South Carolina Fish Art Contest Information

Eligibility

Review the 2025 Rules & Guidelines.
This entry form is for participants that reside in South Carolina.
The Fish Art Contest is free and open to all persons in grades K-12 (aged 5-18 years old)
Each entry must include both an original artwork and a creative writing piece (writing is optional for students in grades K–3).
All South Carolina entries must submit their artwork and creative writing to the online entry form.
Entries must abide by the guidelines and be submitted by 4:00PM on January 26, 2026.

Submission Process

Entry Deadline for SCDNR: by 4:00PM on January 26, 2026. All submissons are done online.

This schedule ensures we have time to thoughtfully judge all submissions, select our winners, and prepare their artwork for public display at two major events, the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition and the Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic.

Resources

While there isn’t a comprehensive list of native species in South Carolina, these guides are meant to show commonly encountered species. Questions about other native species not on the guides, please email corwinp@dnr.sc.gov

Awards

The top three winners in each age category will receive SCDNR gear, age-appropriate fishing tackle, and a fun assortment of art supplies to encourage their continued creativity. Each prize bundle is thoughtfully selected to celebrate both artistic talent and a love for the outdoors. In addition, all winning entries, including those placing 1st through 3rd, will be proudly showcased on a rotating digital slideshow at the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, allowing visitors to enjoy and appreciate the incredible creativity of South Carolina’s young artists.

State Awards

There is only one winner from all of the ages. They can win a placed award as well as a state award. For entries being considered for state awards, teachers or artists must clearly indicate the intended award(s) on the entry form so that judges are properly informed. For example, if a piece depicts a red drum tailing in spartina beneath a waxing crescent moon with a small island of palmetto trees, the artist should note "Entry for Palmetto & Moon Award" on the form. Likewise, if the artwork features a vivid and colorful sunset, the artist may also include "Entry for Lowcountry Colors Award."

The Brookie Award

Awarded to the artwork that best captures the spirit of South Carolina’s only native trout, the Appalachian brook trout.

Prizes: A certificate, a brook trout keychain, and SCDNR and Trout Unlimited swag

The Palmetto & Moon Award

Inspired by South Carolina’s state tree (Palmetto Tree) and state heritage. Given to a piece that creatively blends fish with state symbols (palmetto tree, crescent moon, Carolina wren, etc.). A great lesson in state symbols and history.

Prizes: A fish keychain, certificate, and SCDNR swag

The Lowcountry Colors Award

Recognizes the most vibrant use of color inspired by South Carolina’s coastal marshes, sunrises or sunsets, and tidal waters. A native fish must be represented and not just a landscape.

Prizes: A fish keychain, certificate, and SCDNR swag

The Congaree Canopy Award

Highlights artwork that shows the connection between fish, forests, and wetlands, honoring Congaree National Park and the midlands of South Carolina. Fish(es) must be the major theme of the overall piece and can include diadromous species. The Congaree Canopy Award will be judged by a staff member from Congaree National Park.

Prizes: Winning piece displayed at the park and the recipient receiving exclusive park merchandise

Additional Awards

Mighty Minnow Award

It celebrates the creativity and talent of kindergarten participants in the K-3 age group, giving the youngest artists a chance to be honored for their efforts and abilities, based on age-appropriate expectations.

Prizes: A fish keychain, certificate, and an age-appropriate fishing rod