A week of celebrating the stamp program awaits

A weeklong series of events is tied to the first Federal Duck Stamp contest ever held in Minnesota. All the events, unless otherwise noted, are at the Bloomington Art Center, and many are free.

You can view the 270 original pieces of art competing for the 2009 contest all week. Hours are 1-10 p.m. today, 9 a.m-10 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Round 1 of judging is 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday. Round 2 is 10 a.m. Saturday. Contest winners will be announced about 1 p.m. Saturday.

Another highlight is the meet-the-artists night from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday. There will be food and more than 30 of the nation's best wildlife artists, and all of this year's stamp entries. The cost is $35; call 763-253-0222 for tickets.

For more information, see www.fws.gov/duckstamps/contest_events.htm or call 612-713-5360.

Other events:

Today

1-4 p.m.: Family walk for wetlands, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge.

10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Stamp show, Century College, Maplewood.

Tuesday

10-2:30 p.m.: Kids in Nature Day, Minnesota Valley NWR and Bloomington Art Center, reservations required.

10-11 a.m.: Wildlife photography program.

4-5:30 p.m.: Beginning bird-watching class, Minnesota Valley NWR.

Wednesday

9-11 a.m.: Padelford boat birding trip, Mississippi River, $25, reservations required.

6-9 p.m.: Meet-the-artists night.

Thursday

9 a.m.-5 p.m.: Prairie wildlife photo contest.

11-3 p.m.: Youth and family hunting expo, Minnesota Horse & Hunt Club, Prior Lake.

6 p.m.: Judges' reception, Minnesota Valley NWR.

6-9 p.m.: Waterfowl hunters party, $35.

Friday

9 a.m.-10 p.m.: Vintage Minnesota waterfowl decoy display.

9-10 a.m.: Joe Hautman poster signing.

9 a.m.-3 p.m.: Stamp cachet sales/cancellation.

5:30-10 p.m.: Duck Stamp Gala, Holiday Inn Select, Bloomington, $195.

Saturday

9 a.m.-10 p.m.: Vintage Minnesota waterfowl decoy display.

9-10 a.m.: Joe Hautman poster signing (posters $10).

8:45-9:30 a.m.: History of wildlife art.

9 a.m.-1 p.m.: Stamp cachet sales/cancellation.