PHOENIX – The public is invited to meet Sherrie Russell Meline, the winning artist of the 2006-07 Federal Duck Stamp contest, at an open house on Friday, Nov. 7 from 1-5 p.m. at the Arizona Game and Fish Department headquarters at 5000 W. Carefree Highway in Phoenix.

Meline won the prestigious federal contest with her painting of the Ross’ goose. Throughout the years, Russell-Meline’s artwork has graced the faces of over 30 state duck stamps, many of them for Arizona, including the current stamp for the 2008-09 season featuring a majestic pair of swimming canvasbacks.

Meline will be signing autographs, displaying samples of her artwork, and will have signed collector prints available for sale.

Also on display will be the artistic expressions created by some of Arizona’s dynamic young artists, ages 6-18. Their waterfowl artwork was created for the annual Federal Junior Duck Stamp Program. Margot Bissell, from the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge and state coordinator for the junior program, will be available to talk to educators interested in getting this interactive science/art based program integrated into their curriculum.

Department wildlife biologists will be on hand to teach visitors about Arizona’s waterfowl, geese and cranes, discuss where they can be found in the state, and offer tips for identifying them in the field. They will also discuss how the sale of duck stamps provides funding locally, nationally and internationally, and how those dollars are used to conserve wetland habitats.

Stamp collecting is very popular and this is a great opportunity to meet the artist behind the art. The 2008 Arizona Waterfowl Stamp is available for purchase at all Game and Fish offices for $8.75.

If you have never purchased a duck stamp but support wildlife, buying a duck stamp is a very easy and effective way to give your support. Every dollar raised from the sale of Arizona’s Waterfowl Stamp is used to improve habitat for waterfowl.

Additionally, for those interested in learning about duck hunting in Arizona, there will be a ‘Waterfowl 101 Clinic’ from 7-9 p.m. in the auditorium following the open house. The clinic is free and no registration is required. This informative clinic will include a slide show and a presentation about hunting waterfowl in Arizona.

Note to media: Interviews with Sherrie Russell Meline are available during the event. High-resolution photos of the 2008 Arizona Waterfowl Stamp are available by contacting Public Information Officer Doug Burt at dburt@azgfd.gov or (623) 236-7215.