Roger Tory Peterson’s signature contribution to the arc of the global conservation movement was the modern field guide. Trained as an artist, Peterson understood the power of art to inform, inspire and illuminate about the natural world. The experience of using the field guide sparked a revolution – it helped millions of people across the globe really see the natural world. To be inspired by it. To fall in love with it. Throughout his multifaceted career, Peterson helped us to see the challenges, too – the devastating impacts of pesticides, habitat loss and other environmental ills. Through art and action, he also demonstrated that each and every one of us can make a difference in protecting the earth’s diversity of plants and animals.

The Roger Tory Peterson Institute is a living embodiment of the field guide. In fulfillment of our new strategic vision, a primary goal is the nurturing of the next generation of artists working at the nexus of art and nature. More than ever, we need art – we need artists – to explore dynamic new ways to help us experience the beauty of the natural world, the environmental challenges we face, and the opportunities for recovery and redemption.

Art that Matters to the Planet isn’t your typical exhibition. We’ll invite each artist selected for the exhibition to collaborate on how best to describe their artistic process. Selected artists may exhibit finished works, preparatory drawings, or field sketches. Accompanying narratives, photographs and videos may be important for some, not so much for others. Whatever it takes to help audiences understand how and why artists use art to illuminate the beauty of nature, challenge us to confront environmental issues of regional, national or global concern; and inspiriting us to preserve the earth’s biodiversity.

In other words, in a world of exceptional natural beauty and overwhelming environmental challenges, help us to make a case to a broader, more diverse audience, that art not only matters, it is indispensable to create a better world.

All categories of fine and decorative art are welcome.

Direct inquiries to:                                                                                                             
Maria Ferguson, Collections Curator 
716.665.2473, x.228
mferguson@rtpi.org

Application Requirements

Artists may submit any combination of materials that provide a holistic picture of their overall artistic practice or a particular series or project. A minimum of five and maximum of 20 files may be submitted. In addition to images of finished artwork and an artist statement, submitted materials may include images of in-process artwork, photographs, sketches, journal entries, published writing, videos or other relevant materials.

1. All entries must be submitted online via CaFÉ by May 3, 2022
2. Artists should submit a minimum of 5 and maximum of 20 files
3. Name your files as follows: last name_first name_artwork title_date
   Example: Anderson_Ann_Climate Change_2022.jpeg
4. Submit the following materials:
   - Artist Statement
   - Images, videos, and/or documents
   - Artwork description: Title, Date, Processes, Materials, Dimensions
   - $35 application fee

Eligibility Criteria

Emerging and established artists are eligible and encouraged to apply.