The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (WFF) and Wildlife Forever announce the 10th Annual State-Fish Art Contest for Alabama students. With three age categories for students from fourth grade to high school seniors, the nationwide contest encourages young artists to draw and learn about their state’s native fish, as well as fish from other states, and to compete for art scholarships to attend the Art Institutes International Minnesota. Entries must be postmarked by March 31, 2008, and sent to Wildlife Forever, 2700 Freeway Blvd. #1000, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430.

 

The State-Fish Art Contest is part of a conservation education program that sparks the imagination of students, while providing valuable lessons about fish and the importance of conserving the nation’s aquatic resources. “The State-Fish Art Contest is a fun and innovative way to introduce America’s youth to the wonders of our natural world,” said Wildlife Forever’s President and CEO, Douglas H. Grann. “With the scholarship awards from The Art Institutes International Minnesota and other prizes, the State-Fish Art Contest provides unique opportunities that young artists and anglers will not want to miss.”

 

Alabama’s 2007 winners were Connor Holcomb of Crossville (Grades 4-6), Sabrina Steuber, from Lee Arts Magnet High School, Huntsville (Grades 7-9), and Joseph Brooks from New Hope High School, New Hope (Grades 10-12). Their winning artwork can be viewed at www.OutdoorAlabama.com under the largemouth bass page and at www.statefishart.com.

 

Alabama is unique in that it has two state fish: the largemouth bass and the “fighting tarpon.” Student artists may create an illustration of any official state fish depicted in its natural habitat. The state fish for each state is pictured at www.statefishart.com/states. The artwork must be the contestant’s original, by hand creation. Participants must include a written composition on the fish’s behavior, habitat, and conservation. The contest is open to all students in Grades 4-12. Entries are separated into three grade categories: 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12. Winning contestants from every state are honored in each category.

 

The 10th Annual State-Fish Art Expo will be held at Mall of America on July 19-20, 2008. Winners of the 2008 State-Fish Art Contest will be recognized for their outstanding artwork and a massive art display will feature all the winning artwork from across the United States.

 

For contest information or to download a State-Fish Art Lesson Plan and Entry Form, visit the State-Fish Art Web Site at www.statefishart.com, or call toll-free 1-877-FISHART (347-4278). Information about largemouth bass may be obtained by contacting the Fisheries Section of the WFF Division at 334-242-3471, or by viewing information at www.OutdoorAlabama.com.

 

Wildlife Forever is a multi-species, non-profit conservation organization that works to preserve America's wildlife heritage through conservation education, preservation of habitat, and scientific management of fish and wildlife species. Working at the grassroots level, Wildlife Forever has funded conservation projects in all 50 states, committing millions of dollars to “on the ground” conservation efforts. Learn more at www.wildlifeforever.org.

 

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.OutdoorAlabama.com .