Wyland National Art Challenge

World-renowned environmental artist, conservationist and muralist Wyland is inviting classrooms across the United States to take part in the 14th annual Wyland National Art Challenge, a nationwide environmental mural and individual art contest with the theme of conservation of our ocean, lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands. The contest begins Oct. 1, 2026 and runs through Dec. 1, 2026. Teachers are invited to create with their students a 4-foot by 8-foot (or larger) mural painting to celebrate how conservation shapes our lives and our world. A mural canvas will be provided in a random drawing to more than 20 participating classrooms who sign-up before Sept 8, 2026. NOTE: Schools that don't receive a mural kit may still participate by painting a mural on any 4-foot by 8-foot surface (or larger).

Contest categories include grades K-5, 6-8, 9-12. The class in each category whose mural best expresses their understanding of conservation will receive a cash prize. Schools may register multiple classes. However, only one free mural kit per school is permitted. To enter, each mural must be accompanied by at least five individual drawings or paintings from students as part of the process of discovering their subject matter and theme for their mural. An Individual winner will be selected from each grade category, K-12. Prizes include a scholarship and gift cards for art supplies.