Colorful Creatures 2026, International Juried Art Exhibition

We are pleased to present this collection of color-forward animal and wildlife art. The artists' work embraces color in boldness, vibrancy, subtle tonal shifts, and more. The selection of animals and mediums is also wonderfully varied.

BEST OF SHOW
Trick, by Monika Wyłoga 
35 x 47 inches, Acrylic paint on canvas

From the artist, "My work explores animals as vibrant, sensing beings.

"Using bold color relationships and surreal environments, I focus on how color can express mood, energy, and presence. The goal is not narrative, but a direct visual encounter driven by color and form."

OVERALL RUNNER UP 
Watching You, Watching Me, by Natalie Jane Parker 
60 x 90 inches, Acrylic paint on canvas

From the artist, "I took on the challenge to create a painting absent of 'black' paint for this Red-tailed Black Cockatoo.

"My vision for this painting is to raise awareness for Red-tailed Black Cockatoos and to educate through my art.... to start a conversation about embracing the beauty of nature and habitat conservation, then in turn celebrating it!

"'Watching You, Watching Me' is a special painting and I hope it evokes feelings of strength,  resilience,  determination  and beauty  in a fragile world."

ARTIVISM AWARD
Important Business, Martli Heyns 
16.1 x 12.6 inches, Acrylic on paper

From the artist, "Let’s be honest, we’ve all been a little guilty of overlooking the humble Meerkat. They’re usually just a cute, sandy-colored blip in a nature documentary. But frankly, it’s high time they got the attention they deserve. Meerkats demonstrate complex social structures - highlighting the benefits of cooperation. That’s why this painting includes shocking pink and brilliant turquoise! This meerkat is not just blending in with the landscape anymore; its demanding a closer look. This is my way of saying, 'Hey, pay attention to the little guy - he’s a very big deal.'"

OVERALL HONORABLE MENTIONS
Margaret Moore, Karen Osborn, Diane Hill, Sarah Miles, Tiffany Wallace Oosthuizen, Tina Stallard, NMWS, Elizabeth Doerksen, Monika Wyłoga, A Debra Reich Schwalm, Martli Heyns, and Paulina Holstein

FINALISTS
Leah Gardner, Janet Schuler, Margaret Moore, Jessica MacKenzie, Natasha Lazareva, Simona Correnti, Alison Bozarth, Kylie Holland, Travis Soto, Dana Mueller, Cheryl King, Paulina Holstein, George McKay, Karolina Zakharova, and Natalie Jane Parker

There is also a vibrant and inspiring collection of Selected Works.

Jurors: Iwona Barylska, Sarah Soward, and Sharon Eisley.