Nature Quest

Nature Quest Arts Contest 2027

This year’s theme is: East Coast Adventures!

Explore your backyard, a local park, or other outdoor environments and tell your nature story by drawing, painting, photography, or poetry. Highlight plants, animals, and habitats that are all along the east coast! The Eastern Coast of the United States offers a massive diversity of stunning natural environments with Maryland being one of the few states where you can genuinely experience all four distinct seasons and a unique mid-Atlantic geography which packs diverse lands from rugged granite coastlines, ancient mountain ranges, and dense maritime forests. Explore the East Coast and share your views of these beautiful landscapes and native animals with the Nature Quest art contest!

Categories for entry include: Drawing & Painting, Photography, Poetry 

M-NCPPC will recognize three winners from elementary, middle, and high school! 
$300 for 1st place winners , $200 for 2nd place winners, $100 for 3rd place winners

You can begin submitting your artwork on July 1, 2026

DEADLINE for Submission: Sunday, November 1, 2026

2027 Nature Quest Dates: 

Submissions Open: July 1 – November 1, 2026

Artwork Deadline: Sunday, November 1, 2026

Opening Reception Date: Friday, January 8, 2027 6:30-8:30pm 

Exhibit Open from January 8 – 21, 20267

Eligibility Requirements:

• This contest is open to Prince George’s County residents that are 18 years old and under. No purchase is necessary.
• Entries must be inspired by nature.
• Content of the work must be original. Use of another artist’s work is not eligible.  
• You may enter as many categories as you want!  

Open to ages 4-18, grade levels are categorized as listed below:

Elementary School: K – Grade 5

Middle School: Grades 6 – 8

High School: Grades 9 – 12

Questions?
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Shaiday Dancy at shaiday.dancy@pgparks.com

The 2027 Nature Quest Art Contest is a program of The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission, Department of Parks & Recreation, Prince George’s County, Arts and Cultural Heritage Division.