Birds of the Rocky Mountain Region

Birds of the Rocky Mountain Region is an inaugural juried art competition opening at The Brinton Museum in Big Horn, Wyoming on May 4, 2023. The exhibition focuses on the diversity and variety of more than 275 bird species, including migratory birds, found in the Rocky Mountain Region. Artists are encouraged to submit up to 3 entries. Eligible mediums include oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, pastel, drawing, printmaking processes (no digital art), bronze and mixed-media. Photography is not eligible. Artwork must be available for sale, with artists receiving 70% of the selling price and The Brinton Museum retaining a 30% sales commission.

Three jurors will select 40 pieces for exhibit: Kenneth L. Schuster (Brinton Museum Director & Chief Curator), award-winning artist Joel Ostlind from Big Horn, and Peter G. Arnold (Board of Directors Audubon Rockies). Show awards include Best of Show ($1,000), Rocky Mountain Award ($500), The Brinton Museum Award ($250), and Bighorn Audubon Award ($250). A color-illustrated catalog including biographical information on participating artists and educational commentary about birds represented in the exhibit will accompany the show.

An educational lecture on conservation activist George Bird Grinnell is scheduled for June 8, presented by journalist John Taliaferro, author of "Grinnell, America's Environmental Pioneer and His Restless Drive to Save the West." A series of outdoor programs on birds and birding organized by Bighorn Audubon will be offered during the exhibition. A free, public reception for artists takes place in conjunction with the opening. Entry fee is $40. Artists must submit 1-3 high-resolution images representative of bird species found in the Rocky Mountain Region, along with biographical information and an artist's statement not to exceed 300 words.