Deadline Nears for the Wildlife Forever Fish Art Contest
White Bear Lake, MN – The Wildlife Forever Fish Art Contest deadline is February 28th. This annual competition invites youth worldwide to connect with nature, learn about fish and aquatic habitats, and express their creativity through art and writing. Since its founding in 1997, the contest has engaged over 85,000 students across 46 countries, inspiring future stewards of the outdoors.
Open to students in grades K-12, this free program receives thousands of entries each year, showcasing its global impact. With the deadline fast approaching, now is the time to take part in this celebrated tradition.
“The Fish Art Contest offers a unique opportunity to connect students to the outdoors through science and creative art. Through hands-on learning, students may explore the beauty of the natural world while learning about the importance of conservation,” said Veronica Mangio, Marketing & Communications Manager at Wildlife Forever.
How to Participate:
Step 1: Select a Fish Species: Students choose a fish species to research, focusing on its habitat, behavior, and conservation needs. Certain states have specific entry guidelines.
Step 2: Create Original Art: After conducting research, students create an original, handmade creation of their chosen fish(s). All physical mediums are welcome.
Step 3: Write About It (4th Grade and Above): Students in 4th grade and above are also required to submit a one-page creative writing piece that reflects what they have learned about their selected species.
Step 4: Submit Online: Entries are submitted through the Fish Art Contest entry form page.
Specialty Awards
Students can submit one artwork and may qualify for multiple specialty awards. These awards recognize exceptional talent while highlighting key conservation topics:
Debris Division Award – Addressing plastic pollution
Invader Crusader Award – Raising awareness about invasive species
Great Lakes Fish Award – Featuring fish from the Great Lakes
Guy Harvey Shark Award – Celebrating sharks and ocean ecology
Western Native Trout Award – Highlighting native trout conservation
Fish Habitat Writing Award – Recognizing outstanding fish habitat essays
Mighty Minnow Award – Honoring the youngest students
The contest is open for submissions until February 28th, 2025. Participants can find more information, educational resources, and submission guidelines at www.FishArt.org.
The Fish Art Contest is made possible through the generous support of our Title Sponsor Bass Pro Shops, the USDA Forest Service, the International Game Fish Association, the Guy Harvey Foundation, the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission, the National Fish Habitat Partnership, the Western Native Trout Initiative, and Rapala.