Turning nature’s inspiration into art at BREC’s Swamp Art Spectacular

Sponsored by BREC

You don’t have to be a professional artist to share your work. At BREC’s Swamp Art Spectacular, artists of all ages and experience levels can bring their creativity to the community and find inspiration in Louisiana’s natural world.

The annual art show celebrates “Impressions of Louisiana Nature,” a theme open to interpretation. That might mean a landscape, a portrait, a photograph of local wildlife or an imaginative sculpture made from unexpected materials. Past entries have included everything from large quilts and felt animals to an alligator crafted from oyster shells.

Artists can enter in one of three categories: photography, fiber arts and fine arts. Fiber arts can include quilting, yarn, fabric, paper, macramé and felting. The show has separate youth and adult divisions, with the youth division welcoming artists from the time they can hold a crayon through age 17.

The show gives non-professional artists the chance to exhibit their work, meet fellow creatives and share the stories behind their pieces.

Shannon Guidry, facility manager of BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center, has seen young artists return to the show year after year. Last year, one longtime youth participant even graduated into the adult division.

The Swamp Art Spectacular is free to enter, and guidelines are listed on the entry form. The show is not curated based on artistic quality, making it a place for newcomers and experienced makers alike.

Registration opens Nov. 1 and runs through Dec. 28. Artists submit an intent-to-enter form first, then bring their work to the swamp during the first week of January. The exhibit is installed the following week.

The show opens with a soiree on Jan. 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. This 18-and-over gathering, featuring wine and refreshments, is a chance to meet artists and enjoy the exhibit. The show opens to the public the next day and remains on view through the family-friendly closing reception on Feb. 21. Admission to see the exhibit is included with general admission to the swamp.

Visitors can vote for their favorite youth and adult artworks. The public’s choices receive $100 cash prizes, with $50 honorable-mention prizes also awarded. BREC staff select a winner in a separate staff category. The BREC Foundation sponsors the prizes.

Want to get inspired before entering? Artists can visit during Swamp Art Field Days, including a free weekend Nov. 14-15. Check in at the desk to explore the site, gather ideas or bring along a project to work on.

With room for up to 200 pieces and a history of bringing local artists together, the Swamp Art Spectacular invites the community to see Louisiana nature through many different eyes and encourages artists to share what they see.

Find the entry form online at brec.org/form/swamp-art-spectacular-2027-artist-entry-form. For additional questions, please contact [email protected] or call the Nature Center at 225.757.8905 for more information.