Call for Submissions: The Art of Birds – Juried Exhibition 2026

Presented by the Museum of Northern History

Sharon Nadeau, The Raven, 2025 Best in Show Award Winner

Call to Artists: The Art of Birds – Juried Exhibition

Entry deadline for digital submission: May 9, 2026
Please read the Call to Artists fully for more details

The Museum of Northern History invites artists in all stages of their career to participate in this exhibition celebrating the beauty and inspiration of birds in every day life.

Exhibition Description

For its 3rd Annual Exhibition, The Art of Birds: Watching, highlights the simple act of observing – witnessing birds as a focus, and acknowledging their presence in everyday life. This exhibition will focus on the quiet act of watching: noticing patterns, habits, songs, silences and rhythms of the birds around us; including how they shape environments and imaginations.

Artists are encouraged to reflect on the time spent observing, whether deep in the wilderness or in ordinary parts of everyday life. Works may depict birds as messengers, neighbours,friends, or nuisances. Alternate perspectives of birds as the watchers are welcome, as long as the bird remains the heart of the piece.

All media types are welcome, including painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, sculpture and mixed media.

A number of monetary prizes and honourable mentions will be awarded through various sponsors, and will be announced at the Opening Reception.

2025 Art of Birds Exhibition in the Museum of Northern History Gallery

The Art of Birds – A Juried Exhibition is open to National (Canada) and International artists.

Artwork must depict a theme of watching or observation, which can also be conveyed through the written description. Work will be judged on relevance to the topic, originality, artistic prowess, excellence in composition and design. All forms of birds in art from traditional to contemporary are welcome, including photography.

Fees

• Artists may enter a maximum of two entries.
• One entry is $30 (taxes included), a second entry is an additional $15 (taxes included) for a total of $45 for two entries.
• Payment must be received to complete your submission. For a list of payment details, see the Call to Artists, or contact the Museum at manager@northernhistory.ca.

Categories & Rules of Entry

For a full list of guidelines on the following, please read the Call to Artists carefully!

1. Eligible Media Types
2. Originality
3. Categories of Entry
4. Entry Terms
5. Image Requirements
6. Payment Options
7. Display Requirements
8. Sale of Works
9. Shipping of Artwork
10. Jurying & Awards

How to Submit

Artists should submit the online entry form and digital entries by May 9, 2026:

1. Digital Entries must be submitted by email to:
   manager@northernhistory.ca
2. Entries must include a descriptive paragraph on the work. A current bio and C.V. (may be submitted by email)
3. A PDF copy of the Call to Artists can be provided upon request.

Contact

Kaitlyn McKay, Manager
Museum of Northern History
2 Chateau Drive, P.O. Box 1148
Kirkland Lake, ON P2N 3M7
705-568-8800
manager@northernhistory.ca