Enter the 2027 Minnesota Fish Art Contest!

Kate Tuttle, 1st place 10th-12th grade, 2026 © Wildlife Forever

Every year, Minnesota Conservation Volunteer magazine (MCV) partners with Wildlife Forever to host the Minnesota Fish Art Contest, which encourages K-12 students to learn about aquatic conservation and explore their creativity. Students are invited to show off their artistic skills by producing an original illustration featuring a fish of their choosing, accompanied by a creative writing piece about that species. MCV has been hosting this competition since 2022, and year after year, students from across the state deliver exceptional art that amazes viewers.

The Minnesota Fish Art Contest is part of a national contest led by conservation nonprofit Wildlife Forever. First place winners from Minnesota advances to national judging, and their artwork is considered for speciality awards.

How to Enter

With an adult, review the Rules & Guidelines.
Select any fish species of your choice. Some species are eligible for special awards! Learn more about the 2027 Specialty Awards.
Use books and reputable online resources to research your fish species.
Create your State-Fish Art Entry consisting of two parts:
- Fish Illustration: An original illustration featuring a species of your choice. The illustration should be no larger than 8.5″ x 11″ but can be horizontal or vertical in orientation. If you use physical media, please scan the final artwork and submit it digitally.
- Creative Writing (required for students in grades 4-12): A personally written essay about your chosen fish species. This requirement is waived for K-3 students.
  - Length: No more than one side of one page, typed preferred.
  - Creative writing should show the contestants knowledge, connection to and/or understanding of their chosen fish.
  - Creative writing submissions may be decorated, have illustrations, or be creative in appearance but the words should be the main focus of the piece.
Submit your artwork by February 28, 2027.

To enter the contest, fill out the Minnesota Entry Form. Winners will be announced in early May.

Prizes

Artwork is separated into five categories based on participant age: Kindergarten, 1st-3rd grade, 4th-6th grade, 7th-9th grade, and 10th-12th grade. Our judges select a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner for each age group. They also select a 1st place creative writing winner for the 4th-12th grade categories.

1st place: A fishing-themed prize package with a Minnesota state parks vehicle permit, a sketchbook, and a 1st place certificate.
2nd place: Minnesota state parks vehicle permit, a sketchbook, and a 2nd place certificate.
3rd place: A sketchbook and a 3rd place certificate.

New This Year

All participants will receive a subscription to Minnesota Conservation Volunteer magazine. Please note that we will only be able to process your subscription if you provide an accurate mailing address on the submission form.
Kindergarteners will be in their own category for judging.
Digital art is now being accepted! AI-generated and AI-modified artwork is NOT allowed and is subject to immediate disqualification.

Important Notes

The Minnesota Fish Art Contest only accepts digital submissions. We do not accept submissions by mail.

The contest is not open to the immediate relatives of Wildlife Forever, the DNR or third-party sponsor employees.

Resources for Teachers

2027 Fish Art Contest Poster — Print File
2027 Fish Art Contest Poster — Digital Accessibility File (For Use with Screen Readers)
2027 Fish Art Contest Take-Home Handout — Print File
2027 Fish Art Contest Take-Home Handout — Digital Accessibility File (For Use with Screen Readers)