Ray and Nancy Loeschner Art Competition 2026

An annual competition from Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park for two-dimensional art and photography inspired by its gardens, grounds, and collections. One winning two-dimensional work and one winning photograph receive conditional $5,000 purchase awards and enter the institution’s permanent collection.

Art inspired by Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s gardens, grounds, and collections.

Open to artists age 18 or older, except previous winners, with no visit to Meijer Gardens required. Eligible work includes two-dimensional art and color, black-and-white, analogue-film, and digital photography; digital artwork is accepted in the two-dimensional category, but AI use of any kind is prohibited. Artists may submit no more than three entries. The first-round digital application requires a one-page résumé, a one-page artist statement explaining how the work is inspired by Meijer Gardens, and images at least 1024 × 768 pixels at 72 dpi; dimensions must be supplied, using print size for photography. Second-round finalists must deliver or ship original work to Meijer Gardens, and photography finalists must provide a printed photograph for judging. Two conditional $5,000 purchase awards are offered, one for two-dimensional work and one for photography; winning entries are acquired for the permanent collection. Winning images may be reproduced on posters and note cards with full credit but no further royalties.