Each year the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) partners with Wildlife Forever to conduct the State Fish Art Contest in which students depict a state fish and write a one-page essay to compete for scholarships and other prizes. Entries must be postmarked by March 31, 2013, and mailed to Wildlife Forever, 2700 Freeway Blvd., No. 1000, Brooklyn Center, MN, 55430.
 
Artists can choose to depict either of Alabama’s state fish: the largemouth bass or the fighting tarpon. Participants can also choose to draw state-fish from other states. In addition to the artwork, all of the artists, except those in grades 1-3, are required to write a one-page essay with facts about the fish, its natural habitat, and the importance of that habitat.
 
All artwork is judged by Wildlife Forever, which also handles contest details and awards prizes, such as scholarships, art supplies and fishing gear.

November 2012 marks the beginning of Alabama River Region Arts Center’s 3rd year.  The first year volunteers worked tirelessly renovating the old Jr. High, painting, scraping old paint, acquiring furniture and setting up policies.  In 2012 ARRAC goals of developing repeatable programs produced the following program structure and continue to improve the facilities and policies.  Annual programs are M.U.G.S. Fest (Feb); Camp ARTumpka (summer); and Christmas Faire (Nov/Dec) programs.  The monthly structures are Blue Grass Jam; Sit ‘n Sew; Sit ‘n Scrap (first Saturday); and Clubs for Kids (Tuesday afternoons).  Still, a wide variety of classes are offered as artists, crafters, musicians, and singers, both experienced teachers and novices bring their talents to the people of the River Region.