Press Release

State Fish Art Contest Winners Announced

May 04, 2006

Alabama’s winners of the 2006 State-Fish Art Contest are announced following stiff competition among young artists from all around the state. Winners are:

                   Belinda Patterson                 Birmingham                 Grade 4-6

                   Fellycia Karana                    Montgomery                 Grades 7-9

                   Blake Funderburke               Odenville                     Grades 10-12

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, in partnership with Wildlife Forever, sponsored the competition which uses art to educate a new generation of conservationists. Winning artwork is displayed at www.statefishart.com.

The winners will also have the opportunity to join other contest winners from across the country at the State-Fish Art Expo on July 29-30 at the Mall of America’s Central Rotunda. All winning artwork will be on display and an Awards Ceremony will recognize the winners before a large Mall crowd.  National awards to be announced at the State-Fish Art Expo include “Best of Show” honors for the top three pieces of artwork in each grade category from across the United States. One outstanding piece of artwork will win the “Art of Conservation” Stamp Award and will be reproduced as the 2006 State-Fish Art Conservation Stamp. Proceeds from the stamp will be used to fund conservation education and aquatic restoration projects across America.

###

Artwork by Belinda Patterson of Birmingham, winner of the 4-6 grade category.

Artwork by Fellycia Karana of Montgomery, winner in the 7-9 grade category.

Artwork by Blake Funderburke of Odenville, winner in the 10-12 grade category.