The global 2020 State-Fish Art Contest, supported by Title Sponsor Bass Pro Shops, is now open for entries. The contest is free and open to students in grades K-12 internationally. Deadline is March 31.
Through the contest, students can win top honors, international recognition and prizes while learning about fish, fishing and aquatic conservation. The Art of Conservation® inspires young people to get involved in the great outdoors and ignites a passion to become lifelong activists for the natural world.
“The State-Fish Art Contest connects young people to the world of fishing and teaches the importance of conserving the great outdoors. This contest reaches every corner of our world, impacting thousands each year and inspiring young people to spend more time outside,” remarked Bob Ziehmer, Senior Director of Bass Pro Shops.
To enter, student artists create an original illustration of their chosen fish from the Official Fish List at https://www.wildlifeforever.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Official-State-Fish-List-updated-1-14-2020.pdf. Students in 4th grade and above should also submit a one-page creative writing piece based on the behavior, habitat or conservation needs of their species. Artwork and essays will both be judged and awarded. The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation is a sponsor of the 2020 State-Fish Art Contest and will provide prizes including a year-long magazine subscription and books and artwork by scientist, artist and conservationist Dr. Guy Harvey.
Greg Jacoski, executive director of the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, said, “We are proud to expand our mission through the Art of Conservation and State-Fish Art program. Healthy, balanced ocean ecosystems are important to all people and we hope the Guy Harvey Award will inspire our young people to learn more and get involved.”
Winners will be awarded in four grade categories, K-3, 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12. Entries must be postmarked by Tuesday, March 31, 2020. Judging takes place in April and winners will be announced in May. To learn more and see the 2019 winners,www.statefishart.org.
About Bass Pro Shops®: Bass Pro Shops is North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company. Founded in 1972 when avid young angler Johnny Morris began selling tackle out of his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri, today the company provides customers with unmatched offerings spanning premier destination retail, outdoor equipment manufacturing, world-class resort destinations and more. In 2017 Bass Pro Shops acquired Cabela’s to create a “best-of-the-best” experience with superior products, dynamic locations and outstanding customer service. Bass Pro Shops also operates White River Marine Group, offering an unsurpassed collection of industry-leading boat brands, and Big Cedar Lodge, America’s Premier Wilderness Resort. Under the visionary conservation leadership of Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops is a national leader in protecting habitat and introducing families to the outdoors and has been named by Forbes as “one of America’s Best Employers."
About the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation:The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation (GHOF) conducts scientific research and hosts educational programs aimed at conserving the marine environment. The GHOF also funds affiliated researchers working to better understand our ocean ecosystem and educators helping to foster the next era of marine conservationists. The GHOF will help ensure that future generations can enjoy and benefit from a properly balanced ocean ecosystem. For more information, visit www.ghof.org.
About Wildlife Forever:Located in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, Wildlife Forever's mission is to conserve America's wildlife heritage through conservation education, preservation of habitat and management of fish and wildlife. For 30 years, members have helped conduct thousands of fish, game and habitat conservation projects across the country. National programs include the Clean Drain Dry Initiative and the State-Fish Art Contest. To join or learn more about Wildlife Forever's award-winning programs, including work to engage America's youth, visit www.WildlifeForever.org.
