The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center is accepting entries for the 2023 Texas division of Wildlife Forever’s Fish Art Contest through Feb. 28. The Fish Art Contest is part of an international conservation education program to foster youth interest in fisheries and fishing.
“The Fish Art Contest does a tremendous job of exposing students across Texas to the wonders of fish and fisheries resources through the nexus of art,” said TFFC Director Tom Lang. “We always look forward to this time of year when we are once again amazed by the outstanding work and artistic interpretations of these young Texans.”
Individual Entries
Participants must submit a completed entry form as well as an original illustration of a wild fish found in Texas. Participants in grades 4-12 must also submit a one-page creative writing piece. Applicants must then mail their artwork to the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, 5550 FM 2495, Athens, TX, 75752. Dimensions for the physical artwork must be between 8-by-10 inches and 9-by-12 inches and postmarked by Feb. 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 one entry per student limit.
“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, Education and Interpretation coordinator. “In doing so, we also recognize the amazing efforts of our teachers and biologists who support them. To complete their piece of art, students research their fish, its habitat and conservation efforts to protect the species, forging a connection between the student and fish.”
Educator Involvement
Educators who wish to have their students enter the 2023 contest can find entry forms, rules, guidelines and more online. A lesson plan offers interdisciplinary curriculum including lessons and activities, a species identification section profiling each state fish, a glossary and student worksheets.
“The process comes full circle on Free Fishing Day at our Fish Tag Friendzy where we invite state finalists, their families and teachers to celebrate at Texas Freshwater Fisheries 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 which 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.”