“Art has a unique ability to influence people and share stories . . . We are proud to support the Fish and Bird Art Contest.”
— Misty Mitchell, Director of Education at the Johnny Morris Foundation
Wildlife Forever proudly recognizes Bass Pro Shops and the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium for serving as Title Sponsor for 10 years. Through the Art of Conservation® and the Fish Art Contest™, tens of thousands of young people from across the country participated, discovering the joys of fishing and learning about our nation’s fish and aquatic habitats through creative art and writing.
“Thank you to Johnny Morris and the entire Bass Pro Shops family. For a decade, Bass Pro Shops has provided critical support for the Fish Art Contest, a free national youth education program that combines art and science to connect young people to conservation. I’m honored and grateful that Bass Pro Shops values these amazing youth artists and the growing network of state hosted programs,” said Pat Conzemius, President & CEO.
The decade-long partnership represents a powerful commitment to recruiting the next generation of anglers, biologists, scientists, artists, and outdoor enthusiasts.
“Art has a unique ability to influence people and share stories. Wonders of Wildlife was built on that vision to inspire personal connections to conservation. Wildlife Forever’s Art of Conservation programs give youth the opportunity for self-discovery and connection to fish and wildlife. We are proud to support the Fish and Bird Art Contest,” said Misty Mitchell, Director of Education at the Johnny Morris Foundation.
Since the partnership began, tens of thousands of young conservationists have been engaged in the Art of Conservation. The first seeds of the arts-based wildlife education initiative were planted in 1999, when the Minnesota Fish Art Contest launched with a species focus on the Walleye, the official state fish. Today, youth can draw fish and birds from around the world in both the Fish Art Contest and its younger sibling, the Bird Art Contest. The long-standing partnership with Bass Pro Shops provides a blueprint for critical collaborations across the country. 17 Fish Art Contests and 2 Bird Art Contests are now administered by state hosts, including state to federal fish and game agencies, art studios, and environmental education nonprofits. With the support of sponsors like Bass Pro Shops, Wildlife Forever is growing these partnerships to support state-hosted programs in every state.
The 10-year Title Sponsor milestone is a testament to what can be accomplished when conservation organizations and outdoor industry leaders share a strategic vision and work together through sustained partnership.
About the Art of Conservation
Founded by (501)(c)(3) nonprofit Wildlife Forever and supported by Title Sponsor Bass Pro Shops and other key partners, the Art of Conservation® program is a global conservation education initiative that celebrates the arts as a cornerstone of conservation. K-12 youth (ages 5-18) can participate in free annual art contests that blend science, art, literacy, and action to discover the wonder and diversity of wildlife.
Enter the Bird Art Contest by December 30, 2026
Enter the Fish Art Contest by February 28, 2027
Interested in becoming a state host or sponsor to help grow the programs' impacts? Please email Info@WildlifeForever.org
About Wildlife Forever
Wildlife Forever is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to conserving America’s outdoor heritage through conservation education, habitat restoration, and scientific management of fish and wildlife. With a commitment to maximizing impact, 96% of every dollar donated goes directly to conservation programs. Learn more about the Art of Conservation® Fish Art Contest™, Bird Art Contest™, Clean Drain Dry Initiative™, and Prairie City USA® at www.WildlifeForever.org.
About Bass Pro Shops
Founded in 1972 by conservationist Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops has grown into North America's premier outdoor and conservation company, inspiring millions to connect with nature. Through its dedication to wildlife conservation, Bass Pro Shops continues to support initiatives that protect natural habitats and foster future generations’ love for the outdoors. Learn more at about.basspro.com