​**The 2019 contest is now closed. We will start accepting entries for 2020 in August.**
2019 Winners (out of 4,444 entries from 37 countries and 20 US states)
CONTEST RULES:
  • Entries must be the original art of the child entering the contest, with no help from adults. We no longer accept printed owls that are just colored.
  • Entries must be an image of an owl.
  • Artwork must be two-dimensional, on any size paper than can be mailed and hung on a wall with tape.
  • Children up to and including age 18 may enter. (We no longer accept adult entries.) Age is based on the date the entry is mailed.
  • Print out this form and TAPE the small label to the bottom right corner of the front of the image, and TAPE the larger form to the back of the image. (Do not use glue or rubber cement.) PLEASE PRINT NEATLY or type the information. Click here to see a video of how to properly label entries.
  • Entries that are not properly labeled will be disqualified.
  • Entries must be received by January 15, 2019. (Entries must be mailed; no email entries accepted.) Please allow adequate time for delivery, which often can take 3-4 weeks from some countries, and sometimes takes as much as 6-8 weeks.
  • All entries with a legible email address will receive an emailed certificate of participation. Schools will receive one certificate to print out for each of the students. Due to the volume of entries we receive, the certificates are not customized with each child's name. We do not use seals, as we are based in the United States and it is not customary here.
  • Limit one entry per person
  • Use enough postage, as "postage due" entries will not be accepted.
  • PRIZES: All properly labeled entries will be judged by area artists. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners in each category will be mailed a customized award certificate. (Certificates do not have seals, as this is not something that is done in the United States.) First prize winners in each category will receive a cash prize (paid through PayPal or Western Union) as follows: 0-5 years: $20 USD; 6-9 years - $30 USD; 10-14 years - $40 USD; 15-18 years - $50 USD. 
  • All entries become the property of the International Owl Center and cannot be returned due to the large volume of entries received. They will be used to decorate the storefronts in Houston during the International Festival of Owls the first weekend in March, and may be sold or auctioned to raise funds to support the International Owl Center. Some will be kept for temporary or permanent display at the Owl Center.
  • Results will be posted on our public Facebook page in February or March.
  • If you have questions, please email us.
Entries should be mailed through the postal service to:
International Festival of Owls
P O Box 536
Houston, MN 55943
USA
Entries mailed through DHL, UPS, and FedEx should be mailed to:
International Owl Center
126 E Cedar St
Houston, MN 55943
USA
+1 507-896-6957