West Virginia DNR Seeks Paintings for 2013 Wildlife Calendar
OutdoorHub 01.13.12
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Section is requesting original wildlife art for the 2013 edition of the award-winning WVDNR Wildlife Calendar, according to WVDNR Wildlife Resources Section Chief Curtis I. Taylor. The deadline for submitting artwork is February 17, 2012. An electronic image of each entry capable of being sized at 14 ½ inches wide by 11 ½ inches high at 300 dpi is preferred, but a lower resolution image or 35-mm color slide will be accepted. Artists may send in multiple entries.
“This is our 28th 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,” said Taylor.
Artists are encouraged to submit paintings of a wide variety of wildlife topics. These may depict popular game and fish species, 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 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,” said Taylor. “Often, there are several submissions of a particular species and only one can be used in a given year. We encourage all artists, especially those from West Virginia, to submit their work.”
A $100 prize is awarded for each 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 electronic image or submitted slide is very important for judging the artwork.
The 2012 West Virginia Wildlife Calendar, featuring a pair of wood ducks 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_Retailers.
To obtain 2013 calendar art rules or to purchase a 2012 calendar, please contact the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, Wildlife Calendar Art, P.O. Box 67, Elkins, WV 26241, phone (304) 637-0245. Electronic images should be emailed to: Jerry.R.Shinn@wv.gov. To purchase a 2012 calendar, make checks payable to WVDNR in the amount of $15 for each calendar, which includes shipping and handling (West Virginia residents add $.60 for tax). Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover are also accepted.
