DNR celebrating 25 Years of the Fish Art Contest

Go draw a fish, reports the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR).  The 25th Anniversary Fish Art Contest is now officially underway.  Using art and writing, the Georgia Fish Art Contest (part of the international Wildlife Forever Fish Art Contest) can ignite children’s imagination and inspire them to discover more about fish and fishing. The program is free to enter and open to youth in kindergarten through grade 12 anywhere in the world.  To enter, participants select a fish species of their choice and create an original, hand-done illustration. Participants 4th grade and older will also submit a brief piece of creative writing or an essay pertaining to their chosen species to showcase what they have learned. Youth can win prizes such as Bass Pro Shops gift cards, merchandise from sponsors, and international recognition.  Take note, there also are many additional specialty award categories for 2023, including the Guy Harvey Shark Award, the Invader Crusader Award and the Go Fish Georgia Award. These additional contest opportunities may have different species and/or entry requirements. For example, the Go Fish Georgia Award celebrates fish species commonly sought by Georgia anglers. More info about award categories and all requirement details found at FishArt.org.  All Georgia contestants must complete the Georgia-specific entry form (WildlifeForever.org/home/fish-art/fish-entry-forms/georgia-entry-forms/).  Entries are due by Feb. 28, 2023, and can be submitted digitally or by mail to Marion Baker/Go Fish Education Center (1255 Perry Parkway, Perry, GA 31069).  This award was created to celebrate fish species found in the state of Georgia which are commonly sought by anglers. The artwork is chosen based on how well the judges feel it represents the fish and/or fishing in Georgia. The artists who receive this award will have copies of their artwork on display, alongside state winners, at the Go Fish Education Center (GoFishEducationCenter.com) in Perry, Georgia.  Participating educators will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a free guided field trip at the Go Fish Education Center (GoFishEducationCenter.com) for one class.  Complete information about the Fish Art Contest available at FishArt.org.