Dive into Creativity: The Texas Fish Art Contest 2025
The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) is thrilled to announce the opening of entries for the Texas division of Wildlife Forever’s 2025 Fish Art Contest. This exciting initiative, which runs until February 28, 2025, aims to inspire young artists and conservationists by merging the worlds of art and aquatic life.
A Celebration of Art and Conservation
The Fish Art Contest is not just an art competition; it’s a vital part of an international conservation education program designed to spark youth interest in fish, fisheries, and fishing. Tom Lang, the director of TFFC, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The Fish Art Contest does a tremendous job of exposing students across Texas to the wonders of fish and fisheries resources through the nexus of art.” Each year, the contest showcases the incredible talent and creativity of young Texans, and the TFFC eagerly anticipates the artistic interpretations that will emerge.
How to Participate
Students in grades 4-12 are invited to participate by submitting an original illustration of a wild fish found in Texas. Along with the artwork, participants must complete an entry form and include a one-page creative writing piece that reflects their understanding and appreciation of the species they choose to depict. The artwork must be in landscape orientation, measuring between 8×10 inches and 9×12 inches, and should be mailed to the TFFC at 5550 FM 2495, Athens, TX, 75752, postmarked no later than February 28.
New Category: Special Species Award
This year, the contest introduces an exciting new category: the Special Species Award. This award will spotlight a specific species each year, and for the 2024-2025 contest, the focus will be on the Guadalupe Bass, the official state fish of Texas. Participants must ensure their artwork accurately represents this species, but no additional paperwork is required for consideration in this category.
Honoring a Legacy
The 2025 contest also pays tribute to Shirley Watson and her third-grade class from Decatur Elementary School, who in 1989 advocated for the Guadalupe Bass to be named Texas’s official state fish. Their efforts culminated in a successful testimony before lawmakers, highlighting the importance of a fish that is native to Texas. This year’s contest serves as a reminder of their legacy and the ongoing efforts by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to restore the Guadalupe Bass to its native range.
Recognition and Rewards
Winners of the Texas Fish Art Contest will receive recognition in the Texas Fish Art calendar, scholarships, and a feature in TPWD’s Fish Art Contest Flickr album. Additionally, they will be invited to a family fishing celebration to honor their achievements. Notably, Texas winners will automatically qualify for Wildlife Forever’s national contest, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their work on a larger stage.
Educational Opportunities
The Fish Art Contest not only celebrates artistic talent but also emphasizes educational growth. Participants engage in research about their chosen fish, its habitat, and conservation efforts, fostering a deeper connection between students and the aquatic world. Kate Barkalow, the Education and Interpretation Coordinator at TFFC, remarked, “We have a unique opportunity to celebrate the talents of our Texas students, and the beauty of our diverse fish found in Texas.”
Resources for Educators
Educators interested in encouraging their students to enter the 2025 contest can find a wealth of resources online. Entry forms, rules, and guidelines are readily available, along with a comprehensive lesson plan that includes interdisciplinary curriculum components, species identification sections, and student worksheets. This educational framework not only supports students in their artistic endeavors but also enriches their understanding of aquatic ecosystems.
Supporting Conservation Efforts
The Fish Art Contest is made possible through the generous support of various sponsors, including Wildlife Forever, Bass Pro Shops, and the U.S. Forest Service, among others. Wildlife Forever, based in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving America’s wildlife heritage. Their commitment to grassroots conservation efforts has resulted in funding for projects across all 50 states, focusing on habitat restoration, land acquisition, and the management of fish and wildlife populations.
Get Involved
For more information about the Texas Fish Art Contest, including entry details and resources, visit the TFFC Texas Fish Art Contest website or check out the Texas Fish Art Program Facebook page. This is a fantastic opportunity for young artists to express their creativity while learning about the importance of fish conservation in Texas.