Thank you to all the artists who participated in the 2023 Sutton Art Award and the teachers whose support made it possible. It’s always difficult for our judges to choose the top 20. For every winner selected, there are always several more equally deserving entries. This year’s winning artwork was no exception and the essays showed a thoughtful understanding of conservation.
If you or one of your students are 2023 winners, artwork will be collected before February 10th to be framed and prepared for display at the NatureWorks Art Show and Sale to be held at the Tulsa Southern Hills Marriott March 3-5. Please contact Audra Fogle immediately to make arrangements. All awards will be mailed to students and teachers the week following the showcase at the NatureWorks Show and Sale. afogle@suttoncenter.org or 918-408-1128.
Sutton Art 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 Avian Research Center, an internationally renowned ornithological research and conservation organization based near Bartlesville, OK, offers an annual scholarship competition for the Sutton Art Award. This award recognizes those students who demonstrate the ability to communicate current conservation topics in compelling ways.
All current Oklahoma students 9-12 grade are eligible to enter. NO ENTRY FEE REQUIRED
DOWNLOAD 2023 FLYER FOR ALL CURRENT INFORMATION (PDF)
2023 registration January 1-18 – WINNERS ANNOUNCED JANUARY 30 AT NOON,
ALL WINNERS WILL BE DISPLAYED ON THE SUTTON WEBSITE, TOP 20 WINNERS WILL BE DISPLAYED AT THE NATUREWORKS SHOW MARCH 2-5.
Established in 2005 by the Sutton Avian Research Center, the Sutton Award recognizes high school 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.
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 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 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 on 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. Submission 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.
c. Photography Category: Submissions may include up to 6 color or black/white photographs. Photos must be
matted and wrapped, with a total combined size no larger than 24”x24” (including mats).
6. Your essay and a photo of your Fine Art piece must be submitted online at www.suttoncenter.org/art. Online
submission is open January 1 – January 18. Online submission ends at 11:59 PM CST on January 18. No late
submissions will be accepted.
Submission Locations
See above for online submission instructions.
Award Notification
See above for new information.
5. The committee’s decisions are final and no correspondence will be exchanged.
For more information: www.suttoncenter.org/art or contact afogle@suttoncenter.org or call Audra Fogle O: 918-
336-7778 / C: 918-408-1128
Thank you for participating in the Sutton Award!
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Essay Contest Judging Rubric (PDF)
Creating a Strong Work of Art (PDF)
We look forward to 2023! Thank you for being a part of “finding cooperative conservation solutions for birds and the natural world!”