Alabama waterfowl stamp art contest opens Jan. 1

Alabama artists are invited to enter the 2016 Alabama Waterfowl Stamp art contest, which opens Jan. 1, 2016. The winning artwork will be featured as the design of the 2017-2018 Alabama Waterfowl Stamp, which is required along with the Federal Waterfowl Stamp when hunting migratory waterfowl in Alabama. Entries will be accepted from Jan. 1 – Feb. 15, 2016. The competition is open to resident Alabama artists only.

All eligible entries will be on display Feb. 26 at the Richard Beard Building, 1445 Federal Dr., Montgomery, Ala., 36107. Following the showing, three judges from the fields of art, ornithology and wildlife conservation will select the winning waterfowl art. The public is invited to attend the judging.

“Like the federal waterfowl stamp, revenues from the sale of Alabama stamps are used to purchase, establish or improve migratory waterfowl habitat,” said Chris Smith, contest coordinator for the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF). “We encourage all Alabama artists to participate in this unique contest.”

Only original horizontal artworks depicting a species of North American migratory duck or goose will be eligible. The Pintail, Mallard and American Wigeon — depicted in the winning artwork of the three previous year’s contests — are not eligible as the subject for the 2017-2018 waterfowl stamp.

The judging criteria will emphasize uncluttered design suitable for printing as a stamp, anatomical accuracy of the illustrated species, and artistic rendering. Close attention must be given to tone and detail, since those aspects are prerequisites for printing artwork as a stamp. Wing and feather construction must be particularly well defined. Entries may be drawn or painted in any medium. Entries cannot exceed 9 by 12 inches (15 by 18 inches matted).

For contest information and entry forms, visit the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website www.outdooralabama.com. From the “Program” menu follow the “Contests” link, or contact contest coordinator Chris Smith at 334-242-3859.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.