2026 Umstead Photo & Illustration Contests-OPEN for entries!
Details
The Umstead Coalition's annual photography and illustration contest is open — winners will be exhibited in "Catch the Spirit of William B. Umstead State Park" at the Park Visitor Center, opening August 8, 2026.
The deadline for submissions is Sunday, June 28, 2026.
The contest is open to photographers and illustrators of all ages, with five categories and separate judging for adults and youth.
Categories:
Entries are limited to one per category.
- Where are Your Footprints? People doing Park activities, or evidence of people doing Park activities.
- Stories in Stone: Remnants and structures of the Park history
- In the Wild: Park flora
- In the Wild: Park fauna
- Illustrations/drawings
Youth entries:
Youth are 16 years old and under. Youth will have the same categories as adults, but will be judged together rather than by category.
Illustration Contest Details:
Illustrations (drawings) featuring or inspired by plants, animals, landscape or historic features within Umstead State Park. Illustrations can be a sketch or image suitable for a Park T-shirt or mug, full color drawings or paintings, or computer enhanced photographs. Art can be produced via hand or computer.
Prizes
First, Second and Honorable Mention winners will receive the following:
- Feature in a special exhibit at the Umstead State Park Visitor Center with an Exhibit Opening August 8, 2026
- Complimentary Umstead State Park calendar
- One-year household membership for The Umstead Coalition
- Winning photo posted on The Umstead Coalition website
Catch the Spirit of Umstead State Park Exhibit
Winners are encouraged to attend the exhibit reception, which is open to the public. The reception will be posted closer to the event.
See the contest rules and waiver here.
Information and link to submit your registration form: https://umsteadcoalition.org/events