Leap into the art of lemurs

MYAKKA CITY — Animal artists in search of their next inspiration can look to lemurs for a chance at winning a worldwide competition.

The Lemur Conservation Foundation announced applications are open for the 2024 World Lemur Festival Juried Art Exhibition, which will be held online this year.

Founded in 1996 by conservationist Penelope Bodry-Sanders, The Lemur Conservation Foundation has become a home for more than 50 lemurs living on its 130-acre Myakka City reserve.

The Myakka City reserve is not open to the public but hosts visiting scientists and students studying lemur behavior.

The program’s primary focus lies in the preservation and conservation of the primates of Madagascar through managed breeding, scientific research, education and art.

The World Lemur Festival helps generate money to fund those programs, and art is one way to increase awareness about the studied primates.

Artists across the globe are eligible to enter the competition at no cost. Only an image of their art must be submitted to compete.

The deadline to submit an entry is Saturday, Oct. 12.

Those wanting to apply can find more information at tinyurl.com/lemurart2024.

The grand prize winner will receive $400 and be named LCF’s Artist of the Year.

Artists will have other opportunities to win prizes — including the Community Favorite prize for the person with the most votes — through a public voting system.

All qualifying artists’ work will be showcased during LCF’s 2024 World Lemur Festival from Oct. 21 to 25.