Youth artists to be honored at State-Fish Art Expo July 19-20

Wildlife Forever has announced Kansas winners of the group's 2008 State-Fish Art Contest. In the 7th- through 9th-grade category, Evan Pflugradt of Olathe took first place. Audra Miller, of Halstead, won Kansas honors in the 10th- through 12th-grade category.

In addition to having their artwork displayed online at www.statefishart.com, these winners will join young artists from across the country at the State-Fish Art Expo July 19-20 at Mall of America’s Central Rotunda in Bloomington, Minn. All winning artwork will be on display, and an awards ceremony will recognize the winners before a large mall crowd. Each winning artist who attends the expo will receive a blue ribbon, fishing rod and reel, a gift certificate for art supplies, and other prizes.

National awards to be announced at the expo include Best of Show honors for the top three pieces of artwork in each grade category from across the United States. The national Best of Show winner in grades 10-12 will receive a $2,500 scholarship to The Art Institutes International Minnesota. The first runner-up in grades 10-12 will receive a $1,000 scholarship to the college.

One outstanding piece of artwork will win the Art of Conservation Stamp Award and be reproduced as a conservation stamp. Proceeds from the stamp will be used to fund conservation education and aquatic restoration projects across America.

Expo participants will enjoy a Saturday fishing event at Minnesota National Wildlife Refuge. The winning artists and their families will also receive free entry to the July 20 Minnesota Twins game and participate in a special pre-game recognition ceremony on the playing field of the Metrodome before the Twins face the Texas Rangers.

For more information, visit the State-Fish Art Contest website, www.statefishart.com, phone Pat Conzemius at 763-253-0222, or email pconzemius@wildlifeforever.org.

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