HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Game Commission is inviting artists to participate in its 2025 Working Together for Wildlife Design Contest. This year’s featured subject is the black bear, one of Pennsylvania’s most iconic wildlife species.
Artists are encouraged to submit their paintings featuring one or more black bears. Each entry must be either a horizontal painting measuring exactly 22 ½ by 15 inches or a vertical painting measuring 15 by 22 ½ inches. Additionally, submissions must include a 3-inch-wide white border or mat, and should remain unsigned and unframed.
The deadline for submissions is July 22, 2024, by 4 p.m. Paintings must be delivered to the Game Commission’s headquarters at 2001 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. There is a $30 non-refundable entrance fee for each entry.
A committee of qualified Game Commission personnel will review and evaluate all entries. The artist whose painting is selected for the 2025 Working Together for Wildlife fine art print series will receive $4,000 and 50 artist proof prints. The winner will be required to pencil sign up to 750 limited edition fine art prints produced from the original painting at the Harrisburg headquarters. The cash award will be provided after the signing process is complete.
Additional cash awards will also go to other top-finishing artists: $750 for second place, $500 for third place, $400 for fourth place, and $250 for fifth place. In case of a tie, the awards for the two positions will be combined and split evenly.
After the final selections are made, participating artists will have the opportunity to view all entries and retrieve their paintings following the viewing period.
Official rules are available on the Game Commission’s website. Only Pennsylvania residents are eligible to enter the contest.
Lauren Ferreri, who leads the Game Commission’s Bureau of Information and Education, highlighted the broader impact of the contest. “Revenues received from the sale of signed and numbered prints help finance wildlife research and management programs in Pennsylvania,” she said. “Participating artists not only have a chance to take home winnings, but also contribute to wildlife conservation through their work.”
Celebrating Wildlife: Artists Unite for Black Bear Conservation
This contest serves as a unique platform for artists to showcase their talent while supporting a vital cause. By capturing the beauty and essence of the black bear, artists can inspire the public and foster a greater appreciation for wildlife conservation.
The significance of this contest extends beyond artistic recognition. Funds raised through the sale of the limited edition prints directly support crucial wildlife research and management initiatives. These efforts help maintain healthy ecosystems and ensure the survival of various species within the state.
Moreover, the contest highlights the Game Commission’s ongoing commitment to engaging with the community. By involving artists and the public in conservation activities, the commission reinforces the idea that everyone has a role to play in protecting wildlife.
In a world where natural habitats are increasingly threatened, programs like Working Together for Wildlife remind us of the importance of collective action. Through art, awareness, and financial support, Pennsylvanians can make a tangible difference in preserving their state’s rich biodiversity.
As the deadline approaches, artists across Pennsylvania have a valuable opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause while showcasing their skills. The black bear, a symbol of strength and resilience, serves as an apt subject for this year’s contest, embodying the spirit of conservation efforts that benefit all.
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