Editor’s Note: Since beginning The Outdoor Wire 20 years ago, we’ve been privileged to bring you the annual winning art in Wildlife Forever’s 2020 State-Fish Art Contest. Today, prepare to be amazed at the talent of this year’s young artists.
White Bear Lake, MN- Wildlife Forever and Bass Pro Shops are proud to announce the winners of the 2020 State-Fish Art Contest. A distinguished panel of judges selected winners from over 5,000 entries received from 47 states and 32 international countries.
On May 18, judges from around the world utilized a new online platform to help to select this year’s winners. Artists competed for state, national and international recognition including several unique award categories including the Guy Harvey Award, Fish Migration Award and Invader Crusader Award. Students also competed by submitting a written essay for the Fish Make You Smarter Award.
“This year’s artwork was outstanding. We had a record year of growth providing evidence that art has an unparalleled power to connect and teach,” said Pat Conzemius, President & CEO of Wildlife Forever. “I’m grateful for our members and sponsors who invest in building stewardship and for the dedicated teachers, state hosts and parents who encourage young people all over the world to learn and experience the power of nature.”
Art has been intricately linked to nature for thousands of years. From pictographs on stone walls, to Ding Darling and the creation federal duck stamp program, utilizing art to build connections to nature is at the core of modern conservation. Fish Art captures the wonder and real-life experiences of stories told and lessons learned, inspiring visions for tomorrow.
For many students, the Fish Art Contest is their first experience learning about fish and fishing. 22 years ago, the Wildlife Forever contest was born from a child’s idea that has since inspired tens of thousands of youth to create, learn and become uniquely connected to the outdoors.
And the Winners are…
NATIONAL WINNERS
First Place Grades 10-12: David Hong, Virginia, Brook Trout
NATIONAL WINNERS
First Place GRADES 7-9: Amber Li, Texas, Steelhead Trout
NATIONAL WINNERS
First Place GRADES 4-6: Eva Averin, Utah, Humuhumunukunukuapua’a
NATIONAL WINNERS
First Place GRADES K-3: Allison Bu, Maryland, Red Drum
THE ART OF CONSERVATION® AWARD
Hoonsuk (Alex) Yoon, New Jersey, Brook Trout
SETH THOMAS SPRADLIN BEST OF SHOW AWARD
David Hong, Virginia, Brook Trout
GUY HARVEY AWARD
With support from the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, the Guy Harvey Award celebrates healthy and balanced ocean ecosystems and the species that live in these marine environments.
Hyeri Chun, New Jersey, Steelhead Trout
FISH MIGRATION AWARD
In partnership with the World Fish Migration Foundation, this award celebrates migratory fish species from around the world and the free-flowing rivers and waters they rely on.
First Place 5-12 YEARS OLD: Kelly Zhong, Georgia, Steelhead Trout
First Place 13-18 YEARS OLD: Elizabeth Hwang, Washington, Arctic Char
All state winners and additional winners from across America and internationally are listed at StateFishArt.org
About the State-Fish Art Contest: The award-winning Wildlife Forever State-Fish Art® Contest, with support from Title Sponsor Bass Pro Shops, the US Forest Service and Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, brings children, art and aquatic conservation together! To enter, young artists create an original illustration of any official state-fish and written words detailing its behavior, habitat, and efforts to conserve it. Entries are categorized in four grade levels: K-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12. Educators nationwide utilize Fish On!, the full-color State-Fish Art Lesson Plan, integrating the disciplines of science and art. Entries are due postmarked by March 31st each year. Learn more at www.statefishart.org.