Call For Artists

Submit Your Artwork to the 2nd Annual Art For Animals Festival Exhibition

This is an open call to artists in Greater Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 14 years or older, for the Baton Rouge Zoo’s 2nd Annual Art for Animals Exhibition. We are looking for artwork in any style inspired by nature, wildlife, zoology, wild animals, conservation, and similar topics. The artwork must be original, 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 displayed at the Baton Rouge Zoo from February to May. Through this 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 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 more prominent 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 artists: If their pieces are selected by Friday, January 3rd, they will be notified.

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 displayed in the zoo's atrium during the inaugural Art for Animals Festival from February to May. On May 3rd, an event at the zoo will 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. Regular admission rates will apply.

Awards: “Best in Show” awards will be given in the adult categories, and honorable mentions will be given in the youth categories. Visitors will also be allowed to vote for a “Fan Favorite” from all the entries.

Sales: You can sell your artwork in our gallery. Twenty percent of the sale will be donated to conservation programs that the Baton Rouge Zoo supports. Artists can also donate 100% of sales 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: Jacob Etue, Membership and Special Events Manager at Jacob.Etue@brzoo.org or 225-778-3877x6212