Today's Entertainment at the Cox Fine Arts Center...

Saturday, July 30

11 am Noon Guided Exhibition Award Tour (Meet at north entrance)

Noon The Wexner Center for the Arts Presents 2011 Ohio Short Film and

Video Showcase, Youth Division

2 pm Blue Level (Gallery)

3 pm Guided Exhibition Award Tour (Meet at north entrance)

4 pm Brian Griffin (Patio)

6 pm The Wexner Center for the Arts Presents 2011 Ohio Short Film and

Video Showcase, Youth Division

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A Fairtastic Ending to the 2010 Ohio State Fair

Fairwell, fellow fairgoers. It's been yet another great year at the Ohio State Fair, and we hope the memories you made with friends and family, the experiences you had as a junior fair exhibitor, or the friends you made as a member of the All-Ohio State Fair Band & Youth Choir will last you a lifetime. What's your favorite 2010 Fair memory? We would love for you to share it with us here on our blog, or on our memory wall on our website.

Have a Fairtastic rest of the year - we can't wait to see you July 27 - Aug. 7, 2011 for the next Ohio State Fair!

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"Look Charlie Brown - It's the Great Pumpkin!"

You don't have to go far to find a great pumpkin this year at the Ohio State Fair. A pumpkin was weighed in today at the first ever Pumpkin Weigh-Off at the Ohio State Fair that tipped the scales at 1056.5 pounds! Owned by Alan Gibson, this giant gourd weighs as much as a market steer! Be sure to stop by the Ag & Hort Building for the last two days of the Fair to see this gigantic gourd!

--Agriculture Alex

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Patrol Officers On Patrol at the Fair

At any given moment here at the Fair, you're bound to run into a State Highway Patrol officer. I have already spent over 5 full days here at the Fair this year, and any time I walk outside or into an exhibit building, I can usually count at least 3 to 4 troopers in the immediate area. Talk about security!

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Sarah Fairchild: 2010 People's Choice Award Winner!

Congratulations to Sarah Fairchild's "Sweet Corn and Flame Stitch" for winning this years People's Choice Award!

Here's an artist Statement from her website:

Growing up in a small town in Northwest Ohio, I often helped my mother and grandmother pull weeds and plant seeds. This early exposure to gardening and nature has inspired and informed my work. I am moved by the ordinary forms and objects that surround us - weeds and plants that I observe everyday on the highways and roadsides throughout Ohio, as well as the fence forms and flowers I see on my morning walks in the alleys throughout my neighborhood.

Working with fluorescent paint on paper is a relatively new media for me as an artist. In the past, working with oil paint on canvas, my flower forms and pattern have adorned still lives and interior spaces. My current work is committed, simplified and modern. I have taken small sections from my previous works and explored the essence of one idea, one moment. The paintings of flowers become modern versions of the classic botanical print.

Fluorescent color is typically associated with the garish, sterile nature of neon signs, rather than the elegance and beauty of fine art. I am intrigued with the process of transforming something ordinary or mundane into something extraordinary. My intent is to give life, vibrancy and importance to these common forms. I am drawn to the visual impact and scintillation that is created through the use of fluorescent color. While this effect may be difficult to glean from a photographic image, when viewed in person, the impact is undeniable.

The use of the silhouette is a common theme throughout my work. It allows me to capture the essence of the forms; it is simple and understood collectively.
I purposely paint the silhouette in darker colors, never black, with the intent to give an updated perspective from the traditional paper cut outs of the early 1800's. At first, the paintings have a flat graphic quality, however quickly transcend into much greater dimension. The surface has a tactile feel that comes alive thru the use of punched holes, grommets and the juxtaposition of thin layers of color next to the liberally painted surface of the silhouetted forms.

For more information, please visit her website: http://www.sarahfairchild.com/index.html

And, to see her award winning piece, please visit the Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition!

August 5th to August 8th, 9am- 9pm.

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Today at the Ohio State Fair!

We are excited to welcome you all to the Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition 2010! We are pleased to present to you our exhibition, along with various other entertainment throughout the day. Today's schedule is as follows:


9am- 9pm-- Fine Arts Exhibits And Children's Tour

9am- 9pm-- Carole E. Kerber- Status Dude and Status Dudette

10am, 4pm-- Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Short Films Screening

10am- 9pm-- Desdemona's Body Art

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Ohio State Fair Food Finder Finds an A+ in MY Book!

So being a Fair food junkie, I LOVE the new Ohio State Fair Food Finder. Although there might be a little bit of nostalgia in hunting around 365 acres on a growling stomach for that one Fair food favorite like you did in the "olden days," I sure don't miss it over the convenience of the Food Finder. It's simple: all you do is text "FOODFIND" to the State Fair's official texting program number, 82672, and they send you a link in a text message to your phone (standard messaging and data rates apply). Then you open the link through the Internet on your phone and you are ready to Food Find! You can also use the Food Finder from your home computer or laptop, since it's not an Ap and is a Web page instead.

I thought I would share my first experience with the food finder with you, so you can see for your self:


I wanted a big 'ol Italian Sausage...so I typed it into my Food Finder screen...

