CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today announced that it is accepting original wildlife paintings for the 2027 edition of the West Virginia Wildlife Calendar.

All artists, especially those from West Virginia, are encouraged to submit their work for consideration by February 12, 2026. The WVDNR awards $200 for each painting that is chosen for publication and an additional $500 for the painting selected for the cover.

“West Virginia’s annual wildlife calendar is a great way to celebrate the amazing biodiversity of our state and the talented artists who capture it so beautifully,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “We invite artists to submit their work for consideration in the 2027 calendar and contribute to a publication that brings joy to thousands of wildlife enthusiasts.”

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 are not eligible 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 300 dpi may be emailed to Sanya.D.George@wv.gov. For more information about submitting art for the West Virginia Wildlife Calendar or to purchase the 2026 edition while supplies last, visit WVdnr.gov/wildlife-calendar.