Alaska Artists Show Off Their Best Sockeye Art Work In Contest

Young Alaska artists make waves in annual Fish Art Contest™

Release Date: May 6, 2024

JUNEAU, Alaska – May 6, 2024 – Five talented young artists reel in first, second, and third place awards for their creative sockeye salmon submissions into the annual Fish Art Contest™.

The yearly challenge highlights the artistic talents of its participants and serves as an important platform for environmental education and conservation.

The USDA Forest Service, Wildlife Forever, and Bass Pro Shops partner every year to introduce youth to the world of fish, fishing, and aquatic conservation by blending art, science, and writing.

This year’s Alaska winners, all from Moose Pass, caught the attention of the judges for their sockeye salmon art:

• Grades K-3:
  • First Place – Aria Koschak   
  • Second Place – Bo Bawtinhimer  
  • Third Place – Legend Brewi  
• Grades 4-6:
  • First Place – Lee Bawtinhimer  
  • Second Place – Margot Madson  

The Alaska Fish Heritage Award was won by Lee Bawtinhimer, a fifth grader, for his submittal that celebrates the cultural, recreational, and economic importance of commercial, sport, and subsistence fishing of sockeye salmon in Alaska.

All 2024 state winners can be found at: 2024 Fish Art Winners – Wildlife Forever. For a wealth of information about Alaska’s National Forests, where nature, people, and tradition come together, visit our online media toolkit.