CT high school student named winner of stamp art competition. It helps raise funds for conservation

A Connecticut high school student from Storrs has been named the winner of the state’s Junior Duck Stamp Art Competition for her artwork. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said that an acrylic painting of a northern shoveler duck by 14-year-old Alice Han was selected as the “Best in Show” for the 2024 Connecticut Junior Duck Stamp Art Competition. Her painting is to be featured on the 2025 Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp .

Han, a ninth grade student, took home several awards for her work, including first place in the 7th through 9th grade category of the competition. Han’s “Best in Show” winner also represented Connecticut in the National Junior Duck Stamp Contest , where Han’s artwork placed 25th in the nation, out of hundreds of entries, according to DEEP. Han works with the Lin Lin Art Studio in Glastonbury, according to DEEP.

“From a young age, Han displayed an innate interest and talent for art. From watercolor to acrylic, pencil to charcoal, Han explored different styles and techniques under the guidance of her mentors,” DEEP said in a statement. Connecticut requires the purchase of a state Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp , along with a hunting license, to legally hunt waterfowl in Connecticut, according to DEEP.

The state’s Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp Program began in the early 1990s when activists worked with DEEP to develop legislation that would provide revenue for wetland conservation, accord.