Wildlife Forever will soon host young artists from throughout the United States at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, during its 2006 State-Fish Art Expo on July 29-30. More.
Smokey Bear and U.S. Forest Service employees will hand out free white pine tree seedlings to the first 5,000 visitors, and Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty has proclaimed July 29 as “Wildlife Forever State-Fish Art Day.” Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Gene Merriam will be present to congratulate young winners from Maine to California and states in between.
The winners will be honored in an awards ceremony on July 29 at 10 a.m, and a massive art display will feature all of the winning artwork from across the country. Prizes include rods, reels and fishing tackle from Rapala and gift certificates for art supplies from Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff, plus blue ribbons and other awards.
National Best of Show winners will be announced during the July 29 ceremony at approximately 11 a.m. in three grade categories (4-6, 7-9 and 10-12). All three top winners will be present at Mall of America to receive their trophies and national recognition.
“The State-Fish Art Expo is the culmination of the contest that uses visual art to provide important conservation lessons in a way that truly resonates with America’s youth,” says Doug Grann, Wildlife Forever’s president and CEO. “We look forward to seeing the students’ artwork and recognizing the accomplishments of the young artists and conservationists.”
The 8th Annual Art of Conservation Stamp design will also be unveiled during the ceremony. Sales of such stamps have funded conservation education and fishery projects across America.
“With the Art of Conservation stamps and the help of the U.S. Postal Service,” says Grann, “the State-Fish Art Expo will spread the good news of conservation while generating funds for fisheries conservation.”
The public will have the opportunity to help choose the winner of the “People’s Choice Award,” sponsored by Cheap Joe’s Art Stuff, by casting votes for their favorite piece of art. Voting begins at 10 a.m. and runs until 3:30 p.m.. The winner will be announced at 5:30 p.m. on July 29.
The Minnesota Twins will host the artists and their families as the Twins face the Detroit Tigers in the Metrodome on July 30. Winning artists and their artwork will be recognized on the playing field before the game in a special ceremony.
