State seeks art for 40th edition of West Virginia wildlife calendar

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — In West Virginia, nature has provided an unmatched setting for wildlife portraiture. With a plentiful population of critters and dramatic and diverse scenery, it's a cornucopia for artists who strive to capture wildlife in paint and pigment.

Artists who wish to share their work with a perpetually appreciative audience are invited to submit their works for the 40th-anniversary edition of the West Virginia Wildlife Calendar, according to Brett McMillion, director of the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources.

Each year, division officials select 12 paintings for its award-winning calendar based on composition, quality, and anatomical and contextual accuracy. All artists, especially those from West Virginia, are being encouraged to submit their work.

A $200 prize is awarded for each chosen painting, and the artist whose work is selected for the cover receives an additional $500, McMillion said.

“As we celebrate 40 years of publishing the West Virginia Wildlife Calendar, we are reminded of how this incredible calendar has not only captured the essence of our state’s natural beauty but also showcased the remarkable talent of artists,” McMillion enthused.

“We invite artists to submit their work and be part of this cherished tradition enjoyed by thousands of people across the country every year.”

Artists have until February 14, 2024, to submit their work to the division.

West Virginia Wildlife Calendar Submission Guidelines

• Art must be original color paintings on canvas or flat surfaces and depict native game and fish species or other wildlife found in West Virginia.
• Photographs and paintings with wildlife not found in West Virginia will not be considered. Paintings that depict hunting or fishing activities may be submitted.
• The calendar is horizontal, and art should be at least 14.5 inches wide by 11.5 inches high. Artists who wish to submit their work should mail a high-resolution copy to the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources, Wildlife Calendar Art, P.O. Box 67, Elkins, WV, 26241.
• Artists may send multiple paintings, and works not chosen in previous years may be resubmitted.
• Digital copies of paintings of at least 300 dpi may be emailed to Sanya.D.George@wv.gov.

Artists with questions about the calendar may call 304-637-0245. For more information about submitting art for the West Virginia Wildlife Calendar or to purchase the 2024 edition, visit WVDNR.gov/Wildlife-Calendar.