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Call for Entries – 2026 Restore the Wild Artwork Competition
Richmond, VA — The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) annual Restore the Wild Artwork Competition is open for submissions. This year artists are asked to create original pieces depicting the Rafinesque’s big-eared bat (Corynorhinus rafinesquii), a medium-sized bat that lives in Virginia’s Coastal Plain and is designated as a state endangered species. The Rafinesque’s big-eared bat, as per its name, has enormous ears and large, protruding facial glands that give them an oddly charming face and roosts in hollow trees and abandoned buildings.
Artists may submit their work in two different categories including Artistic Expression and Natural History Illustration. There are also two age-based youth categories, Ages 11–17 and Ages 10 and under. A submission form must accompany every piece, and all artwork must be received by DWR by Monday, Feb. 3, 2026. For rules and submission details, visit the DWR webpage.
Artwork will be displayed in The Gallery at Main Street Station in Richmond, Va. beginning March 6 and continuing through March 29. There will be an opening reception on March 6 where the category winners as well as the art selected for the Restore the Wild fine art print and sticker will be announced.
This is the sixth year of the competition and previous species include the Atlantic sturgeon, spotted skunk, eastern hellbender, loggerhead strike, and wood turtle.
To view the winning artwork from previous contests, follow the links below.