Rio Grande International Study Center (RGISC)

13th Annual Birds of the Brush Art Contest

13th Annual Birds of the Brush Art Contest

Art/Photography Registration Form

This 13th annual art event is designed to showcase how our vibrant Rio Grande ecosystem attracts hundreds of species of dazzling birds, some of which migrate from as far away as Canada and the Central American tropics!

Please note that this year’s artwork will be submitted to the Laredo Center of Arts (500 San Agustin Ave) by Saturday, January 18, 2025.

Artwork dropped off BEFORE this date can be left at the Rio Grande International Study Center (1 West End Washington Street Bldg. P-11) Monday-Friday from 8 AM – 5:30 PM.

The submitted artwork will then be displayed at the Laredo Center for the Arts where the exhibit and ceremony will take place on Thursday, February 6, 2025.

DEADLINE: Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 5:00 pm. THIS IS A FIRM DEADLINE.

We hope that you will join us in this terrific community project that’s a partnership with our environmental
nonprofit organization (RGISC), the Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), and the local birding group, Monte Mucho Audubon Society (MMAS).

For more information, contact RGISC at (956) 774-4760 or email ashley@rgisc.org.

You can also visit us and obtain more information about the Laredo Birding Festival at www.laredobirdingfestival.org.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

DROP OFF/MAILING LOCATION ADDRESS (RGISC Office): 
If dropping off BEFORE THE DEADLINE OR ON OTHER DATES SPECIFIED BELOW, please drop off or mail to the RGISC office located at Laredo College. 

Mailing Address: 1 West End Washington St Bldg. P-11, Laredo, TX 78040
RGISC Hours:  Mon.-Friday from 8 AM - 5:30 PM 
Office phone 956-718-1063

PHYSICAL DROP OFF (Laredo Center for the Arts) - will be on Saturday, January 18th 2025 OR Wednesday, January 22nd-Thursday, January 23rd. 

Mailaing Address:  500 San Agustin Ave, Laredo, TX 78040
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday from 11 AM - 5 PM
The LCA is closed on MONDAYS and TUESDAYS.

ART CATEGORIES

2-D ART CATEGORIES
1. Elementary 
2. Middle School
3. High School 
4. General Public- Amateur 
5. General Public- Professional
6. General Public - Digital Art 

PHOTOGRAPHY CATEGORIES
1. General Public - High School
2. General Public- Amateur
3. General Public- Professional

3-D ART/SCULPTURE CATEGORIES
1. General Public- Amateur
2. General Public- Professional

GENERAL REMINDERS
• Work MUST be of birds in the Laredo or South Texas region, including seasonal migratory birds. (Email ashley@rgisc.org for a list). There are more than 300 to choose from.
• Pets or domesticated birds do not qualify.
• Work MUST be the sole original work of the entrant, completed within the last year.
• Only 1 entry per person is permitted.
• Teachers may submit a maximum of 5 pieces.
• Each entry must have two (2) Artist’s Information Tags. One front and one back. Tags attached. 
• Winning art entries must agree to lend their artwork, or images of it, for future LBF promotions.
• Once submitted, artwork cannot be withdrawn before the exhibit ends.
• Artists can choose to sell their piece. Please list price on Tag. 
• Prizes will be awarded the top 3 finalists of each category.

For more information, contact RGISC at (956) 718-1063 or email ashley@rgisc.org.

*Programming supported through the Union Pacific Community Grant Program*

Downloads

BOTB GUIDELINES UPDATED (1.15)

Please review guidlines for further instructions and NEW updates for secondary schools. There has been an update for the photography category regarding size.*

BOTB ARTIST TAGS

All artwork submitted, MUST have a front and a back tag.