Student artists across Texas in grades K — 12 take notice: It’s time to start preparing your entries for the 2012 Wildlife Forever State-Fish Art Contest. This year’s contest expands to include grades K—3, essays and invasive species.
The contest is open to all students in public, private or home schools. Entry deadline is March 31 each year.
Major changes in the contest for 2012 include: change in the permissible size of artwork to include works 8.5 inches by 11 inches or 9 inches by 12 inches; creation of a K—3 grade level division for artwork only; addition of a national prize for best essays in grade level divisions 4—6, 7—9 and 10—12; and a new category with one national winner for best artwork and essay about an invasive species.
Contest rules, guidelines, entry information and details about the contest changes can be found at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/fishart.
Support for the Texas division of the contest is provided by the Toyota Texas Bass Classic, which makes it possible for the top three Texas entries in each grade level to win cash prizes. First place in grades 10—12 wins $1,000; second place $750; third place $500. Prizes in the 4—6 and 7—9 grade levels are $100 for first; $75 for second; $50 for third.
Additional support for the contest is provided by Strike King Lures, the William E. Armentrout Foundation and Friends of the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center.
One outstanding piece of artwork each year is selected for the Art of Conservation Award, and a commemorative stamp featuring the artwork is produced for sale. Proceeds from sales of the stamp are used to fund conservation projects.
Educators who wish to have their students enter the contest can download the free “State-Fish Art Contest Lesson Plan” at http://www.statefishart.com. The interdisciplinary curriculum includes lessons and activities, a species identification section profiling each state fish, a glossary and student worksheets.
Located in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, Wildlife Forever is a non-profit multi-species conservation organization dedicated to conserving America’s wildlife heritage. Working at the grassroots level, Wildlife Forever has funded conservation projects in all 50 states, committing millions of dollars to “on-the-ground” efforts. Wildlife Forever supports habitat restoration and enhancement, land acquisition, research and management of fish and wildlife populations.
