The countdown is on for the 2020 State-Fish Art Contest, supported by title sponsor Bass Pro Shops. Free and open to youth in grades K-12, the contest deadline is March 31, 2020. You must enter to win.

Young artists from around the world have the opportunity to win prizes and international recognition while learning about fish, habitat and the great outdoors. The Art of Conservation ignites a new passion for fish and fishing and helps to create the next generation of stewards.

“Bass Pro Shops is a proud supporter of State-Fish Art and values the direct impact art can have in teaching our nation’s youth about conservation,” said Bob Ziehmer, Senior Director of Conservation at Bass Pro Shops.

“Many kids just don’t have access to fishing opportunities. Fish Art is one way to connect youth to fish and aquatic conservation, teaching them the value of nature and the outdoors,” said Pat Conzemius, President & CEO, Wildlife Forever.

To compete, young artists will create an original illustration of any official state-fish species, found at StateFishArt.org. A one-page creative writing piece based on behavior, habitat and/or conservation needs is also required and awarded for contestants in grades 4-12.

Winners will be honored in four grade categories: K-3, 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12. National judging for the State-Fish Art Contest will be held in April, and winners will be announced at the beginning of May.

About the State-Fish Art Contest: The award-winning Wildlife Forever State-Fish Art Contest, with support from title sponsor Bass Pro Shops, the US Forest Service and the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, brings children, art and aquatic conservation together. To enter, young artists create an original illustration of any official state fish and written words detailing its behavior, habitat and efforts to conserve it. Entries are categorized in four grade levels: K-3, 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12. Educators nationwide utilize Fish On!, the full-color State-Fish Art Lesson Plan, integrating the disciplines of science and art. Entries are due postmarked by March 31 each year. Learn more at statefishart.org.

About Wildlife Forever: Located in White Bear Lake, Minn., 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 WildlifeForever.org.