Call For Artists

Submit Your Artwork to the Inaugural Art For Animals Festival Exhibition

Open call to artists in the Greater Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 14 years or older, for the Baton Rouge Zoo’s Inaugural Art for Animals Exhibition. We are looking for artwork in any style that is inspired by nature, wildlife, zoology, wild animals, conservation, and other similar topics. The artwork must be an original work of art, not from a kit or copied from other works of art.

This juried exhibit will replace our Annual Photo Contest and Art Gone Wild contest. Participants who previously entered these events and meet the qualifications are encouraged to participate in the Art for Animals Festival Exhibition. 

Selected artworks for the Art for Animals Festival Exhibition will be on display at the Baton Rouge Zoo from November 11 to November 16. Through this new event, we seek to reach the rising arts community of Baton Rouge and become inspired by our mission: To connect people with wildlife and the natural world through exceptionally engaging experiences and conservation efforts that impact our world both locally and globally. We are excited about the level of professionalism and creativity this new event hopes to bring to our zoo's culture. 

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: Sunday, October 1, 2023

Entry requirements: At least 3 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)

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 October 6, 2023.

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, October 9 to Friday, October 27.

Timeline: The artwork will be on exhibit from November 10 to November 15 in the Zoo’s education classroom. On November 11th there will be an event at the zoo to draw visitors to the gallery. The last day of the gallery will be November 15th. On November 16th, we will begin taking down the art. We request that you come to pick up your artwork on November 16-17. If you cannot make it then, the pieces will be available for pick up until November 30th.

Reception: There will be a closing reception on the afternoon to early evening of November 11th at the Baton Rouge Zoo with refreshments to announce award winners.

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.

Contact: Madison Petty, Membership and Special Events Manager at Madison.petty@brzoo.org or 225-778-3877x6212