Ridgefield Art Association 2026 BirdFest & Bluegrass Art Contest

This contest, a partnership between The Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge and the Ridgefield Art Association, is open to bird-loving visual artists of all ages and skill levels.

We invite submissions of bird-themed artwork, particularly featuring species found within the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Please read the rules and details below. Submission deadline: September 30th

Rules and Details

There will be a $25 cash prize for People’s Choice Award for each age category, also an Award Certificate given for Mayor’s Choice, Teacher’s Choice, and Refuge Favorite for each age category.

 We welcome the following age categories:

• Hatchling: K-4th grade

• Nestling: 5th-8th grade

• Fledgling: 9th-12th grade

• Adult: 18+

To enter, each participant must fill out all items on the entry form.

Have questions? Please email: ridgefieldartassociation@gmail.com with “Art Contest” in subject line.

Contest Rules:

• ONLY ONE ENTRY PER PERSON

• No Entry Fee

• Artwork must be framed or have a way to hang it from a hook

• Open to the public

• No Digital works

• No Photography

• No mail-in or emailed entries allowed.

• Original works only. No reproductions, please.

• Work must be bird-themed (preferably birds commonly found at the Refuge).

• Entries must be received between 11am-3pm Friday, October 2nd.

  • Deliver and check-in your work to:
    Ridgefield NWR Community Nature Center
    28908 NW Main Ave
    Ridgefield, WA 98642

  • Entries without prior registration WILL NOT be accepted

Voting:

• Voting will take place during BirdFest and Bluegrass festival Saturday, October 3rd, between 9am-2pm, inside the Community Nature Center.

• The public will be invited to choose one favorite from each category. Please vote only once per age group.

  • Winners will be chosen by 4pm on Saturday October 3rd and will be notified if not present.

  • Announcements will be posted on social media.

  • Prizes to be picked up with artwork.

  • Please pick up your artwork between 11am-3pm on Thursday, October 8th.