudly invites student artists to submit entries for ASO’s annual Student Art Contest. This year, we are returning to our popular in-person, LIVE event, the way we conducted it pre-Covid.

Who: All K-12 students, even if their school does not participate.

What: Original student artwork featuring birds. Many prizes will be awarded in these categories: Realism, Graphic Design, Cartooning, and Recycled.

How and Where: Starting January 2, look for rules, entry forms and more at audubon-omaha.org on the Special Events page.

Entry Deadline: Submit entries in person at the Audubon Society of Omaha office, 4339 S. 90th Street, during these dates and times:

• Thursday, Feb.23, from 3 - 6 p.m.

• Friday, Feb. 24, from 3 - 6 p.m. 

• Saturday, Feb. 25, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

Why: Because studies show that children learn by doing or creating artwork focused on a specific subject, we think this is a win-win. A focus on birds provides teachers, parents and students an opportunity to discuss the conservation and protection of our environment, thereby helping birds and all wildlife.

Art Show and Awards Ceremonies: Saturday, April 15, from noon until 3 p.m. Attend the Art Show at Creighton University’s Mike and Josie Harper Center at 602 N 20th Street in Omaha to view every work of art submitted. Awards ceremony for grades K-8 starts at 1 p.m. and awards for grades 9-12 awards begin at 2:30 p.m.

How You Can Help: Please consider volunteering to...

• Collect and organize art at the ASO office on Thursday, February 23, from 3 - 6 p.m., Friday, February 24, from 3 - 6 p.m., and Saturday, February 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

• Hang artwork at Creighton University’s Mike and Josie Harper Center on Saturday, April 15, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30.

• Help host the Art Show and take down the art on Saturday, April 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Please contact Julia Rawnsley at jrawnsley@audubonomaha.org if you would like to volunteer for this important and popular event. If you have questions, please contact Virginia at vstauffer@audubonomaha.org.