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SEPTEMBER CHALLENGE: Adventure
Adventure awaits in the Metroparks! From September 1–30, we invite artists of all ages and skill levels to create an original illustration inspired by adventure in the Metroparks, with the Winner’s design being turned into a sticker! Whether it’s hiking, biking, paddling, exploring nature or your own favorite way to enjoy the parks, show us what adventure means to you and create something that will look great in sticker form.
Never designed a sticker before? No worries! If your artwork is chosen, we’ll take care of turning it into a sticker. Just make sure your artwork is clean and crisp so it can be printed clearly. Use any traditional or digital illustration medium to bring your Metroparks adventure to life.
Prize Options:
1. 2026 Metroparks Annual Park Pass
2. Metroparks Swag Bag
3. Pop-up Shop Item Voucher
The Winner will receive 1 of the prize options.
You will be asked to fill this in on your submission form along
with where you would like to pick up your prize.
Youth Artist Recognition (Ages 12 & Under): We’re excited to see so many young artists participating in this challenge! To celebrate their creativity, a special Youth Winner Prize will be awarded to one participant age 12 and under. Youth artists are also eligible to be selected as the Overall Winner of the Art Challenge. This is an additional recognition for young participants and will include a prize selected especially for the winning artist. Eligible youth entries will be recognized for their artistic expression, originality, and connection to the Metroparks experience.
Meet this Months Judges
Amy McMillan
Guest Judge
(A) I have worked at the Metroparks for eight years. Fun Fact: I actually began my career in parks and recreation as a Metroparks intern.
(A) I serve as CEO, leading our wonderful team of more than 1,000 people. Together, we work to make Metroparks the best park system in the nation. We do that by managing nearly 25,000 acres of woods, water and recreational facilities, serving as good stewards of our natural resources and creating welcoming, accessible spaces for the community to gather.
(A) I love that the Metroparks bring people from all over Southeast Michigan (and beyond!) together. Our 14 parks are places where people can gather, connect with friends and family and spend time in nature, from fishing, boating and cycling to walking our beautiful trails. There’s something really special about creating spaces where everyone feels welcome and has the opportunity to enjoy all that Michigan’s beautiful seasons have to offer.
Danielle Mauter
Guest Judge
(Q) How long have you worked at the Metroparks?
(A) A little over 7 years.
(Q) What is your role at the Metroparks?
(A) My title is Chief of Marketing and Communications, but it would be more accurate to say I’m part strategist, part ringmaster, at the helm of a small and mighty team that wrangles campaigns, headlines, and a small mountain of data into marketing results worth bragging about.
(Q) What do you love most about the Metroparks?
(A) I personally love the outdoors and spending time outdoors doing various recreation activities, so I love that I am able to spend my working hours connecting more people to something that I also love. Every day is different and exciting while supporting nature and the outdoors.
Sherri’ Mealy
Lead Judge
(A) I have been working at the Metroparks for 7 years.
(A) I’m a graphic designer who works on a variety of creative marketing projects. Beyond ads and signage, I especially enjoy designing for our Pop-up Shop, creating stickers, and developing visuals for events and promotions.
(A) What I love most about the Metroparks is being surrounded by nature and knowing the work we do helps protect it. It’s rewarding to play even a small part in keeping these spaces open and welcoming, while also having the chance to bring creativity into the mix.
Submission Guidelines & Artwork Requirements
Eligibility This challenge is open to all ages. If the participating artist is under 18 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must complete the submission form and agree to these terms on the minor’s behalf.
Digital Submission & File Requirements No physical artwork will be collected. All entries must be submitted as a clear digital file or a high-quality photograph of the artwork.
- Resolution: 300 DPI
- Minimum size: 1200 x 1200 pixels (unless otherwise stated in the monthly theme)
- Accepted file formats: PDF, JPG, or PNG
- Merchandise requirement: If submitting artwork that may be used for merchandise (such as t-shirts, stickers, or other printed materials), participants must have the original high-resolution file available in PDF or high-quality PNG/JPG format upon request.
Original Human Authorship & AI Policy All submissions must be original artwork created entirely by the human participant. The use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools to create or assist in creating any portion of the submission is strictly prohibited. By submitting artwork, you represent and warrant that the work is not AI-generated, does not contain plagiarized material, and that you own all rights to the work.
Usage Rights & Licensing By entering the contest, participants grant Huron-Clinton Metroparks a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive license to reproduce, distribute, display, and create derivative works of the submitted artwork in any media. This includes, but is not limited to, display on our website, social media platforms, promotional materials, and reproduction for physical commercial merchandise, without further compensation. Participants also grant permission for Metroparks to use the artist’s name in connection with the artwork.
Judging Criteria & Prizes At the end of each month, winners will be selected by a panel of judges based on the following criteria: 50% Theme Relevance, 25% Creativity, and 25% Technical Skill. Winners will select one of three designated prize options (Approximate Retail Value: $40)
Copyright & Indemnification Artwork that includes unauthorized copyrighted images, logos, trademarks, or artwork created by others (in whole or in part) will be disqualified. By submitting artwork, you agree to release, indemnify, and hold harmless Huron-Clinton Metroparks from any and all claims, damages, or liability arising out of the use of your artwork or your participation in this challenge, including but not limited to claims of copyright infringement.
Select the Month below to see the winners!
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