WVDNR Seeks Paintings for 2009 Wildlife Calendar
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Section is requesting original wildlife art and related outdoor scenes for the 2009 edition of the award-winning DNR Wildlife Calendar, according to Curtis I. Taylor, Wildlife Resources Section Chief. The deadline for submission of artwork is February 16, 2008. 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 24th 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 hunting, fishing, landscapes, or feature the state’s diverse array of wildlife and plants. Paintings depicting lesser-known animals such as snakes, frogs, turtles, salamanders, bats, songbirds, insects, small mammals (including mice, shrews and moles) as well as nongame fish are all encouraged. Practically any rendering of some aspect of West Virginia’s natural resources -- animals, plants, landscapes, waterways, hunting, fishing and or nature study experiences, can qualify.

Artists are reminded that the calendar format is horizontal with new, larger measurements of 14 inches by 11 inches and should keep this ratio in mind when creating paintings. Paintings not previously chosen may be resubmitted. Just because the artwork is not selected one year doesn’t mean it will not be selected in the future. 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. Paintings are chosen based on overall composition and quality, along with anatomical and contextual accuracy. The quality of the submitted slide and electronic image is very important for judging the artwork. A $50 prize is awarded for every month’s painting and $250 for the cover.

The 2008 West Virginia Wildlife Calendar, featuring a young black bear on the cover, will soon be available at newsstands, convenience marts and retail food stores throughout the state. To obtain 2009 calendar art rules or to purchase a 2008 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 $9 for each calendar, which includes shipping and handling (WV residents add $.48 for state sales tax). Visa, MasterCard and Discover are also accepted.

**DNR**