Flora and Fauna Illustrata
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (MLA) and the Andersen Horticultural Library (AHL) present a long-term project to document the plant and animal species at the Arboretum through scientifically-accurate fine art.
We are currently accepting fine art entries. The next jury consideration will occur on May 30, 2025. The deadline for entries is May 23, 2025.
About
We are seeking submissions from artists to show us the best of the MLA flora and fauna that inspire them!
Artwork is reviewed by an artistic and scientific jury that meets twice a year. If accepted, it will become part of the Flora and Fauna Illustrata (FFI) permanent collection to be archived and exhibited periodically by AHL. The collection provides a visual regional and national resource to aid research and serves to inspire learning, discovery, and enjoyment.
*Note: Submissions to the FFI project are considered donations to the University of Minnesota. Unfortunately, we are unable to compensate artists at this time.
As there are thousands of species at the MLA, this project and our call for submissions is ongoing.
In past years, we have put out specific calls for Prairie Plants and Animals, Minnesota Hardy Plants, Spring Plants, and Trees, but we are always accepting entries for any plant, animal, insect, or fungus found on the 1,200+ acres of the MLA or the University of Minnesota Horticultural Research Center (HRC).
Documents and forms
View the Submission Specifications and Requirements.
New artists can get started with the FFI project by submitting this form.
Explore the complete list of taken species that artists have already requested and submitted.
If you are a returning FFI artist, you can request specimen samples from the Arboretum using this form.
Please print, complete, and return the following forms with each of your finished works of art you are submitting for the jury:
How are submissions judged? See the forms below, which show how each piece is rated. Pieces must pass the scientific jury in order to move on to be judged for artistic proficiency.
The artists
The MLA and AHL are incredibly grateful to the artists who have graciously donated their time, energy, and skills to the FFI collection. Without them, this project would not be possible. Many of the FFI artists are members of the Great River Chapter of the American Society for Botanical Artists and show their work in other shows and florilegium. This level of artistic talent and experience is not required to submit work to the FFI collection, and we are extremely honored to have the privilege of preserving and exhibiting all of these wonderful artists' work.
Our "Meet the Artists" page (coming soon) gives more information about the FFI artists, other artistic pursuits they are involved in, how to get in contact with them, and shows some of their works featured in the FFI collection.
View the collection digitally
Check out our interactive FFI Digital Exhibit to learn more about the history of the project and to view selected FFI works geotagged on a map of the Arboretum grounds.
View all FFI works archived at UMedia.
Check out our coloring pages derived from FFI artwork!
View the collection in-person
Selected FFI artworks will be exhibited in person at Minneapolis Central Library's Cargill Gallery! This exhibition opens in early December, 2024.
You can also schedule an appointment with the FFI coordinator any time of year to visit AHL and view all of the FFI works housed in our secure, climate-controlled room.
Questions or comments
Contact the Andersen Horticultural Library: 612-301-1239, hortlib@umn.edu