SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Section is requesting original wildlife art for the 2011 edition of the award-winning DNR Wildlife Calendar, according to Curtis Taylor, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section of the Division of Natural Resources. The deadline for submission of artwork is Feb. 15, 2010. A 35-mm color slide or a high resolution electronic image of each entry must be submitted by this date. Artists may send in multiple entries.
“This is our 26th calendar and it offers a wonderful opportunity for artists to feature their work. Besides distribution in West Virginia, our calendars are enjoyed by people all over the United States and are sent to countries around the world,” Taylor said.
Artists are encouraged to submit paintings of a wide variety of wildlife topics. These may depict popular game and fish species, landscapes, or feature the state’s diverse array of wildlife. Paintings depicting lesser-known animals such as snakes, frogs, turtles, salamanders, bats, songbirds, small mammals as well as nongame fish are also encouraged.
Artists are reminded that the calendar format is horizontal with measurements of 14 inches by 11 inches and should keep this ratio in mind when creating paintings. Paintings not chosen in previous years may be resubmitted. “Just because the artwork is not selected one year, doesn’t mean it will not be selected in the future,” Taylor said. “Often, there are several submissions of a particular species or season and only one can be used in a given year.”
“We encourage all artists, especially those from West Virginia, to submit their work,” said Taylor. A $100 prize is awarded for every month’s painting and $500 for the cover. Paintings are chosen based on overall composition and quality, along with anatomical and contextual accuracy. The quality of the submitted slide or electronic image is very important for judging the artwork.
The 2010 West Virginia Wildlife Calendar, featuring a male turkey on the cover, is available at WVDNR District Offices, newsstands, convenience marts and retail food stores throughout the state. For a listing of retail stores that sell the calendar visit www.wvdnr.gov/Wildlife/WildlifeCalendar.shtm.
To obtain 2011 calendar art rules or to purchase a 2010 calendar, please contact the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, Wildlife Calendar Art, P.O. Box 67, Elkins, WV 26241, phone 304-637-0245. Make checks payable to WVDNR in the amount of $14 for each calendar, which includes shipping and handling (W.Va. residents add $.60 for tax). Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover are also accepted.
Press Release ~ WVDNR Seeks Paintings for 2011 Wildlife Calendar.