Arkansas 2009 student fish art contest begins

LITTLE ROCK The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is partnering with Wildlife Forever in a state fish art contest. Students across Arkansas have the opportunity to win recognition and prizes while learning about state-fish species, aquatic habitats and conservation. The Arkansas State Fish Art Contest uses art to catch the imagination of youth while teaching fisheries conservation.

Winning contestants from each state are honored in three grade categories, 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12. All contest winners will receive a gift certificate for art supplies from Cheap Joe's Art Stuff, fishing tackle from Rapala and many other great prizes. Winning designs will also be featured on the official State Fish Art Web site.

One gallery-quality winning entry will be used as the design for the 2009 Art of Conservation Stamp. Additional prizes up for grabs in 2009 include "Best of Show" and the Cheap Joe's Art Stuff, "People's Choice" awards. Honors for "Best of Show" will be given to one outstanding piece of artwork in each grade category.

To enter, artists must have their entries postmarked by March 31, 2009. Winners will be announced May 1, 2009. The 11th Annual Wildlife Forever State Fish Art Contest is open to all students in grades 4 through 12. Young artists must create an illustration of their chosen state fish. A written composition on its behavior, habitat and conservation is also required.

For more information on the contest go to www.statefishart.com for complete details and to download the free lesson plan.

Students should mail entries to:

Arkansas State Fish Art Contest

Education Division

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

2 Natural Resource Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205

For more information, contact AGFC Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs program coordinator Dawn Cook by e-mail at ddcook@agfc.state.ar.us or Pat Conzemius at Wildlife Forever, 2700 Freeway Blvd., No. 1000, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430, by e-mail at pconzemius@wildlifeforever.org or call (763) 253-0222.