Living the wild life

By Staff
Young artists invited to take part in contest
Young artists, get your pencils and paints ready so you can compete in a art contest sponsored by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Alabama Wildlife Federation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services' Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge.
Students are invited to participate in the 2004 AWF Ireland Youth Wildlife Art Contest and the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Art contest.
Both contests are open to all public, private and home-schooled students in grades K-12. Groups are broken into categories: K-3, 4-6; 7-9; and 10-12. The Ireland contest also includes a category for Special Education students.
The William R. Ireland Sr. Youth Wildlife Art Contest recognizes the outstanding artists abilities for Alabama students, while increasing students' knowledge and awareness of wildlife and wildlife habitat in Alabama.
Students are encouraged to research their subjects to learn more about the species and its habitat requirements. The subject matter must be a wildlife species indigenous to Alabama. Visit www.alabamawildlife.org or call 1-800-822-9453.
The Federal Junior Duck Stamp Competition is modeled after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife's Service Federal Duck Art Stamp Competition. The program incorporates scientific and wildlife management principles and crosses cultural, ethnic, social and geographic barriers to teach a greater awareness of our nation's natural resources. Entries are limited to specific North American species. Visit the competition web site, www.duckstamps.fws.gov for a complete listings.
The top winning artists for both contests will be awarded plaques, art supplies and $50 for their school's art program. They will also be recognized at an awards luncheon on April 24 in Montgomery. The Federal Junior Duck Stamp Contest's "Best of Show" winner for the state will also be entered into the national competition. The national winner's artwork will be used to create the Federal Junior Duck Stamp for next year.
The deadline for entries in both contests is March 15.