CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Artists can now submit original artwork for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s 2024 Collectible Conservation Stamp Art Contest. Submissions for the adult and youth competitions must be received by the Game and Fish Headquarters in Cheyenne by 5 p.m. March 31.
The winning image will be featured on the 2025 collectible conservation stamp. The top five submissions will receive a monetary award, including $3,500 for the winner. The winning stamp will be offered as a collectible item that can be purchased through the Game and Fish Store.
The subject of this year’s contest is the western tanager bird species. The western tanager is a stocky bird for its size with a yellow body and a blaze orange-red head. The species can grow to be about 7.25 inches long and have an 11.5-inch wing span. The bright birds inhabit forested areas and are often difficult to see as they prefer to hang out at the tops of trees.
“The western tanager’s vibrant colors are sure to inspire eye-catching artwork,” said Chris Martin, Game and Fish visual communications supervisor and coordinator of this year’s content, in a news release from the state agency. “The timing of this year’s art show event aligns with the bird’s migration back to Wyoming. It will be a great time to highlight this visually remarkable bird and draw attention to its spring arrival in Wyoming.”
All artwork must be the artist’s original creation and two-dimensional. Photographs, sculptures or other three-dimensional submissions will not be accepted. Entries determined to be biologically inaccurate will be ineligible to win monetary awards, but could earn honorable mention recognition. Entry size is 18 by 24 inches in a horizontal format. Entries can be in color or black and white. The entry fee is $30.
Artists can access the contest’s rulebook online here.
For the second consecutive year, Wyoming kids in kindergarten through 12th grade can participate. Last year’s contest drew 90 entries. Entries may be submitted by the student’s art teacher or by the student through an online form. If teachers send in the artwork, then students and their teachers will win cash prizes for artwork that earns first through third place. Entries can be in color or black and white but must consist of some form of ink, pencil or paint.
Winning and honorable mention entries for both contests will be on display at Game and Fish’s Cheyenne Headquarters for one month. Game and Fish will announce the winners and honorable mentions of both contests with an online event April 26.
This year’s contest is sponsored by the WYldlife Fund.
“Wyoming’s wildlife inspires and captivates us all. The WYldlife Fund is proud to sponsor the Department’s annual art contest which will celebrate the uniqueness and beauty of the western tanager,” said Chris McBarnes, president of the WYldlife Fund, in the news release. “We will always appreciate the lengths Game and Fish goes to and opportunities it offers to connect the people of Wyoming with the wildlife we all celebrate.”
