Since 1976, Birds in Art has showcased the remarkable talents of more than 1,100 international artists, who have presented their best work interpreting birds and related subject matter. It has made its place as the exhibition recognized globally as setting the standard for avian inspired art.

The Woodson Art Museum again invites artists working in all mediums excluding photography and documentary to submit original two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and time-based media artworks for jury consideration for the 51st annual exhibition, Birds in Art 2026, on view September 12, 2026 through January 3, 2027.

Learn More about Birds in Art

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1. Size limitations: No one dimension shall exceed 72 in. (183 cm.).
2. Weight restrictions: No work shall exceed 150 lbs. (68 kg.) including frame and/or base.
3. Mediums accepted: All two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and time-based media are permitted other than photography and documentary.
4. Date completed: All work must have been completed in 2024, 2025, or 2026.
5. Valid entries:
   1. All work must be original to the submitting artist. Submissions using AI (artificial intelligence) as a functional tool will be disqualified.
   2. No work shall have been previously exhibited at the Woodson Art Museum.
6. Artists permitted:
   1. Artists of all ages, career levels, and locations are permitted to submit.
   2. Volunteers and employees of the Woodson Art Museum are not permitted to submit.

Deadline for submissions: Monday, April 13, 2026 at 11:59 PM CT USA; 5:59 AM UTC

SUBMIT YOUR ARTWORK

MAKE YOUR PAYMENT

Where to Submit:

1. Online: Via Slideroom *highly preferred.
2. By mail: With request of mail-in materials.
   Contact Us for Mail-in Materials

Preparing your Work Samples:

1. Number of artworks: A maximum of two artworks may be submitted per artist under the single $60 processing fee; however, only one work can be selected to represent an artist in Birds in Art.
2. Photography: Artists are encouraged to remove frames and matting for photography and to mask extraneous backgrounds that might impact the jurors’ ability to view the image. Artists’ signatures are OKAY to include and are not required to be blurred or cropped out of the image. All images are viewed on screens; jurors have the ability to zoom in for a closer look. Please take this into consideration when selecting image files.
3. Image and video file types: Image files must be uploaded and less than 5 MB, accepted file types include: .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .gif, .tif, .tiff, .bmp, .tga. Video files must be uploaded and less than 250 MB, accepted file types include: .m4v, .mov, .mp4, .wmv, .flv, .asf, .mpeg, .mpg, .mkv.
4. Number of image or video files per artwork:
   1. Two-dimensional (2D) submissions: One still digital image file per artwork.
   2. Three-dimensional (3D) submissions: Up to two still digital image files per artwork or one still digital image file and one video file rotating the 3D work for a duration of up to one minute.
   3. Time-based media submissions: One video file per artwork that represents the artwork through a clip with a run time duration of up to two minutes. During the jury process, time-based media will be subject to viewing the complete artwork upon request prior to acceptance into the exhibition.
5. File naming: All digital files MUST BE named by the artwork title, and if submitting 3D works, include the view number (1 or 2); DO NOT include the artist’s name. Artists including their name in the digital file name or anywhere in the application will be asked to resubmit their application or be disqualified from the jury process.

Starting your Application:

1. This is a two-step process.You must submit your entry first via Slideroom and then complete your payment through the Woodson Art Museum’s website.
2. Go to Slideroom
3. Select your application in Slideroom:
   1. Birds in Art 2026: 2D Submission For artists submitting two-dimensional artworks such as but not limited to painting, drawing, printmaking, or fine art quilts.
   2. Birds in Art 2026: 3D/Mixed SubmissionFor artists submitting three-dimensional artworks such as but not limited to bronze, wood carving, installation, or bas-relief—or artists submitting a mixed submission such as but not limited to a sculpture and a drawing or a fine art video and a drawing.
   3. Birds in Art 2026: Time-Based Media SubmissionFor artists submitting film and video that includes experimental, animated, narrative works, or installations with time-based media components.
4. Submission questions to prepare for: Artists will be asked for the following information upon submitting their artwork:
   1. Artist information including website and primary medium
   2. Marketing survey
   3. AI acknowledgement of non-use
   4. Accompanying media, providing the following information:
      1. All artworks: title and year artwork was completed
      2. 2D and 3D artworks only: dimensions in inches (2D: height x width or 3D: height x width x depth), and medium and support (ie. Acrylic on canvas, Charcoal on paper, or Bronze)
      3. Time-based media artworks only: duration, medium, and intended viewing device.
      4. Note: “description” is not necessary to fill out and will not come into consideration during the jury process

Make your Payment:

1. Make your PaymentMake your $60 non-refundable processing fee to submit up to two works by following the link above and selecting submission. Submissions received without the accompanying payment will not be considered by the jury.
2. Artists making their payment outside of the United States may experience errors. If you experience errors, please use this alterative payment source, shop.lywam.org/shop/p/birds-in-art-submission. If errors persist, please call the Woodson Art Museum to make your payment over the phone, +1.715.845.7010 or contact your credit card provider to authorize the international payment.

