Young artists across Georgia are being invited to combine art, writing and an interest in the outdoors as entries are now being accepted for the 2027 Fish Art Contest.

The free competition is open to students from kindergarten through 12th grade, ages 5 to 18, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division. The international program is designed to encourage young people to learn more about fish, fishing and aquatic conservation.

For Georgia entries, students select a fish species, research the fish and its habitat, and create an original, hand-drawn illustration showing a wild fish in its natural habitat. Digital artwork and artwork created using artificial intelligence are not allowed. Students in fourth grade and above must also submit a short creative writing piece demonstrating what they learned about their chosen species.

Students competing for the Go Fish Georgia Award should select a fish native to Georgia or an introduced species commonly pursued by Georgia anglers.

Winners will be chosen in five age divisions, ranging from kindergarten through 12th grade. Top Georgia entries will be displayed at the Go Fish Education Center in Perry.

The deadline to enter is February 28, 2027. Entries can be submitted digitally, and Georgia DNR also provides an option for mailing artwork to the Go Fish Education Center. Entry forms, contest rules and additional information are available through FishArt.org.