The contest was inspired in 1997 by a 5th grader’s homework assignment,  She discovered there was little information on all the different state-fish in the U.S. The annual international contest has been around for over 20 years educating kids, teachers and parents on aquatic resources, conservation and fish. Participate today and incorporate STEAM education into your learning.

The State-Fish Art Contest is open to all youth in grades K-12 (Ages 5-18). To compete Participants will submit and entry consisting of a completed entry form, an original illustration of a fish from the Official Fish List and a one-page creative writing submission (required for grades 4-12). The 2021 contest deadline is March 31st, 2021.

The 2021 Contest open and accepting entries. 

1. With an adult, review the Rules & Guidelines for the 2021 Contest

2. Select any species from the Official Fish List. 

• Some species are eligible for special awards! Learn more about the 2021 Specialty Awards

3. Utilize the Fish On!  Lesson Plan, books, and reputable online resources to research your fish species. You may choose to print out the Guided Research Form to keep track of your findings. 

4. Create your State-Fish Art Entry consisting of two parts:

Part A
An original HORIZONTAL 9″X12″ (23cmX30cm) illustration a species from the Official Fish List

Part B
A personally written essay (one side of one page) relating to the habitat conservation needs of your chosen fish species.  Essays will be judged and awarded, but are not required, for contestants in Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade or from countries other than the USA.

5. Complete a contest Entry Form. Be sure to choose the Entry Form for your state, if applicable. 

6. Submit your Entry.

• Option 1 (Preferred):  Mail your entry to the address listed at the top of your Entry Form before March 31st, 2021. 
• Option 2: Email scanned copies or photos of your entry to FishArt@WildlifeForever.org. **All International entries should submitted through e-mail

Winners will be announced at the beginning of May, 2021. 

Have questions?

Email: JLuger@WildlifeForever.org

Call: 763-253-0222

The presentation to the right has been created to take you, step-by-step through the process to enter the State-Fish Art Contest.