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JUNE CHALLENGE: Self-Portrait
Celebrate creativity and connection to nature in our June Monthly Art Challenge! From June 1–30, we invite artists of all ages and skill levels to create an original self-portrait inspired by time spent in the Huron-Clinton Metroparks. Whether you’re hiking a favorite trail, kayaking on the water, relaxing beneath the trees, or exploring the outdoors with family and friends, show us how you experience our parks through art. Use any traditional or digital illustration medium to bring your favorite park moments and personality to life. Submit your artwork by June 30.
Youth Artist Recognition (Ages 12 & Under): We’re excited to see so many young artists participating in this month’s challenge! To celebrate their creativity, a special Youth Artist Prize will be awarded to one participant age 12 and under. Eligible youth entries will be considered separately from the general challenge submissions and recognized for their artistic expression, originality, and connection to the Metroparks experience.
Prize Options:
1. 2026 Metroparks Annual Park Pass
2. Metroparks Swag Bag
3. Ice cream/food vouchers (4 total)
Winner(s) will select 1 of the prize options.
You will be asked to fill this in on your submission form along
with where you would like to pick up your prize.
Meet this Months Judges
Maria Tejada
Guest Judge
(A) I’ve worked at the Metroparks for 5 years.
(A) I am a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Support Specialist. I assist with data collection, staff training, and improving the accessibility of our parks.
(A) What I love most about the Metroparks is the variety of activities to do while enjoying nature. I regularly go for a hike on the nature trails, kayak and bike in the parks. And every year I look forward to our summer family reunion at Willow Metropark!
Jenny Wright
Guest Judge
(Q) How long have you worked at the Metroparks?
(A) 27 years ( 6 years Part Time and 21 years Full Time)
(Q) What is your role at the Metroparks?
(A) Human Resources Generalist
(Q) What do you love most about the Metroparks?
(A) Besides the awesome employees we have, I love watching the Metroparks change with all four seasons.
Sherri’ Mealy
Lead Judge
(A) I have been working at the Metroparks for 7 years.
(A) I’m a graphic designer who works on a variety of creative marketing projects. Beyond ads and signage, I especially enjoy designing for our Pop-up Shop, creating stickers, and developing visuals for events and promotions.
(A) What I love most about the Metroparks is being surrounded by nature and knowing the work we do helps protect it. It’s rewarding to play even a small part in keeping these spaces open and welcoming, while also having the chance to bring creativity into the mix.
Submission Guidelines & Artwork Requirements
Eligibility This challenge is open to all ages. If the participating artist is under 18 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must complete the submission form and agree to these terms on the minor’s behalf.
Digital Submission & File Requirements No physical artwork will be collected. All entries must be submitted as a clear digital file or a high-quality photograph of the artwork.
- Resolution: 300 DPI
- Minimum size: 1200 x 1200 pixels (unless otherwise stated in the monthly theme)
- Accepted file formats: PDF, JPG, or PNG
- Merchandise requirement: If submitting artwork that may be used for merchandise (such as t-shirts, stickers, or other printed materials), participants must have the original high-resolution file available in PDF or high-quality PNG/JPG format upon request.
Original Human Authorship & AI Policy All submissions must be original artwork created entirely by the human participant. The use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools to create or assist in creating any portion of the submission is strictly prohibited. By submitting artwork, you represent and warrant that the work is not AI-generated, does not contain plagiarized material, and that you own all rights to the work.
Usage Rights & Licensing By entering the contest, participants grant Huron-Clinton Metroparks a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive license to reproduce, distribute, display, and create derivative works of the submitted artwork in any media. This includes, but is not limited to, display on our website, social media platforms, promotional materials, and reproduction for physical commercial merchandise, without further compensation. Participants also grant permission for Metroparks to use the artist’s name in connection with the artwork.
Judging Criteria & Prizes At the end of each month, winners will be selected by a panel of judges based on the following criteria: 50% Theme Relevance, 25% Creativity, and 25% Technical Skill. Winners will select one of three designated prize options (Approximate Retail Value: $40)
Copyright & Indemnification Artwork that includes unauthorized copyrighted images, logos, trademarks, or artwork created by others (in whole or in part) will be disqualified. By submitting artwork, you agree to release, indemnify, and hold harmless Huron-Clinton Metroparks from any and all claims, damages, or liability arising out of the use of your artwork or your participation in this challenge, including but not limited to claims of copyright infringement.
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