Wyland National Art Challenge
Scholarship Sponsored by Wyland Foundation
Overview
World-renowned environmental artist Wyland is hosting the 14th annual Wyland National Art Challenge, a nationwide mural and individual art contest focused on conserving oceans, lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands. The program invites classrooms across the United States to create large-scale murals and supporting individual artworks that explore how conservation shapes lives and communities. Participating teachers work with students to plan and execute a 4-foot by 8-foot (or larger) mural, with optional provided mural canvases awarded by random drawing. The contest emphasizes collaborative classroom engagement and student-driven exploration of environmental themes.
Description: A national educational art contest for K–12 classrooms and individual student entries centered on conservation of aquatic environments.
- 14th annual national mural and individual art competition
- Focus on conservation of oceans, lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands
- Mural scale: 4' x 8' (or larger)
- Supports classroom collaboration and individual student work
Eligibility & Entry
The contest is open to U.S. classrooms and individual students across grade categories K–5, 6–8, and 9–12. Schools may register multiple classes, but only one free mural kit is permitted per school. Each mural entry must be accompanied by at least five individual drawings or paintings produced by students that document the idea-development process for the mural. Class murals will be judged by category, and individual winners will be selected from each grade level.
Eligibility: U.S. K–12 classrooms and individual students; multiple class registrations allowed; one free mural kit per school.
- Open to classrooms and students in grades K–12
- Multiple class entries per school allowed; only one free kit per school
- Each mural must include at least five supporting individual artworks
- Categories: K–5, 6–8, 9–12 (individual winners selected for each grade)
Prizes
Award categories include class mural prizes and individual student prizes. Winning classes in each grade division receive cash awards, while individual student winners receive scholarships and gift cards for art supplies. Exact prize amounts and scholarship details are not specified in the source material and should be confirmed with the contest organizers.
Award Value: Class winners receive cash prizes; individual winners receive scholarships and art-supply gift cards.
- Classroom winners awarded cash prizes by grade category
- Individual student winners receive scholarships and art-supply gift cards
- Specific award amounts to be confirmed with organizers
Timeline & How to Apply
The contest period runs from October 1, 2026 through December 1, 2026, with teacher sign-up required in advance for eligibility in the mural-kit drawing. Teachers who register before September 8, 2026 will be entered into a random drawing for one of more than 20 provided mural canvases. Schools that do not receive a mural kit may still participate by painting on any 4' x 8' (or larger) surface. Entries should include the mural plus the required supporting individual artworks per the entry guidelines.
Application Timeline: Contest: Oct 1–Dec 1, 2026; mural-kit drawing for registrants who sign up by Sept 8, 2026.
- Contest active: October 1, 2026 through December 1, 2026
- Register before September 8, 2026 to enter canvas drawing
- Over 20 mural canvases will be awarded by random drawing
- Participation allowed on any suitable 4' x 8' (or larger) surface
History of the Award
The Wyland National Art Challenge is a recurring national program founded and promoted by environmental artist Wyland to advance conservation education through visual arts. Now in its 14th year, the program has emphasized large-scale murals and student-led creativity to raise awareness about aquatic ecosystems. The challenge blends public art, classroom instruction, and community engagement to inspire conservation-minded students and educators nationwide.
History of the Award: Annual program established by Wyland to promote conservation awareness through school-based mural and art projects; currently in its 14th year.
- Founded by environmental artist Wyland
- Now in its 14th annual iteration
- Combines public mural art with classroom learning and community outreach