Artwork of a Cerulean Warbler by Kiersten H., 8th grade, winner of Best in Show for Realism, Grades 5-8

Hundreds of students from Omaha and beyond shared bird-inspired artwork at ASO’s 2025 Student Art Show. With generous grant support from the National Audubon Society’s Audubon in Action program, which aims to strengthen local conservation communities, ASO broadened outreach efforts and received submissions from 769 students, increasing from 640 last year. Submissions came from 38 schools, along with individual entries. Eleven schools that had not previously contributed sent in artwork, including two schools in Council Bluffs and one in Plattsmouth. The entry from the farthest away came from Wynot, Neb. More volunteers than ever helped make this a fun and successful event for everyone.

During the awards ceremony, held in Creighton University’s Harper Center auditorium, an incredible diversity of bird species depicted in all kinds of imaginative ways graced the Harper Center atrium. From familiar Blue Jays and Western Meadowlarks to strikingly colorful birds from all around the world, students showed off their skills and creativity in a variety of media and styles. Winners of excellence and merit awards received ribbons and prizes — art supplies and books about birds. The Audubon in Action Grant enabled ASO to upgrade prizes to include colorful kid-size binoculars and spotting scopes, pocket guidebooks, and string backpacks for older students, providing young people with the basic tools of birding and thanking them for sharing their art with us. Best in Show winners received gift cards for Blick Art Materials.

Thanks to the volunteers who helped us organize artwork, judge submissions, and put on the largest event on ASO’s calendar. Most of all, thanks to the students, teachers, and parents who made the art happen. We love seeing your artwork and hope to see more in 2026!

See all of the Best in Show artwork online and in the latest issue of the Meadowlark newsletter!