The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and the Washington Tourism Development Authority are seeking artists for the 2019 North Carolina Waterfowl Conservation Stamp Print competition.

The deadline to enter is 5 p.m. Jan18.

The judging of the entries takes place Jan. 29 at 10 a.m. at the Washington Civic Center. The judging is open to the public. A panel of five judges will evaluate the entries on the following criteria: level and accuracy of detail in all aspects of the anatomy of waterfowl, visual appeal and suitability for reproduction at the print and stamp scales, attractiveness and creativity, regarding spatial balances, lighting and harmony of subject and background and appropriateness, accuracy and detail in depiction of the selected species’ habitat.

This year, artists may submit a full-color, realistic rendering of tundra swans, blue-winged teal, ring-necked duck, lesser scaup or bufflehead, which must be depicted in the appropriate habitat. Many of the best waterfowl artists in the world enter the North Carolina contest. The winning artwork will be featured on the 2019-2020 waterfowl conservation stamp, also known as the North Carolina duck stamp. Artists 18 years and older are eligible to enter the competition. Images must be horizontal, 13 inches by 18 inches, matted in white to outside dimensions of 18 inches by 23 inches and should be loosely covered with a protective overleaf, although not framed or covered with glass. The image should bear no signature or other marks that would identify the artist.
Garrett Jacob ‘s painting of a canvasback duck won the 2018 contest.

This year’s blue-ribbon entry will be used as the artwork for the prints and stamps sold to help pay for North Carolina’s portion of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, an international agreement aimed at protecting waterfowl and waterfowl habitat. The sales of prints and stamps also support waterfowl research and purchases equipment used in wetlands management.

The artist who submits the winning entry receives $7,000 in prize money and a $300 travel allowance to help him or her attend the unveiling. The top five entries will be unveiled reception at this year’s East Carolina Wildlife Arts Festival, which opens to the public Feb. 7-9 in downtown Washington. The top five entries will be displayed at the Turnage Theatre.