Publications


The media got involved when a single tiktok that explained the Federal Duck Stamp competition and my interest in it gained over 2.6 million views.

  • Ducks Unlimited - Duck Stamp Contest

    Unveiling the Art of Conservation: 2023 Federal Duck Stamp Contest | DU Nation

    Join DU Nation as we dive into the heart of wildlife art and conservation at Drake University for the 2023 Federal Duck Stamp Contest. Discover the passion and creativity of artists who contribute to preserving North America's wetlands through their stunning artwork. From the history of the Duck Stamp's billion-dollar impact on conservation to the intense judging process and personal journeys of the artists, this episode is a tribute to the legacy and future of wildlife protection. Watch as we explore the significance of this unique federally judged art competition and the dedicated community behind it. Don't miss this inspiring blend of art, history, and conservation—like, share, and subscribe to support wetlands preservation.

  • Fox 9 Kess & Kira

    Another duck stamp dynasty? MN twin sisters hope to make names for themselves in national contest

    Minnesota is the proud home to Duck Stamp royalty: the Hautman brothers, three siblings who have long dominated the annual art contest. Now, another set of siblings is stepping up to challenge the Hautman legacy. In tonight's segment of "Maury's Stories", Maury Glover introduces us to a pair of twin sisters who aspire to make their own mark in the Duck Stamp dynasty.

  • Iowa News

    Meet Kira Sabin, an artist competing in the Federal Duck Stamp Contest

    Drake University will host the 2023 Federal Duck Stamp Contest this weekend.

  • Audubon Article

    These Twins Hope to Become Their Own Duck Stamp Dynasty

    Kira Sabin went viral in 2021 after making a TikTok video about their entry for the annual art competition. Two years later, they're still going for a win—and hoping partnering with their sibling helps.

  • Ducks Unlimited Podcast

    Ep. 504 – Exploring the World of Duck Stamps: A Conversation with Artists Kira Sabin and Adam Grimm

    In this episode of the Ducks Unlimited podcast, host Katie Burke introduces two special guests, artists Kira Sabin and Adam Grimm, who discuss the upcoming federal Duck Stamp competition. Adam, a two-time Duck Stamp winner, and Kira, an enthusiastic artist who shares her duck stamp journey with her social media followers. Both discuss their different paths toward the same goal -- winning the Federal Duck Stamp Contest. Tune in to learn more about their experiences and insights into the world of Duck Stamps.

  • CBS Mornings Interview

    Millions of TikTok users follow a young artist’s quest to win the federal duck stamp competition

    The federal duck stamp competition has raised more than $1 billion for wildlife conservation since it began in 1949. One young artist is shaking up the competition, and documenting their progress on TikTok. Nancy Chen reports.

  • Fox 9 Interview

    Minnesota artist builds flock of followers on TikTok trying to win contest

    Twenty-three-year-old Kira Fennell from Inver Grove Heights is creating her latest entry for the Federal Duck Stamp Contest, an obscure juried art competition run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, that raises money to help preserve wetlands.

  • KARE 11 Interview

    Local artist gains TikTok fame vying to be top wildfowl artist

    Kira Fennell is trying to win the Federal Duck Stamp art contest that raises money for wildlife habitat

  • Buzzfeed Article

    This TikTok Creator Made A Prestigious Duck Art Contest Go Viral

    The annual Federal Duck Stamp Contest sees amazing artists painting their very best waterfowl.

  • Hyperallergic Article

    Every Year, Artists Flock for the Chance to Win This Duck Stamp Contest

    The competition raises millions of dollars annually for the preservation of wetlands and wildlife from sales of $25 duck-themed stamps.

  • Outdoor News Radio Interview

    Outdoor News Radio – August 21, 2021

    A special guest on this week’s Outdoor News Radio is artist Kira Fennell, whose recent TikTok post on the federal duck stamp went viral and reached more than 2.5 million people.

  • Hometown Newspaper

    Hutchinson Artist Paints ‘Million View Duck’

    For the past three years, mid-July to mid-August has been duck season for 2017 Hutchinson graduate Kira Fennell. No, she’s not a hunter, she’s an artist.

  • MCAD News

    Fennell Goes Viral for Duck Stamp Contest Awareness

    Kira Fennell ’21 has garnered over 2.5 million views in a series of TikToks detailing her process work for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Duck Stamp Contest.