Call for Artists
2026 CONPS POSTER CONTESTThe poster contest is now open! For half a century, we have dedicated ourselves to the appreciation and conservation of
Colorado’s unique botanical heritage—and now, we want to see that legacy through your eyes. We are looking for powerful,beautiful, and inspiring imagery that captures the spirit of our mission. Whether you are a professional illustrator, a student, or a passionate hobbyist, we invite you to help us commemorate this golden milestone.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three winners!
Your submission should reflect one or more of the following:
- Botanical Beauty: The intricate details and stunning landscapes of Colorado’s native plants and habitats.
- Conservation Wins: Celebrating 50 years of protecting our rare and endangered species.
- People and Plants: Human connection to the land—volunteers in the field, hikers among the wildflowers, or scientists at work.
Prizes and Recognition
First place Winner will be featured in an Aquilegia article.
Beyond the honor of representing CoNPS during our 50th year, we are offering cash prizes for our top three selections:
- First Place: $500; artist recognition in our quarterly magazine, Aquilegia; one year membership to CoNPS.
- Second Place: $250; publication of the winning image; one year’s membership to CoNPS
- Third Place: $150; publication of the winning image; one year’s membership to CoNPS.
Deadline for submission is August 1, 2026.
Why enter? Your art will become a part of Colorado’s conservation history, helping us raise awareness and funds to keep our landscapes wild and blooming for the next 50 years.
Rules for Entry (Terms and Conditions)
Exclusive Art
Entries should not have been previously published or sold. Entries should reflect the values of The Society and represent a holistic view of the natural beauty of Colorado across varied ecosystems. The native flora should be central to the image, but other representations of wildlife and human presence are welcome in context.
Image Size & Quality
Artwork should be expandable to a standard 18 x 24 in poster size with a minimum resolution of 300 dpi in a jpg or tiff format. Be sure to label your submission clearly with your name, address, phone number and email. Multiple images may be submitted together or separately and are limited to three.
Deadline
Deadline for submission is August 1, 2026. Winners will be announced by September 2026. Winners will receive an award of $500. Runners up will be awarded $250 and $150 respectively. All images will be featured on the website for 15 months.
Use of Imagery
Contestants should be aware that the Colorado columbine, Aquilegia coerula, is the state flower and is represented in our logo, but neither the logo nor any text other than “Colorado Native Plant Society 50th Anniversary” should be incorporated into the image.
We will offer printed posters and other materials of the winning poster for sale on our website. No royalties will be paid to the artist. The image will also be featured on our website at least from Sept 2026 to September 2027. The copyright will be owned by the artist, with the Colorado Native Plant Society having exclusive use of the image for 15 months. The Society is granted use of the image to display on the website or on other promotional materials and in poster form in perpetuity. Runners up will be bound by the same rules and privileges of copyright, except that their images will not be published on a poster.