Art for Animals Festival & Exhibition

Art For Animals Festival: Where Art and Conservation Converge

From February to May, don't miss the specially curated art exhibition at the New Zoo Entrance Atrium. It showcases the works of local artists inspired by wildlife, nature, and conservation. Artists ages 14 and up are encouraged to submit their artwork for consideration from September 9th to December 9th.

Mark your calendars and embark on an artistic adventure at the Baton Rouge Zoo! Bring your family and friends to enjoy this unique blend of art and animals. Regular zoo admission applies, but zoo members always enjoy free admission.

Thank you for supporting our mission to protect and celebrate these incredible animals—we look forward to welcoming you to the Art for Animals Festival!

Call For Artists 

Work Media: Considered but not limited to traditional painting, drawing, scratchboard, traditional mixed media, printmaking, and photography.

Work Size: No smaller than 80 sq inches (i.e. 8x10 inches) or larger than 1,296 sq inches (i.e.30x40 inches)

Deadline: Monday, December 9th, 2024

Entry requirements: At least three digital images in JPEG or PNG format. Online only.

Submissions will be accepted according to category:

• Paintings & drawings – Youth (14-17)
• Paintings & drawings – Adult (18 and older)
• Photography – Youth (14-17)
• Photography – Adult (18 and older)

Registration Form: Please Click Here to submit your artwork.

Selection Process: The jurors will select the work for the exhibition based on adherence to the theme, originality, quality of work, and technical skill.

Notification to artist: Artists will be notified via email if their pieces are selected by Friday, January 3rd.

Accepted artwork: All pieces of work must be equipped to hang on the wall.

Delivery: Selected artists may drop your work off at the zoo during zoo hours (9:30-4:00) from Monday, January 6th – Friday, January 24th.

Timeline: Accepted artwork will be on display during the inaugural Art for Animals Festival from February to May in the zoo's atrium. On May 3rd, there will be an event at the zoo to draw visitors to the gallery. The last day of the gallery will be May 9th. On May 16th, we will begin taking down the art. We request that you come to pick up your artwork on May 16-17. If you cannot make it then, the pieces will be available for pick up until May 30th.

Reception:  There will be a closing reception on the afternoon to early evening of May 3rd at the Baton Rouge Zoo atrium with refreshments to announce award winners. Tickets can be purchased at the front gate and regular admission rates will apply.

Awards: Awards will be given for “Best in Show” in the adult categories. Honorable mentions will be given in the youth categories. Visitors will be allowed to vote for a “Fan Favorite” of all the entries, as well.

Sales: You have the option to sell your artwork in our gallery. If you choose to do so, 20% of the sale will be donated to conservation programs that the Baton Rouge Zoo supports. Artists have the option to donate 100% of sales, if they wish to do so to support these programs. Programs include Bowling for Rhinos, Bat Conservation International, the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, and many more.

Publicity: The Art for Animals Festival event and gallery exhibition will be marketed to the zoo’s large following.

Sponsorship: Contact Rhonda Ruffino at 225-775-3877, Extension 6220 or rhonda.ruffino@brzfoundation.org for options.

Contact: Jacob Etue, Membership and Special Events Manager at Jacob.Etue@brzoo.org or 225-778-3877x6212