The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is proud to host the Alabama Fish Art Contest in collaboration with Wildlife Forever. This multi-curricular program uses art and writing to inspire K-12 students to learn about fish species, aquatic habitats, and conservation efforts.
The 2027 Alabama Fish Art Contest will open for submissions on September 1st, 2026
2027 Alabama Contest fish are: Paddlefish, Gulf sturgeon, Black Crappie, Northern Red Snapper, Largemouth Bass, or Vermilion Darter.
Who Can Enter?
The Fish Art Contest is free to enter and open to all students worldwide in grades K–12.
Contest Age Categories
Winners are recognized in four age groups:
- Kindergarten-3rd Grade
- 4th-6th Grade
- 7th-9th Grade
- 10th-12th Grade
First-place state winners advance to national judging for top honors!
Prizes and Recognition
Top participants receive prizes, certificates, and the opportunity for national recognition.
Resources for Educators
Teachers can access free lesson plans, videos, and other materials to integrate conservation education into the classroom.
Submission Categories
Students can showcase their creativity by submitting up to two entries (one per category):
- 2D Artwork: Drawings, paintings, and collages. Size limit: Must be no larger than 11”x17” and 2” thick.
- 3D Artwork: Sculptures, wood carvings, and plastic portraits. Important: 3D submissions are judged separately from 2D entries.
- Creative Writing: Every artwork entry (grades 4-12) must include a creative writing piece. Writing is optional for grades K–3.
Note: Previous contest entries are not eligible for submission.
Steps to Enter
- Review the Rules: Download the contest Rules and Guidelines PDF below.
- Choose Your Fish: Select an approved Alabama fish to highlight in your artwork.
2027 Alabama fish are: Paddlefish, Gulf sturgeon, Black Crappie, Northern Red Snapper, Largemouth Bass, or Vermilion Darter.
- Research and Create: Explore your fish species and craft an original, hand-drawn piece of art.
- Write About It: Submit a short essay, poem, or story about your chosen species. Writing is optional for K-3 participants.
- Submit Your Entry: Follow the guidelines to submit your work digitally. Submissions are due by February 28th, 2027
How to Submit Your Entry
- For 2D Entries: Submit high-quality scanned image via the Alabama Fish Art Submission Form.
- For 3D Entries: Upload high-quality photos to the online form. 3D entries are not included in state-level contests. All 3D artwork must be submitted via the General 3D Entry Form only.
- For Creative Writing Entries: Submit writing online via the Alabama Fish Art Submission Form.
- For Teachers: Dedicated Group Entry Forms are available for educators submitting on behalf of two or more students.
Submit Your Entry
Learn More about the Fish Art Contest
