Page 43 - South Mississippi Living - March, 2021

LEFT: Dragon ies by Katie B. Hamilton. TOP: Sea Turtle by Olivia Paden. MIDDLE: Rex Racoons Tree You See by Paulie Anna Byrd.
BOTTOM: Bluegill Beauty by Hung Tran.
want everyone to portray a native species in their own way.”
A panel of judges will evaluate the pieces on various criteria such as originality, accuracy in depicting the species in its habitat and elements of art. Judges will represent the various sections of the department, such as wildlife or fisheries biologists. Some are art professors from local universities.
“We have some amazing talent in Mississippi,” Wiggins states. “This is just a way for students to express that talent while enjoying the outdoors in their own unique way. One student photographed a bird at a backyard feeder and drew a drawing of it with colored pencils. One young lady drew a male and female cardinal. One young man submitted a drawing of a female alligator carrying one of her young in her mouth, which does happen.”
Winners will each receive a $100 gift card from Bass Pro Shops. Second place receives a $50 gift card and third place gets a $25 gift card. In addition, the winners will have their works published in Mississippi Outdoors, the MDWFP magazine.
“Since we started this project, we have received so much support from the public,” Wiggins says. “We can tell that these students have so much fun participating and they put a lot of their heart and work into it.”
Each entry form must be signed off by
a teacher or parent. All entries must be postmarked by May 10, 2021. Send entries to North Mississippi Fish Hatchery Youth Art Contest, P.O. Box 100, Enid, Mississippi 38927. Send larger packages to 457 County Road 36, Enid, Mississippi 38927.
For more information, entry forms and rules call 662.563.8068 or visit www.mdwfp.com.
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