Pennsylvania Artist Wins 15th Annual Maryland Black Bear Conservation Stamp Design Contest

Annapolis, Md. (March 31, 2011) — Steve Oliver from Delaware County, Pa. has won the 2011-2012 Maryland Black Bear Conservation Stamp Contest. The entry shows a black bear strolling through a field of Black-eyed susans.

The entries were judged before a large crowd at the 22nd Patuxent Wildlife Art Show March 26 at the National Wildlife Visitors Center in Laurel, Md.

“The primary goal was to use wildlife and nature to capture each animal’s character and personality. Mr. Oliver clearly succeeded with his latest entry,” said Patricia Allen, information & education program manager for DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service. “His painting was chosen from eight entries submitted by artists from Maryland, Georgia, Pennsylvania and Ohio. About half were from Maryland.”

Oliver has the distinction of being the only artist to win this award four times since its beginning in 1996. His work won numerous awards and honors upon his entry to the professional art community in 1995. His paintings have been featured on several conservation/hunting stamps including the 2010 Delaware Duck Stamp. To see more of his work, visit steveoliverart.com.

“The Black Bear Conservation Program is an important program and I am happy to support it in any way I can,” said Oliver.

Proceeds from the sale of the Black Bear Stamps and other related items are used to compensate Maryland farmers experiencing agricultural damage caused by black bears. These proceeds are added to the Black Bear Compensation Fund established by the Maryland General Assembly. To purchase Black Bear Conservation Program items go to http://dnr.maryland.gov/giftshop/index.asp.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov