The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and the Washington Tourism Development Authority are seeking artists’ entries for the N.C. Waterfowl Conservation Stamp and Print. Entries must be received by 5 p.m. on Jan. 22, 2016 at the Washington Tourism Development Authority, 108 Gladden Street, Washington, N.C. 27889.

The winning artwork will be featured on the 2016-17 waterfowl conservation stamp, also known as the North Carolina duck stamp. It, along with the other top four entries, will be unveiled during the East Carolina Wildlife Arts Festival and North Carolina Decoy Carving Championships, which will be held Feb. 5-7, 2016 in downtown Washington, N.C.

The commission and the Washington Tourism Development Authority sponsor the annual contest, which typically draws artists from across the United States. This year, artists may submit a full-color, realistic rendering of tundra swans, blue-winged teal, Atlantic brant, gadwall, or bufflehead, and depicted in the appropriate habitat.

Artwork will be judged on the following criteria:

• Level and accuracy of detail in all aspects of the anatomy of waterfowl;
• Appropriateness, accuracy and detail in depiction of the selected species’ habitat;
• Attractiveness and creativity of the composition, regarding spatial balance, lighting and harmony of subject and background; and,
• Visual appeal and suitability for reproduction at both the print and stamp scales.

The competition is open to artists 18 years and older. Artists may submit only one design in whatever medium they choose. Images must be horizontal, 13 inches by 18 inches, matted in white to outside dimensions of 18 inches by 23 inches and should be loosely covered with a protective overleaf, although not framed or covered with glass. The image should bear no signature or other marks that would identify the artist.

Complete entry guidelines, as well as specific requirements for artwork, are located on the East Carolina Wildlife Arts Festival website, ecwaf.com/event-information/duck-stamp-competition.

The winning design will be selected by a panel of five judges who have expertise in waterfowl biology or artistic method and expression. The judging will take place on Jan. 25, 2016 and the winner will be notified shortly after.  The winner will receive $7,000 in prize money, $300 in travel expense money, and free booth space at the 2017 festival.

Proceeds from sales of the print and stamp support the Wildlife Resources Commission’s Waterfowl Fund, which generates revenue for the conservation of waterfowl habitat in North Carolina.

For more information about the Waterfowl Conservation Stamp and Print Competition, visit the East Carolina Wildlife Arts Festival website, ecwaf.com/event-information/duck-stamp-competition.

-Submitted by Jodie Owen