DWR’s Restore the Wild Artwork Competition gives artists an opportunity to not only learn about one of Virginia’s unique Species of Greatest Conservation Need, but also to contribute to wildlife conservation, all by creating artwork featuring that species and its habitat. Adult and youth artists across Virginia and other U.S. states are invited to create drawings, paintings, fiber arts, and other forms of artwork (excluding photographs) that can be displayed on a gallery wall. Artists continue to surprise and delight us with their creativity and ingenuity in depicting Virginia’s wildlife and natural communities!
The creations of dozens of artists and the winning art pieces are unveiled at the opening reception of the Restore the Wild Artwork Exhibition, generally held at a public venue in the Richmond metro area. This is an exciting and vibrant event where artists come together with DWR biologists and education staff and additional community partners who work to conserve and raise awareness about Virginia’s wildlife and the habitats they need to survive. There’s nothing like being inside an art gallery when the walls are covered with artwork showing off bats, skunks, hellbenders, or any of Virginia’s other Species of Greatest Conservation Need!
2027 Restore the Wild Artwork Competition
Learn more about the 2027 Restore the Wild Artwork Competition and how to submit! Open for online submissions October 1, 2026 – January 8, 2027.
Photographers: Submit your best work to the annual Virginia Wildlife Photography Showcase!
How a Community Artwork Exhibition Can Help Restore the Wild
- Creating conservation artwork: Many wildlife species, especially those Species of Greatest Conservation Need, may be rare to see in the wild. Everyone who creates artwork for Restore the Wild is doing their part to bring these wildlife species into the spotlight and elevate their conservation stories.
- Expanding public awareness: Restore the Wild’s reach is magnified when people attend the exhibition and view the many artistic interpretations of a Species of Greatest Conservation Need and their habitat. Individuals attending the opening reception will hear from biologists working to conserve these species. Artists mingling with other attendees may talk about what they learned about the featured species and what the phrase “Restore the Wild” means in their lives.
- Raising funds for conservation: Many Restore the Wild artists choose to donate their artwork to a silent auction, the proceeds of which benefit the Restore the Wild fund, supporting critical habitat restoration to help wildlife thrive. Donations to Restore the Wild can also be made any time.
Past Artwork Competitions & Winners
Read about Restore the Wild Artwork Competition winners from past years and view photos of their winning artwork: