Art of Conservation Contest
The ART of Conservation
Wonders of Wildlife is the Missouri host for the Wildlife Forever Art of Conservation Contest
Featuring two signature programs, The Songbird Art Contest™ and Fish Art Contest™, the Art of Conservation® brand celebrates the arts as a cornerstone to conservation. For nearly 25 years, the Fish Art program has taught youth around the world about fish and aquatic conservation. The Songbird Art program, created in partnership with the Jay N. Darling Legacy Center, is focused on sharing the wonder and diversity of songbirds, as well as their conservation needs.
What is the Fish Art Contest
The Fish Art Contest is open to all youth in grades K-12 (ages 5-18). To compete, participants will submit an entry consisting of a completed entry form, an original illustration of a fish from the Official Fish List and a one-page creative writing submission (required for grades 4-12). The contest deadline is February 28th.
What is the Song Bird Contest?
The Song Bird Art Contest is open to all youth in grades K-12 (ages 5-18). To compete, participants will submit an entry consisting of a completed entry form, an original illustration of a song bird from the Official Song Bird List and a one-page creative writing submission (required for grades 4-12). Participants will have until November 30th of each year to submit their entry to the contest online or by mail to Wildlife Forever.
How to Enter the Fish Art Contest
The 2025-2026 Contest Opens August 11th!
- Step 1) With an adult, review the Rules & Guidelines for the 2025-2026 Contest
- Step 2) Select any species of your choice.
- Some species are eligible for special awards! Learn more about the Specialty Awards.
- Please note entries MUST feature a wild fish in it's natural habitat.
- Step 3) Utilize the Lesson Plan, books, and reputable online resources to research your fish species.
- Step 4) Create a hand-done, original illustration of your species. Exact copies of a photo or other artist’s work will be disqualified. Any 2D medium is acceptable.
- New this year is that we’re now accepting 3D entries in addition to 2D artwork! Students may submit up to two entries—one in each medium. 3D entries will be judged separately and are not part of state contests, so you don’t need to worry about reviewing or judging them. However, we encourage you to share this new opportunity with educators and students in your network. You can find the 3D entry form here.
- Step 5) Write a personally written piece of creative writing or essay (one side of one page) sharing what you learned. Essays are not required for K-3 and international participants.
- Step 6) Submit your Entry. Complete a digital submission form and upload your artwork and essay directly before March 31st, 2026.
Winners will be announced at the beginning of May, 2026.
Prizes will be sent by mail after winners are announced.
Contact our Education Team
If you have questions about the Fish Art Contest, please contact our education department.
- Phone: 417-225-1162
- Email: edu@wondersofwildlife.org