Enter the 2027 Fish Art Contest!

SUBMISSIONS DUE BY FEBRUARY 28, 2027

Don’t Forget: State-Specific Rules

If you reside in the United States, your state may have additional rules and guidelines.

For nearly 25 years, the Fish Art Contest has grown to engage young artists around the world. This growth has included State Hosts: organizations who partner with Wildlife Forever to represent Art of Conservation in their region! State Hosts fund special awards for local youth, in addition to helping adapt the program to their state’s unique species, ecologies, and conservation needs. This sometimes means asking youth in their state to follow a few extra guidelines to make the program a success — such as choosing from a list of local fish species, or following specific mailing requirements.

Scroll down to find the correct entry form for your region and (if applicable) view any extra guidelines!

Before You Begin: Review the Rules

Welcome to an exciting new cycle of the Fish Art Contest!

Begin by diving into the Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines below, which all participants are required to follow.

Some helpful reminders:

  • All participants must submit an online form, regardless of the physical mailing requirements for their region.

  • Grownups should help youth review all guidelines and submit their entries. We want all participants to have the best possible shot of winning the recognition they all deserve!

  • At the end of the submission form, a digital signature is required from both an adult and the youth participant to verify artwork is the student’s own original work.

  • The Fish Art Contest accepts entries from both individual students and group leaders (e.g., a teacher or educator) submitting on behalf of two or more students.

2026-27 Art of Conservation Rules & Guidelines

Use the form below to find your specific contest rules 
and the correct entry form for your submission.

Contest you'll be submitting to:

International Fish Art Contest

International Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. This includes specific requirements for international participants outside the U.S.

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible! Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

MAILING (NOT PERMITTED): Please do NOT mail your artwork or creative writing entry. All international entries must be submitted online only.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Wildlife Forever

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager

mnix@wildlifeforever.org

info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

General Fish Art Contest

General Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. There are NO additional guidelines for your state, territory, or country.

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible! Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

MAILING (OPTIONAL FOR GROUPS OF 12+): Wildlife Forever Headquarters directly oversees your contest and does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, Wildlife Forever will accept mailed entries only for groups of 12+ (e.g., an educator submitting on behalf of 12 or more youth). Wildlife Forever will NOT accept individual mail-in entries. For groups of 12+, first complete the online submission form with a digital scan of your artwork (REQUIRED). Then, adhere to all mailing requirements on the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., dimensions, packaging). Mail your package to Wildlife Forever:

ATTN: Art of Conservation, Fish Art Contest

Wildlife Forever Headquarters

5966 Hwy 61 N. #2, Suite 7

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Wildlife Forever

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager

mnix@wildlifeforever.org

info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Alabama Fish Art Contest

Alabama Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. There are NO additional guidelines for your state, territory, or country.

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible! Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

MAILING (OPTIONAL FOR GROUPS OF 12+): Wildlife Forever Headquarters directly oversees your contest and does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, Wildlife Forever will accept mailed entries only for groups of 12+ (e.g., an educator submitting on behalf of 12 or more youth). Wildlife Forever will NOT accept individual mail-in entries. For groups of 12+, first complete the online submission form with a digital scan of your artwork (REQUIRED). Then, adhere to all mailing requirements on the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., dimensions, packaging). Mail your package to Wildlife Forever:

ATTN: Art of Conservation, Fish Art Contest

Wildlife Forever Headquarters

5966 Hwy 61 N. #2, Suite 7

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Wildlife Forever

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager

mnix@wildlifeforever.org

info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Alaska Fish Art Contest

Alaska Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. There are NO additional guidelines for your state, territory, or country.

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible! Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

MAILING (OPTIONAL FOR GROUPS OF 12+): Wildlife Forever Headquarters directly oversees your contest and does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, Wildlife Forever will accept mailed entries only for groups of 12+ (e.g., an educator submitting on behalf of 12 or more youth). Wildlife Forever will NOT accept individual mail-in entries. For groups of 12+, first complete the online submission form with a digital scan of your artwork (REQUIRED). Then, adhere to all mailing requirements on the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., dimensions, packaging). Mail your package to Wildlife Forever:

ATTN: Art of Conservation, Fish Art Contest

Wildlife Forever Headquarters

5966 Hwy 61 N. #2, Suite 7

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Wildlife Forever

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager

mnix@wildlifeforever.org

info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Arizona Fish Art Contest

Arizona Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. There are NO additional guidelines for your state, territory, or country.

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible! Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

MAILING (OPTIONAL FOR GROUPS OF 12+): Wildlife Forever Headquarters directly oversees your contest and does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, Wildlife Forever will accept mailed entries only for groups of 12+ (e.g., an educator submitting on behalf of 12 or more youth). Wildlife Forever will NOT accept individual mail-in entries. For groups of 12+, first complete the online submission form with a digital scan of your artwork (REQUIRED). Then, adhere to all mailing requirements on the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., dimensions, packaging). Mail your package to Wildlife Forever:

ATTN: Art of Conservation, Fish Art Contest

Wildlife Forever Headquarters

5966 Hwy 61 N. #2, Suite 7

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Wildlife Forever

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager

mnix@wildlifeforever.org

info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Arkansas Fish Art Contest

Arkansas Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. There are NO additional guidelines for your state, territory, or country.

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible! Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

MAILING (OPTIONAL FOR GROUPS OF 12+): Wildlife Forever Headquarters directly oversees your contest and does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, Wildlife Forever will accept mailed entries only for groups of 12+ (e.g., an educator submitting on behalf of 12 or more youth). Wildlife Forever will NOT accept individual mail-in entries. For groups of 12+, first complete the online submission form with a digital scan of your artwork (REQUIRED). Then, adhere to all mailing requirements on the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., dimensions, packaging). Mail your package to Wildlife Forever:

ATTN: Art of Conservation, Fish Art Contest

Wildlife Forever Headquarters

5966 Hwy 61 N. #2, Suite 7

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Wildlife Forever

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager

mnix@wildlifeforever.org

info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

California Fish Art Contest

California Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. Additionally, please follow additional guidelines below established by your State Host (Coleman National Fish Hatchery), who represents the Fish Art Contest in the state of California.

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

.

Eligible Species

Only fish found in California are eligible for the California Fish Art Contest.

Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

From the list of eligible species in your region, you are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Species Resources:

California Freshwater Fish

California Saltwater Fish

NOAA Directory of Fish Species

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

MAILING (NOT PERMITTED): Please only use the online submission form to share your artwork and (if applicable) creative writing. Please do NOT mail your entry. Physical, mail-in entries are not accepted in your state or region.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Coleman National Fish Hatchery

Laura Mahoney, Laura_Mahoney@fws.gov

24411 Coleman Fish Hatchery Rd. Anderson, CA 96007

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Colorado Fish Art Contest

Colorado Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. There are NO additional guidelines for your state, territory, or country.

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible! Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

MAILING (OPTIONAL FOR GROUPS OF 12+): Wildlife Forever Headquarters directly oversees your contest and does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, Wildlife Forever will accept mailed entries only for groups of 12+ (e.g., an educator submitting on behalf of 12 or more youth). Wildlife Forever will NOT accept individual mail-in entries. For groups of 12+, first complete the online submission form with a digital scan of your artwork (REQUIRED). Then, adhere to all mailing requirements on the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., dimensions, packaging). Mail your package to Wildlife Forever:

ATTN: Art of Conservation, Fish Art Contest

Wildlife Forever Headquarters

5966 Hwy 61 N. #2, Suite 7

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Wildlife Forever

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager

mnix@wildlifeforever.org

info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Connecticut Fish Art Contest

Connecticut Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. There are NO additional guidelines for your state, territory, or country.

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible! Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

MAILING (OPTIONAL FOR GROUPS OF 12+): Wildlife Forever Headquarters directly oversees your contest and does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, Wildlife Forever will accept mailed entries only for groups of 12+ (e.g., an educator submitting on behalf of 12 or more youth). Wildlife Forever will NOT accept individual mail-in entries. For groups of 12+, first complete the online submission form with a digital scan of your artwork (REQUIRED). Then, adhere to all mailing requirements on the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., dimensions, packaging). Mail your package to Wildlife Forever:

ATTN: Art of Conservation, Fish Art Contest

Wildlife Forever Headquarters

5966 Hwy 61 N. #2, Suite 7

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Wildlife Forever

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager

mnix@wildlifeforever.org

info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Delaware Fish Art Contest

Delaware Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. There are NO additional guidelines for your state, territory, or country.

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible! Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

MAILING (OPTIONAL FOR GROUPS OF 12+): Wildlife Forever Headquarters directly oversees your contest and does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, Wildlife Forever will accept mailed entries only for groups of 12+ (e.g., an educator submitting on behalf of 12 or more youth). Wildlife Forever will NOT accept individual mail-in entries. For groups of 12+, first complete the online submission form with a digital scan of your artwork (REQUIRED). Then, adhere to all mailing requirements on the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., dimensions, packaging). Mail your package to Wildlife Forever:

ATTN: Art of Conservation, Fish Art Contest

Wildlife Forever Headquarters

5966 Hwy 61 N. #2, Suite 7

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Wildlife Forever

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager

mnix@wildlifeforever.org

info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

District of Columbia Fish Art Contest

District of Columbia Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. Additionally, please follow additional guidelines below established by your State Host (Department of Energy & Environment, Government of the District of Columbia), who oversees the contest Washington, DC.

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

Only fish found in DC are eligible for the DC Fish Art Contest.Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

From the list of eligible species in your region, you are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Species Resources:

https://doee.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/doee/service_content/attachments/Fish%20Art%20Contest%20DC%20Species%20List.pdf

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Digital Art

Digital art, or artwork that utilizes creative design technologies (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), is NOT AN ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region.

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

MAILING (NOT PERMITTED): Please only use the online submission form to share your artwork and (if applicable) creative writing. Please do NOT mail your entry. Physical, mail-in entries are not accepted in your state or region.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Department of Energy & Environment, Government of the District of Columbia

Teresa Rodriguez, teresa.rodriguez@dc.gov and Martin Noyd, martin.noyd@dc.gov

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Florida Fish Art Contest

Florida Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. Additionally, please follow additional guidelines below established by your State Host (Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission), who oversees the contest in your state (Florida).

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

Art must include one or more of the following Florida native species from the same category:

Category 1 - Freshwater:

  • Largemouth Bass
  • Striped Bass
  • Black Crappie
  • Bluegill
  • Redear Sunfish
  • Spotted Sunfish
  • Channel Catfish
  • Florida Gar
  • Chain Pickerel
  • Bowfin

Category 2 - Saltwater:

  • Snook
  • Redfish
  • Spotted Seatrout
  • Flounder
  • Tarpon
  • Mahi-Mahi
  • Spanish Mackerel
  • Hogfish
  • Queen Snapper
  • Black Grouper

Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

From the list of eligible species in your region, you are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Species Resources: For inspiration, dive into NOAA Fisheries’ extensive directory of fish species: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Digital Art

Digital art, or artwork that utilizes creative design technologies (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), is NOT AN ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region.

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

MAILING (NOT PERMITTED): Please only use the online submission form to share your artwork and (if applicable) creative writing. Please do NOT mail your entry. Physical, mail-in entries are not accepted in your state or region.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission

Brandon Stys, Brandon.Stys@MyFWC.com

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Georgia Fish Art Contest

Georgia Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. Additionally, please follow additional guidelines below established by your State Host (Georgia Go Fish! Education Center), who oversees the contest in your state (Georgia).

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible in your state. Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Species Resources: For inspiration, dive into NOAA Fisheries’ extensive directory of fish species: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Digital Art

Digital art, or artwork that utilizes creative design technologies (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), is NOT AN ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region.

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

MAILING (OPTIONAL): Your contest is overseen by a State Host who does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, please share a digital scan of your artwork and (if applicable) creative writing via the online submission form. Then, follow all recommendations for mailing in the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., specific dimensions, packaging your art without glass) and mail your entry to the State Host below. DO NOT MAIL TO WILDLIFE FOREVER HEADQUARTERS.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Georgia Go Fish! Education Center

Chrystal Sherwood

chrystal.sherwood@dnr.ga.gov

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Hawaii Fish Art Contest

Hawaii Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. There are NO additional guidelines for your state, territory, or country.

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible! Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

MAILING (OPTIONAL FOR GROUPS OF 12+): Wildlife Forever Headquarters directly oversees your contest and does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, Wildlife Forever will accept mailed entries only for groups of 12+ (e.g., an educator submitting on behalf of 12 or more youth). Wildlife Forever will NOT accept individual mail-in entries. For groups of 12+, first complete the online submission form with a digital scan of your artwork (REQUIRED). Then, adhere to all mailing requirements on the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., dimensions, packaging). Mail your package to Wildlife Forever:

ATTN: Art of Conservation, Fish Art Contest

Wildlife Forever Headquarters

5966 Hwy 61 N. #2, Suite 7

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Wildlife Forever

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager

mnix@wildlifeforever.org

info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Idaho Fish Art Contest

Idaho Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. There are NO additional guidelines for your state, territory, or country.

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible! Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

MAILING (OPTIONAL FOR GROUPS OF 12+): Wildlife Forever Headquarters directly oversees your contest and does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, Wildlife Forever will accept mailed entries only for groups of 12+ (e.g., an educator submitting on behalf of 12 or more youth). Wildlife Forever will NOT accept individual mail-in entries. For groups of 12+, first complete the online submission form with a digital scan of your artwork (REQUIRED). Then, adhere to all mailing requirements on the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., dimensions, packaging). Mail your package to Wildlife Forever:

ATTN: Art of Conservation, Fish Art Contest

Wildlife Forever Headquarters

5966 Hwy 61 N. #2, Suite 7

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Wildlife Forever

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager

mnix@wildlifeforever.org

info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Illinois Fish Art Contest

Illinois Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. Additionally, please follow additional guidelines below established by your State Host (Illinois Conservation Foundation), who oversees the contest in your state (Illinois).

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

The art must include wild fish species found in Illinois.

Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

From the list of eligible species in your region, you are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Species Resources: For inspiration, dive into NOAA Fisheries’ extensive directory of fish species: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

MAILING (OPTIONAL): Your contest is overseen by a State Host who does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, please share a digital scan of your artwork and (if applicable) creative writing via the online submission form. Then, follow all recommendations for mailing in the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., specific dimensions, packaging your art without glass) and mail your entry to the State Host below. DO NOT MAIL TO WILDLIFE FOREVER HEADQUARTERS.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Illinois Conservation Foundation

Jenny Vaughn, jenny@ilconservation.org

1 Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Indiana Fish Art Contest

Indiana Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. There are NO additional guidelines for your state, territory, or country.

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible! Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

MAILING (OPTIONAL FOR GROUPS OF 12+): Wildlife Forever Headquarters directly oversees your contest and does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, Wildlife Forever will accept mailed entries only for groups of 12+ (e.g., an educator submitting on behalf of 12 or more youth). Wildlife Forever will NOT accept individual mail-in entries. For groups of 12+, first complete the online submission form with a digital scan of your artwork (REQUIRED). Then, adhere to all mailing requirements on the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., dimensions, packaging). Mail your package to Wildlife Forever:

ATTN: Art of Conservation, Fish Art Contest

Wildlife Forever Headquarters

5966 Hwy 61 N. #2, Suite 7

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Wildlife Forever

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager

mnix@wildlifeforever.org

info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Iowa Fish Art Contest

Iowa Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. Additionally, please follow additional guidelines below established by your State Host (Iowa Department of Natural Resources), who oversees the contest in your state (Iowa).

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

The art must include one or more of the following Iowa species: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Walleye, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Iowa Darter, Bluegill, Crappie, and/or Muskellunge.

Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

From the list of eligible species in your region, you are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Species Resources: For inspiration, dive into NOAA Fisheries’ extensive directory of fish species: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Digital Art

Digital art, or artwork that utilizes creative design technologies (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), is NOT AN ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region.

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

MAILING (NOT PERMITTED): Please only use the online submission form to share your artwork and (if applicable) creative writing. Please do NOT mail your entry. Physical, mail-in entries are not accepted in your state or region.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

Gus Elliot

gus.elliott@dnr.iowa.gov

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Kansas Fish Art Contest

Kansas Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. There are NO additional guidelines for your state, territory, or country.

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible! Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

MAILING (OPTIONAL FOR GROUPS OF 12+): Wildlife Forever Headquarters directly oversees your contest and does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, Wildlife Forever will accept mailed entries only for groups of 12+ (e.g., an educator submitting on behalf of 12 or more youth). Wildlife Forever will NOT accept individual mail-in entries. For groups of 12+, first complete the online submission form with a digital scan of your artwork (REQUIRED). Then, adhere to all mailing requirements on the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., dimensions, packaging). Mail your package to Wildlife Forever:

ATTN: Art of Conservation, Fish Art Contest

Wildlife Forever Headquarters

5966 Hwy 61 N. #2, Suite 7

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Wildlife Forever

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager

mnix@wildlifeforever.org

info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Kentucky Fish Art Contest

Kentucky Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. There are NO additional guidelines for your state, territory, or country.

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible! Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

MAILING (OPTIONAL FOR GROUPS OF 12+): Wildlife Forever Headquarters directly oversees your contest and does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, Wildlife Forever will accept mailed entries only for groups of 12+ (e.g., an educator submitting on behalf of 12 or more youth). Wildlife Forever will NOT accept individual mail-in entries. For groups of 12+, first complete the online submission form with a digital scan of your artwork (REQUIRED). Then, adhere to all mailing requirements on the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., dimensions, packaging). Mail your package to Wildlife Forever:

ATTN: Art of Conservation, Fish Art Contest

Wildlife Forever Headquarters

5966 Hwy 61 N. #2, Suite 7

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Wildlife Forever

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager

mnix@wildlifeforever.org

info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Louisiana Fish Art Contest

Louisiana Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. There are NO additional guidelines for your state, territory, or country.

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible! Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

MAILING (OPTIONAL FOR GROUPS OF 12+): Wildlife Forever Headquarters directly oversees your contest and does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, Wildlife Forever will accept mailed entries only for groups of 12+ (e.g., an educator submitting on behalf of 12 or more youth). Wildlife Forever will NOT accept individual mail-in entries. For groups of 12+, first complete the online submission form with a digital scan of your artwork (REQUIRED). Then, adhere to all mailing requirements on the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., dimensions, packaging). Mail your package to Wildlife Forever:

ATTN: Art of Conservation, Fish Art Contest

Wildlife Forever Headquarters

5966 Hwy 61 N. #2, Suite 7

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Wildlife Forever

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager

mnix@wildlifeforever.org

info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Maine Fish Art Contest

Maine Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. There are NO additional guidelines for your state, territory, or country.

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible! Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

MAILING (OPTIONAL FOR GROUPS OF 12+): Wildlife Forever Headquarters directly oversees your contest and does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, Wildlife Forever will accept mailed entries only for groups of 12+ (e.g., an educator submitting on behalf of 12 or more youth). Wildlife Forever will NOT accept individual mail-in entries. For groups of 12+, first complete the online submission form with a digital scan of your artwork (REQUIRED). Then, adhere to all mailing requirements on the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., dimensions, packaging). Mail your package to Wildlife Forever:

ATTN: Art of Conservation, Fish Art Contest

Wildlife Forever Headquarters

5966 Hwy 61 N. #2, Suite 7

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Wildlife Forever

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager

mnix@wildlifeforever.org

info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Maryland Fish Art Contest

Maryland Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. There are NO additional guidelines for your state, territory, or country.

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible! Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

MAILING (OPTIONAL FOR GROUPS OF 12+): Wildlife Forever Headquarters directly oversees your contest and does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, Wildlife Forever will accept mailed entries only for groups of 12+ (e.g., an educator submitting on behalf of 12 or more youth). Wildlife Forever will NOT accept individual mail-in entries. For groups of 12+, first complete the online submission form with a digital scan of your artwork (REQUIRED). Then, adhere to all mailing requirements on the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., dimensions, packaging). Mail your package to Wildlife Forever:

ATTN: Art of Conservation, Fish Art Contest

Wildlife Forever Headquarters

5966 Hwy 61 N. #2, Suite 7

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Wildlife Forever

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager

mnix@wildlifeforever.org

info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Massachusetts Fish Art Contest

Massachusetts Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. There are NO additional guidelines for your state, territory, or country.

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible! Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

MAILING (OPTIONAL FOR GROUPS OF 12+): Wildlife Forever Headquarters directly oversees your contest and does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, Wildlife Forever will accept mailed entries only for groups of 12+ (e.g., an educator submitting on behalf of 12 or more youth). Wildlife Forever will NOT accept individual mail-in entries. For groups of 12+, first complete the online submission form with a digital scan of your artwork (REQUIRED). Then, adhere to all mailing requirements on the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., dimensions, packaging). Mail your package to Wildlife Forever:

ATTN: Art of Conservation, Fish Art Contest

Wildlife Forever Headquarters

5966 Hwy 61 N. #2, Suite 7

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Wildlife Forever

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager

mnix@wildlifeforever.org

info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Michigan Fish Art Contest

Michigan Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. There are NO additional guidelines for your state, territory, or country.

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible! Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

MAILING (OPTIONAL FOR GROUPS OF 12+): Wildlife Forever Headquarters directly oversees your contest and does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, Wildlife Forever will accept mailed entries only for groups of 12+ (e.g., an educator submitting on behalf of 12 or more youth). Wildlife Forever will NOT accept individual mail-in entries. For groups of 12+, first complete the online submission form with a digital scan of your artwork (REQUIRED). Then, adhere to all mailing requirements on the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., dimensions, packaging). Mail your package to Wildlife Forever:

ATTN: Art of Conservation, Fish Art Contest

Wildlife Forever Headquarters

5966 Hwy 61 N. #2, Suite 7

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Wildlife Forever

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager

mnix@wildlifeforever.org

info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Minnesota Fish Art Contest

Minnesota Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. Additionally, please follow additional guidelines below established by your State Host (Minnesota Conservation Volunteer Organization), who oversees the contest in your state (Minnesota).

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible in your state. Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Species Resources: For inspiration, dive into NOAA Fisheries’ extensive directory of fish species: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

MAILING (NOT PERMITTED): Please only use the online submission form to share your artwork and (if applicable) creative writing. Please do NOT mail your entry. Physical, mail-in entries are not accepted in your state or region.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Conservation Volunteer

Heron Mahr, heron.mahr@state.mn.us and Chris Clayton, chris.clayton@state.mn.us

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Mississippi Fish Art Contest

Mississippi Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. Additionally, please follow additional guidelines below established by your State Host (Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks), who oversees the contest in your state (Mississippi).

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible in your state. Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Species Resources: For inspiration, dive into NOAA Fisheries’ extensive directory of fish species: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

MAILING (OPTIONAL): Your contest is overseen by a State Host who does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, please share a digital scan of your artwork and (if applicable) creative writing via the online submission form. Then, follow all recommendations for mailing in the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., specific dimensions, packaging your art without glass) and mail your entry to the State Host below. DO NOT MAIL TO WILDLIFE FOREVER HEADQUARTERS.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks

Emily-Jo Wiggins, Emily-Jo.Wiggins@wfp.ms.gov

Mailing Address (Optional):

Bob Tyler Fish Hatchery, ATTN: Emily-Jo Wiggins

457 County Rd 36, Enid, MS 38927

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Missouri Fish Art Contest

Missouri Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. Additionally, please follow additional guidelines below established by your State Host (Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium), who oversees the contest in your state (Missouri Here).

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible in your state. Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Species Resources: For inspiration, dive into NOAA Fisheries’ extensive directory of fish species: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

MAILING (OPTIONAL): Your contest is overseen by a State Host who does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, please share a digital scan of your artwork and (if applicable) creative writing via the online submission form. Then, follow all recommendations for mailing in the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., specific dimensions, packaging your art without glass) and mail your entry to the State Host below. DO NOT MAIL TO WILDLIFE FOREVER HEADQUARTERS.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium

Ashley Steed and Misty Mitchell, edu@wondersofwildlife.org and mmitchell@wondersofwildlife.org

Mailing Address:

Wonders of Wildlife, ATTN: Fish Art Contest

600 West Sunshine, Springfield, MO 65807

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Montana Fish Art Contest

Montana Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. There are NO additional guidelines for your state, territory, or country.

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible! Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

MAILING (OPTIONAL FOR GROUPS OF 12+): Wildlife Forever Headquarters directly oversees your contest and does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, Wildlife Forever will accept mailed entries only for groups of 12+ (e.g., an educator submitting on behalf of 12 or more youth). Wildlife Forever will NOT accept individual mail-in entries. For groups of 12+, first complete the online submission form with a digital scan of your artwork (REQUIRED). Then, adhere to all mailing requirements on the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., dimensions, packaging). Mail your package to Wildlife Forever:

ATTN: Art of Conservation, Fish Art Contest

Wildlife Forever Headquarters

5966 Hwy 61 N. #2, Suite 7

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Wildlife Forever

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager

mnix@wildlifeforever.org

info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Nebraska Fish Art Contest

Nebraska Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. Additionally, please follow additional guidelines below established by your State Host (NE Game and Parks Commission), who oversees the contest in your state (Nebraska).

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible in your state. Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

MAILING (NOT PERMITTED): Please only use the online submission form to share your artwork and (if applicable) creative writing. Please do NOT mail your entry. Physical, mail-in entries are not accepted in your state or region.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

Larry Pape, Larry.Pape@nebraska.gov

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Nevada Fish Art Contest

Nevada Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. There are NO additional guidelines for your state, territory, or country.

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible! Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

MAILING (OPTIONAL FOR GROUPS OF 12+): Wildlife Forever Headquarters directly oversees your contest and does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, Wildlife Forever will accept mailed entries only for groups of 12+ (e.g., an educator submitting on behalf of 12 or more youth). Wildlife Forever will NOT accept individual mail-in entries. For groups of 12+, first complete the online submission form with a digital scan of your artwork (REQUIRED). Then, adhere to all mailing requirements on the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., dimensions, packaging). Mail your package to Wildlife Forever:

ATTN: Art of Conservation, Fish Art Contest

Wildlife Forever Headquarters

5966 Hwy 61 N. #2, Suite 7

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Wildlife Forever

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager

mnix@wildlifeforever.org

info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

New Hampshire Fish Art Contest

New Hampshire Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. There are NO additional guidelines for your state, territory, or country.

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible! Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

MAILING (OPTIONAL FOR GROUPS OF 12+): Wildlife Forever Headquarters directly oversees your contest and does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, Wildlife Forever will accept mailed entries only for groups of 12+ (e.g., an educator submitting on behalf of 12 or more youth). Wildlife Forever will NOT accept individual mail-in entries. For groups of 12+, first complete the online submission form with a digital scan of your artwork (REQUIRED). Then, adhere to all mailing requirements on the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., dimensions, packaging). Mail your package to Wildlife Forever:

ATTN: Art of Conservation, Fish Art Contest

Wildlife Forever Headquarters

5966 Hwy 61 N. #2, Suite 7

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Wildlife Forever

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager

mnix@wildlifeforever.org

info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

New Jersey Fish Art Contest

New Jersey Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. There are NO additional guidelines for your state, territory, or country.

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible! Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

MAILING (OPTIONAL FOR GROUPS OF 12+): Wildlife Forever Headquarters directly oversees your contest and does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, Wildlife Forever will accept mailed entries only for groups of 12+ (e.g., an educator submitting on behalf of 12 or more youth). Wildlife Forever will NOT accept individual mail-in entries. For groups of 12+, first complete the online submission form with a digital scan of your artwork (REQUIRED). Then, adhere to all mailing requirements on the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., dimensions, packaging). Mail your package to Wildlife Forever:

ATTN: Art of Conservation, Fish Art Contest

Wildlife Forever Headquarters

5966 Hwy 61 N. #2, Suite 7

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Wildlife Forever

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager

mnix@wildlifeforever.org

info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

New Mexico Fish Art Contest

New Mexico Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. Additionally, please follow additional guidelines below established by your State Host (New Mexico Department of Game & Fish), who oversees the contest in your state (New Mexico).

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible in your state. Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Species Resources: For inspiration, dive into NOAA Fisheries’ extensive directory of fish species: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

MAILING (OPTIONAL): Your contest is overseen by a State Host who does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, please share a digital scan of your artwork and (if applicable) creative writing via the online submission form. Then, follow all recommendations for mailing in the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., specific dimensions, packaging your art without glass) and mail your entry to the State Host below. DO NOT MAIL TO WILDLIFE FOREVER HEADQUARTERS.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

New Mexico Department of Game & Fish

Curt Coffman – dgf-aquaticed@dgf.nm.gov

Contest you'll be submitting to:

New York Fish Art Contest

New York Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. There are NO additional guidelines for your state, territory, or country.

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible! Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

MAILING (OPTIONAL FOR GROUPS OF 12+): Wildlife Forever Headquarters directly oversees your contest and does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, Wildlife Forever will accept mailed entries only for groups of 12+ (e.g., an educator submitting on behalf of 12 or more youth). Wildlife Forever will NOT accept individual mail-in entries. For groups of 12+, first complete the online submission form with a digital scan of your artwork (REQUIRED). Then, adhere to all mailing requirements on the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., dimensions, packaging). Mail your package to Wildlife Forever:

ATTN: Art of Conservation, Fish Art Contest

Wildlife Forever Headquarters

5966 Hwy 61 N. #2, Suite 7

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Wildlife Forever

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager

mnix@wildlifeforever.org

info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

North Carolina Fish Art Contest

North Carolina Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. There are NO additional guidelines for your state, territory, or country.

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible! Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

MAILING (OPTIONAL FOR GROUPS OF 12+): Wildlife Forever Headquarters directly oversees your contest and does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, Wildlife Forever will accept mailed entries only for groups of 12+ (e.g., an educator submitting on behalf of 12 or more youth). Wildlife Forever will NOT accept individual mail-in entries. For groups of 12+, first complete the online submission form with a digital scan of your artwork (REQUIRED). Then, adhere to all mailing requirements on the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., dimensions, packaging). Mail your package to Wildlife Forever:

ATTN: Art of Conservation, Fish Art Contest

Wildlife Forever Headquarters

5966 Hwy 61 N. #2, Suite 7

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Wildlife Forever

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager

mnix@wildlifeforever.org

info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

North Dakota Fish Art Contest

North Dakota Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. There are NO additional guidelines for your state, territory, or country.

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible! Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

MAILING (OPTIONAL FOR GROUPS OF 12+): Wildlife Forever Headquarters directly oversees your contest and does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, Wildlife Forever will accept mailed entries only for groups of 12+ (e.g., an educator submitting on behalf of 12 or more youth). Wildlife Forever will NOT accept individual mail-in entries. For groups of 12+, first complete the online submission form with a digital scan of your artwork (REQUIRED). Then, adhere to all mailing requirements on the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., dimensions, packaging). Mail your package to Wildlife Forever:

ATTN: Art of Conservation, Fish Art Contest

Wildlife Forever Headquarters

5966 Hwy 61 N. #2, Suite 7

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Wildlife Forever

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager

mnix@wildlifeforever.org

info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Ohio Fish Art Contest

Ohio Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. There are NO additional guidelines for your state, territory, or country.

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible! Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

MAILING (OPTIONAL FOR GROUPS OF 12+): Wildlife Forever Headquarters directly oversees your contest and does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, Wildlife Forever will accept mailed entries only for groups of 12+ (e.g., an educator submitting on behalf of 12 or more youth). Wildlife Forever will NOT accept individual mail-in entries. For groups of 12+, first complete the online submission form with a digital scan of your artwork (REQUIRED). Then, adhere to all mailing requirements on the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., dimensions, packaging). Mail your package to Wildlife Forever:

ATTN: Art of Conservation, Fish Art Contest

Wildlife Forever Headquarters

5966 Hwy 61 N. #2, Suite 7

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Wildlife Forever

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager

mnix@wildlifeforever.org

info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Oklahoma Fish Art Contest

Oklahoma Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. There are NO additional guidelines for your state, territory, or country.

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible! Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

MAILING (OPTIONAL FOR GROUPS OF 12+): Wildlife Forever Headquarters directly oversees your contest and does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, Wildlife Forever will accept mailed entries only for groups of 12+ (e.g., an educator submitting on behalf of 12 or more youth). Wildlife Forever will NOT accept individual mail-in entries. For groups of 12+, first complete the online submission form with a digital scan of your artwork (REQUIRED). Then, adhere to all mailing requirements on the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., dimensions, packaging). Mail your package to Wildlife Forever:

ATTN: Art of Conservation, Fish Art Contest

Wildlife Forever Headquarters

5966 Hwy 61 N. #2, Suite 7

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Wildlife Forever

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager

mnix@wildlifeforever.org

info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Oregon Fish Art Contest

Oregon Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. There are NO additional guidelines for your state, territory, or country.

