ARCHIVED NEWS RELEASE
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inaccuracies.
News release June 17, 1997
Funds raised from the sale of duck stamps and related artwork are used for waterfowl and wetland habitat improvement projects throughout the state.
Since the program was started in 1986, an estimated $3 million has been raised from the sale of stamps, which waterfowl hunters are required to buy each year.
An additional $800,000 has been raised from the sale of artwork, including limited edition prints.
Don Kraege, who oversees the department's waterfowl programs, said this is the third time a contest has been held to choose a duck stamp design.
"This has been an immensely popular effort that usually generates interest among some top-notch artists," Kraege said. "And the end result, of course, is that we're able to raise money for waterfowl projects that otherwise might go unfunded."
The contest will be judged by the Washington State Migratory Waterfowl Art Committee, a nine-member citizen panel selected by the governor, members of the State Arts Commission and the departments of Fish and Wildlife and Agriculture.
Kraege said the committee will select the top entries on Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Department of Fish and Wildlife in Olympia.
These top entries will then be displayed Thursday, Sept. 26, at the Pacific Rim Wildlife Art Show in the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall. The winning entry will be announced that evening during an artists' reception.
The winning artist will receive a complimentary booth at the same art show in 1997, artist proofs and other compensation from the stamp's publisher.
Kraege said entries will be accepted from Sept. 16 through Sept. 20. Artists should contact the department to obtain contest rules and an official entry form.
Write to: Duck Stamp Contest, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091.
Waterfowl Art Committee members and employees from the departments of Fish and Wildlife and Agriculture may not enter the contest, nor can their immediate relatives.