Artists preparing for Federal Duck Stamp Contest on Sanibel

COURTESY PHOTO Adam Grimm working on his original graphite drawing for the Oct.12 auction to honor J.N. "Ding" Darling. At 21, Grimm was the youngest person ever to win the Federal Duck Stamp Contest, and his winning entry appeared on the Millennium Federal Duck Stamp for 2000-2001. With an article featured in the national Ducks Unlimited magazine and "save the date" postcards being mailed around the country about the "Art for Conservation on Sanibel" auction, the "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society is getting excited about the national 75th Federal Duck Stamp Contest on Sanibel in October.

Of the 33 surviving Federal Duck Stamp winners, 16 have made a commitment to donate something for this auction, many of which will be original artwork.

"The winners of this prestigious competition are nationally recognized for their artistic abilities, and we are thrilled so many have agreed to donate something to recognize J.N. 'Ding' Darling for his commitment to conservation" said honorary event chair, Sandy Stilwell. "This is a national event with a national following, and we are confident the auction will sell out, as there is limited availability."

An original etching by J. N. "Ding" Darling, designer of the first Federal Duck Stamp and Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist of the early 1900s, and an Audubon print appraised at $11,000 will also be featured in the auction.

Attendance at the Oct. 12 "Art for Conservation" Fundraiser is by reservation only. Tickets are $250 each. For more information, or to receive an invitation, call 472-1100 ext. 228 and leave your name, phone number, and address.

Event sponsorships are still available; for information, please call event coordinator Birgie Vertesch at 239-292-0566.

For more information on attending the "Art for Conservation" Fundraiser and contiguous "Ding" Darling Days events and Federal Duck Stamp Contest, visit www.fws.gov/duckstamp75 or www.dingdarlingdays. com, or call 239-472-1100 ext. 221.