WYOMING — Got a knack for drawing birds?
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) has opened its annual Collectible Conservation Stamp Art Contest, seeking artistic depictions of the western tanager. Pieces featuring the colorful bird will be accepted through March 31. Kids and adults will compete in separate divisions.
Winning art will be featured on the 2025 collectible conservation stamp, with the top five winners in the adult category receiving prize money up to $3,500. Kids will also compete for cash prizes. WGFD will announce contest winners in an online event on April 26. Winning and honorable mention entries in both divisions will be displayed at WGFD’s Cheyenne headquarters for a month.
According to WGFD, the western tanager can grow to be 7.25 inches long with an 11.5-inch wingspan. They live in forested areas, typically perching near the tops of trees. It’s known for its bright yellow and orange feathers.
“The western tanager’s vibrant colors are sure to inspire eye-catching artwork,” Chris Martin, Game and Fish visual communications supervisor and coordinator of this year’s content, said in the announcement. “The timing of this year’s art show event aligns with the bird’s migration back to Wyoming. It will be a great time to highlight this visually remarkable bird and draw attention to its spring arrival in Wyoming.”
All entries must be the artist’s original creation, formatted to 18 by 24 inches in color or black and white. Photographs and three-dimensional pieces are ineligible. Biological accuracy is paramount. The entry fee for the adult contest is $30.
The kids’ contest is open to Wyoming students in grades K through 12. Submissions must be composed of ink, pencil or paint.
Competitors depicted beaver for last year’s contest; see the winners here. For more on the adult contest and the kids’ contest, see WGFD’s website.
