Art Gone Wild & Competition

September 16th - November 8th

2025

The “Alabama Wildlife Fine Arts Competition” and “Art Gone Wild” are our annual Wildlife Art Exhibitions every fall, and we celebrate the end of the art exhibition with our Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival.  Enjoy wildlife art of all kinds, learn about these amazing Southeastern artists, and join in on art classes and demonstrations!

Alabama Wildlife Fine Arts Competition ​

Appreciating Alabama's Wildlife through Outstanding Artistic Talent

About

As a part of the Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival, The Kelly is excited to exhibit our third annual Alabama Wildlife Fine Art Competition. This contest showcases the truly outstanding talents of our local and regional artists in a competition for a $12,000 grand purchase prize, generously sponsored by The Alabama Wildlife Federation and LIV Development. The goal of the competition is to increase awareness and appreciation of specific native Alabama wildlife, as well as recognize outstanding artistic talent.

2025's Native Species

Artists are challenged by the competition to depict at least one of the following native species:

Green-Winged Teal

Blue-Winged Teal

Mallard

Northern Bobwhite

Eastern Wild Turkey

Eastern Whip-poor-will

American Widgeon

American Woodcock

Judging Criteria

All artworks will be juried and judged based on the following:

  • Accuracy of the chosen species. We accepted a broad range of artistic styles and interpretations; however, artistic liberties were to still allow for easy identification of the exact species selected.
  • Composition that highlights the animal. While the animal did not need to be centered or even a large portion of the artwork, we asked that the composition of the piece ultimately focus or bring focus to the chosen animal.
  • Artistic merit and quality. Artworks will be juried and judged based on design, skill, visual appeal, and quality of artistic expression.
Winner Announcements

October 25th
During the Wetumpka Wildlife Arts Festival!

2025 Competition Entries

2023 Winners

2024 Winners

Art Gone Wild

Art Celebrating the Southeastern Wildlife and Wilds

About

Alabama is flush with wildlife and natural wonders, and every year The Kelly celebrates our native Southeastern wildlife through the arts with our annual “Art Gone Wild” exhibition. These regional artists encourage you—art enthusiasts, nature lovers, and field sport appreciators alike—to embrace the beauty of our wilds.

Update Coming Soon

Keep an eye out, we're working on uploading/updating this 2025's years Art Gone Wild online gallery!

Last Year's Exhibition Artworks

Painting Demonstrations and Workshops

Oil Painting Demonstration & Workshop

with Dirk Walker

$ 100

Join us for an unforgettable day at The Kelly, where you’ll experience a live painting demonstration, enjoy a lunch and fellowship with fellow artists, and have the opportunity for One-on-One instruction from Dirk himself! 
 
Come ready to paint, learn, and unleash your artistic side in a supportive and engaging environment. Let’s make some beautiful art together!

Watercolor Methodology Class

with Tim Thomas

$ 150 / $125

Want to learn watercolor, or want to get more serious about your watercolor skills? Join Tim Thomas in his full-day workshop working with the three triad color system. By learning how to utilize the three triad color system, students will learn how to create vibrant, balanced watercolor paintings! Explore professional materials, learn how to “keep the white”, build depth and contrast, and understand the method behind watercolor itself.
 
Maximum of 12 – Supplies Included

Fabulous Fall Watercolor Workshop

with Vaughan Spanjer

$ 75

Join us for a fun day of watercolor painting!  Never done watercolor before, or looking to have a great time with friends? Vaughan Spanjer will be teaching a fun afternoon of 
 
More details coming…

Free Admission

Entry is free for anyone and everyone. 

Have Questions?

Contact us at (334)478-3366 or [email protected]