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 Avian Research Center, an internationally renowned ornithological research and conservation organization based near Bartlesville, Okla., offers an annual scholarship competition for the Sutton Award. This award recognizes those students who demonstrate the ability to communicate current conservation topics in compelling ways. The 2025 Sutton Award is made possible through the continued support from NatureWorks and other generous sponsors.
All current Oklahoma students 9-12 grade are eligible to enter. NO ENTRY FEE REQUIRED.
DOWNLOAD 2025 FLYER FOR ALL CURRENT INFORMATION (PDF)
2025 REGISTRATION IS OPEN December 2, 2024 – January 17, 2025. Online submission ends at 11:59 PM CST on January 17, 2025. No late submissions will be accepted. Winners will now be announced February 5, 2025 at 1 PM.
2025 REGISTRATION OPENS DECEMBER 2, 2024
ALL WINNERS WILL BE DISPLAYED ON THE SUTTON WEBSITE, TOP 20 WINNERS WILL BE DISPLAYED AT THE SUTTON AWARD SHOWCASE.
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 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.
Online submission is open December 2, 2024 – January 17, 2025. Online submission ends at 11:59 PM CST on January 17. No late submissions will be accepted.
Award Notification
- Winning entries will be notified via email and entries will be displayed at www.suttoncenter.org.
- Top award winners will have artwork collected and displayed at the Sutton Award Showcase following judging.
- Checks will be mailed out to the students and instructors at the school address after the Sutton Award Showcase.
- The judging committee’s decisions are final, and no correspondence will be exchanged with judges.
For more information: www.suttoncenter.org/art or contact dharris@suttoncenter.org or 918-336-7778.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Essay Contest Judging Rubric (PDF)
Creating a Strong Work of Art (PDF)
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!”