2025 Sutton Award
Through media and the visual arts, conservationists alert us to today’s important environmental issues. They help us develop a greater understanding of the complex relationships upon which all life depends. In that regard, the Sutton Center offers an annual scholarship competition for the Sutton Award. Established in 2005, this award recognizes those students who demonstrate the ability to communicate current conservation topics in compelling ways. The Sutton Award is comprised of up to $20,000 in cash which will be distributed to winning student submissions and their instructors as determined by the selection committee. The 2025 Sutton Award is made possible through the continued support from NatureWorks and other generous sponsors.
2025 REGISTRATION IS CLOSED!
Thank you to all 2025 Sutton Award participants and this year’s sponsors. Judging in progress. Please check back for the 2025 Award Winners to be announced soon!
All eligible submissions will be featured on the Sutton Center website. The Top 20 Award Winners artwork will be displayed at the Sutton Center Award Reception at a later date.
For more information: www.suttoncenter.org/art or contact dharris@suttoncenter.org or 918-336-7778.
The 2025 Sutton Award is made possible through the continued support from NatureWorks and other generous sponsors and supporters. Thank you for being a part of “finding cooperative conservation solutions for birds and the natural world!”
Eligibility
1. Student must be a current Oklahoma student (public, private, or home schooled) in grades 9-12.
2. Student must not be an employee or an immediate family member of an employee of the Sutton Center or NatureWorks.
Submission Requirements
1. There is no entry fee.
2. Only one entry per student.
3. Create and submit a presentation piece that tells an intriguing story about a current conservation topic such as water, air or soil quality, or wildlife conservation. The project should specifically focus on your personal interest and/or involvement in conservation. (This accounts for two-thirds of the total score.)
4. Compose a short essay where you tell us about the wildlife conservation story behind your artwork and what you want people to know about the topic. (This accounts for one-third of the total score.)
a. Essay Formatting: Word document, one-page, double spaced, 12 pt. Arial font, 1-inch margins, no indents, black/white print, no background, title of your piece (boldfaced and centered) at the top of the page.
b. Title of your essay should match the title of your piece.
c. Do NOT include your name or school in your essay.
d. Proper grammar, spelling, etc. count toward your score.
e. Essays will be displayed alongside your Fine Art piece.
5. Choose ONE of the following format categories for your presentation:
a. 2-D Category: Submissions may include painting, drawing, etc. Winning submissions must be matted and wrapped, no larger than 24”x24” (including mat).
b. 3-D Category: Submissions may include sculpture, ceramics, mixed media, etc. No video submissions will be accepted. Please include one photo that shows scale.
c. Photography Category: Submissions may include up to 6 color or black/white photographs. Winning photos must be matted and wrapped, with a total combined size no larger than 24”x24” (including mats).
6. Essay & photo of Fine Art piece must be submitted online at https://2025suttonaward.artcall.org.