Since 2014, the Visitor Education Center has received over 3,000 pieces of artwork from youth representing over 130 Mississippi schools. This contest is sponsored by the Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Foundation.
See bottom of the page for Judging Criteria and FAQs. The contest is only for Mississippi students.
Accuracy of Species (e.g., color, markings, etc.)
Accuracy of Behavior (e.g., interactions with young, environment, etc.)
Accuracy of Habitat
Overall Wildlife Message
Creativity and Overall Composition
Originality (creativity)
Elements of Art (line, color, space, form, media, texture)
Medium (appropriate use of materials)
Use of Space (perspective and mass)
Overall Composition
Degree of Difficulty (appropriate for artist's age and ability)
No. Categories are limited to one piece per one youth.
Yes! Students of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate.
The art contest article usually appears in the Sept/Oct issue of MS Outdoors. Certificates are usually mailed in June after judging is completed and winners are notified. The address provided on the forms is the address the VEC will use to mail these items.
The judging varies from year to year. Judging is usually completed before Memorial Day weekend.
Parents and/or art teachers will be allowed to pick up artwork. Please contact your child’s art teacher to inquire about pick-up or contact the VEC at (662) 563-8688 to see if artwork is pending pick-up.
No. Judges will vary year to year.
The contest is limited to Mississippi youth.
Media accepted includes but is not limited to:
No. Photographs can only be used as guides. Photographs or images created with computer software are not accepted and will be immediately disqualified. No assistance with computer software is allowed.
No. The Contest is limited to one piece per student/youth.
No. The subject must be a Mississippi native species that inhabits or migrates through Mississippi. Extinct animals are not accepted. See the "How to Enter" form for more details.
