Appalachian Nature Art & Photography Competition
2026 juried regional competition celebrating nature across Appalachia with $2,000+ in prizes for artists and photographers.
The Arcadian Gallery is now accepting entries for the 2026 Appalachian Nature Art & Photography Competition & Exhibition, a juried regional celebration of nature across Appalachia. This competition welcomes artists and photographers age 18 and older who reside in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, or West Virginia. The competition offers over $2,000 in prizes and provides a platform for high-quality regional work.
Eligible submissions include two-dimensional artwork and photography depicting nature in Appalachia, encompassing landscapes, plants, wildlife, and other natural subjects. While eligibility is limited to residents of the four-state region, entries may portray nature from any Appalachian state.
The competition will be juried by two accomplished professionals: Terry Miller (art), an accomplished graphite artist whose work won Best of Show at the Arcadian Gallery's American Wildlife Art Competition in 2025, and a Distinguished Member of the Society of Animal Artists; and Steven David Johnson (photography), known for vivid Appalachian imagery and a longtime conservation advocate whose work has appeared in Wildlife Photographer of the Year and National Geographic publications.
Selected works will be exhibited in person at the Arcadian Gallery in downtown Cumberland from May 15 to June 20, 2026, with an opening reception on Friday, May 15. The competition aims to attract high-quality regional work, provide meaningful exposure for artists and photographers, and contribute to downtown revitalization efforts in Cumberland.