Dive into Creativity: The 2025 Texas Fish Art Contest
If you have a budding artist or a fish enthusiast in your family, it’s time to get those creative juices flowing! The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) has officially kicked off the 2025 Texas Fish Art Contest, an exciting opportunity for young artists to showcase their talents while learning about the rich aquatic life of Texas.
A Celebration of Art and Conservation
Running through February 28, 2025, the Texas Fish Art Contest is part of Wildlife Forever’s international conservation education program. This initiative aims to inspire students to explore the wonders of Texas fish species and their habitats through the lens of art. “We always look forward to this time of year when we are once again amazed by the outstanding work and artistic interpretations of these young Texans,” said Tom Lang, TFFC Director. The contest serves as a unique platform for students to express their creativity while gaining a deeper appreciation for the state’s diverse aquatic ecosystems.
Who Can Participate?
The contest invites students from grades 4-12 to submit an original drawing of a Texas fish species, accompanied by a one-page creative writing piece that reflects their artistic vision. For the younger artists in grades K-3, participation is simplified to just submitting their artwork. This inclusive approach ensures that children of all ages can engage with the contest and express their love for fish and fishing through their art.
Exciting Prizes and Recognition
The top entries from each grade level will not only be featured in the Texas Fish Art calendar but will also have the chance to win scholarships, prizes, and other exciting opportunities. This recognition can be a significant boost for young artists, encouraging them to continue pursuing their passion for art and nature.
Spotlight on the Guadalupe Bass
A new feature of this year’s contest is the Special Species Award, which will highlight a different fish species each year. For 2025, the focus is on the Guadalupe Bass, the official state fish of Texas. This small yet resilient species is found exclusively in the rivers and streams of Texas, making it a fitting symbol of the state’s unique aquatic heritage.
The Guadalupe Bass holds a special place in Texas history, thanks to the efforts of Shirley Watson and her third-grade class at Decatur Elementary School. In 1989, they successfully petitioned lawmakers to designate a state fish for Texas, choosing the Guadalupe Bass because it is found “only in Texas.” This historical connection adds an extra layer of significance to the contest, encouraging students to learn more about this remarkable fish and its habitat.
How to Enter the Contest
For those eager to participate, entering the contest is straightforward. Students must submit a completed entry form along with their artwork, which should be in landscape orientation and sized between 8×10 inches and 9×12 inches. Once the artwork is ready, it must be mailed to TFFC in Athens, Texas, and postmarked no later than February 28, 2025.
Texas winners will earn an automatic entry into the national Wildlife Forever contest, where their artwork will compete with young artists from across the United States. This national exposure can be a thrilling experience for young creators, providing them with a broader audience for their work.
Additional Resources
For more details about the contest, including entry forms and official rules, interested participants can visit the Texas Fish Art Contest website. Additionally, the Texas Fish Art Program has a Facebook page where updates and information are regularly posted, making it easy for families to stay informed.
The Texas Fish Art Contest is not just an art competition; it’s an opportunity for young Texans to connect with their environment, express their creativity, and potentially earn recognition for their talents. Whether your child is a seasoned artist or just starting to explore their creative side, this contest offers a wonderful platform to dive into the world of fish and art.