Birds of the Rocky Mountain Region inaugural juried art competition, opening at The Brinton Museum in Big Horn (WY) on May 4, 2023, focuses on the diversity and variety of more than 275 bird species, including migratory birds, found in the Rocky Mountain Region. Artists are encouraged to submit up to 3 entries. Eligible mediums include oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, pastel, drawing, printmaking processes (no digital art), bronze and mixed-media. No photography. Artwork must be available for sale. Artists receives 70% of the selling price. The Brinton Museum retains a 30% sales commission. Three outstanding jurors in their fields will select 40 pieces for exhibit. Invited jurors are Kenneth L. Schuster, Brinton Museum Director & Chief Curator; Award-winning artist Joel Ostlind from Big Horn (WY); and Peter G. Arnold, Board of Directors Audubon Rockies. A color-illustrated catalog including biographical information on participating artists as well as educational commentary about birds represented in the exhibit will accompany this show.

Show Awards include the following categories:

Birds of the Rocky Mountain Region, Best of Show     $1,000

Rocky Mountain Award                $500

The Brinton Museum Award        $250

Bighorn Audubon Award              $250

An educational lecture on conservation activist George Bird Grinnell (1849-1938), presented by nationally-known journalist John Taliaferro, a graduate of Harvard College and former senior editor at Newsweek, is scheduled for June 8. Taliaferro is the author of the highly regarded publication, “Grinnell, America’s Environmental Pioneer and His Restless Drive to Save the West.” Grinnell’s deep connection to birds, Sheridan County and his relationship to the Northern Cheyenne People helped to preserve much of what are now public western lands. Taliaferro is the author of several books and a winner of the Douglas Dillon Award. In addition, a series of outdoor programs on birds and birding organized by Bighorn Audubon will be offered at The Brinton Museum during the time period of this exhibition.  A reception for the artists, free and open to the public, takes place in conjunction with the opening of the show. More information about educational programs and the reception will be available closer to the time of the exhibit.

Founded in 1960, The Brinton Museum is a fine arts institution devoted to preserving the art and history of the West. Located on the historic Quarter Circle Ă Ranch in the foothills of the majestic Bighorn Mountains, it features 19th, 20th and 21st century American and Indian Art in a historic Western setting. The museum continues to expand upon the work of Helen Brinton, who in 1960 established an institution named after her brother, Bradford. Helen’s intent was to preserve the Quarter Circle Ă Ranch and the Brinton’s collection of fine art, furnishings, and historic Native American artifacts and make them accessible to the public. It was her desire that the institution be a source of education and enjoyment to all visitors. Designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) in 2016, 620 acres of the Brinton property is preserved to encourage bird populations to thrive. Birding at The Brinton led by Bighorn Audubon takes place on the third Saturday of the month, year-round.

Established in 1970, Bighorn Audubon Society offers engaging programs, field trips to observe birds, and conservation campaigns. Bighorn Audubon is an independent non-profit organization affiliated with the National Audubon Society.  The local chapter is the core strength of the Audubon network and plays a critical role on behalf of birds, wildlife and people. Its mission is to be a grassroots community that works for the protection of birds and habitats for the benefit of our communities and the region.

Application Requirements

Images of works submitted for exhibit must be representative of bird species found in the Rocky Mountain Region. Artists may submit up to 3 entries. Good quality, hi-res images for PR and marketing in print and on social media as well as for reproduction in an illustrated catalog and also for note cards must accompany works accepted for exhibit. Biographical information about the artist as well as an artist’s statement, not to exceed 300 words, is required for PR and marketing for print and on social media and also for the exhibit catalog.

Eligibility Criteria

This exhibit is open to artists residing in the United States. Eligible mediums include oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, pastel, drawing, printmaking processes (no digital art), bronze and mixed-media. No photography. Images of works submitted for exhibit must be representative of bird species found in the Rocky Mountain region. Artwork must be available for sale.