Nature's Canvas: Tiny Expressions of Landscapes, Life, and Learning

We are seeking donations of original tiny art in three categories: Landscapes (Wisconsin's natural wonders—iconic ecosystems, beautiful vistas, special places where you feel connected to nature including bluffs, Great Lakes, rivers, bogs, prairies, and more), Life (Wisconsin's living wonders—mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, insects, fish, plants, or humans connecting with nature), and Learning (art that promotes understanding and connecting with Wisconsin's natural world, with inspiration from how we learn in nature or tools that aid learning like binoculars, butterfly nets, secchi discs, augers, headlamps, backpacks).

Art must be original work by the submitter, created in 2024 or later, with no AI-generated work accepted. Submissions are limited to one piece per category per artist, must be no larger than 6" x 6" x 6", and include all original visual art except photography and creative writing. Work must be professionally finished and ready for display, with 2D art having finished edges or framing with wire hangers, and 3D art being self-supported or including a stand. Artists must submit 1-3 clear JPEG images under 5MB with minimum 1200 pixels on the longest side, and may include optional artist inspiration statements of up to 100 words.

Selected art will be included in gallery showings from May 1 – June 27 at UW-Madison Arboretum Visitor Center in Madison, July 1 – September 28 at Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center in Ashland, and October 2 at Wisconsin Summit for Natural Resources Volunteers at UW-River Falls. An online auction runs September 23 – October 2, 2026. Art will be judged on creativity, artistic skill and technical merit, and theme composition, with honors given for top artwork in each category and Best in Show. Best in Show receives complimentary registration for Wisconsin Master Naturalist Training ($300 value), Wisconsin Summit for Natural Resources Volunteers ($200 value), or Great Lakes Trek Virtual Experience ($90 value). All art is considered a donation and will not be returned, with auction proceeds benefiting the Wisconsin Master Naturalist Program through the University of Wisconsin Foundation.