Students are encouraged to create artwork depicting fish species found in New Mexico, with prizes including art supplies, fishing equipment, fishing experiences and other awards.
Source: New Mexico Department of Wildlife
Images: Courtesy
Entries for the second annual statewide competition are due February 28, 2027, with winners advancing to a national contest.
The New Mexico Department of Wildlife is inviting students in kindergarten through 12th grade to participate in its second annual New Mexico Fish Art Contest, combining artistic creativity with an appreciation for the state’s aquatic wildlife.
The competition is affiliated with Wildlife Forever’s national Art of Conservation program. Students are encouraged to create artwork depicting fish species found in New Mexico, with prizes including art supplies, fishing equipment, fishing experiences and other awards.
New for 2027, the competition will accept both traditional two-dimensional artwork and digital illustrations. AI-generated or AI-modified artwork is prohibited. Digital submissions must include three progress photographs or one time-lapse video documenting their creation.
Entries will be judged in five grade divisions: kindergarten, grades 1–3, 4–6, 7–9 and 10–12. First-, second- and third-place finishers in each division will advance to the National Fish Art Contest.
Additional awards will recognize artwork highlighting particular conservation themes:
- Invader Crusader Award: Depictions of native and invasive aquatic species found in a student’s local area.
- Mighty Minnow Award: Recognition for kindergarten participants.
- New Mexico Native Trout Award: Artwork featuring the Gila trout or Rio Grande cutthroat trout.
- New Mexico Species of Greatest Conservation Need Award: Artwork highlighting fish identified by the state as particularly vulnerable and in need of conservation.
A judging panel will evaluate entries in March.
The submission deadline is February 28, 2027. All entries must be scanned and submitted through the online entry form.
Students and families should review the contest’s official rules and guidelines before submitting artwork.
Questions may be directed to Matty Gonzales at dgf-aquaticed@dgf.nm.gov.
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