Students across the United States have the opportunity to win prizes and national recognition while learning about state-fish species, aquatic habitats and conservation. 

The State-Fish Art Contest uses art to catch the imagination of youth while teaching youth about the outdoors. The 11th Annual Wildlife Forever State-Fish Art Contest is open to all students in grades 4 through 12. 

A talented artist in grades 10 through 12 will be selected as the national “Best of Show” winner and will receive a $2,500 tuition scholarship to attend The Art Institutes International Minnesota (Ai Minnesota), a leading creative college for design, culinary and media arts education located in downtown Minneapolis.  The first-runner up nationally in grades 10 through 12 will receive a $1,000 tuition scholarship to Ai Minnesota.

To enter, young artists nationwide must create an illustration of their chosen state-fish. A short written composition on its behavior, habitat and conservation needs is also required. Entries must be postmarked by March 31, 2009.  Winners will be announced May 1, 2008.

Winning contestants from each state will be honored in three grade categories, 4 through 6, 7 through 9 and 10 through 12. All winning designs will receive national recognition on the official State-Fish Art Web site and during the Expo. The 11th Annual State-Fish Art Expo will be held at Mall of America on Aug. 1st, 2009.

Winners who attend the Expo will receive FREE Trees from the U.S. Forest Service and a special rod and reel compliments of Wildlife Forever. Contest winners and their families will also enjoy a free field trip to a local National Wildlife Refuge and fishing event with staff from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The following day, Aug. 2nd, the winners and their families will be treated to a “special” Minnesota Twins baseball game. 

For more information or to send entries contact: 

Pat Conzemius
Wildlife Forever
2700 Freeway Blvd., #1000
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
(763) 253-0222
pconzemius@wildlifeforever.org