2027 Annual Conference Design Contest
Artists are invited to submit a design that represents the theme of our conference and will become the featured artwork for the event.
The upcoming conference theme is “Full STEAM Ahead” representing our community and connections between science, technology, education, art, and mathematics.
The selected design will be used to produce a limited number of conference stickers, which will be available for purchase by conference attendees. The money from these sales will go toward our scholarship and grant opportunities. The winning artist will be recognized throughout the conference and on our website.
Award: The winning artist will receive recognition in conference materials and on the ORTWS website. The artist will also be recognized during the conference.
The winner may choose one of the following awards:
Option 1 – Artists’ Corner Package: Waived artist corner booth fee, guaranteed Artists’ Corner Acceptance, opportunity to attend 5 conference presentations during the event. *Please note, artists choosing this option are responsible for arranging someone to staff their booth while they attend conference sessions.
*Find artist corner information and application here: ortws.org/opportunities/art
Option 2 – Conference Registration: Complimentary full conference registration, which includes access to all presentations, food, and conference events
Option 3 – Cash award: $300 cash prize
We encourage folks from all backgrounds and experience levels to submit your work and help create the visual identity for our 2027 conference. Please click HERE for eligibility, design requirements, available awards and HERE for design submission link.
All entries must be received by: December 15th, 2026
We look forward to seeing your creativity and celebrating the talented artists within our community!
For questions, please contact mikayla@ortws.org.
The Artists' Corner
Apply no later than close of business January 1, 2027
The Oregon Chapter of The Wildlife Society is excited to host our second annual Artists’ Corner at the 2027 Annual Conference in at the Seaside Convention Center in Seaside, Oregon!
We’re inviting wildlife and nature-inspired artists to showcase their work, connect with the conservation community, and share how art can inspire a deeper appreciation for our state’s incredible biodiversity.
The Artists’ Corner will be held in conjunction with our annual conference on February 9th-11th, 2027. Artists will have the opportunity to display and sell their work during conference hours on February 9th and 10th.
Show hours are as follows:
- February 9th from 2:30pm - 7:30pm
- February 10th from 8:00am - 7:00pm
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
- The deadline to apply is January 1st, 2027
- Each artist will have a 10x10 foot space
- Artists are responsible for their own display setup and materials
- One donated piece (print, cards, stickers etc.) is requested for our raffle/auction
- The booth fee is $150. There is no application fee
QUESTIONS contact Mikayla Bivona Mikayla@ortws.org
Each participating artist will be provided an indoor 10x10 ft space and is responsible for their own setup (tables, easels, walls, etc.). To help support our student scholarships and grant opportunities, we ask that each artist donate one piece to be included in our annual raffle and auction. There is no minimum donation requirement.
Due to limited space, this is a juried show.
CONFERENCE PHOTO, ART, AND TRAIL CAMERA PHOTO CONTESTS
We are excited to continue the art and photography contest traditions as part of the Oregon Chapter of The Wildlife Society Annual Conference. Join us in celebrating the beauty of our natural world and the important work we do by submitting your photos and artwork! This is the first year that we will be holding a trail camera contest! See further information in RED.
All entries must be submitted no later than 4:20 pm on Tuesday, February 9th, 2027. The contests are open only to conference attendees. Please submit entries at the registration table during registration hours (7:30am - 4:20pm).
QUESTIONS contact Mikayla Bivona Mikayla@ortws.org
PHOTO CONTEST
Categories:
- Mammals
- Birds
- Reptiles/amphibians
- Fishes
- Plants & Fungi
- Landscape & Habitats
Photo Contest Rules:
- Contestants may submit one (1) photo per category.
- Only submit photos not used in prior ORTWS photo contests.
- Photos may be no smaller than 5x7 inches in size and no larger than 11x14 inches.
- Photos must be attached to a foam core board or other solid backing material. Photos may NOT be framed/matted.
- Your name, email address, phone number, and category should be on the back side of the submitted photo with no watermarks or identification on the front.
- Beyond cropping, please keep changes to the original photo to a minimum.
- All images must be made in unrestricted nature. Images of pets, captive animals, and cultivated plants are not permitted. AI-generated images are not eligible
ART CONTEST
We are continuing the art contest for creative works inspired by wildlife and their habitats.
Participants may submit pieces in any medium, including but not limited to drawing, painting,
sculpture or mixed media.
Categories:
- 2D artwork
- 3D artwork
Art Contest Rules:
- Open to all conference attendees.
- Each participant may submit up to 2 pieces per category.
- Artwork must be original and created by the entrant. AI-generated images are not
eligible. Reproductions of original artwork are acceptable (e.g., prints, castings). - 2D artwork must be attached to a foam core board, on canvas, or other solid backing
material to support the piece. 3D artwork must be able to stand on its own. Artwork
should not be framed or matted. - Maximum sizes (including mounting):
a. 2D - Under 200 square inches
b. 3D - under 12x12x12 inches - Your name, email address, phone number, and medium should be on the back side/underside of the submitted work with no watermarks or identification on the front.
*NEW* TRAIL CAMERA PHOTO CONTEST
We are excited to introduce a trail camera photo contest celebrating the wildlife captured by
remote cameras across Oregon! This contest is an opportunity to showcase the unexpected, unique, and memorable moments captured through trail camera photography.
Categories:
Trail Camera Photo Contest Rules:
- Open to all conference attendees.
- Each participant may submit up to one (1) photo per category.
- Photos must have been captured using a remotely triggered trail camera or camera trap.
- Photos may be printed no smaller than 5x7 inches and no larger than 11x14 inches, including any mounting.
- Photos must be attached to foam core board or another solid backing material for display. Photos may NOT be framed or matted.
- Your name, email address, phone number, and category should be written on the back of the submitted photo. Please do not include watermarks, names, logos, or other identifying information on the front.
- Beyond cropping and basic adjustments to exposure, contrast, color, or similar settings, please keep edits to the original photo to a minimum. Significant manipulation is not permitted.
- All images must be captured in unrestricted nature. Images of captive animals, pets, or cultivated plants are not permitted.
- AI-generated or AI-manipulated images are not eligible.
CONTEST JUDGING:
- ORTWS members will select, by ballot, the top piece in each contest and category.
Winners will be announced at the conference banquet. - ORTWS members will select, by ballot, the “People’s Choice Award” from the photo and trail camera photo contest (the photos that are considered the best out of all the categories).
- Each winning photographer and artist will receive a prize in the form of a gift card except the trail camera photo contest is exempt from receiving a monetary prize, given the likelihood of images captured during work hours.
ETHICS:
We encourage all photography contestants to review the following ethical guidelines:
- International League of Conservation Photographers: Ethics
- North American Nature Photography Association: Ethics - NANPA
- Audubon Society: Audubon’s Guide to Ethical Bird Photography and Videography
- Conservation Visual Storytellers Academy: Ethics in Nature and Conservation Photography: What You Need to Know By familiarising yourself with these resources, you'll not only enhance the integrity of your work
but also contribute positively to the conservation message we aim to promote. - Thank you for your commitment to ethical photography!
Previous Event Designs
