The deadline to enter the George Montgomery/NRA Youth Wildlife Art Contest is fast approaching, as entries must be received at NRA headquarters by Nov. 1, 2010. Running annually since 1987, the contest helps youngsters learn about wildlife through art. The contest is open to all students in grades 1 through 12, including home-schooled children. NRA membership is not required.
Submitted entries are placed in one of four categories based on the artist’s school grade. Category I includes grades 1 through 3. Category II is for grades 4 through 6. Category III covers grades 7 through 9, and Category IV includes grades 10 through 12. Entries must portray any North American game bird or animal that may be legally hunted or trapped. Endangered species and non-game animals, such as eagles and snakes, are not eligible subjects. Call (703) 267-1588 to confirm whether a certain animal or bird is eligible.
The first, second and third place winners in each category will receive prizes of $750, $500 and $250 respectively. This year introduces a new Best of Show award for the most outstanding artwork across all categories. The recipient of this award will be given $1,000.
Contestants are limited to one entry each. Entries may be in a medium of the artist’s choice (oil, water color, pastels, pencil, pen and ink, charcoal, etc.). Submissions should be on good quality bond, drawing paper, or illustration board. Preferred sizes for the image are 8½” x 11” or 11” x 14”; matting is optional. Entries need not be framed. Composition must be original. Photographs may be used for reference, but artwork determined to have been traced or copied from an existing photograph or work of art will be disqualified.
Entries must arrive at NRA by Nov. 1, accompanied by a brief statement signed by the student’s parent, guardian, or teacher attesting to the originality of the work and verifying the artist’s grade level as of Nov. 1, 2010. In addition, the artist’s name, age, home address, phone number, and grade must be attached on the back of the entry. Entries will be judged on Nov. 10 based on the following criteria: effort, creativity, anatomical accuracy and composition.
Entries should be sent to: George Montgomery/NRA Youth Wildlife Art Contest, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030. Entries will be returned only if accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. NRA assumes no responsibility for lost or damaged artwork, and reserves all rights to reproduce entries. The immediate families of NRA staff members are not eligible to enter. A complete list of eligible animals and rules may be found at the contest’s website at www.nrahq.org/youth/wildlife.asp. Any questions may be directed to (703) 267-1588 or artcontest@nrahq.org.
The George Montgomery Foundation of the Arts made a generous donation to the NRA Youth Wildlife Art Contest this past May, creating the George Montgomery/NRA Youth Wildlife Art Contest. George Montgomery was an American actor and artist who appeared more than 80 films and televisions series throughout the 20th century. Known best for his roles in westerns, Montgomery grew up the youngest of 15 children on a farm where he gained skills, such as handling horses, which contributed to his acting career. Montgomery drew from his childhood and acting roles in his art, creating many fine sculptures depicting fellow actors and scenes from the American West.
