Each year, New Mexico Wild issues a nationwide invitation to artists of all ages, urging them to create original pieces inspired by the Mexican gray wolf. This year’s contest once again drew an inspiring array of submissions from talented artists across the country, with 266 adult and 44 youth entries received. New Mexico Wild staff, board members, and members of the Aldo Leopold Circle voted to select the winners – whose artwork helps celebrate and advance the recovery of one of North America’s most iconic endangered species.
The winning artwork from the adult category will be printed as the collectable 2026 Mexican Wolf Conservation Stamp — a 4.5 x 5.5-inch full-color commemorative sticker benefiting New Mexico Wild’s Mexican gray wolf conservation and education efforts. While not a true postage stamp, these framing-quality art prints are prized by collectors, wolf-lovers, and public lands advocates alike.
Adult Category Winners
First Place — Gay Marks, A Wolf’s Tale
Congratulations to our 2026 Mexican Gray Wolf Artist, Gay Marks!
Gay Marks’ artwork A Wolf’s Tale has been selected as this year’s First Place winner! Gay’s piece will be featured as the 2026 Mexican Gray Wolf Conservation Stamp, available soon for purchase in the New Mexico Wild online store.
The 2026 Mexican Gray Wolf Conservation Stamp featuring Gay’s vibrant painting is available for purchase in our shop here.
This year we are proud to recognize a tie for Second Place, awarded to two outstanding artists:
Kimberly de Jesus Alfonso — Sombra de Plata
Tim Razo — Asha & Arcadia
Congratulations to Tim and Kimberly on their beautiful and evocative work!
The People’s Choice Award in the adult category goes to Kristy Lynn Harbour for Zia Howl, selected by popular vote from our community of wolf supporters and New Mexico Wild members. Congratulations, Kristy!
Kristy Lynn Harbour — Zia Howl
Youth Category
Congratulations to Hazel Reading, whose artwork Lone has been selected as this year’s Youth First Place winner! Hazel also earned the Youth People’s Choice Award, making her the standout of this year’s youth category with recognition from both staff and the public alike.
The Youth Category is open to artists 15 years old and younger. We are continually inspired by the creativity and passion of our young wolf advocates, and this year’s entries were no exception.
First Place Youth — Hazel Reading, Lone
THANK YOU to all participating 2026 artists!
The 2026 Mexican Gray Wolf Conservation Stamp Contest was once again a remarkable celebration of art and advocacy. We are deeply grateful to every artist who shared their creativity in support of this vital conservation effort. Each submission reflects a commitment to the survival and recovery of the Mexican gray wolf. Your artwork helps raise awareness, inspire communities, and support the work New Mexico Wild does every day to protect these magnificent animals.
The 2026 Mexican Gray Wolf Conservation Stamp featuring Gay Marks’ winning artwork is now available for purchase in our online store at nmwild.org/shop. All proceeds benefit New Mexico Wild’s Mexican gray wolf conservation and education programs.
