WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN - School is out and youth across the country are enjoying long summer days and time outdoors. The State-Fish Art Contest, sponsored by Bass Pro Shops, is a great hands-on activity to teach the joys of fishing and lessons of aquatic conservation. The free program provides a structured activity guide and allows students to be challenged by creating fish art and writing about their chosen species.

"Summer is a perfect time for State-Fish Art because it connects youth to nature and teaches the importance of stewardship. Now is the time to head outdoors to learn about America’s fish and wildlife. Capturing the experience and providing an outlet through State-Fish Art truly builds a foundation for conservation”, Bob Ziehmer, Senior Director of Conservation at Bass Pro Shops.

The State-Fish Art Contest, sponsored by Bass Pro Shops, uses art and writing to ignite the imagination of youth while teaching about fish and aquatic conservation. Students across the United States and around the world have the opportunity to win awards and national recognition while learning about a state-fish species, its behaviors, habitat and threats like invasive species.

"I vividly remember riding my bike to the local creek to catch fish. It was in that stream where I learned how nature was connected. State-Fish Art is a great learning platform for youth to build upon and provides life-long lessons about the outdoors. Plus, students who enter can win prizes and national recognition”, said Pat Conzemius, President & CEO of Wildlife Forever.

In August, winning entries from the 2019 State-Fish Art Contest will be on display at the FLW Cup, World Championship of Bass Fishing in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Attendees will have the chance to vote for their favorite piece as Bass Pro Shops and Wildlife Forever announce the People’s Choice Award on Stage before the final weigh in. The public is encouraged to attend the big event, view the winning artwork and learn more about how to participate.

About the State-Fish Art Contest:

The award-winning Wildlife Forever State-Fish Art® Contest celebrates over 20 years of bringing children, art and aquatic conservation together! Sponsors include Bass Pro Shops – Title Sponsor, the U.S. Forest Service, Triarco Art Supply, FLW, Georgia Go Fish Education Center, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Alaska, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium.

To enter the contest, 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. For all the contest visit www.statefishart.org.

About Bass Pro Shops®:

Bass Pro Shops is North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company. Founded in 1972 when avid young angler Johnny Morris began selling tackle out of his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri, today the company provides customers with unmatched offerings spanning premier destination retail, outdoor equipment manufacturing, world-class resort destinations and more. In 2017 Bass Pro Shops acquired Cabela’s to create a “best-of-the-best” experience with superior products, dynamic locations and outstanding customer service. Bass Pro Shops also operates White River Marine Group, offering an unsurpassed collection of industry-leading boat brands, and Big Cedar Lodge, America’s Premier Wilderness Resort. Under the visionary conservation leadership of Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops is a national leader in protecting habitat and introducing families to the outdoors and has been named by Forbes as “one of America’s Best Employers."