The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center’s education team is excited to host the 5th Annual Alaska Biodiversity Art Contest! Selected artists will be awarded prizes, have their art featured in a gallery, and the chance for their art to be selected for a t-shirt and scholarship awards. This year’s contest is open to both Alaskan students and out of state students (within the United States and territories), Pre K – 12th Grade. The 2023 theme, Animals of the Turnagain Arm, is targeted to celebrate the specific region of Alaska that the AWCC is located.

The Turnagain Arm is a waterway that connects to the Gulf of Alaska and is home to coastal temperate rainforest, large tide variations, valleys carved by glaciers, and stunning views of both the Chugach and Kenai Mountains.

All four seasons are unique, and each has a distinct influence on life in and around “the arm”. In the water, beluga whales, Dall’s porpoise, salmon, eulachon, and so many more can be found seasonally. On the land surrounding, trees and shrubs like cottonwood, spruce, willow, and alder grow, with herbaceous plants such as Sitka burnet, fireweed, lupine, and Jacob’s ladder, fill the ground below. Among this flora, animals outside the water like bears, moose, Dall sheep, snowshoe hares, migratory birds, and so many in between take residence.

Though you may not be familiar with the variety of wildlife or scenery found in this specific region, we hope that you and your student s will be encouraged to find a connection to your home, no matter how far. Perhaps this connection is made through the North American porcupine, or American black bear, whose ranges extend far beyond the Turnagain Arm and Alaska. Or it could be the Rufous hummingbird, who travels all the way from Mexico over the Rocky Mountains to breed and raise their young here. If not any of these, bald eagles may be a common connection, as they are not only found throughout most of Alaska but all of the lower 48 states. Visit the website to expand on these details even more, with hopes to inform and inspire all who consider entering this year’s Pre K – 12 AWCC art contest.

Prizes will be awarded to each student selected for the 2023 art gallery. Art selected for the gallery will be entered into the chance to be awarded one of four scholarships accompanied by their artwork being featured in a t-shirt sold in AWCC’s Be Wild Gift Shop.

Timeline

  • Accepting submissions: August 15th – October 1st
  • Staff selections for gallery: October 1st – October 15th
  • In person gallery in Be Wild Gift Shop: October 15th – October 31st
  • Voting for t-shirt and scholarship prizes in Be Wild Gift Shop: October 15th – October 28th
  • Virtual gallery is published, closing event hosted on Zoom: October 29th at 10am
  • T-shirt and scholarship prizes announced: November 15th

More Details: https://alaskawildlife.org/education/alaska-biodiversity-art-contest/

By participating in this exciting annual event, students and their support system help us further our mission, one entry at a time. Thank you!

 

Discover the WILD of Alaska and come meet the locals! Walk on the Wild Side Tours are available year-round and include an animal encounter. Summer Moose Encounters & Bear Encounters are available for online booking. Book early to ensure your spot!