2026 Sutton Award
Through media and the visual arts, conservationists help bring attention to today’s most pressing environmental issues and deepen our understanding of the complex relationships that sustain all life. In support of this mission, the George Miksch Sutton Avian Research Center offers the annual Sutton Award—a statewide scholarship competition established in 2005 to recognize Oklahoma high school students who creatively and effectively communicate conservation themes.
The Sutton Award provides up to $20,000 in scholarship awards to winning student artists and their instructors, as selected by an independent judging committee. The 2026 Sutton Award is made possible through the generous support of NatureWorks and other valued sponsors.
Additionally, the Top 20 award-winning art pieces will be professionally framed thanks to the generous support of Grant’s Frames. Through our continued partnership with NatureWorks, the Top 20 students’ artwork will also be featured at the 2026 NatureWorks Art Show & Sale, held March 7–8, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Marriott Tulsa Southern Hills, located at 1902 E. 71st St., Tulsa, OK 74136.
We extend our sincere thanks to the 2026 Sutton Award participants and teachers from across Oklahoma, and congratulations to this year’s award recipients.
Please join us in celebrating these talented young artists at the 2026 Sutton Award Ceremony on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 2:00–4:00 p.m., at the Herman and Kate Kaiser YMCA, located at 5400 S. Olympia Ave., Tulsa, OK 74107.
