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LACOMBE — Artists ages 5 through 18 are invited to capture plants, animals and landscapes of area National Wildlife Refuges for the annual Wild Things Youth Art Contest.  Now in its 23rd year, the competition spotlights the richness of Southeast Louisiana’s native wildlife and habitats through drawing and painting mediums, and encourages area youth to learn more about their natural heritage. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s art contest and exhibition will be held and conducted virtually.

Art will be judged in two categories: drawing (pencil, pen and ink, charcoal or pastel), and painting (oils, watercolors, tempera, acrylics or pastel). Artists may submit only one entry. Artwork must be original, recent work, and must not be computer generated. Subject matter must be native (non-exotic) species. Art will be judged in five age groups: 5-7; 8-10; 11-13; 14-16; and 17-18.

A panel of judges will select first, second, third and honorable mention winners in each category and age group, and one overall Best of Show winner.  All of the entrants’ art will be displayed on Refuge websites and social media accounts.

Art must be received by 4 p.m. Friday, October 8. Please allow for mail delivery time.

Mail art to:  Art Contest, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 61389 Hwy 434, Lacombe, LA 70445.

Due to safety and health precautions for staff, hand-delivery, or “drop off” of artwork will be by appointment only. Designated drop off times will be on Thursday, October 7 and Friday, October 8, 2021 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Appointments must be scheduled by contacting Wild Things Youth Art Coordinator Diane Barth at 985-882-2021 or by email at diane_barth@fws.gov.

You may download contest rules, entry forms and a resource list of suggested native species online at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Big_Branch_Marsh/COSA/WT_Youth_Art.html For more information contact Diane Barth at 985-882-2021 or via e-mail at diane_barth@fws.gov

 

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.  For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit  www.fws.gov/southeast.  Connect on Facebook at www.facebook.com/usfwssoutheast, follow our tweets at www.twitter.com/usfwssoutheast, watch our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/usfws, and download photos from our Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwssoutheast.