FISH ART CONTEST 2026–2027
International Fish Art Competition for Children and Teens
The Art of Conservation Fish Art Contest, organized by Wildlife Forever, encourages children and teens around the world to explore fish, aquatic life, and natural habitats through art.
The competition is open worldwide to K–12 students ages 5–18, and there is no entry fee. International participants submit their work online.
Deadline
February 28, 2027
The official website currently displays the contest status as “Closed.” The next contest period is listed with a February 28, 2027 deadline, so participants should check the official Form Finder for the opening of the new submission forms and any updated regional requirements.
Eligibility
The contest is open worldwide to K–12 students in five divisions:
- Kindergarten: Ages 5–6
- Grades 1–3: Ages 6–9
- Grades 4–6: Ages 9–12
- Grades 7–9: Ages 12–15
- Grades 10–12: Ages 15–18
Theme and Subject
Artwork must feature a fish species in its natural habitat.
International participants may generally depict any fish or shark species. However, some U.S. states and regions may have specific species restrictions, so students should review the current submission form before creating their artwork.
Accepted Art Media
Traditional media include:
- Colored pencil
- Pencil
- Paint
- Marker
- Pastel
- Chalk
- Collage
Digital art is newly accepted for international students and selected U.S. states and regions. Students creating digital artwork should verify eligibility through the appropriate submission form. Digital artists may also be asked to provide progress screenshots or a timelapse video to verify that the work was created originally.
AI-generated or AI-modified artwork is not allowed. Computer-edited artwork is also not accepted.
All artwork must be the student’s own original creation. Copying or closely reproducing another artist’s artwork or photograph can result in disqualification. Photo references may be used, but the final artwork must be recognizably original.
Creative Writing
Creative writing is not required for international students.
For U.S. students in Grades 4–12, a creative writing piece is required in addition to the artwork. Writing is also optional for U.S. students in Kindergarten through Grade 3.
Writing may take the form of a story, poem, comic, journal entry, interview, or magazine article.
How to Enter
All participants must complete the appropriate online submission form.
International students must submit their work online and must not mail physical artwork.
For 2D artwork, a high-quality scan is recommended. The official guidelines specifically request scanned artwork rather than photographs of the artwork.
The submission form requires contact information for the artist or supervising adult, along with signatures from both the student and supervising adult.
Awards
The competition offers awards at international, national, and state levels.
Major awards include:
- Best in Show
- Art of Conservation Award
- International Fish Art Award – 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each grade division
- U.S. National Fish Art Award
- U.S. State Fish Art Award
- Specialty Awards
- Richard M. Hart Educator of the Year Award
Additional Specialty Awards recognize artwork connected to specific fish species and conservation themes. One artwork may be eligible for multiple awards.
Students can also download a signed participation certificate for the new contest year.
Entry Fee
Free to enter.
The official contest website states that the Art of Conservation Fish Art Contest is free to enter and open worldwide to K–12 students.
Contact
Wildlife Forever – Art of Conservation Program
Email: info@wildlifeforever.org
Official Information and Entry
Fish Art Contest – Official Website
2026–2027 Fish Art Contest Forms / Form Finder
Important: Contest rules and submission requirements may vary by state or region. Participants should check the official website and the appropriate submission form for the latest rules before entering.