Take It Outside Art Contest

Sponsored by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources
641/747-2200; Edinfo@dnr.iowa.gov

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources invites you to enroll your class in our third annual “Take It Outside” Art Contest — win prizes that will get you and your students involved in outdoor activities.

This year's art contest will focus on natural places — from prairies and forests to lakes and streams. Natural places can be public — like national wildlife refuges; state, county and city parks and recreation areas; school grounds. They can be smaller and private — backyards, vacant lots. Regardless of size or location, special places connect us to the outdoors. Where is your favorite place to "take it outside?" How do you enjoy your special natural area? Do you hike? Fish? Paddle? Turn over logs? Stare at the sky?

Students are encouraged to use their artistic skills to create an image that shows them "Taking it Outside" in their favorite natural place (prairie, timber, pond, lake, stream, river, marsh - even their backyard or vacant lot). Be sure they show what makes the place special for them.

For complete details, check out the Contest Rules.

Winning entries will receive prizes and be used for upcoming promotions and displayed at the DNR building during the Iowa State Fair. Participating schools will be entered into a drawing to receive a grant (total of 4 grants awarded) for a natural resources-based recreation experience at a local outdoor recreation area.

Register Your Class
Fill out and submit our electronic teacher registration form by February 1.

Judging Categories

• Category I – Kindergarten-Grade 2 (hand-drawn)
• Category II – Grades 3-5 (hand-drawn)
• Category III – Grades 6-8 (hand-drawn)
• Category IV – Grades 9-12 (hand-drawn)

Entry Requirements
· All entries must include completed student entry form.
· All artwork must be original, hand-drawn work.
· Photographs or computer-generated artwork will not be accepted.
· Acceptable media are paint, pencil, markers, ink, crayon, and chalk or pastel.
· Drawing must be created on an 8 ½ x 11 single sheet of white paper.
· Do not mat, mount, laminate, frame or fold artwork.

Entry Deadline
All entries must be postmarked by March 1, 2014. Late entries will not be considered.

If you have any questions about the Contest, contact the Aquatic Education Program
at 641/747-2200 or by email Edinfo@dnr.iowa.gov.