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MAY Challenge: Wildflowers
Celebrate the beauty of Michigan’s native wildflowers in our May Monthly Art Challenge! From May 1–31, we invite artists of all ages and skill levels to find inspiration in our park system and create an original piece featuring local wildflowers. Whether you prefer watercolor, colored pencils, paint, or illustration, let the vibrant colors and delicate details of the season guide your creativity. Submit your artwork by May 31 to be part of this blooming celebration of nature and art.
Prize Options:
1. 2026 Metroparks Annual Park Pass
2. Metroparks Swag Bag
3. Native Seed/Garden Kit
Winner(s) will select 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.
Meet this Months Judges
Jill Martin
Guest Judge
(A) I’ve worked at the Metroparks since October 2004, so I’ve worked here over 21 years.
(A) I’m the Western District Interpretive Services Supervisor. I oversee the interpretive program at Kensington Nature Center, Hudson Mills Activity Center and Indian Springs Environmental Discovery Center.
(A) I love the opportunity to connect visitors with the diverse natural communities our parks have to offer, and to see the positive impacts they can have on their lives.
Julie Mclaughlin
Guest Judge
(Q) How long have you worked at the Metroparks?
(A) It will be two years next month!
(Q) What is your role at the Metroparks?
(A) I am the Natural Resources Coordinator. I help with land stewardship, project management, data collection, and various annual programs.
(Q) What do you love most about the Metroparks?
(A) I love the hidden gems that are not too far off the beaten path. The Metroparks have protected globally rare habitats which provide a home for threatened and endangered plants and animals. (Real answer is half off ice cream at Stony lol)
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.
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