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Native or indigenous plants are those that occur naturally in a particular region, or ecosystem. They have existed for centuries supporting life, increasing biodiversity, and
playing an important role in soil and water conservation.

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Texas is one of the most biologically diverse states, with over 5,000 native plants and 10 ecoregions that range from the arid High Plains to the lush Gulf Coast. However, at least 41 of its plant species have been listed as threatened or endangered.  Habitat destruction, fragmentation and the loss of genetic diversity due   to land clearing are among the many threats to our native plant species. 

The graphic includes the following Texas wildflowers that are recognized as endangered plant species.

  • Texas poppymallowCallirhoe scabriuscula

  • Comanche Peak prairie cloverDalea reverchonii

  • Puzzle sunflower, Helianthus paradoxus 

  • Big red sageSalvia penstemonoides 

  • Bracted twistflower, Streptanthus bracteatus

The Zapata bladderpod is a rare species of flowering plant in the mustard family that is found in Zapata and Starr Counties has been listed as endangered since 1999. The prostrate milkweed - a native plant crucial for the survival of monarch butterflies - was added to the endangered species list last year.

The well-being of native plants is one way to measure the overall health of the environment. The extinction of native species serves as a warning of disruption to our natural ecosystems.

PlantArte native plant art contest & exhibit

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PlantArte is a celebration of native plants through botanical art, originally offered in 2024 by Arte Sana's Plants & People, Plantas y Gente project and the following partners:

  • Native Plant Society of Texas

  • Defenders of Wildlife

  • Hill Country Alliance

  • Native American Seed

  • North Texas Master Naturalist

In honoring the beautiful resilience and many gifts of native plants, we hope to help promote local and regional ecology through community engagement and stewardship.

The PlantArte Goals

 

  • To channel the power of art to build awareness of the importance of native plants.

 

  • To promote native plant advocacy by empowering diverse communities to support conservation and restoration efforts.

 

  • To honor the ancestral roots and shared ecoregions that connect plants and people.

 

Through the PlantArte handmade native plant art contest and online exhibit, participating artists are helping prevent Plant Awareness Disparity (or plant blindness) and raising awareness of the role of native plants in preserving the biodiversity of our many ecoregions

 

A special thank you to all who submitted handmade native plant art, our wonderful 2024 PlantArte partners, and to those artists who are also members of the following

Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSOT) chapters!  

Austin Chapter 

New Braunfels Chapter

North Central Chapter

Rio Grande Valley Chapter 

San Antonio Chapter

Williamson County Chapter 

The 2024 PlantArte collection includes paintings, drawings, as well as clay, tattoo and cookie art from professional artists, self-taught artists, and many native plant advocates ages 14 to 76.

Over 27 native plants were depicted in the 2024 PlantArte online exhibit by artists in Texas, as well as from Arizona, Florida, and Oklahoma. We look forward to showcasing more native plant art from across the US and México in 2025!

PlantArte Themes & Art Mediums
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Artists are asked to select one art theme that either inspired, or best describes their work.

The PlantArte exhibit welcomes diverse art mediums, as long as the plant art
is
handmade or handcrafted, made entirely by hand or with the use of simple hand held tools (needle, paintbrush, wood burner, etc.).  Photographs or digital art
cannot be accepted.
IMPORTANT DATES
Dec. 16, 2024: Call for art.
April 2, 2025: Art entry deadline.
April 22, 2025: Earth Day launch
of the 2025 PlantArte exhibit.

The 2025 #plantarteexhibit will again be launched on Earth Day.
Visit our Instagram account for updates regarding the 2025 PlantArte native plant contest!

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  • Do I have to be a member of a native plant society or garden club to participate?
    No, this is a community contest that is open to all adults and teens (with parental permission).
  • Are plant photos or digital works allowed?
    No, this is a handmade art competition.
  • What constitutes “handmade” art?
    For the PlantArte competition both handmade and handcrafted works are welcome. Handmade refers to items that are crafted entirely by hand, using no machinery or automation in the production process. Handcrafted items are made by hand, but with the use of some tools or machinery. Examples might include the use of a wood burner or a tattoo machine used to replicate an original design drawn by hand. When it comes to embroidery, only hand embroidery is acceptable. Please make sure to read the PlantArte Rules & Guidelines before completing and submitting your art form.
  • If I am not sure whether the plant I want to depict is a native plant to my region where can I learn more about native plants in my region?
    The interactive PlantArte Native Plant Pledge includes: A link to the Native Plant Society of Texas Native Plant Database in the first action step. A link to the Pollinator-Friendly Native Plant Lists in the third action step provided on the Xerces Society website.
  • Where can I find my state’s native plant society or group?
    The North American Native Plant Society includes a list of Native Plant Societies in Canada and the USA. You can also find Wild Ones Chapters in 36 states.
  • What criteria will be used to determine which art is included in the 2025 PlantArte gallery?
    The highest rated works of art will be added to the 2025 PlantArte gallery of native plant art. All art submitted will be scored by a panel of PlantArte art judges on the following: Quality of artistic composition and design based on the art theme. Creativity, originality and overall clarity of the depicted art theme. Quality of the artist statement regarding their art, related to the PlantArte goals. PlantArte goals: To channel the power of art to build awareness of the importance of native plants. To promote native plant advocacy by empowering diverse communities to support conservation and restoration efforts. To honor the ancestral roots and shared ecoregions that connect plants and people. Special attention should also be paid to the quality of the photo of your artwork; lighting, focus, angle, and the size (between 800 KB and 2 MB) should higlight the quality of your work without any background distractions. Please make sure to read the PlantArte Rules & Guidelines before completing and submitting your art form.
  • If acceped for the art gallery, can I have both my online shop or social media account and a local or state native plant group website listed with my art?
    Yes absolutely! The PlantArte art exhibit is meant to be educational and help connect communities with their local native plant resources.
  • Do I have to pay $10 for each art submission?
    No. Only one art processing fee is required per participating artist, and this can cover up to two art entries (with a separate application form for each). This is a self-funded collaboration and 100% of the fee will go towards the PlantArte contest and exhibit, that are part of Arte Sana’s Plants & People, Plantas y Gente project. Arte Sana is a national 501c3 nonprofit based in Texas, founded in 2001. If your fee is paid with a shared or authorized use of a loved one’s credit card, please make sure to forward the receipt from the same email address used for your art submission form. This will help prevent a delay in your art being scored. Pay your one-time art fee now.
  • Can the art submission fee be reduced or waived?
    Yes, those for whom the art processing fee poses a hardship and obstacle for their participation, can email a request for a $5 reduced or a waived fee to: plant.gente@gmail.com
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