Nature Art & Photo Show 2026
March 14th & March 15th | Danada House, Wheaton IL
🗓️ Important Dates
Submissions Due: March 1st
Drop-off: March 10th (5-8pm) & 11 (9am-2pm)
Exhibition: March 14th (10-4pm) & March 15 (12p-4pm)
💰 Entry & Fees
1st Entry: $10
2nd Entry: $5
Max: 2 Works per Artist
🏆 Awards
Best of Show: $200 + Ribbon
Animal/Plant/Landscape: $100 + Ribbon
People’s Choice: Ribbon
🎨 SUBMISSION GUIDELINES & RULES
The Golden Rule: All work must show the natural environment with NO human influence (no buildings, sidewalks, fences, pets, or farm animals).
Eligibility and Originality: Open to all artists. Work must be new and never previously shown at Danada House. All work must be 100% original. No AI-generated or computer-generated artwork or prints will be accepted.
Geography and Subject: Subjects must be native to the United States or North America.
Update: Criteria now includes naturalized plants (non-native species now established in the wild). Examples include daffodils, snowdrops, and other garden-origin plants found growing in a natural, unmanaged setting.
Accepted Categories
- Animals: Wildlife only in unrestrained settings. Includes mammals, birds, fish, and insects. No pets, livestock, or zoo animals. (e.g., Giraffes are ineligible as they are native to Africa).
- Plants: Wild and native plants, trees, and established naturalized species (e.g., wild-growing bulbs). No active gardens or houseplants.
- Landscapes: Includes seascapes. Must exclude any hint of human presence like boats, parks, or churches.
Framing and Identification: Maximum dimensions are 24″ x 36″ including the frame. All work must be wired for hanging (no sawtooth hangers). Please label the back of each piece with your Name, Address, Phone, Email, and Title of Work.
Friends of Danada Presents: The 2026 Nature Art & Photo Show
📋 STEP-BY-STEP APPLICATION
1. Prepare Download the entry form at the link below. Complete the official entry form (original only, please print clearly). Prepare a JPEG image of each submitted work. DOWNLOAD THE ENTRY FORM HERE
2. Email Submission Send your completed form and images to kat@danadahouse.org by March 1, 2026. Use the subject line: 2026 Art Show Submission.
3. Pay at Drop-off Entry fees are due via cash or check (payable to Friends of Danada) when you deliver your art. First Entry: $10 Second Entry: $5 Artist Maximum: 2 entries total ($15)
🗓️ CRITICAL DATES & TIMES
- Submission Deadline Sunday, March 1 (Via email with Form + JPEGs)
- Artwork Drop-off Tuesday, March 10 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Wednesday, March 11 from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Artist Reception Friday, March 13 from 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
- Public Exhibition Saturday, March 14 from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Sunday, March 15 from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Artwork Pick-up Monday, March 16 from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM Tuesday, March 17 from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
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🏆 AWARDS & SALES
- Best of Show: Ribbon + $200 Best Animal, Plant, or Landscape: Ribbon + $100 each People’s Choice: Ribbon (Public vote)
- Sales Info No direct sales are permitted on-site. However, volunteers will provide your contact info to prospective buyers.
📦 DELIVERY & PICK-UP RULES
- Packing Please take all packing materials home after drop-off. There is no on-site storage available.
- Display Artwork must remain hanging for the entire duration of the show.
- Claiming Work You must present your artist receipt for pick-up. Any work unclaimed after 30 days becomes the property of the Forest Preserve District/Friends of Danada.
- DOWNLOAD THE ENTRY FORM HERE
Location: Danada House, 3S501 Naperville Road, Wheaton, IL 60189
Questions or Special Circumstances? Contact: kat@danadahouse.org | danadahouse.org/events
