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 through Fine Arts. The Sutton Award is comprised of up to $20,000 in cash which is distributed to the 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 Sutton Award
2025 REGISTRATION 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. All winners will be displayed on the Sutton Center website. The top 20 winning pieces will be displayed at the 2025 Sutton Award Showcase.
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 2025 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, contact Daniel Harris at 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!”