Federal Junior Duck Stamp Judging

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) is hosting the Federal Junior Duck Stamp judging in Charleston for the first time in 25 years. Children K-12 from all over the country compete in statewide art competitions to create artwork for the 2017-2018 Junior Duck Stamp, and the winner will be chosen at noon on April 21. Admission is free and the event is open to the public. Doors open at 9:30 a.m., and judging starts at 10 a.m. There will be live painting and sculpting with SEWE artists, live animals, face painting, educational activities and giveaways. The 2017-2018 Federal JDS winner will be announced at noon.

The stamp art is centered on visually compelling and biologically accurate drawings or paintings of eligible North American waterfowl species. The top 100 winners from statewide competitions were chosen in late January, including the S.C. “Best of Show” winner Oliva Wingo from Thomas Cario Middle School in Mount Pleasant. Wingo and the other winners will advance to the federal contest in Charleston. The judging has been held in Washington, D.C. for the last 20-plus years.

Once the winning artwork is chosen, the $5 purchase price of the stamp goes directly to funding the environmental education opportunities and recognition for the children who participate in the program, as well as awards for the top winners.