Notification of Application Received:

1. Two separate email notifications will arrive in your inbox confirming your materials have been received. If you have not received two emails, please contact us or call +1.715.845.7010 to determine the issue.

SUBMIT YOUR ARTWORK

MAKE YOUR PAYMENT

1. Number of artists: Based on jury review, approximately 100 artists will be invited to participate.
2. Selection email: All submitting artists will be notified by email of selection decisions. No selection decisions will be released over the telephone or via postal service.
   1. The Museum reserves the right not to display any selected work that does not correspond to the quality or configuration indicated in the submitted images.
   2. Artwork shipping instructions will be sent with selection notification.
   3. In mid-September 2026, all artists submitting entries for jury consideration will receive a complimentary Birds in Art 2026 digital catalogue via email. Upon request and shipped at the artist’s expense, artists will receive a complimentary physical Birds in Art 2026 catalogue.

1. Fees associated with exhibiting:
   1. $150 participation fee: Covers the experiences listed below in “Museum Responsibilities and Opportunities.” Scholarships available.
   2. Optional $150 photography fee: Includes professional photography of the artwork at the Woodson Art Museum.
2. Artist statement required upon acceptance: Exhibiting artists will be asked to submit an artist statement along with a forms packet that is due on June 1, 2026.
3. High-resolution image files: Artists will send an image that meets the Museum’s expectations, detailed later in the forms packet. Artists with time-based media artworks must provide high-resolution still(s) of their artwork.
4. Display of artworks:
   1. Two-dimensional (2D) artworks: Artworks must be framed; mounting, matting, and framing are the responsibility of the artist. If framing is inadequate or uses glass, the Museum will consult the artist regarding improvements that will be made at the artist’s expense.
   2. Three-dimensional (3D) artworks: Must be ready for display.
   3. Time-based media artworks: The artists will be given a selection of the Museum’s viewing device inventory. If the Museum’s inventory is inadequate, within reason, the Museum will cover the cost to ship artist-owned device or acquire the device needed.
5. Packing and crating: Artists are responsible for all packing and crating costs.

Museum Responsibilities to Accepted Artists:

1. Shipping: The Museum pays for shipping of artwork to and from the Museum.
2. Insurance: The Museum handles all costs associated with wall-to-wall fine arts insurance.
3. Complimentary catalogues: Each exhibiting artist receives four physical complimentary Birds in Art 2026 catalogues.

Museum Opportunities to Accepted Artists:

1. Purchasing artworks: The Museum generally acquires twelve to twenty artworks from Birds in Art each year.
2. Touring opportunity: The Museum coordinates the Birds in Art tour after the exhibition closes in Wausau. Artists are encouraged to make their artworks available for the tour; however, it is NOT mandatory. Notification of an artist’s inclusion in the tour occurs in mid-September.
3. No commission: The Museum does not take a commission for artworks sold during Birds in Art.
4. Programs: The Museum offers the opportunity for artists to demonstrate in public-facing programs.

2026

Monday, April 13
Online and postmarked submission deadline

Friday, May 1
On or about; email notifications to artists

Monday, June 1
Deadline for receipt of:
– Forms packet
– Artist statement
– Participation fee ($150) and optional photography fee ($150)
– Image file

Friday, June 26
Deadline for receipt of artwork

Monday, July 20
Deadline for programming participation responses

Thursday – Friday, September 10 – 11
Preview experience for exhibiting artists and Museum members

Saturday, September 12
Public opening and program

2027

Sunday, January 3
Exhibition closes at the Woodson Art Museum

Monday, February 8
On or before, return of artwork not included in Birds in Art 2026 tour

2028

Monday, March 27
On or before, return of artwork included in Birds in Art 2026 tour

View Online and Mail-in Submission Guide

Located on the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum campus in Wausau, Wisconsin, the Glass Box Studio provides space and time for artists to experiment, explore, and produce individually developed or collaborative artwork in any medium. The Woodson Art Museum Artist Residency Program will increase community engagement and accessibility to the visual arts in north central Wisconsin by providing opportunities for artists to share their creative processes through outreach, workshops, and programming. 

