Where Art Meets the Water: Florida Fish Art Contest Now Open

Young artists across the Sunshine State are invited to put their creativity on display as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in partnership with Wildlife Forever, opens the 2026-2027 Florida Fish Art Contest to kids in kindergarten through 12th grade. This annual contest combines art, science and conservation by encouraging participants to learn about Florida's native freshwater and saltwater fish species while creating original artwork inspired by them. Through research and creativity, students gain a deeper appreciation for Florida's diverse aquatic ecosystems and the importance of conserving them for future generations.

Students may enter one of five grade divisions:

• Kindergarten
• 1st-3rd grade
• 4th-6th grade
• 7th-9th grade
• 10th-12th grade

Awards will be presented to first-place winners and runners-up in both the freshwater and saltwater categories within each grade division.

How to Participate:

Step 1: Choose a Florida native fish species from the list on our website to research, focusing on its habitat, behavior, and conservation needs.

Step 2: Create an original, handmade creation of the chosen fish. All physical 2D mediums are welcome; no digital artwork.

Step 3: Write a one-page creative writing piece that reflects what you have learned about your chosen species (4th grade and above).

Step 4: Submit your entry online through the Fish Art Contest entry form page.

All first-place winners and runners-up will receive a variety of prizing and recognition from the FWC for their artwork. Details on prizing can be found on our website. Thank you to our partners Wildlife Forever, Guy Harvey Foundation, GoOutdoorsFlorida, The Florida Nomad, and Tsunami Fishing.

The 2026-2027 contest is open for submissions until February 28th, 2027. Participants can find more information, educational resources, and submission guidelines at MyFWC.com/FishArt.