The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens has opened entries for the Texas division of Wildlife Forever's 2027 Fish Art Contest. The Texas division will mark 20 years in 2027. It is named for Richard M. (Dick) Hart, a conservation leader who helped bring the program to Texas. Entries are due Feb. 28.
Students submit an original 2D illustration of a fish from the freshwater or saltwater lists on the Texas Fish Art Contest webpage, along with an online entry form. Educators can use a group entry form. Categories are kindergarten, grades 1-3, 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12. Students in grades 4-12 must also submit a one-page creative writing piece. Each student may enter once per year. The American eel is the focus species for the 2027 Special Species Award.
Darrel Malone, education and interpretation coordinator at the center, said the contest helps students build a personal connection to the outdoors. The Texas winners receive a scholarship investment, an exhibit at the center, an invitation to a family fishing celebration, and a feature in the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Fish Art Contest Flickr album. Winners also receive automatic entry to Wildlife Forever's national contest. The center also noted a national Richard M. Hart Educator of the Year Award, established in 2022, which recognizes educators nationwide.