Bob Wise, Governor
Ed Hamrick, Director

News Release
For release: January 13, 2005

Hoy Murphy , Public Information Officer (304) 558-3380 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov

Contact: Curtis Taylor, Wildlife Resources Section Chief (304) 558-2771 wildlife@wvdnr.gov

DNR Seeks Paintings for 2006 Wildlife Calendar by February 11

  The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Section is requesting original wildlife art and related outdoor scenes for the 2006 edition of the award winning DNR Wildlife Calendar, according to Curtis I. Taylor, Chief of the Division of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Section. The deadline for submission of artwork this year is February 11, 2005 . A 35-mm color slide of each entry must be submitted by this date.

  “This is our 21 st 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, herons, insects, weasels, 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, and hunting/fishing experiences can qualify.

  Artists are reminded that the calendar format is horizontal with new, larger measurements of 14 inches by 11 inches and they should keep this ratio in mind when creating paintings. The quality of the slide is very important for judging the artwork since the judges only have these slides to choose from. 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 upon overall composition and quality, along with anatomical and contextual accuracy. A $50 prize is awarded for every month's painting and $250 for the cover.   

  The 2005 West Virginia Wildlife Calendar, featuring a black bear on the cover, is currently available at newsstands, convenience marts and retail food stores throughout the state, although supplies are rapidly disappearing.

  To obtain 2006 calendar art rules or purchase a 2005 calendar, please contact the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, Wildlife Calendar Art, P.O. Box 67, Elkins, WV 26241: phone (304) 637-0245 or e-mail: www.wvdnr.gov. Make checks payable to WVDNR in the amount of $9.00 for each calendar, which includes shipping and handling (WV residents add $.48 for tax). Visa, MasterCard and Discover are also accepted.

**DNR**