Students in kindergarten through 12th grade can discover the outdoors by participating in the Nebraska Fish Art Contest.

The 2025 contest, sponsored by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Wildlife Forever and Bass Pro Shops, is accepting entries through Feb. 28, 2025. Enter at theartofconservation.org/fish-art-contest.

This free international art and writing competition gives young people the opportunity to highlight their artistic talents while learning about fish, fishing and aquatic conservation. Participants can win prizes and recognition in Nebraska and internationally.

Young artists create an original illustration of any wild fish species in natural habitats and submit a one-page creative writing detailing their species habitat and efforts to conserve it.

Entries are categorized in four grade levels: K-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12. Writing is not required for grades K-3. Educators nationwide use Fish On!, the State-Fish Art Lesson Plan, integrating the disciplines of science and art. Winners will be announced in May.

“The Nebraska Fish Art Contest annually is a popular event with young, enthusiastic students, and we look forward to seeing what creative, beautiful pieces of art they produce this year,” said Larry Pape, Game and Parks aquatic education specialist.