Saving Endangered Species One Artwork at a Time

Young artists from around the country are collectively using their talents to save threatened and endangered species.

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2016 Grand Prize Winner — Miles Yun[/caption]

This year the 12th annual Endangered Species Day, which is a national celebration to recognize endangered species and their habitats, is on May 19th. There are over 2,054 species worldwide that are endangered or threatened, and over 1,436 exist in the U.S. alone. These species are an important part of our ecosystem.

As part of this event, young artists across the U.S. are getting involved to raise awareness of the decline of these important species. The Endangered Species Coalition (ESC), along with partner organizations including the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, is hosting the Saving Endangered Species Youth Art Contest.

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2016 K-2 Grade Category Winner — Rachel Yang[/caption]

The 2017 Saving Endangered Species Youth Art Contest is open to K-12 grade students, also including students that are homeschooled or are in youth/art programs. The Endangered Species Coalition is asking youth artists to use their artistic talents to become an ambassador for these species by submitting and original pieces of artwork.

Nationally, a panel of judges will choose winners in four categories: Grades K-2nd, 3rd-5th, 6th-8th and 9th-12th.

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2016 3–5 Grade Category Winner — Sophia Xie[/caption]

The grand prize winner will be selected from the grade-level winners. The grand prize-winner will receive a round-trip flight arranged by the Endangered Species Coalition to Washington, D.C. and accommodations chosen by the Endangered Species Coalition for himself/herself and one guardian to attend a rewards ceremony in May, 2017. The grand prize-winner will also receive an art lesson from a professional wildlife artist (in person or via Skype) and $50 worth of art supplies.

It’s a great way to be part of an important cause and to help make a difference in your community. Deadline for entries is March 1st. Keep a look out for your local Endangered Species Day celebrations on May 19th!

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2016 6–8 Grade Category Winner — Katrina Sharonin[/caption]

For more information about the Endangered Species Day Youth Art Contest and to gain access to rules & information on judging criteria, visit www.endangeredspeciesday.org

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2016 9–12 Grade Category Winner — Elizabeth Kiernicki[/caption]

A project of the Endangered Species Coalition, Endangered Species Day is also supported by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),along with numerous conservation and education organizations,including the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, National Audubon Society, Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, Jane Goodall Institute, North American Association for Environmental Education, National Garden Clubs, Sierra Club, the National Association of Biology Teachers, the National Science Teachers Association, San Diego Zoo, Earth Day Network, National Wildlife Federation, and Defenders of Wildlife.

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