Wildlife Forever’s annual artist contests get underway for ’26

White Bear Lake, Minn. — Wildlife Forever recently announced the opening of the 2026-27 Art of Conservation Bird Art Contest and Fish Art Contest. With support from title sponsor Bass Pro Shops, the annual programs aim to inspire youth around the world to creatively connect with nature through art, writing, and science.

The Bird Art and Fish Art Contests engage thousands of young artists through global partnerships, state-hosted programs, and school networks. Open to all K-12 students worldwide, the interdisciplinary programs equip teachers with STEAM learning resources and help curricula come alive through local wildlife. Outside the classroom, the contests serve as a model recruitment program for birding, fishing, and outdoor recreation.

“Conservation begins with connection,” says Mandy Nix, education and marketing manager at Wildlife Forever. “At a formative age for our youngest stewards, the Bird and Fish Art Contests inspire children to get outdoors in nearby nature, from their city parks to mountain creeks to backyard meadows. In the process, the programs spark a lifelong love of wildlife and the wild places we all call home.”

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Both contests are free and accessible to K-12 students worldwide. Students illustrate ambassador wildlife with art mediums as diverse as the species themselves, with artwork spanning charcoal, watercolor, pastels, crayons, and even digital art technologies. As entries pour in across the globe to showcase the wonder and importance of wild species, the contests also celebrate a vibrant generation of leaders.

How to enter

Step 1: Select a species: Students choose a wild fish and/or bird species to research, exploring its unique habitat, adaptations, and conservation needs. Students in certain states select from state species lists, with more details and guidelines available on the Art of Conservation website.

Step 2: Create Original Art: After conducting research, students create an original creation and 2D artwork featuring their chosen species. Art mediums include but are not limited to crayon, marker, mixed media collage, pencil (e.g., charcoal, graphite), paint (e.g., acrylic, gouache, oil, watercolor), and pastels (e.g., chalk, oil).

Step 3: Write About It (U.S. Participants in Grades 4-12): Upper elementary through high school students craft a creative writing piece, such as an essay, poem, or comic, that reflects more deeply on what they have learned about their species.

Step 4: Enter Online: Students enter the contest(s) through the online submission form(s), which are located on the Bird Art Contest and Fish Art Contest websites, by the deadline for each contest. Enter the Bird Art Contest by Nov. 30. Enter the Fish Art Contest by Feb. 28, 2027.