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Art & Connect: Open Call for Submissions

July 10

What inspires you in nature, and how do you connect with and express this inspiration? 

Natural Lands’ NextGen Council invites artists (18+) of all backgrounds and mediums to submit their work for Art & Connect, a juried exhibition to be held this November with our partners at the Da Vinci Art Alliance gallery in Philadelphia. We are seeking creative expressions inspired by the landscapes and wildlife of eastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey—with a special interest in pieces that reflect your connection to Natural Lands’ preserved properties. 

From painting to poetry, sculpture to spoken word, all forms of original artwork are welcome. Whether you’re an emerging artist or a seasoned creator, we want to see how nature moves you. 

Interested in the exhibit and want to stay in the loop? Sign up to receive event alerts and more.  

Deadline to Submit: Friday, August 1, 2025  

This event is hosted by Natural Lands’ NextGen Council, a group of passionate advocates in their 20s–40s working to help Natural Lands reach younger and more diverse communities. The exhibit is a celebration of creativity, conservation, and the power of connection.  

Questions? Contact Martha Moore at Natural Lands. Scroll down for a link to submit and more guidelines/details.

Let nature inspire your art—and share it with the world.  

Interested in seeing the art show? Save the date and stay tuned to join us at the Opening Reception at DaVinci Art Alliance on Thursday, November 13.

When

Date:
July 10
Event Categories:
,

Click here for Guidelines & Details:

  • Open to artists 18 years and older 
  • One submission per artist 
  • All mediums accepted: painting, photography, sculpture, mixed media, written word, recorded spoken word, audiovisual art, etc. 
  • Artwork must be inspired by your connection to the natural world in eastern Pennsylvania or southern New Jersey, with a preference for pieces inspired by Natural Lands’ properties. 
  • Artwork must be original and available for display throughout the event. 
  • Artists must be able to transport the artwork to and from the DVAA gallery in Philadelphia (or coordinate with Natural Lands if you have accessibility needs, etc.). 

Key Details: 

  • Submission deadline: Friday, August 1, 2025 
  • Notification of acceptance: Friday, August 15, 2025 
  • Exhibit dates: November 13–16, 2025 
  • Opening reception: Thursday, November 13, 6:30–8:30 PM
  • Location: Da Vinci Art Alliance, 704 Catherine St, Philadelphia, PA 
  • Artwork drop-off: November 6–9, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM 

Find more details at the link below; we look forward to seeing what you share.

submit your work for consideration

Event Terms and Conditions

Cancellation

Events may be cancelled due to inclement weather or low registration. In that case, we will make every effort to update our website and contact registrants. Note that we cannot offer refunds of paid registrations or ticket purchases, but rest assured that your donation will help us in our work to save open space, care for nature, and connect people to the outdoors.

Communication

Natural Lands (and our co-host if applicable) will use the email address you provided here to let you know details about this event and to keep you up-to-date on other news and happenings. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Photography Policy

Attendance at Natural Lands programs and events constitutes consent to be photographed for use in print and electronic media. Images will not be identified using full names without written approval from the individual. Please notify Natural Lands staff if you would prefer that your photo not be used.

Participant Waiver

By registering for this event, I, as the participant, and/or parent or legal guardian of a minor participant, do hereby understand and acknowledge that by participating, in this, or any, Natural Lands’ event or activity, I am agreeing to indemnify and hold harmless Natural Lands, their respective administrators, directors, agents, officers, members, volunteers, employees, other participants, any sponsors, advertisers, and, if applicable, owners and lessors of premises on which the Activity takes place, (each considered one of the “RELEASEES” herein).

I further acknowledge, agree, and represent that I understand the nature of the Program and related Activities and my and/or the Minor’s experience and capabilities, and believe that I and/or the minor are qualified, in good health, and in proper physical condition to participate in such activity. I willingly agree to comply with the stated and customary terms and conditions of participation.

I fully understand that: (a) the Program and related Activities involve risks and dangers of damage to personal property and serious bodily injury, including permanent disability, paralysis, and death (“risks”); (b) these Risks and dangers may be caused by my and/or the Minor’s own actions or inactions, the actions or inactions of others participating in the Activity, the condition in which the Activity takes place, or the negligence of the “releasees” as aforementioned; (c) there may be other risks and social and economic losses either not known to me or not readily foreseeable at this time; and I fully accept and assume all such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and damages I and/or the minor incur as a result of my participation or that of the Minor in the Activity.

I hereby release, discharge, and covenant not to sue Natural Lands or any of their “releasees” from all liability, claims, demands, losses, injuries, damage to property, or other damages on my and/or the minor’s account caused or alleged to be caused in whole or in part by the negligence of the “releasees” or otherwise, including negligent rescue operations; and I further agree that if, despite this release and waiver of liability, assumption of risk, and indemnity agreement I, the Minor, or anyone on the Minor’s behalf makes a claim against any of the Releasees, I will indemnify, save, and hold harmless each of the releasees from any litigation expenses, attorney fees, loss, liability, damage, or cost which any may incur as the result of such claim.

I have read this Agreement, fully understand its terms, understand that I have given up substantial rights by registering for this event, and have done so freely and without any inducement or assurance of any nature and intend it to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law and agree that if any portion of this agreement is held to be invalid, the balance, notwithstanding, shall continue in full force and effect.

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