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Minnesota Endangered Species Youth Art Contest Winners Chosen

Thirteen young Minnesota artists are winners of the 2012 Minnesota Endangered Species Day Youth art contest, sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The contest is designed to showcase student art and raise awareness of Minnesota’s rarest animals and plants, and to highlight Endangered Species Day on May 18, 2012.

"We were amazed at the number of entries and skill displayed by Minnesota’s young artists," said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Field Office Supervisor Tony Sullins. "Art and conservation have always had a strong connection, and we want our contest to build on that heritage."

Winners were chosen by a panel that included two high school art teachers, a high school art student, a naturalist, and a fish and wildlife biologist.

Winners of the contest were chosen from four grade categories, with an overall winner selected.  Each winner received a plaque and Visa gift card. Visa gift cards were awarded in $100, $50, and $25 denominations for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each category. The contest’s grand prize winner will receive a $250 Visa gift card and plaque.

Money for the prizes was provided by a donation from the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.

The winners are:

Grand Prize: Karner Blue Butterfly by Sky Waters, Eagan, MN

 

First Place (K – 2): Topeka shiner by Ethan Raatz, Champlin, MN

 

First Place (3 – 6): Whooping Crane by Jane Oh, Maple Grove, MN

 

First Place (7 – 9): Topeka shiner by Reese Marks, Danube, MN

 

First Place ( 10th – 12th):  Whooping Crane by Corynn Chan, Shoreview, MN   

This was the first annual Minnesota Endangered Species Youth Art Contest.  Over 570 entries were received from students in public, private and home schools throughout Minnesota. 

Started in 2006 by the United States Congress, Endangered Species Day is a celebration of our nation’s imperiled plants and wildlife and wild places. 

To see the winning artwork, and find out more about the art contest, and Endangered Species Day, visit http://www.fws.gov/midwest/twincities/artcontest/.

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. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

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