International Kids' Owl Art Contest and the Opportunity to Receive a Certificate and Exposure of Artwork 2023

The International Festival of Owls is pleased to announce the opening of the Kids' Owl Art Contest, which started around 2004 as a coloring contest to involve local young people in the Festival of Owls. Over the years it has grown into a highly competitive international art competition with over 2,000 entries from dozens of countries each year.

​Entrants will be separated into age categories as follows:

1. 0-5 years
2. 6-9 years
3. 10-14 years
4. 15-18 years

1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in each age category will be mailed a framed, customized and signed award certificate with a custom wax seal. ​Winners will receive an email notifying them they have won by the middle of February. Artists might also have their work placed on special exhibit in museums and galleries or used to make T-shirts, cards, or other items.

1. Children must be age 18 or younger on the date their entry is mailed. There may be no help from adults with any part of the piece. Entries are accepted from any country in the world.
2. There is no entry fee for participation.
3. All entries become the property of the International Owl Center and cannot be returned due to the large volume of entries received.
4. Entries must be an image of an owl. Artwork must be two-dimensional, on any size paper that can be mailed and hung on a wall with tape.
5. Entries cannot contain any plant or animal materials as a medium (no grasses, seeds, fur, feathers, etc.) as it is illegal to ship these internationally.
6. Digital artwork is allowed if printed, labeled, and mailed as required for other entries.
7. No frames or mattes may be used on the artwork. If using canvas, the canvas must be removed from the wooden frame, or it will be disqualified.

Selection criteria:

1. Innovative presentation.
2. Unusual perspective or viewpoint.
3. A message or idea that is being conveyed.
4. Skill with the medium appropriate to the age group (although sometimes the significance of the message is more important than the medium).
5. Colors coordinated or contrasted for emotional impact.
6. Design elements that work together.
7. Humor.

More about the festival:

The International Festival of Owls is an opportunity to teach people about owls, provide a fun, family-friendly activity at the end of winter, raise money for the Houston Nature Center/International Owl Center, and promote tourism during an otherwise slow time of year.

See more available opportunities for travel abroad on For9a