Wildlife Forever® fish art contest announced

The Wildlife Forever® Fish Art Contest was inspired in 1997 by a 5th grader’s homework assignment and has grown into an international competition introducing young people to the wonders of fish, the joy of fishing and the importance of aquatic conservation. The Fish Art Contest uses art, science and creative writing to foster connections to the outdoors and inspire the next generation of stewards. The Fish Art Contest is open to all youth in grades K-12 (Ages 5-18). To compete, participants will submit an entry consisting of a completed entry form, an original illustration of a fish from the Official Fish List and a one-page creative writing submission (required for grades 4-12). The 2021 contest deadline is March 31. Fish Art Contest winners will be announced at the beginning of May. Prizes will be sent by mail after winners are announced. 2021 rules and guidelines Eligibility The Fish Art Contest is free and open to all persons in grades K-12 (aged 5-18 years old). Only one entry allowed per person, previous entries are not eligible. An entry consists of an entry form, artwork and creative writing submission (writing required for grades 4th-12th) Entries must abide by the guidelines below and be postmarked to the address listed at the top of the entry form (preferred) or emailed to FishArt@WildlifeForever.org by March 31. Artwork Specifications: • Size Range: Between 8.5-9” tall and 11”-12” wide, up to 1/4” thick without mat or frame. • Orientation: Horizontal, any vertical entries will be disqualified. • Artwork must be the contestants original hand-done creation, you may not reproduce another artists work and present it as your own or use digital mediums or computers. Participants are allowed to use photos, videos, and artwork, including those of past State-Fish Art participants as inspiration when creating your artwork. Any artwork found to infringe on copyright laws will be disqualified from the contest. • Art should feature any fish species from the Official Fish List • Art must be free of any signatures or initials on the front of the art, signatures are allowed on the back of the artwork. • Art must be free of any writing unless it relates to the artwork (i.e. the name of a boat). • All mediums except digitally rendered art and photographs are accepted. Please spray chalk and pastel entries with a fixative to eliminate smudging. A loose cover sheet may be laid over the face of the artwork for protection during shipping. Creative Writing Specifications: • Length: no more than one side of one page, typed or handwritten, with the contestants name, grade and state on the back. • Creative writing should show the contestants knowledge, connection to and/or understanding of their chosen fish. • Creative writing submissions may be decorated, have illustrations or be creative in appearance but the words should be the main focus of the piece. • Creative writing not required for contestants in grades K-3 and international participants. Entry Form Specifications: • Participants should be sure to select the entry form that applies to them, AK, FL, GA, MO, NE, TX, International, or general. • Entry form must contain an email or phone number and mailing address for the artist or participating adult . • Entry form must be signed by both the artist and an adult • If entry is mailed, entry form must be affixed to the back of the artwork with a clear glue stick. If you do not have a glue stick, paperclip the entry form to the artwork and we will glue it for you. Artwork Return Specifications**: • Entries submitted by a US formal public or private school classroom teacher and all US 1st place winners will receive free return shipping of their artwork and a certificate of participation. • **US participants who would like their artwork returned must include a $10 payment payable to Wildlife Forever to cover materials, shipping and handling for up to 4 entries to be returned to the same address. Payments can be made by including a check or sending a completed credit card form (available at the end of this document) with your entry. If you are interested in having multiple entries returned to the same address, please contact Wildlife Forever at info@WildlifeForever.org to receive information about bulk shipping costs. Submitting your Entry: • Option 1: Mail your complete Entry to the address listed at the top of your entry form by March 31st, 2021. • Option 2: Email a Photo, Scan, or Copy of your Artwork, Entry Form and Creative Writing to FishArt@WildlifeForever.org by March 31st, 2021. • Please review this presentation for tips International Participants: • Please submit your entry through email. Send a scanned copy or photo of your artwork and entry form to FishArt@WildlifeForever.org by March 31st, 2021. • Creative Writing is not required for any international participant. • If you choose to send your entry by mail, please know that we will not be able to return it. The FISH ART Contest is open worldwide to all children in grades K -12 in public, private or home-school, any youth group, after-school program, youth camp, scout troop, art class, etc., or just an individual kid that wants to enter! Any child of K-12 age is eligible as long as a responsible adult reads, agrees to and signs their entry form.