Event Swamp Art Spectacular

Join us for our 6th Annual Swamp Art Spectacular, featuring work from local artists in the fields of Fabric Arts, Fine Arts and Photography – focusing on the theme “Impressions of Louisiana Nature”. Come visit during the exhibition and vote on your favorite piece in both the youth and adult categories – winners will receive a prize at the end of the show!

Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center Jan. 16–Feb. 22 / 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Swamp Art Receptions

Are you one of our participating artists or would you like to meet them and share your appreciation for their work? If so, please join us for one of our receptions in association with our Swamp Art Spectacular show. Light refreshments provided.

Swamp Art Soiree: Jan. 15 / 5-7 p.m. /Ages 18+

Meet the Artists Closing Reception: Feb. 22 / 2-4 p.m.

Interested in showing your art?

Registration for the 2026 Swamp Art Spectacular will open on November 1, 2025.

If you’re familiar with some of our older Swamp Art Shows, we combined them in 2020 to create an even larger and longer exhibition. Participants working in fiber arts, fine arts and photography are all invited to show and compete for a variety of prizes. The theme for our 2026 exhibition is “Impressions of Louisiana Nature”. While the theme is not limited to swamps, works should reflect subjects found outdoors in Louisiana’s natural landscapes. The exhibition will be shown from January 16 to February 22, 2026.

• REQUIREMENTS: Due to space limitations, we are only accepting 200 submissions this year.
  • Applicants are allowed one (1) piece per entrant.
  • We reserve the right to refuse entries if they do not adhere to the exhibition's theme (Louisiana Nature) or surpass the size requirements.
  • If your piece is to be hung (i.e., wall or ceiling), you must provide the proper hanger to do so to prevent damage (i.e., bracket/wire behind the piece, rod pocket for quilts, etc.)
• PIECE REQUIREMENTS:
  • Paintings, drawings, photographs, and fiber art are required to be equipped to be hung. 
  • Due to limited space, canvases may not exceed 24x36” or 6 square feet.
  • Photographs are not required to be framed, but must be equipped to be hung; however, they must not exceed 16x20” (framed).
  • Quilts and other large fabric pieces may not exceed 50"x70.”
  • Larger art pieces, special displays, or custom installations may be submitted upon approval.
• THE STORY: Write a short paragraph interpreting their work for our visitors. This can be a very short back story, a poem, etc. 
• REGISTRATION DEADLINE: The Intent to Enter form must be received by December 28, 2025.
• ARTWORK DROP-OFF: Pieces must be dropped off between January 3 to 9, 2026, during normal operating hours (Tuesday-Sunday) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Pieces will be stored in a locked room on site until the exhibition is set up the following week. 
• ARTWORK PICK UP: Pieces must be picked up following the closing of the show from February 24 to March 6 during business hours.

If you would like to show a piece for the exhibition, an Intent to Enter form will be required. For additional questions, please contact swampevents@brec.org or call the Nature Center at (225) 757-8905 for more information.

Swamp Art Show Field Days

Those interested in working on entry pieces for upcoming Swamp Art Show Series shows can visit the Swamp these days for inspiration (FOR FREE!). Whether your gear includes canvases or cameras, come out and enjoy this paint-out and field-shoot day. Bring your own supplies – we’ll provide workspace indoors and out for you to create your masterpieces!

Nov 15 + 16, 2026 / All Day