A Calling of Birds

The Elisabeth Jones Art Center in Portland, Oregon is hosting an exhibition focusing on birds of the Americas. Over the last five decades, bird populations have plummeted, particularly in North America. Birds play a major role in the health of ecosystems and the maintenance of food webs for both humans and animals alike. Birds are responsible for everything from pest control to pollination and seed dispersal, and an absence of birds in a habitat can also serve as an indicator of other environmental trends, indicating ecosystems that might be degrading or in decline. This exhibition aims to address the environmental concerns that face our bird populations as well as celebrate the beauty of their many diverse species. 10% of all proceeds will be donated to the Portland Audubon Society.

The exhibition welcomes painting and sculpture about birds, particularly those of the Americas. The educational aspect will focus on migratory birds, but submitted artwork is not restricted to birds that migrate. The scope should be narrowed to birds found in North and Central America. All artistic interpretations of the subject matter are welcome, so long as birds are the primary focus. Submissions should include high-quality images (up to 10) with the title, medium, price, and species of bird depicted, along with any additional information about yourself and your artwork.

Applications are due March 18. Applicants will be notified April 4. Artwork must be shipped or hand-delivered to the gallery by April 20, 2021, properly framed and ready to install. Artists are responsible for shipping costs; the gallery will cover return shipping of unsold works. The exhibition opens May 6 and closes July 26. All accepted artwork will be offered for sale: artists receive 50% of the sales price, the gallery receives 40%, and 10% goes to the Audubon Society of Portland. Three cash awards are offered: $150 for first place, $100 for second place, and $75 for third place. Entry fee is $15.00.