Art Contest

Art Contest Submission

Calling all Artists

We're excited to announce our Ontario Streams Art Contest in celebration of our 30th Year Anniversary! Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, this is your chance to showcase your creativity and win awesome prizes!

How it Works

Anyone from Ontario is invited to enter the Ontario Streams Art Contest. Show off your artistic talents and learn about the diversity of plant and/or animal species that live in Ontario’s stream habitats. Download the contest Entry Form (PDF) to submit with your artwork. Winners will be chosen by a panel of judges. There will be 1 winner for each age category.


Only 1 entry per person will be accepted. All entries must include:

  • A completed Entry Form signed by a parent or guardian (if under 18 years of age)
  • The original artwork that complies with our requirements


Theme of Art Contest

Stream Biodiversity - Artwork showcasing the diversity of native plant and/or animal species that live in Ontario’s stream habitats. (Examples: A painting of the underwater plants and fish that live in the stream. A drawing of the stream banks and animals that use this habitat.)


Prizes

The first-place winners from each age category will receive a gift bag with a $50 value and have their artwork showcased on our social media platforms! Read the full webpage and Entry Page to ensure you are eligible for a chance to win the prizes!

Age Categories

Prizes will be selected for each age category listed below:

  • Ages 5-7
  • Ages 8-12
  • Ages 13-17
  • Ages 18 and up

Eligibility

The contest is open to anyone who is:

  • A resident of Ontario
  • Ages 5 and up



Artwork Requirements

The artwork must:

  • Highlight the native plant and/or animal species that can be found in an Ontario stream natural habitat
  • Be the contestant’s original, hand-made creation
  • Not exceed ¼ inches in thickness and 8½ x 11 inches in size
  • If you are submitting electronically, the scan must be a minimum 300 dpi resolution


You may use the medium and technique of your choosing, such as:

  • acrylics
  • oil
  • water colour
  • crayon
  • pencil crayon
  • markers
  • collage
  • printmaking


Non-eligible

Photographs, tracings, and computer-generated artwork will NOT be accepted.

NO lettering, signatures, or initials may appear on the front of the design.

Any Ontario Streams employees or close relatives to Ontario Streams employees will NOT be allowed to enter the Art Contest.


Important Dates

  • Contest opens: February 24, 2025
  • Contest closes: April 7, 2025
  • Winners announced: Earth Day April 22, 2025 


Judging Process

A panel of five judges (3 Ontario Streams Staff, 2 local artists) will:

  • evaluate submissions using the judging criteria
  • select the top artworks for each grade group

Judging Criteria to Consider

Judges will evaluate entries based on the following criteria:

  • Adherence to theme (25%)
  • How well does the drawing align with the contest’s theme or prompt?
  • Does the artist interpret the theme in a thoughtful or unique way?
  • How accurately the artwork represents the stream’s natural habitat and the native species?
  • Technique & Skill (25%)
  • How well is the chosen medium (pencil, paint, digital, etc.) used?
  • How effectively are drawing techniques (line work, shading, blending, etc.) applied?
  • Creativity & Originality (25%)
  • How unique and fresh is the concept or idea behind the drawing?
  • Does the drawing reflect an inventive approach or concept?
  • Overall Impact (25%)
  • How strong is the overall visual impact when first seen?
  • Is the artwork something that stands out and is memorable?


How to Enter

Electronic Submission

Mail Submission

 Attn: Ontario Streams 50 Bloomington Road, Aurora, Ontario,   L4G 1P6

Submit to the Art Contest

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