Missouri youths invited to enter State Fish Art Contest

Fishing gear and art supplies are among the prizes. State winners advance to a national competition, where two Missourians placed last year.

JEFFERSON CITY-Artists in grades four through 12 have until March 31 to enter the 2007 State Fish Art Contest. This year's competition offers more freedom than ever before.

In the past, entries had to depict the state fish of the artist's home state. This year, depictions of any state's officially designated fish are allowed. The only other requirement is that fish be shown in their natural habitats.

Information about state fish is available at the State Fish Art Contest Web site, www.statefishart.com. Full contest details and entry forms are available at the same site.

Three winners will be selected from each state in grade groups 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12, for a total of 150 winners nationwide. Prizes will include fishing equipment and art supplies. State winners advance to the national competition.

Missouri's state fish is the channel catfish. Last year, two Missouri youths placed in the national contest. Sisters Brie and Tiara Jenkins of Pittsburg won Best of Show in their grade levels at the state competition. Brie won first place nationally in 7th through 9th grades, and Tiara won second in 10th through 12th grades. Tiara's winning artwork is on the current Art of Conservation commemorative stamp sheet.

The entry deadline for the 2007 contest is March 31. For more information about the contest, visit www.statefishart.com or contact Brett Richardson, brichardson@wildlifeforever.org, (763) 253-0222.

-Jim Low-