Artwork by 10th grader Dakota S. 

We invite students K-12 to participate in our annual Student Art Contest held/hosted/organized by Audubon Society of Omaha. Our goal is to introduce young people to birds and promote the importance of wildlife in our community. It is our hope that young people will recognize the birds they create and foster an enjoyment of nature. This contest is free to enter and open to the public.

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 under the Special Events tab.

Entry deadlines:  Submit entries at the Audubon Society of Omaha office, 4339 S. 90th Street, on:

• Thursday, Feb. 22, 3 - 6 p.m.

• Friday, Feb. 23, 3 - 6 p.m.

• Saturday, Feb.24, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

Art Show and Awards: 

Saturday, April 20, from noon until 3 p.m. The Student Art Show gives attendees an opportunity to view every work of art submitted, but be sure to be there before 2 p.m. The Awards ceremony for grades K-4 starts at 1 p.m., for grades 5-8 at 2 p.m., and for grades 9-12 at 3 p.m. After each Awards Ceremony, student artists will take their art home.

Why: It’s long been known that drawing something helps a person remember it. A new study shows that drawing is superior to activities such as reading or writing because it forces the person to process information in multiple ways: visually, kinesthetically, and semantically. A focus on birds provides teachers, parents and students an opportunity to discuss the conservation and protection of our environment, therefore helping birds and all wildlife.

How you can help: 

Please consider volunteering to:

• Collect and organize art 

• Wrap and package prizes 

• Hang student artwork for the Show 

• Help with hosting the Art Show 
 

To volunteer please contact Julia Rawnsley at jrawnsley@audubonomaha.org. If you have questions, contact Virginia at vstauffer@yahoo.com.