Birds and Myth: meanings, metaphors, & guides
We seek to understand the world. Birds are some of our teachers, not only through our senses and observations, but also through our stories about them. These stories can be factual accounts, broader myths, or something in between. A myth might be a traditional legend, a widely-held-but-false belief, or a representation (or misrepresentation) of something true. A myth can offer insight into who we are, individually or collectively. A myth can offer us ways to behave and ideals to live by. What understanding of birds and humans have you gained through myths you have heard, told, or invented?
The Birds of Vermont Museum’s 2025 art show is centered on these ideas. We invite art submissions that bring birds and their meanings into art to retell an old story, weave several together, represent your beliefs, and/or create a myth for the future.
SUBMISSION INFO: Submit up to three (3) works using the online form at https://tinyurl.com/bovm-art-2025. We can accept the following file formats: .jpg (visual art); .mp3, .mp4 (music/video); .pdf or .txt (stories, poems). Apple users, please use the “compatible” option if uploading an image, as we may not be able to view Apple’s default .heic file type.
Artists of all ages and all professions (or none) are invited to submit. No work using generative AI will be accepted. All traditional media and other digital media are allowed. Visual, textual, and/or audio works are welcome.
Include your name, email, town, and a brief description of each work (size, media, when made) when you send your submission(s). Include a sentence or two about the story, belief, or myth you drew upon/created.
We can also accept submissions by email: send files (same formats) to museum@birdsofvermont.org. Please put “Submission for Birds and Myth art show from Your Name” as the email subject. If you do not have email, you may send up to three prints or photos (not originals) to the Museum, attention: Birds and Myth art show.
Visual, written, and multi-media works will be considered. In addition to walls, we have shelves for smaller three-dimensional pieces, room outdoors for weather-impervious works, and some ceiling area. We may need to work together to display audio or multi-media works. You are welcome to visit to consider the potential.
Entries are due by Monday, March 24, 2025, 11:59 PM.
In choosing works for a show, we strive to create a cohesive exhibit that illustrates the year’s theme. Jurors will select pieces by early April and will let artists know soon after, by email. Accepted pieces should arrive at the Museum by April 20 and be ready to hang or display (all hanging hardware already attached).
The art show runs from May 1 to October 31 at the Birds of Vermont Museum. Artists are wholly responsible for shipping or drop-off/pick-up. Pick-up should occur by December 30, 2025, if possible.
The Museum asks for permission to reproduce images of the selected works in print and online as part of publicity for the exhibit. This is not required. If you prefer that we use partial or cropped images, or have preferred images, please tell us or supply them after acceptance.
Artists who show their work here are invited to sell accepted work, cards, stickers, or related gift items on consignment through our gift shop. We are always thrilled to arrange artist workshops at the Museum with our exhibitors. Please tell us if you are interested in these.
Please call or email Kir Talmage or Allison Gergely with any questions. We can be reached at 802 434-2167 or museum@birdsofvermont.org. We look forward to seeing your work!