The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) has officially announced the winners of the 2026 Texas division of Wildlife Forever’s Fish Art Contest. From a competitive field of 714 entries, 14 talented young artists have been selected, with their winning artwork set to be featured in the upcoming 2027 Texas Fish Art Calendar and showcased in a special exhibit.
This annual contest, designed to engage youth in the conservation of aquatic resources through art, evaluated entries across four distinct grade categories: K-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12. Judges meticulously assessed each submission based on three key criteria: species accuracy, habitat accuracy, and overall creativity.
In the highly anticipated K-3 category, Jeremiah Lee from Dallas secured the coveted first-place position. Following closely, Franco Du of Flower Mound earned second place, while Nora Cheng from Austin was awarded third place. These young artists demonstrated exceptional skill and understanding in depicting Texas's diverse fish species and their natural environments.
Winners were also selected for the 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12 grade categories, with their names and placements being part of the official announcement. Additionally, the department recognized several participants with honorable mentions, acknowledging the high quality and effort put forth by many entrants in the contest.
The winning artworks will gain significant exposure, not only through their inclusion in the 2027 Texas Fish Art Calendar but also as part of an exhibit. This exhibit will be hosted at the Athens Freshwater Fisheries Center in Texas, offering the public an opportunity to view the intricate and imaginative creations of these budding artists. The initiative aims to foster a deeper appreciation for Texas's aquatic ecosystems and the importance of conservation among the younger generation.