News Release

FWC announces 2008-09 Manatee Decal Art Contest for middle and high school students

December 26, 2007
Contact: Bonnie Abellera or Charlotte Keeney, 850-922-4330

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announces its 17th annual Manatee Decal Art Contest and invites middle and high school art students to submit their manatee artwork for consideration.  Students must work through their school’s art teacher to submit artwork since only five art entries are allowed per school.   

Sales from the manatee decals provide funds for the state’s manatee protection program. Decals are available at county tax collectors’ offices in Florida with a donation of $5 or more to the Save the Manatee Trust Fund. Money from the sale of these decals supports manatee protection efforts, such as rehabilitation, rescue, research, enforcement and public education. In June, 15,000 decals with artwork provided by Coral Reef Senior High School student Natasha Thornton were distributed statewide for sale until June of 2008.

Requirements for the Manatee Decal Art Contest are as follows:

• All entries must be the sole original work of the artist.

• Student artists must attend a Florida public, private or home school for middle or high school.

• Students must submit their artwork through their school or art teacher.

• Art teachers should submit no more than five entries per school.

• The designs should be in full color in a medium of the artist’s choice and may be realistic or abstract as long as the image depicts a recognizable manatee.

• The artwork image and page size should be no larger than 8.5” x 11” with the image centered. (Note:  Do NOT add any text or captions to the artwork).

• Mount artwork on art board with a protective paper covering. (No frames, glass coverings or dry mounting).

Design entries will be accepted only if postmarked on or before Jan. 31, 2008.

On Feb. 14, 2008, FWC staff will judge all qualified entries. The winning design will be used to create a final decal for distribution to county tax offices in July.

To see previous manatee decals and read more contest information, please visit FWC’s Web site at MyFWC.com, and click on “Manatees.”

Contact Bonnie Abellera by e-mail at bonnie.abellera@MyFWC.com or by calling 850-922-4330.