Nature’s Canvas: Tiny Expressions of Landscapes, Life, and Learning
Celebrating the connection between art and nature while supporting the Wisconsin Master Naturalist program.
Click the buttons below to see how you can be a part of this exciting effort!
We are seeking donations of original tiny art in these categories:
- Landscapes: Wisconsin’s natural wonders—iconic ecosystems, beautiful vistas, special places where you feel connected to nature (bluffs, Great Lakes, rivers, bogs, prairies, and more).
- Life: Wisconsin’s living wonders—mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, insects, fish, plants, or humans connecting with nature.
- Learning: Art that promotes understanding and connecting with Wisconsin’s natural world. Inspiration can come from how we learn in nature or tools that aid learning (for example, binoculars, butterfly nets, secchi discs, augers, headlamps, backpacks).
IMPORTANT DATES
Submissions Due: February 28, 2026
Notification of Accepted Art: March 25, 2026
Accepted Art Received by: April 20, 2026
Gallery Showings: May–October 2026
Online Auction: September 23–October 2, 2026
ART SELECTION AND HONORS
- Art will be judged on creativity, artistic skill and technical merit, and theme composition.
- Selected art will be included in the online auction with highest judged art pieces shown in the galleries.
- Honors will be given for top artwork in each category and Best in Show
- Best in Show receives complimentary registration for one of the following:
- Wisconsin Master Naturalist Training ($300 value)
- Wisconsin Summit for Natural Resources Volunteers ($200 value)
- Great Lakes Trek Virtual Experience ($90 value)
ONLINE AUCTION AND PROCEEDS
Nature’s Canvas Online Auction will run September 23-October 2, 2026
Every piece of art in this auction is a gift with purpose—donated to benefit the Wisconsin Master Naturalist Program through the University of Wisconsin Foundation.
We are very thankful to Master Naturalist Jennie Beck for providing the Nature’s Canvas illustrations.
