Cloquet artist second in DNR stamp contest

Stuart Nelson of Cloquet entered an acrylic painting of a walleye in the annual Minnesota Department of Natural Resources stamp contest. His work finished second to Bemidji artist Sam Larsen’s acrylic depiction. There were 11 submissions in the walleye category. Nelson’s walleye works won in 2011, 2014 and 2020. He’s won the trout contest twice.

Alborn artist Dean Kegler won the Minnesota trout and salmon stamp contest with an acrylic painting of a brook trout, and. Judging for both contests happened virtually on Aug. 3.

The DNR uses revenue from voluntary purchases of walleye stamps to purchase walleye for stocking in Minnesota’s lakes. Revenue from trout and salmon stamps, which are required for anglers ages 18 to 64 who fish in designated trout water or possess trout, is dedicated to trout and salmon management and habitat work.