Media release from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources:
The 2027 Fish Art Contest is now open.
This free program is open to students’ kindergarten through grade 12 (ages 5-18) worldwide, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Wildlife Resources Division.
“While we ultimately hope all kids get the chance to get outside and actually go fishing, we also believe the program is an amazing opportunity to use art and writing to inspire children’s imagination to learn and discover more about fish and fishing,” said Chrystal Sherwood, Educator at Georgia DNR’s Go Fish Education Center. “Please be sure to review all the different entry categories and submission details to ensure your student’s creative art pieces get the best chance to be part of the contest, and best of luck!”
How to Enter
All entry forms can be found at FishArt.org.
- Students must use the Georgia Fish Art Award entry form.
- Students must a wild fish in a natural habitat.
- Once a student selects a species to base the artwork on, use books and reputable online resources to research the species. Teachers and parents may have the student work through the activities found on the Conservation Education page for Fish On! Lessons at theartofconservation.org/conservation-education.
- A Form Finder tool is available online to help students and educators easily locate the correct entry form and understand their state’s contest rules.
- Go Fish Georgia Award: students should focus on a native state fish species, or one introduced to the state, commonly sought by anglers. The list of species can be found at theartofconservation.org/go-fish-georgia-award.
Artwork & Writing Requirements
Students create an original, hand-done illustration (no digital or AI entries allowed). Participants in 4th grade and above also submit a brief piece of creative writing to showcase their knowledge. Entries found to be plagiarized may be disqualified. Wildlife Forever and contest partners will be intentional about reviewing submissions before winners are announced.
Specialty Awards
In addition to state awards, students may qualify for one of several specialty awards (eligibility varies by species list and state host):
- Invader Crusader Award: Artwork featuring a native and invasive species found in the student’s local area.
- Great Lakes Fish Award: Artwork featuring a Great Lakes species (native, naturalized, or non-native).
- Guy Harvey Shark Award: Artwork featuring a shark species.
- Fish Habitat Writing Award: For creative writing responses about protecting aquatic ecosystems.
- Mighty Minnow Award: Celebrating kindergarten participants.
- Western Native Trout Award (TBD).
Recognition
Winners will be selected in five age categories Kindergarten (ages 5-6), 1st to 3rd grade (ages 6-8), 4th to 6th grade (ages 9-11), 7th to 9th grade (ages 12-14), and 10th-12 grade (ages 15-18).
Top Georgia entries will be displayed at the Go Fish Education Center in Perry, Ga. (GoFishEducationCenter.com).
All entries are due by Feb. 28, 2027. They must be submitted digitally but can also be mailed to: Chrystal Sherwood / Go Fish Education Center (1255 Perry Parkway, Perry, GA 31069). Please be sure to check the requirements before mailing your artwork.
About the Contest
The Fish Art Contest is supported by Bass Pro Shops, the USDA Forest Service, the International Game Fish Association, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, Guy Harvey Foundation, Yamaha and Rapala.
More information on award categories, entry forms, FAQs and requirements can be found at FishArt.org.
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