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Become part of the permanent collection

Ray and Nancy Loeschner Art Competition

The annual Ray and Nancy Loeschner Art Competition is open to artists working in a two-dimensional format including photography inspired by the grounds and collections of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

The objective is to collect high quality work that would celebrate the beauty and inspiration the institution provides.

The competition

Two $5,000 purchase awards (one for two-dimensional and one for photography) will be paid for the winning entries in addition to becoming a part of Meijer Gardens’ permanent collection.

  • Artists who have been inspired by Meijer Gardens are encouraged to submit original works.
  • Although not a requirement, artists are also welcome to work on site for inspiration. The winning entry will become part of Meijer Gardens’ permanent collection. It will be displayed and may eventually be reproduced (e.g. posters, note cards), with full credit to the artist, to promote the beauty and inspiration the organization provides.

History

Encouraging artists to enjoy and utilize Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park as a source of inspiration has long been important to the Loeschner family. Ray, and his wife Nancy, who passed away in 2012, have been lovingly involved with the institution when it was still but a dream more than twenty years ago. In 2002, they unveiled the Ray and Nancy Loeschner Art Competition for two-dimensional art. This annual juried event encourages entries by artists inspired by Meijer Gardens but rendered in two-dimensional form: painting, drawing, prints, pastels and photography.

Timetable

September 20

Submission Website Opens

December 1

Deadline for Submissions

December 15

Finalists Notified

January 2024

Jurying of Finalists

February 2024

Winners Notified

Please contact lrechner@meijergardens.org with questions regarding your submission.

“We all loved the idea of artists visiting the gardens,” Ray recently reflected, “we weren’t interested in artists submitting just any work – it had to be inspired by their experience here.”

Past Winners

HOURS

Sunday 11 am - 5 pm
Monday 9 am - 5 pm
Tuesday 9 am - 9 pm
Wednesday 9 am - 5 pm
Thursday 9 am - 5 pm
Friday 9 am - 5 pm
Saturday 9 am - 5 pm

RATES

Members (with ID) FREE
Adults (14-64) $20.00
Seniors (65 and older) $15.00
Students (with student ID) $15.00
Museums for All $2.00
Children (3-13) $10
Children (2 and younger) FREE

CONTACT US

Holiday Hours

We are closed on November 23, 2023, December 24, 2023, December 25, 2023, December 31, 2023, and January 1, 2024. 

Extended Hours

Enjoy extended holiday hours until 9 pm on December 18-22 and 26-30, 2023

Extended Member Early Hours

Members can enjoy early morning hours on Sundays 9-11 am from November 26 through January 7

HOURS

Sunday 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Monday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

RATES

Members (with ID) FREE
Adults (14-64) $20.00
Seniors (65 and older) $15.00
Students (with student ID) $15.00
Museums for All $2.00
Children (3-13) $10
Children (2 and younger) FREE