Wyoming Arts Council

Wyoming Conservation Stamp Art Contest opens for entries on Jan. 1

Featured News | October 9, 2015

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From a press release:

Artists interested in Wyoming’s wildlife are alerted that beginning Jan. 1, 2016 the Wyoming Game and Fish Department will begin accepting artwork for the 2017 Wyoming Conservation Stamp Art Contest. Each year the Game and Fish selects one species to be the subject of the competition. The winning entry will appear on the following year’s printed conservation stamps.

The mallard duck (anas platyrhynchos) is the subject for the 2017 contest. The mallard is the primary species on which the annual waterfowl regulation framework is based and is the bread and butter of waterfowl hunting in Wyoming.

The winning artist will receive a cash award of $3,500. Second place receives $1,500, third $750. A non‑refundable $25.00 entry fee must accompany the artwork, entry form and artist’s data sheet. Entries will be accepted beginning January 1, 2016, but must be received at Game & Fish’s headquarters in Cheyenne by 5:00 pm on March 1, 2016.

The annual event is now in its 33^rd year. A relatively new change in this contest allows submission of up to two entries per artist. Game and Fish typically receives 50-80 entries each year. Last year’s competition featured 58 artists from 22 states.

The contest will culminate with judging in Cheyenne at the Game and Fish Headquarters on Thursday, April 14, 2016. The winning artwork will appear on the 2017 Wyoming conservation stamp. Artwork will be available for sale and will be on exhibit through June 1, 2016.

Judging will be done by a panel of judges from the arts, printing, and biology professions. Each painting will be carefully evaluated by a Game and Fish biologist for anatomical accuracy of the animal and ecological correctness of any habitat portrayed. Entries will also be judged on artistic composition, and suitability of images that will reproduce well as a stamp. For the mallard, artists are encouraged to pay close attention to the color, patterns, and shape of the feathers and tail, including the number of primary and secondary feathers, if applicable.

Information, including rules, entry forms, and deadlines on the Conservation Stamp Art Show can be found on the Game and Fish web site at wgfd.wyo.gov/conservationstampartshow. Printed rules and entry forms are also available and will be mailed to requesting artists.

Contact: Margaret James 307-777-4591

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