Texas Fish Art Contest Has Opened for 2027
The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center has invited students to submit entries for the 20th anniversary of the annual contest.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Fishing
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Do you believe art contests are effective at encouraging local youth interest in nature and conservation?
The Texas division of the Fish Art Contest has officially opened for the 2027 season. This year marks two decades of the program, which encourages youth to explore fish and fisheries through creative illustration and writing.
Why it matters
The program aims to foster a long-term interest in aquatic life and fishing among young Texans. By blending artistic expression with scientific discovery, the contest introduces students to conservation concepts at an early age.
The 2027 competition focuses on the American eel as its featured species. Students in grades 4-12 are required to submit an original 2D illustration and a one-page creative writing piece to qualify.
The players
Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center
This facility is a major educational hub managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department that focuses on angling and aquatic conservation.
Wildlife Forever
Headquartered in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, this non-profit organization works to conserve America's fish and wildlife heritage through various national programs.
The details
Participants must submit a digital scan of their artwork along with an online entry form to be considered for the competition. Educators are permitted to use a group entry form to manage and submit multiple student projects simultaneously.
Timeline
The Richard M. Hart Educator of the Year Award was first established in 2022.
The Texas division of the contest celebrates 20 years of operation in 2027.
The final deadline for all contest entries is February 28, 2027.
Culture Shift
The contest continues a broader trend of integrating arts-based learning into outdoor conservation education. By incentivizing student engagement with the Richard M. Hart Educator of the Year Award, the program highlights the role of educators in bridging the gap between classrooms and the natural world.
Students across Texas can participate by submitting one original 2D fish illustration to the competition. Educators interested in the program can streamline the submission process for their classes by utilizing the available group entry forms.
The takeaway
The competition serves as a creative entry point for youth to learn about the American eel and regional aquatic ecosystems. Interested families and educators should ensure all digital submissions are finalized before the late February deadline.
What happens next
The contest deadline for all entries is February 28, 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about local aquatic initiatives at the Texas Fishing page.
More information
For full entry guidelines and requirements, visit the TFFC Fish Art Contest website.
Live Poll
Do you believe art contests are effective at encouraging local youth interest in nature and conservation?