The Woodson Art Museum Artist Residency will bring visual artists from across the country to the Wausau area annually. Participating artists will be included in community programming developed with Museum staff. The program supports artists by providing a studio space, living space, honorarium, as well as networking and outreach opportunities.  

Each residency is unique. Residencies are organized by Museum staff members and are catered to each artist’s strengths and interests. Artists will be expected to participate in outreach or educational programs over the course of their residency and are given the opportunity to teach hands-on workshops to a variety of audience types. Artists will be expected to keep regular open studio hours for a minimum of two days a week over the course of the residency during the Museum’s open hours so visitors can observe and engage with the resident artist.   

• Support artists’ studio practice, foster growth, and encourage the investigation of creative ideas
• Increase community engagement and accessibility to the visual arts in north central Wisconsin
• Provide support and opportunities for visual artists to advance their studio practice through the creation of an independently developed, collaborative, or site-specific project
• Interact with the Museum’s exhibitions
• Engage with a variety of audiences, including students and adults
• Invitation to engage with audience members experiencing memory loss, low vision, and blindness, or children ages 5 and younger

Honorarium

Participating artists will receive an honorarium in addition to reimbursement for travel, mileage, and meal expenses. Supplies and materials for workshops, classes, and outreach will be covered by the Woodson Art Museum.

Facilities & Equipment

Artists will have 24/7 access to the Museum’s Glass Box Studio throughout the duration of their residency. Artists will have access to the Museum facilities and Museum staff during regular business hours. The Glass Box Studio is equipped with WiFi, work tables, slop sink, basic tools, and materials.

Accommodations

Artists will be provided with housing and basic accommodations at a one-bedroom house on the Museum campus.

Application Deadline

The Woodson Art Museum Artist Residency program accepts proposals once a year.

Where to Submit

All proposals must be submitted via Slideroom. Application fee: $25

Eligibility

Visual artists at any stage in their career and working in any medium are welcome to apply. Artists must be over the age of 21 and living and working in the United States. 

Application Requirements

1. Artist Information
2. Artist Residency Application Materials
   1. Artist Statement – 300-word maximum
   2. Describe your project, intention, and/or vision of completing a residency at the Glass Box Studio – 500 word maximum
   3. What are the goals or intentions you have set for your practice, and how might a residency at the Glass Box Studio benefit you? – 300-word maximum
3. Educational Program Experience
   1. Have you taught workshops or classes in the past? If yes, please describe.
   2. If yes to the question above, what age groups or types of audiences are you most comfortable working with?
4. Resume or CV
5.  Portfolio
   1. Provide 10-15 examples. Images (up to 5MB each), Video (up to 250MB each), and PDFs (up to 10MB each). You may also link to media from YouTube and Vimeo
   2. Accepted file types include: .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .gif, .tif, .tiff, .bmp, .tga. m4v, .mov, .mp4, .wmv, .flv, .asf, .mpeg, .mpg, .mkv.

Notification of Application Received

Two separate email notifications will arrive in your inbox confirming your materials have been received. If you have not received two emails, please contact us or call 715.845.7010.

Applications are reviewed by Museum staff. Successful applicants are those that clearly communicate ideas and demonstrate the ability to accomplish their proposal. All notifications and communications will be sent via email. Top applicants will be contacted to schedule a virtual studio visit before receiving an official residency invitation. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the length of the residency?

Woodson Art Museum residencies can range from as short as a few days to one month in length. Applicants may include the proposed length and dates of their residency in their application materials.

Can spouses or partners attend?

Artists will stay at a modestly-sized one bedroom home on the Museum’s campus throughout the course of the residency. Accomodations can be made for partners to stay at the home during a portion of the residency which will be discussed with artists who advance to the virtual studio visit portion of the residency application.

What is the honorarium?

The Woodson Art Museum prides itself on paying artists fairly for their work. Because each residency varies in length and programming, honorariums will be set to match each residency appropriately.

What type of equipment is available at the Glass Box Studio?

The Glass Box Studio is equipped with a slop sink, WiFi, drop-down electricity, large work tables and stools, as well as a cork wall for easy hanging. Resident artists will have access to additional facilities and equipment like a wood shop, power tools, a small etching press, a kiln, and other art making supplies. Artists can discuss further equipment needs during the virtual studio visit portion of their residency application.

For direct questions about the residency program, application requirements, submission details, or to receive mail-in instructions, please contact Rachel Hausmann-Schall, artist residency and adult program manager.

Contact us or call 715.845.7010.