2023 Texas State-Fish Art Contest now open for entries

of Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) is excited to announce that it is accepting entries for 2023 Texas Division of Wildlife Forever’s Fish Art Contest until February 28.

of Fish Art Competition is part of an international conservation education program designed to foster youth interest in fishing and angling.

“The Fish Art Contest does a tremendous job of exposing students in Texas to the wonders of fish and fisheries resources through the connection of art,” said TFFC Director Tom Lang. “We always look forward to this time of year when we are again amazed by the incredible work and artistic performances of these young Texans.”

Entrants must submit a completed entry form and an original illustration of a wild fish found in Texas. Entrants in grades 4-12 are also required to submit a one-page creative essay. After the entry form is submitted, applicants must mail their artwork to the Freshwater Fishing Center of Texas, 5550 FM 2495, Athens, TX, 75752. Dimensions for the physical artwork must be between 8X10” and 9X12” and sealed until February 28, 2023.

This program is part of Wildlife Forever’s national contest, and Texas winners will be automatically entered into the national contest. Texas students may choose to enter national specialty awards with fish not found in Texas, however, they will not be eligible for Texas state awards due to the limit of one entry per student.

“We have a unique opportunity to celebrate the talents of our Texas students and the beauty of our diverse fish found in Texas,” said Kate Barkalow, Coordinator of Education and Interpretation. “In doing so, we also recognize the amazing efforts of our teachers and the biologists who support them. To complete their artwork, students research their fish, its habitat, and conservation efforts being made to protect the species, creating a connection between the student and the fish.

Educators wishing to enter their students in the 2023 competition can find entry forms, rules, guidelines and more online. A lesson plan provides interdisciplinary curriculum including lessons and activities, a species identification section that profiles each state fish, a glossary, and student worksheets. Learn more at www.wildlifeforever.org.

“The process comes full circle at Fish Tag Friendzy Free Fishing Day, where we invite state finalists, their families and teachers to celebrate at the Texas Freshwater Fishing Center,” Barkalow added. “Here they will see their fish in person, fish for the first time and learn more about the efforts being made to conserve our freshwater resources. None of this would be possible without the help of our sponsors. We believe that through the Texas Fish Art Contest, a new generation of stewards is created.”

The Fish Art Contest is sponsored by Wildlife Forever, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Rapala, US Forest Service, Bass Pro Shops, Wonders of Wildlife, Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, National Fish Habitat Partnership and Western Native Trout Initiative.

Located in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, Wildlife Forever is a non-profit multi-species conservation organization dedicated to preserving America’s wildlife heritage. Working at the grassroots level, Wildlife Forever has funded conservation projects in all 50 states, committing millions of dollars to “on the ground” efforts. Wildlife Forever supports habitat restoration and enhancement, land acquisition, research and management of fish and wildlife populations.

For more information, visit the TFFC Texas State-Fish Art Contest website.