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible! Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

MAILING (OPTIONAL FOR GROUPS OF 12+): Wildlife Forever Headquarters directly oversees your contest and does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, Wildlife Forever will accept mailed entries only for groups of 12+ (e.g., an educator submitting on behalf of 12 or more youth). Wildlife Forever will NOT accept individual mail-in entries. For groups of 12+, first complete the online submission form with a digital scan of your artwork (REQUIRED). Then, adhere to all mailing requirements on the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., dimensions, packaging). Mail your package to Wildlife Forever:

ATTN: Art of Conservation, Fish Art Contest

Wildlife Forever Headquarters

5966 Hwy 61 N. #2, Suite 7

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Wildlife Forever

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager

mnix@wildlifeforever.org

info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Pennsylvania Fish Art Contest

Pennsylvania Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. There are NO additional guidelines for your state, territory, or country.

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible! Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

MAILING (OPTIONAL FOR GROUPS OF 12+): Wildlife Forever Headquarters directly oversees your contest and does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, Wildlife Forever will accept mailed entries only for groups of 12+ (e.g., an educator submitting on behalf of 12 or more youth). Wildlife Forever will NOT accept individual mail-in entries. For groups of 12+, first complete the online submission form with a digital scan of your artwork (REQUIRED). Then, adhere to all mailing requirements on the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., dimensions, packaging). Mail your package to Wildlife Forever:

ATTN: Art of Conservation, Fish Art Contest

Wildlife Forever Headquarters

5966 Hwy 61 N. #2, Suite 7

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Wildlife Forever

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager

mnix@wildlifeforever.org

info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Rhode Island Fish Art Contest

Rhode Island Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. There are NO additional guidelines for your state, territory, or country.

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible! Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

MAILING (OPTIONAL FOR GROUPS OF 12+): Wildlife Forever Headquarters directly oversees your contest and does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, Wildlife Forever will accept mailed entries only for groups of 12+ (e.g., an educator submitting on behalf of 12 or more youth). Wildlife Forever will NOT accept individual mail-in entries. For groups of 12+, first complete the online submission form with a digital scan of your artwork (REQUIRED). Then, adhere to all mailing requirements on the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., dimensions, packaging). Mail your package to Wildlife Forever:

ATTN: Art of Conservation, Fish Art Contest

Wildlife Forever Headquarters

5966 Hwy 61 N. #2, Suite 7

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Wildlife Forever

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager

mnix@wildlifeforever.org

info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

South Carolina Fish Art Contest

South Carolina Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. Additionally, please follow additional guidelines below established by your State Host (South Carolina Department of Natural Resources), who oversees the contest in your state (South Carolina).

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

Fish species found in South Carolina, including both freshwater and saltwater species.

Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

From the list of eligible species in your region, you are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Species Resources:

ID Chart

Freshwater Pocket Guide

Saltwater Pocket Guide

Saltwater ID Guide

NOAA Fish Species Directory

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

MAILING (NOT PERMITTED): Please scan all artwork and essays and upload to the online submission form. Physical, mail-in entries are not accepted in your state or region.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

Pam Corwin

corwinp@dnr.sc.gov

Contest you'll be submitting to:

South Dakota Fish Art Contest

South Dakota Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. There are NO additional guidelines for your state, territory, or country.

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible! Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

MAILING (OPTIONAL FOR GROUPS OF 12+): Wildlife Forever Headquarters directly oversees your contest and does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, Wildlife Forever will accept mailed entries only for groups of 12+ (e.g., an educator submitting on behalf of 12 or more youth). Wildlife Forever will NOT accept individual mail-in entries. For groups of 12+, first complete the online submission form with a digital scan of your artwork (REQUIRED). Then, adhere to all mailing requirements on the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., dimensions, packaging). Mail your package to Wildlife Forever:

ATTN: Art of Conservation, Fish Art Contest

Wildlife Forever Headquarters

5966 Hwy 61 N. #2, Suite 7

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Wildlife Forever

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager

mnix@wildlifeforever.org

info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Tennessee Fish Art Contest

Tennessee Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. Additionally, please follow additional guidelines below established by your State Host (TN Wildlife Resources Agency), who oversees the contest in your state (Tennessee).

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

Species must be fish found in Tennessee. Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

From the list of eligible species in your region, you are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Species Resources: For inspiration, dive into NOAA Fisheries’ extensive directory of fish species: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Digital Art

Digital art, or artwork that utilizes creative design technologies (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), is NOT AN ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region.

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

MAILING (REQUIRED): Your state REQUIRES you mail your artwork and (if applicable) creative writing entry. First, complete the online submission form with a digital scan of your artwork (REQUIRED). Then, follow mailing requirements on the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., artwork dimensions, packaging). Mail your artwork directly to your State Host (NOT to Wildlife Forever Headquarters):

Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, ATTN: Emily Buck

5107 Edmondson Pike

Nashville, TN 37211

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

TN Wildlife Resources Agency

Emily Buck and Yasmeen Ghussein

Emily.A.Buck@tn.gov and Yasmeen.Ghussein@tn.gov

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Texas Fish Art Contest

Texas Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. Additionally, please follow additional guidelines below established by your State Host (Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center), who oversees the contest in your state (Texas).

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

Species must be fish found in Texas.

Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

From the list of eligible species in your region, you are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Species Resources: For inspiration, dive into NOAA Fisheries’ extensive directory of fish species: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Digital Art

Digital art, or artwork that utilizes creative design technologies (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), is NOT AN ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region.

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

MAILING (NOT PERMITTED): Please only use the online submission form to share your artwork and (if applicable) creative writing. Please do NOT mail your entry. Physical, mail-in entries are not accepted in your state or region.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center

Darrel Malone and Leslie Kessner

darrel.malone@tpwd.texas.gov

leslie.kessner@tpwd.texas.gov

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Utah Fish Art Contest

Utah Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. There are NO additional guidelines for your state, territory, or country.

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible! Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

MAILING (OPTIONAL FOR GROUPS OF 12+): Wildlife Forever Headquarters directly oversees your contest and does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, Wildlife Forever will accept mailed entries only for groups of 12+ (e.g., an educator submitting on behalf of 12 or more youth). Wildlife Forever will NOT accept individual mail-in entries. For groups of 12+, first complete the online submission form with a digital scan of your artwork (REQUIRED). Then, adhere to all mailing requirements on the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., dimensions, packaging). Mail your package to Wildlife Forever:

ATTN: Art of Conservation, Fish Art Contest

Wildlife Forever Headquarters

5966 Hwy 61 N. #2, Suite 7

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Wildlife Forever

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager

mnix@wildlifeforever.org

info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Vermont Fish Art Contest

Vermont Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. Additionally, please follow additional guidelines below established by your State Host (Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department), who oversees the contest in your state (Vermont).

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible in your state. Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Species Resources: For inspiration, dive into NOAA Fisheries’ extensive directory of fish species: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Digital Art

Digital art, or artwork that utilizes creative design technologies (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), is NOT AN ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region.

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

MAILING (NOT PERMITTED): Please only use the online submission form to share your artwork and (if applicable) creative writing. Please do NOT mail your entry. Physical, mail-in entries are not accepted in your state or region.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department

Corey Hart

Corey.Hart@vermont.gov

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Virginia Fish Art Contest

Virginia Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. Additionally, please follow additional guidelines below established by your State Host (National Youth Visionaries Association), who oversees the contest in your state (Virginia).

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible in your state. Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Species Resources: For inspiration, dive into NOAA Fisheries’ extensive directory of fish species: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Digital Art

Digital art, or artwork that utilizes creative design technologies (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), is NOT AN ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region.

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

MAILING (OPTIONAL): Your contest is overseen by a State Host who does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, please share a digital scan of your artwork and (if applicable) creative writing via the online submission form. Then, follow all recommendations for mailing in the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., specific dimensions, packaging your art without glass) and mail your entry to the State Host below. DO NOT MAIL TO WILDLIFE FOREVER HEADQUARTERS.

ATTN: Fish Art Contest, 8298A Old Courthouse Road, Vienna, VA 22182

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

National Youth Visionaries Association (NYVA)

Tim Zhao

tim.zhao@theNYVA.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Washington Fish Art Contest

Washington Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. Additionally, please follow additional guidelines below established by your State Host (American Mia Education), who oversees the contest in your state (Washington).

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

Fish species found in Washington State.

Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

From the list of eligible species in your region, you are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Species Resources: For inspiration, dive into NOAA Fisheries’ extensive directory of fish species: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

MAILING (NOT PERMITTED): Please only use the online submission form to share your artwork and (if applicable) creative writing. Please do NOT mail your entry. Physical, mail-in entries are not accepted in your state or region.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

American MIA Education

Tina Su

tinaartforever@gmail.com

Contest you'll be submitting to:

West Virginia Fish Art Contest

West Virginia Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. There are NO additional guidelines for your state, territory, or country.

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible! Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

MAILING (OPTIONAL FOR GROUPS OF 12+): Wildlife Forever Headquarters directly oversees your contest and does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, Wildlife Forever will accept mailed entries only for groups of 12+ (e.g., an educator submitting on behalf of 12 or more youth). Wildlife Forever will NOT accept individual mail-in entries. For groups of 12+, first complete the online submission form with a digital scan of your artwork (REQUIRED). Then, adhere to all mailing requirements on the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., dimensions, packaging). Mail your package to Wildlife Forever:

ATTN: Art of Conservation, Fish Art Contest

Wildlife Forever Headquarters

5966 Hwy 61 N. #2, Suite 7

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Wildlife Forever

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager

mnix@wildlifeforever.org

info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Wisconsin Fish Art Contest

Wisconsin Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. There are NO additional guidelines for your state, territory, or country.

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible! Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

MAILING (OPTIONAL FOR GROUPS OF 12+): Wildlife Forever Headquarters directly oversees your contest and does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, Wildlife Forever will accept mailed entries only for groups of 12+ (e.g., an educator submitting on behalf of 12 or more youth). Wildlife Forever will NOT accept individual mail-in entries. For groups of 12+, first complete the online submission form with a digital scan of your artwork (REQUIRED). Then, adhere to all mailing requirements on the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., dimensions, packaging). Mail your package to Wildlife Forever:

ATTN: Art of Conservation, Fish Art Contest

Wildlife Forever Headquarters

5966 Hwy 61 N. #2, Suite 7

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Wildlife Forever

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager

mnix@wildlifeforever.org

info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Wyoming Fish Art Contest

Wyoming Contest Entry Form

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. There are NO additional guidelines for your state, territory, or country.

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible! Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

MAILING (OPTIONAL FOR GROUPS OF 12+): Wildlife Forever Headquarters directly oversees your contest and does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, Wildlife Forever will accept mailed entries only for groups of 12+ (e.g., an educator submitting on behalf of 12 or more youth). Wildlife Forever will NOT accept individual mail-in entries. For groups of 12+, first complete the online submission form with a digital scan of your artwork (REQUIRED). Then, adhere to all mailing requirements on the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., dimensions, packaging). Mail your package to Wildlife Forever:

ATTN: Art of Conservation, Fish Art Contest

Wildlife Forever Headquarters

5966 Hwy 61 N. #2, Suite 7

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Wildlife Forever

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager

mnix@wildlifeforever.org

info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Guam Fish Art Contest

Entry form coming soon.

Rules and Guidelines

Participants must follow all contest guidelines, beginning with Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation Rules and Guidelines. There are NO additional guidelines for your state, territory, or country.

Entry Deadline

February 28, 2027

Eligible Participants

The contest is FREE to enter and open to all K – 12 students (ages 5 – 18), whose artwork will follow under one of five grade/age divisions:

  • Kindergarten (Age 5 – 6)
  • 1st – 3rd Grade (Ages 6 – 9)
  • 4th – 6th Grade (Ages 9 – 12)
  • 7th – 9th Grade (Ages 12 – 15)
  • 10th – 12th Grade (Ages 15 – 18)

Eligible Species

All wild fish and shark species are eligible! Species must be depicted in a natural habitat (e.g., river, lake, ocean), even if humans or built human environments (e.g., boats, docks) are also depicted. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish, as well as all fish depicted in an unnatural setting like a pet store or fish tank, are NOT eligible.

You are encouraged to choose species that spark wonder, curiosity, or joy for you. This interest will come through in your art – a powerful tool to inspire care and conservation for your chosen species.

Digital Art

You may use any combination of the following 2D art mediums: crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite, colored pencil), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), pastels (e.g., chalk, oil), and analog/traditional art mediums. Spray fixative is highly recommended for pastel or chalk pieces to prevent smudging.

Additionally, digital art is an ELIGIBLE MEDIUM in your region! We define digital art as original art that utilizes creative design technology (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco) as an art medium as valid as acrylic or watercolor paints in analog art. If you choose to use digital art, you must (1) adhere to all guidelines on original work (AI and plagiarism prohibited) in the Rules & Guidelines, and (2) document your progress and be prepared to provide the following proof of original work if requested by the judges:

3 Progress Photos OR 1 Timelapse Video: A minimum of three (3) chronologically ordered screenshots or photos OR one (1) timelapse video depicting the artwork at various stages of original creation (e.g., rough sketch, line art, base colors, final rendering). The photo(s) or video(s) should depict the artist’s digital creation workspace, such as the creative software (e.g., Procreate, Adobe Fresco), digital tools (e.g., stylus, tablet), active project layers, history panels, and brush settings.

Submission Process

With the help of an adult, follow instructions in the Rules and Guidelines to scan/crop your completed artwork and complete the online submission form here (REQUIRED). This form is unique to your state, country, or region. The online submission form must include (1) your scanned artwork, (2) email and mailing address for the artist or supervising adult, AND (3) digital signatures from both the artist and supervising adult.

MAILING (OPTIONAL FOR GROUPS OF 12+): Wildlife Forever Headquarters directly oversees your contest and does NOT require a physical entry. You only need to complete the online submission form; mailing physical artwork is OPTIONAL and will not positively or negatively influence your possibility of winning.

If you would still like to mail a physical entry, Wildlife Forever will accept mailed entries only for groups of 12+ (e.g., an educator submitting on behalf of 12 or more youth). Wildlife Forever will NOT accept individual mail-in entries. For groups of 12+, first complete the online submission form with a digital scan of your artwork (REQUIRED). Then, adhere to all mailing requirements on the Rules and Guidelines (e.g., dimensions, packaging). Mail your package to Wildlife Forever:

ATTN: Art of Conservation, Fish Art Contest

Wildlife Forever Headquarters

5966 Hwy 61 N. #2, Suite 7

White Bear Lake, MN 55110

CREATIVE WRITING: U.S. participants in Grades 4 – 12 (Ages 9 – 18) must upload both an original artwork and a creative writing piece to the submission form. Creative writing is optional (not required) for U.S. participants in Grades K – 3 (Ages 5 – 9) or for international students of any grade/age level.

Additional Awards

Depending on the specific species and focus of your final artwork, you may qualify for additional awards and recognition like Speciality Awards. Below are a few examples from previous contest years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, please visit our Specialty Awards page for the latest details and eligible species.

Point of Contact

Wildlife Forever

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager

mnix@wildlifeforever.org

info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

General Fish Art Contest

General Artwork Entry Form

Eligible Fish Species

All fish and shark species are eligible. Your artwork must feature a wild fish species in a natural habitat. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish are NOT eligible. There are no other species restrictions for your region.

Fish Species Resource

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Submission Process

All entries must submit an online entry form with scanned artwork. No other physical mail-in submission is required for your state/region. If you would like to mail in a physical copy of your artwork (OPTIONAL), Wildlife Forever accepts mail for groups 12+ ONLY (e.g., an educator submitting on behalf of 12 or more students). Wildlife Forever does NOT accept mailed entries for individual students (online submissions only).

Entry Deadline

February 28th, 2027

Additional Awards Available

Depending on what species or habitats are chosen for the final artwork, an artist may qualify for additional awards and recognition. These extra honors include Speciality Awards, which celebrate outstanding art in a specific area of conservation or creative expression. Below are a few examples of from previous years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, you can find the most updated information and view past winners on our Speciality Awards page.

International Migratory Fish Artwork: artwork features a shark species.

Guy Harvey Shark Award: artwork features a migratory fish species from the award list.

Great Lakes Fish Award: artwork features a Great Lakes fish species from the native, naturalized, or non-native list.

Invader Crusader Award: artwork features a native and invasive species found in the student's local area.

Fish Habitat Writing Award: creative writing answers: “Why do you think it’s important to protect our lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines?”.

Point of Contact

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager: mnix@wildlifeforever.org or info@wildlifeforever.org

Alaska State Contest

Alaska Contest Entry Form

Eligible Fish Species

All fish and shark species are eligible. Your artwork must feature a wild fish species in a natural habitat. Goldfish, guppies, bettas, and koi fish are NOT eligible. There are no other species restrictions for your region.

Fish Species Resource

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Submission Process

https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=animals.listfish

All entries must submit an online entry form with scanned artwork. No other physical mail-in submission is required for your state/region. If you would like to mail in a physical copy of your artwork (OPTIONAL), Wildlife Forever accepts mail for groups 12+ ONLY (e.g., an educator submitting on behalf of 12 or more students). Wildlife Forever does NOT accept mailed entries for individual students (online submissions only).

Entry Deadline

February 28th, 2027

Additional Awards Available

Depending on what species or habitats are chosen for the final artwork, an artist may qualify for additional awards and recognition. These extra honors include Speciality Awards, which celebrate outstanding art in a specific area of conservation or creative expression. Below are a few examples of from previous years. Since these awards are subject to change and expansion from year to year, you can find the most updated information and view past winners on our Speciality Awards page.

International Migratory Fish Artwork: artwork features a shark species.

Guy Harvey Shark Award: artwork features a migratory fish species from the award list.

Great Lakes Fish Award: artwork features a Great Lakes fish species from the native, naturalized, or non-native list.

Invader Crusader Award: artwork features a native and invasive species found in the student's local area.

Fish Habitat Writing Award: creative writing answers: “Why do you think it’s important to protect our lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines?”.

Point of Contact

Mandy Nix, Art of Conservation Program Manager: mnix@wildlifeforever.org or info@wildlifeforever.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

California State Contest

California Contest Entry Form

Eligible Fish Species

Only fish found in California are elgible for the California Fish Art Contest.

Eligible Fish Species

Freshwater Fish

Saltwater Fish

Submission Process

You can either submit your entry online or mail your artwork and essay. If you are submitting online, please scan your artwork and essay. All entries must first be submitted through an entry form.

Entry Deadline

February 28th, 2026

Additional Awards Available

Students have the ability to be eligible for additional awards depending on what material you use or the species being drawn in the artwork. Artwork can qualify for multiple awards. Learn more about the speciality awards and view past winners.

Guy Harvey Shark Award: artwork features a shark species.

Invader Crusader Award: artwork features a native and invasive species found in the student's local area.

Fish Habitat Writing Award: creative writing answers: “Why do you think it’s important to protect our lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines?”.

Point of Contact

Laura Mahoney, Laura_Mahoney@fws.gov

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Florida State Contest

Florida Contest Entry Form
Eligible Fish Species

Art must include one or more of the following Florida native species from the same category: Category 1 - Freshwater: Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Spotted Sunfish, Channel Catfish, Florida Gar, Chain Pickerel, Bowfin Category 2 - Saltwater: Snook, Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, Flounder, Tarpon, Mahi-Mahi, Spanish Mackerel, Hogfish, Queen Snapper, Black Grouper

Submission Process

All artwork must be uploaded to the online entry form. Please scan all artwork and essays.

Entry Deadline

February 28th, 2026

Additional Awards Available

Students have the ability to be eligible for additional awards depending on what material you use or the species being drawn in the artwork. Artwork can qualify for multiple awards. Learn more about the speciality awards and view past winners.

Fish Habitat Writing Award: creative writing answers: “Why do you think it’s important to protect our lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines?”.

Point of Contact

Brandon Stys, Brandon.Stys@MyFWC.com

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Georgia State Contest

Georgia Contest Entry Form
Eligible Fish Species

All fish and shark species

Submission Process

You can either submit your entry online or mail your artwork and essay. If you are submitting online, please scan your artwork and essay. All entries must first be submitted through an entry form.

Entry Deadline

February 28th, 2026

Additional Awards Available

Students have the ability to be eligible for additional awards depending on what material you use or the species being drawn in the artwork. Artwork can qualify for multiple awards. Learn more about the speciality awards and view past winners.

Guy Harvey Shark Award: artwork features a shark species.

Great Lakes Fish Award: artwork features a Great Lakes fish species from the native, naturalized, or non-native list.

Invader Crusader Award: artwork features a native and invasive species found in the student's local area.

Fish Habitat Writing Award: creative writing answers: “Why do you think it’s important to protect our lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines?”.

Point of Contact

Chrystal Sherwood, chrystal.sherwood@dnr.ga.gov

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Illinois State Contest

Illinois Contest Entry Form
Eligible Fish Species

Fish species found in Illinois

Fish Species Resource

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Submission Process

You can either submit your entry online or mail your artwork and essay. If you are submitting online, please scan your artwork and essay. All entries must first be submitted through an entry form.

Entry Deadline

February 28th, 2026

Additional Awards Available

Students have the ability to be eligible for additional awards depending on what material you use or the species being drawn in the artwork. Artwork can qualify for multiple awards. Learn more about the speciality awards and view past winners.

Great Lakes Fish Award: artwork features a Great Lakes fish species from the native, naturalized, or non-native list.

Invader Crusader Award: artwork features a native and invasive species found in the student's local area.

Fish Habitat Writing Award: creative writing answers: “Why do you think it’s important to protect our lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines?”.

Point of Contact

Jenny Vaughn, jenny@ilconservation.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Iowa State Contest

Iowa Contest Entry Form
Eligible Fish Species

The art must include one or more of the following Iowa species: Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Walleye, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Iowa Darter, Bluegill, Crappie, and/or Muskellunge

Fish Species Resource

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Submission Process

All artwork must be uploaded to the online entry form. Please scan all artwork and essays.

Entry Deadline

February 28th, 2026

Additional Awards Available

Students have the ability to be eligible for additional awards depending on what material you use or the species being drawn in the artwork. Artwork can qualify for multiple awards. Learn more about the speciality awards and view past winners.

Great Lakes Fish Award: artwork features a Great Lakes fish species from the native, naturalized, or non-native list.

Invader Crusader Award: artwork features a native and invasive species found in the student's local area.

Fish Habitat Writing Award: creative writing answers: “Why do you think it’s important to protect our lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines?”.

Point of Contact

Gus Elliot, gus.elliott@dnr.iowa.gov

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Minnesota State Contest

Minnesota Contest Entry Form
Eligible Fish Species

All fish and shark species are eligible.

Fish Species Resource

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Submission Process

All artwork must be uploaded to the online entry form. Please scan all artwork and essays.

Entry Deadline

February 28th, 2026

Additional Awards Available

Students have the ability to be eligible for additional awards depending on what material you use or the species being drawn in the artwork. Artwork can qualify for multiple awards. Learn more about the speciality awards and view past winners.

Guy Harvey Shark Award: artwork features a shark species.

Great Lakes Fish Award: artwork features a Great Lakes fish species from the native, naturalized, or non-native list.

Invader Crusader Award: artwork features a native and invasive species found in the student's local area.

Fish Habitat Writing Award: creative writing answers: “Why do you think it’s important to protect our lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines?”.

Point of Contact

Chris Clayton, Chris.Clayton@state.mn.us

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Mississippi State Contest

Mississippi Contest Entry Form
Eligible Fish Species

All fish and shark species

Fish Species Resource

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Submission Process

You can either submit your entry online or mail your artwork and essay. If you are submitting online, please scan your artwork and essay. All entries must first be submitted through an entry form.

Entry Deadline

February 28th, 2026

Additional Awards Available

Students have the ability to be eligible for additional awards depending on what material you use or the species being drawn in the artwork. Artwork can qualify for multiple awards. Learn more about the speciality awards and view past winners.

Guy Harvey Shark Award: artwork features a shark species.

Great Lakes Fish Award: artwork features a Great Lakes fish species from the native, naturalized, or non-native list.

Invader Crusader Award: artwork features a native and invasive species found in the student's local area.

Fish Habitat Writing Award: creative writing answers: “Why do you think it’s important to protect our lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines?”.

Point of Contact

Emily-Jo Wiggins, Emily-Jo.Wiggins@wfp.ms.gov

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Missouri State Contest

Missouri Contest Entry Form
Eligible Fish Species

All fish and shark species

Fish Species Resource

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Submission Process

You can either submit your entry online or mail your artwork and essay. If you are submitting online, please scan your artwork and essay. All entries must first be submitted through an entry form.

