2005 Duck Stamp Art Contest Winner Announced Today

Who:

Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest Judges and Officials; Ducks Unlimited; Memphis College of Art; Greater Memphis Arts Council

What:

Announcement of winner of 2005 Federal Duck Stamp Contest, oldest and most prestigious wildlife art contest in the nation; First time ever held outside of Washington, D.C.

Where:

Memphis College of Art, 1930 Poplar Avenue, Overton Park

When:

Thursday, Sept 15
Noon: Final hour of judging – watch the judges narrow the field to the finalist

1:30 p.m. Announcement of winner – hear the call to the national winner - media may then interview winner via phone (or in-person if winner is in the audience); interviews also available with Duck Stamp contest officials and judges

5:00 p.m. – Ward Burton, Duck Stamp contest judge and 2002 winner of Daytona 500, appears as Honorary Duck Master, Memphis Peabody Hotel

Other media opportunities:

Friday, Sept 16
Noon- 1:30: Artist lecture with David Maass, winner of the 1974 and 1982 Federal Duck Stamp contests and Scot Storm, winner of the 2004 contest. Interviews available before or after lecture.

Saturday, Sept 17
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.: Media availability with Federal Duck Stamp Contest Winner at 2005 Ducks Unlimited Expo, Agricenter International (7777 Walnut Grove Road, Memphis, TN 38120)

Background:

• Buying a Federal Duck Stamp is one of the most effective ways for any citizen to make a difference for conservation. 98% of the proceeds from the $15 Duck Stamp goes into the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund, which purchases wetlands for the National Wildlife Refuge System
• Since 1934, sales of Duck Stamps have raised more than $700 million. More than 5.2 million acres of important wildlife habitat for the National Wildlife Refuge System have been acquired.
• All waterfowl hunters age 16 and older must purchase and carry Duck Stamps.
• A valid Duck Stamp can be used for free admission to the more than 540 National Wildlife Refuges that are open to the public.
• Duck Stamps feature artwork by some of the nation’s best wildlife artists, and have been collected by stamp enthusiasts for years.