Birds of the Rocky Mountain Region II second juried art competition (April 19 to June 29, 2025) 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, glass, ceramics, stone and mixed-media. No photography. Preference will be given to submissions which best represent the nature/essence of the species either through realism, abstraction or contemporary interpretation. Artwork must be available for sale. Artists receive 70% of the selling price. The Brinton Museum retains a 30% sales commission. Three knowledgeable jurors in their fields will select up to 45 pieces for exhibit. Invited jurors are ornithologist L. Scott Johnson Ph.D., author of 75 scientific publications on birds who studied birds on the grounds of The Brinton Museum for over 25 years; James F. Jackson, internationally-known artist and master leather artisan and 2019 National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowship Award Recipient; and Barbara J. McNab, 11-year tenure as Curator of Exhibitions at The Brinton Museum. A color-illustrated catalog including biographical information on participating artists as well as educational commentary about birds represented in the exhibition 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

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 A 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 A Ranch and 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 Society 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 Society 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 work for the protection of birds and their habitat to enhance our communities and region.

Submission Entries and Exhibition Due Dates

January 3, 2025                 Closing date for artists’ entry submissions

February 20                        Artists are notified of Accepted Entries

March 25                             Art to be received by The Brinton Museum

April 19                               Birds of the Rocky Mountain Region II, Opening Reception

June 29                               Closing date of the exhibition

Application Requirements

Images of works submitted for exhibition must be representative of bird species found in the Rocky Mountain Region during all or part of the year. Artists may submit up to 3 entries. Good quality, hi-res images for PR and marketing purposes, in print, and on social media as well as for reproduction in an illustrated catalog, and potentially for notecards, must accompany works accepted for this show. Biographical information about the artist as well as an artist’s statement, not to exceed 300 words, is required for PR and marketing, social media, and potentially for use in the exhibition catalog. 2-D work submitted cannot exceed 24 inches (framed) in any dimension. 3-D work cannot exceed 15 inches in any dimension.

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, glass, ceramics, stone 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.