Wildlife Forever and Artist Nick Mayer to Advance Youth Conservation Through Art and Education

Wildlife Forever is proud to announce a new partnership with renowned artist Nick Mayer, uniting fine art, conservation funding, and youth education to inspire a deeper connection to aquatic ecosystems. Through this collaboration, Mayer will create high-end, original fish artwork to support conservation initiatives while helping expand fish art curriculum that encourages students to engage with the outdoors through fishing, observation, and creative reflection.

Nick Mayer adding finishing touches to his drawn Muskellunge

This partnership builds on Wildlife Forever’s long-standing commitment to conservation education through the Art of Conservation® Fish Art Contest. By blending professional fine art with hands-on learning, the collaboration aims to spark curiosity about fish species, habitats, and the importance of protecting aquatic resources for future generations.

“Art has a unique ability to slow us down and invite reflection,” said Pat Conzemius, President & CEO of Wildlife Forever. “Through Nick’s work, students and supporters alike can explore the beauty of fish species while understanding their role in healthy ecosystems. This partnership strengthens our ability to connect conservation science with creativity.”

Nick Mayer’s artwork will play a vital role in raising funds for conservation projects while elevating awareness of fish species and the ecosystems they depend on. His work reflects a deep appreciation for the natural world, aligning seamlessly with Wildlife Forever’s mission to conserve wildlife through education and engagement.

“Fishing has always been a gateway to my connection with nature,” said Nick Mayer. “Through fish art, I hope to inspire students to slow down, observe the details of the species they encounter, and reflect on their experiences outdoors. When art and conservation come together, they create lasting impressions that can shape how we care for our waters and wildlife.”

By showcasing professional conservation-focused artwork alongside student creations, Wildlife Forever hopes to inspire more young artists and anglers to participate, learn, and contribute to conservation efforts in their own communities.

The 2025–26 Art of Conservation® Fish Art Contest is open for submissions through February 28, 2026. Students, educators, and families can find contest guidelines, educational resources, and specialty awards at www.FishArt.org.

To view Nick Mayer’s artwork, visit http://nickmayerart.com/ and follow him at https://www.instagram.com/nickmayerart/. To learn more about Nick’s conservation work visit: https://nickmayerwildlifefund.org/.

For more information about the partnership or the Fish Art Contest, contact Veronica Mangio, Education & Marketing Manager, at VMangio@wildlifeforever.org.