​Nature’s Palette: Juried Fine Art Exhibition Inspired by the Natural World

I'm excited to share that I’ll be submitting my work for an upcoming juried exhibition titled “Nature’s Palette: Art Inspired by the Natural World.” This show invites artists whose work explores personal connections to nature—whether through memory, emotion, or inspiration. The exhibition will run from August 23 to September 20, 2025, and the entry deadline is July 6.

The call is open to 2D artworks including painting and drawing in mediums such as watercolor, acrylic, oil, pencil, gouache, pastel, ink, or mixed media. What makes this exhibit special is its focus not just on nature itself, but on how nature touches us—awakens memories, provides comfort, and stirs the imagination.

If you're an artist working in 2D and have a piece that captures your personal bond with the natural world, consider submitting! It’s a wonderful opportunity to share how nature moves and shapes us—on the canvas and in life.

M​ills Pond Gallery, managed by Smithtown Township Arts Council in St. James, NY

In the quiet town of St. James on the North Shore of Long Island,
a once-forgotten historic train station is now a space filled with new life.
This building is no longer just a relic of the past--
it has been transformed into a thriving hub of community and creativity:
Celebrate St. James – The Cultural Arts Center.

​Where History Meets Creativity

This center is more than a venue for exhibitions or art classes.
Its mission is rooted in preserving the town’s cultural heritage while
fostering creativity and connection through the arts.
With every event and program, the space bridges the town’s rich past with a vibrant and inclusive artistic future.

A Shared Stage for Artists and the Community
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• Local artists are given opportunities to exhibit their work, lead workshops, and connect with audiences
• Community members of all ages are welcomed to attend live performances, art classes, historical tours, and maker markets
• Programs span generations, offering creative engagement for youth, adults, and seniors alike
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Celebrate St. James is committed to making art not just a professional pursuit,
but a shared language of the community—open, accessible, and participatory.

 It’s not grand redevelopment that transforms a town—It’s human connection through creativity.Celebrate St. James is a place where that transformation is happening.

In this space, artists, families, and neighbors gather to create, learn, and inspire each other.
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These moments of artistic exchange—big or small—are quietly shaping a more connected, meaningful future for the community.

​Did you know that approximately 3 billion birds have disappeared from North America since 1970?

There is a special contest designed to raise awareness of this shocking reality and to encourage the next generation to speak out for nature. It is called the Songbird Art Contest.

This is not just an art contest. It is an opportunity to convey the message of nature conservation through art and to look at the precious life around us again. Students will research a **specific songbird** of their choice and explore its habitat and the need for conservation. They will then submit a hand-drawn original piece based on their research.

Students in grades 4 and above will also be asked to submit a creative piece of writing to go along with their artwork. This is an opportunity for students to freely express why they chose their bird, why it is important to protect it, or a short story from their imagination.

 Summary of Participation:

Target: Students from kindergarten to 12th grade

Assignment: Choose one of the designated songbirds → Research the bird's habitat and conservation needs → Create a hand-drawn artwork

Grade 4 and above: Include a short creative writing piece

Deadline: November 30, 2024

Join this meaningful opportunity for students to artistically interpret nature while simultaneously fostering environmental awareness. It will be even more meaningful if families and teachers prepare together.

Do you want to participate in this contest with your child? Or do you want to use it as a school class or club activity? Please leave a comment or email us, and we can share participation tips or reference materials!

How to Apply for the Prestigious YoungArts Program (2025–2026)

​If you are a young artist—or the parent of one—seeking serious recognition, mentorship, and growth opportunities, the YoungArts National Competition is one of the most important programs to consider. Applications are now open at youngarts.org/apply, and this could be a transformative step in any creative student’s journey.

What is YoungArts?YoungArts is a nationally renowned competition and development program for creative students in the United States. It recognizes artists between the ages of 15 and 18 (or in grades 10–12), across 10 artistic disciplines, including:

• Visual Arts
• Photography
• Film
• Dance
• Theater
• Music (Classical, Jazz, Voice)
• Writing
• Design Arts
  
  ​Being selected as a YoungArts winner provides far more than a title—it offers financial awards (up to $10,000), mentorship by top artists, and even the potential for nomination to become a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts.​

Who Can Apply?To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or legally able to receive taxable income in the U.S.
  
• Be 15–18 years old or in grades 10–12 during the application year
  
• Demonstrate originality, technical skill, and a strong personal voice in their artistic discipline
  

No GPA or test score is required—only artistic excellence.

Why It Matters

​Applying to YoungArts is about more than winning—it’s about connecting with a national network of ambitious creatives, gaining access to scholarship opportunities, and being part of a lifelong community of artists.
As many alumni will tell you, “YoungArts didn’t just open doors—it built the hallway.”

Get your sketchbooks ready--Doodle for Google is officially returning this fall!
This beloved nationwide art competition invites K–12 students across the United States to reimagine the Google logo using their creativity, imagination, and personal voice. And yes—the winning doodle will be featured on the Google homepage for millions to see!

Save the Date: Fall

​ recently announced that Doodle for Google will return in the fall of 2025.
While the exact theme and submission dates haven’t been released yet, now is the perfect time to start thinking creatively and exploring ideas.

Why This Contest Matters
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• A chance to be featured on the Google homepage
• Prizes often include scholarships, tech packages, and trips to Google headquarters
• Encourages artistic expression, storytelling, and reflection
• Open to all K–12 students in the United States

​How to Start Preparing
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1. Look at previous winners
   What kinds of ideas, stories, or emotions made those entries stand out?
2. Brainstorm meaningful themes
   Think about topics like peace, community, dreams, the future, or personal growth.
3. Play with the Google letters
   Try transforming each letter into something meaningful to you—your culture, your environment, or your values.

Your Imagination Could Be the Next Google Doodle

Doodle for Google is more than just an art contest—it’s an invitation for young people to express what matters most to them, through their unique creative lens.
Stay tuned—we’ll share more updates as soon as the theme and official dates are announced.
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For now, mark your calendars: Fall 2025. Let the imagination begin!