The 2018 Conservation Stamp will, for the second consecutive year, feature the work of a Wyoming artist. The winner, Justin Hayward of Casper, placed first at the contest and was awarded $3,500 with his oil on canvas depiction of the badger.
“I’m honored the judges chose my painting,” said Hayward. “I’ve wanted to enter the show in years past, and I made it a point to set time aside to enter the competition. I was also very interested in painting a badger after seeing a few of them during my hunting expeditions.”
Second place and $1,500 was awarded to Kip Richmond of Clayton, North Carolina and third place and $750 went to Karla Mann of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Honorable mention winners include:
Craig Fairbert of Tony, Wisconsin
Timothy Turenne of Richfield, Minnesota
Andrew Kneeland of Rock Springs, Wyoming
Richard Dellalonga of Oldsmar, Florida
Larry Wilburn of Dayton, Texas
Garth Helgesen of Roy, Utah
The show will remain on display at the Game and Fish Headquarters office in Cheyenne until May 12. The work, with exception of first place, is also for sale to the public through the Game and Fish Store. Forty percent of each sale goes back to Game and Fish to support conservation projects.
“Congratulations to Justin Hayward for his winning piece, and thank you to all the artists who submitted to the show this year,” said Scott Talbott, Game and Fish director. “From the art show attendees to the artists--there are many people who support Wyoming’s wildlife.”
The 2017 show was sponsored by Manitou Galleries, the Wyoming Wildlife Foundation, and Girls Gone Gourmet Catering of Cheyenne.
The species for the 2019 stamp contest is the mule deer. More details on the 2019 contest and images from this year’s show can be found at the Art Show website.
