If you've ever stood on the Bluebonnet Swamp boardwalk and thought the light through the cypress trees deserved a canvas, BREC has an assignment for you.

The Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center, 10503 N. Oak Hills Parkway, opens artist registration Nov. 1 for its 7th annual Swamp Art Spectacular. The exhibition runs Jan. 15 through Feb. 21, 2027, and the theme is "Impressions of Louisiana Nature."

Who can enter

The show takes fiber and fabric art, fine art and photography. Work doesn't have to feature a swamp, but it should reflect something found outdoors in Louisiana's natural landscapes.

Space is tight, so the show is capped at 200 submissions, with one piece per artist. Canvases can't exceed 24 by 36 inches (or 6 square feet), framed photos max out at 16 by 20 inches, and quilts can be up to 50 by 70 inches. Pieces must arrive ready to hang, and each artist writes a short paragraph or poem to accompany the work.

The Intent to Enter form is due Dec. 28. Artwork drop-off is Jan. 2–8 during regular hours.

Find your subject first

On Nov. 14 and 15, the center hosts free Swamp Art Show Field Days. Bring your own paints or camera and spend the day working indoors or out on the grounds.

Then come back to vote

Once the show is up, visitors vote for favorites in youth and adult categories, and winners get a prize at the end. The Swamp Art Soiree (ages 18 and up) is Jan. 14 from 5 to 7 p.m., and a closing Meet the Artists reception is Feb. 21 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Even if you're not entering, the swamp is a good fall outing. The 103-acre site has more than a mile of gravel paths and boardwalks through cypress-tupelo swamp and hardwood forest, plus live animal exhibits indoors. It's open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from noon, with last trail entry at 4:15 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for kids 3 to 17.

Questions go to swampevents@brec.org. Now go start sketching.

Photo courtesy of BREC.