SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) on Monday issued a reminder for artists to submit original wildlife paintings for the 2025 edition of the West Virginia Wildlife Calendar before the deadline on February 14.

“As we approach the art submission deadline for our award-winning wildlife calendar, we are counting on the artisan community around the country and in West Virginia to help us make this 40th anniversary edition truly special,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “We invite artists to submit their work and be part of this cherished publication, which is enjoyed by thousands of people across the country every year.”

Each year, the WVDNR selects 12 paintings from hundreds of submissions for its award-winning calendar. Artists are awarded $200 for each painting selected for the calendar. The artist whose artwork is chosen for the cover receives an additional $500. Art is chosen based on overall composition, quality and anatomical and contextual accuracy.

Click here to download an art submission form.

Wildlife Calendar Art Submission Guidelines
Art must be original color paintings on canvas or another flat surface and must depict native game and fish species or other wildlife found in West Virginia, such as snakes, frogs, turtles, salamanders, bats, songbirds, small mammals and nongame fish. Photographs and paintings with wildlife not found in West Virginia will not be considered. Paintings depicting hunting or fishing activities may be submitted.

The calendar is horizontal and art should be at least 14.5 inches wide by 11.5 inches high. Artists who want to send art should mail a high resolution copy to the following address:

WV Division of Natural Resources
Wildlife Calendar Art
P.O. Box 67
Elkins, WV, 26241

Artists may send multiple paintings and artwork not chosen in previous years may be resubmitted. Digital copies of paintings of at least 300dpi may be emailed to Sanya.D.George@wv.gov.

Artists with questions about the calendar may call 304-637-0245. For more information about submitting art for the West Virginia Wildlife Calendar or to purchase the 2024 edition, visit WVdnr.gov/wildlife-calendar.