Entry Deadline

February 28th, 2026

Additional Awards Available

Students have the ability to be eligible for additional awards depending on what material you use or the species being drawn in the artwork. Artwork can qualify for multiple awards. Learn more about the speciality awards and view past winners.

Guy Harvey Shark Award: artwork features a shark species.

Great Lakes Fish Award: artwork features a Great Lakes fish species from the native, naturalized, or non-native list.

Invader Crusader Award: artwork features a native and invasive species found in the student's local area.

Fish Habitat Writing Award: creative writing answers: “Why do you think it’s important to protect our lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines?”.

Point of Contact

edu@wondersofwildlife.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Nebraska State Contest

Nebraska Contest Entry Form
Eligible Fish Species

All fish and shark species

Fish Species Resource

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Submission Process

You can either submit your entry online or mail your artwork and essay. If you are submitting online, please scan your artwork and essay. All entries must first be submitted through an entry form.

Entry Deadline

February 28th, 2026

Additional Awards Available

Students have the ability to be eligible for additional awards depending on what material you use or the species being drawn in the artwork. Artwork can qualify for multiple awards. Learn more about the speciality awards and view past winners.

Guy Harvey Shark Award: artwork features a shark species.

Great Lakes Fish Award: artwork features a Great Lakes fish species from the native, naturalized, or non-native list.

Invader Crusader Award: artwork features a native and invasive species found in the student's local area.

Fish Habitat Writing Award: creative writing answers: “Why do you think it’s important to protect our lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines?”.

Point of Contact

Larry Pape, Larry.Pape@nebraska.gov

Contest you'll be submitting to:

New Mexico Art State Contest

New Mexico Contest Entry Form
Eligible Fish Species

Fish Species found in New Mexico

Fish Species Resource

https://wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/art-of-conservation/

Submission Process

All artwork must be uploaded to the online entry form. Please scan all artwork and essays.

Entry Deadline

January 31st, 2026

Additional Awards Available

Students have the ability to be eligible for additional awards depending on what material you use or the species being drawn in the artwork. Artwork can qualify for multiple awards. Learn more about the speciality awards and view past winners.

New Mexico Native Trout Award: celebrating outstanding artwork that highlights New Mexico’s unique native trout species, Gila trout or Rio Grande Cutthroat trout, symbols of our state’s wild waters and conservation heritage.

Great Lakes Fish Award: this award recognizes artwork that best represents New Mexico’s fish listed as Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) — animals identified by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish as being most at risk and in need of proactive conservation.

New Mexico Species of Greatest Conservation Need: artwork features a native and invasive species found in the student's local area.

Fish Habitat Writing Award: creative writing answers: “Why do you think it’s important to protect our lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines?”.

Point of Contact

Curt Coffman, dgf-aquaticed@dgf.nm.gov

Contest you'll be submitting to:

South Carolina State Contest

South Carolina Contest Entry Form
Eligible Fish Species

Fish species found in South Carolina, including both freshwater and saltwater speices.

Fish Species Resource

ID Chart

Freshwater Pocket Guide

Saltwater Pocket Guide

Saltwater ID Guide

Submission Process

All artwork must be uploaded to the online entry form. Please scan all artwork and essays.

Entry Deadline

January 26th, 2026

Additional Awards Available

Students have the ability to be eligible for additional awards depending on what material you use or the species being drawn in the artwork. Artwork can qualify for multiple awards. Learn more about the speciality awards and view past winners.

Guy Harvey Shark Award: artwork features a shark species.

Invader Crusader Award: artwork features a native and invasive species found in the student's local area.

Fish Habitat Writing Award: creative writing answers: “Why do you think it’s important to protect our lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines?”.

Brookie Award: artwork features an Appalachian brook trout.

Palmetto & Moon Award: artwork features a palmetto tree, crescent moon, and/ or Carolina Wren.

Lowcountry Award: artwork features a native species to South Carolina and includes coastal marshes, sunrises or sunsets, and/or tidal waves.

Congaree Canopy Award: artwork features an diadromous fish species and includes forests and wetlands in the background.

Point of Contact

Pam Corwin, corwinp@dnr.sc.gov

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Tennessee State Contest

Tennessee Contest Entry Form
Eligible Fish Species

Fish species found in Tennessee

Fish Species Resource

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Submission Process

Artwork & creative writing must be mailed-in, but students must first submit an online entry form before mailing.

Entry Deadline

February 28th, 2026

Additional Awards Available

Students have the ability to be eligible for additional awards depending on what material you use or the species being drawn in the artwork. Artwork can qualify for multiple awards. Learn more about the speciality awards and view past winners.

Invader Crusader Award: artwork features a native and invasive species found in the student's local area.

Fish Habitat Writing Award: creative writing answers: “Why do you think it’s important to protect our lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines?”.

Point of Contact

Emily Buck, Emily.A.Buck@tn.gov

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Texas Art State Contest

Texas Contest Entry Form
Eligible Fish Species

Fish species found in Texas

Fish Species Resource

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Submission Process

Artwork & creative writing must be mailed-in, but students must first submit an online entry form before mailing.

Entry Deadline

February 28th, 2026

Additional Awards Available

Students have the ability to be eligible for additional awards depending on what material you use or the species being drawn in the artwork. Artwork can qualify for multiple awards. Learn more about the speciality awards and view past winners.

Guy Harvey Shark Award: artwork features a shark species.

Invader Crusader Award: artwork features a native and invasive species found in the student's local area.

Fish Habitat Writing Award: creative writing answers: “Why do you think it’s important to protect our lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines?”.

Point of Contact

Darrel Malone, darrel.malone@tpwd.texas.gov

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Vermont Art State Contest

Vermont Contest Entry Form
Eligible Fish Species

All fish and shark species

Fish Species Resource

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Submission Process

All artwork must be uploaded to the online entry form. Please scan all artwork and essays.

Entry Deadline

February 28th, 2026

Additional Awards Available

Students have the ability to be eligible for additional awards depending on what material you use or the species being drawn in the artwork. Artwork can qualify for multiple awards. Learn more about the speciality awards and view past winners.

Guy Harvey Shark Award: artwork features a shark species.

Great Lakes Fish Award: artwork features a Great Lakes fish species from the native, naturalized, or non-native list.

Invader Crusader Award: artwork features a native and invasive species found in the student's local area.

Fish Habitat Writing Award: creative writing answers: “Why do you think it’s important to protect our lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines?”.

Point of Contact

Corey Hart, Corey.Hart@vermont.gov

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Virginia State Contest

Virginia Contest Entry Form
Eligible Fish Species

All fish and shark species

Fish Species Resource

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Submission Process

You can either submit your entry online or mail your artwork and essay. If you are submitting online, please scan your artwork and essay. All entries must first be submitted through an entry form.

Entry Deadline

February 28th, 2026

Additional Awards Available

Students have the ability to be eligible for additional awards depending on what material you use or the species being drawn in the artwork. Artwork can qualify for multiple awards. Learn more about the speciality awards and view past winners.

Guy Harvey Shark Award: artwork features a shark species.

Great Lakes Fish Award: artwork features a Great Lakes fish species from the native, naturalized, or non-native list.

Invader Crusader Award: artwork features a native and invasive species found in the student's local area.

Fish Habitat Writing Award: creative writing answers: “Why do you think it’s important to protect our lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines?”.

Point of Contact

Tim Zhao, tim.zhao@theNYVA.org

Contest you'll be submitting to:

Washington State Contest

Washington Contest Entry Form
Eligible Fish Species

Fish species found in Washington

Fish Species Resource

https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory

Submission Process

All artwork must be uploaded to the online entry form. Please scan all artwork and essays.

Entry Deadline

February 28th, 2026

Additional Awards Available

Students have the ability to be eligible for additional awards depending on what material you use or the species being drawn in the artwork. Artwork can qualify for multiple awards. Learn more about the speciality awards and view past winners.

Guy Harvey Shark Award: artwork features a shark species.

Great Lakes Fish Award: artwork features a Great Lakes fish species from the native, naturalized, or non-native list.

Invader Crusader Award: artwork features a native and invasive species found in the student's local area.

Fish Habitat Writing Award: creative writing answers: “Why do you think it’s important to protect our lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines?”.

Point of Contact

Tina Su, tinaartforever@gmail.com