...and got a bunch of locations all around the grounds where I could find the Italian Sausage sandwich I was craving! I figured out where I was at on the map, then headed to the stand closest to me. Seriously simple!

--Fair Food Frankie

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Oh, The Things You'll Do and See at the Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition!

I will never forget the feeling. That "It's fair day!" feeling. When I was younger, I would sit anxiously in the family van with wide eyes and a watering mouth, bouncing with anticipation for the rides, the horses, the corndogs and cotton candy; all the while wondering why it was taking so long to park the car!

I still get that same feeling today. However, today I am anticipating something even better than candy and corndogs. Today I look forward to what The Ohio State Fair's best kept secret has to offer. I look forward to the Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition! Rain or shine, (and we all know, here in Columbus, there has been plenty of both) whether its a comfortable 80 or a blazing 100 degrees outside, on Wednesday morning when its seems you have the entire fair to explore all for yourself, or Saturday afternoon when it seems everyone in Ohio has had the same idea all at once; you can count on the The Cox Fine Arts Center to be a haven from the elements of the fair. And this year's exhibition is better than ever.

Of course, we have welcomed back the fine arts exhibition "regulars" such as the professional and amateur art exhibits, Kid's Tour -N- More, featuring crossword puzzle activities and the ever popular Recycling Mural,and Mural demonstration by Andrew Neyer,(which will both be displayed in window space outside our building next year) The Wexner Center for the Arts Short Film/ Video Showcase, and Desdemona's Body Art, who presented a body painting demonstration. We have also had visits from exhibition entertainment favorites such as Mixed Bag with the Recreational Folk Dancers of Columbus, and the musical styling of Blue Level.

New this year were the Carole E. Kerber- Status Dude and Status Dudette, Loosely Strung, the music of Brian Griffin, John Lafollette, ICC Outreach performances, The Capitol Barbershop Quartet, Hand Quilting by Sarah Brown and El Ritmo Flamenco Dance Ensemble. We were also very excited to introduce the Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition's very first Short Film Division and Fashion Show, featuring the elegant designs of Legair Brand, Ltd. We also invited Olinda Jansupka as part of our Community Street Art Program. Finally, we were pleased to announce the addition of our Outdoor Performance Space near the East entrance of the Cox Fine Arts Center.

Acknowledgements from Pam O'Loughlin, Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Director:

Thank you does not begin to describe the great appreciation we have for all who have Helped to make this exhibition possible.
Ken Emerick, Kathy Singorino, and the Ohio Arts Council, for your continued support of the exhibition and your tireless efforts to help Ohio artists, we are always grateful. Thank you so much for being there when I needed you most and for introducing Tim Rietenbach to our exhibition. To Tim Rietenbach and Annegreth Nill , thank you for you major contribution in making the show one of the best yet. Please know that your diversity and as well as your collaboration are not taken lightly, and I can't thank you enough for your time, and compliance jurying this year's show. Thank you both!
Melissa Vogley Woods, we miss you! It was a pleasure to have you back as a juror. Your enthusiasm and experience made quite the difference. Thank you so much!
Thank you to the more than 300 artists who submitted more than 800 artworks. The willingness to submit your work to the exhibition is what makes this show so successful. If you were not chosen to participate this year, we encourage you to keep trying, as every year is a new opportunity.
To Virgil Strickler, General Manager, and the Ohio Expositions Commission, thank you for all of your support of the Fine Arts and Ohio's artists.
Deborah, thank you for your guidance and leadership. And, thank you, Mary Ann, for being so calm and comforting when everything around us gets crazy. I appreciate you both.
I'd like to give a special thank you to Luis for helping to keep us standing, and to the maintenance crew for the beautiful landscaping. Joe, Dilly, and all the guys who made our outdoor performance patio, you are awesome! Thank you all.
I, as director, am committed to producing the best art exhibition possible. I will continue to strive to be a support for artists from every part of the state of Ohio, with the support of the Ohio Expositions Commission and the Ohio Arts Council. On behalf of us all, thank YOU!

A big thank you to all the Fine Arts staff, assistant director, Chaz O'Neil, Deja, Mariella, Marquis, Alyssa, Cody, Gabbi, Meagan, Shanelle, Kate, Linda, and Nicholas, You all are the best!

Sincerely,

Pam

As you can see, there is so much to see and do at the Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition. Be sure to visit during YOUR trip to the Ohio State Fair! See you next year!

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Today at the Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition!

We are excited to welcome you all to the Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition 2010! We are pleased to present to you our exhibition, along with various other entertainment throughout the day. Today's schedule is as follows:


9am- 9pm-- Fine Arts Exhibits And Children's Tour

9am- 9pm-- Carole E. Kerber- Status Dude and Status Dudette

10am, 4pm-- Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Short Films Screening

10am- 9pm-- Desdemona's Body Art

2pm- 3pm-- The Wexner Center For The Arts Presents: 2010 Ohio Short Film and Video Showcase, Youth Division

Don't forget to vote for the People's Choice Award!

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Today at the Ohio Stat Fair Fine Arts Exhibition!

We are excited to welcome you all to the Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition 2010! We are pleased to present to you our exhibition, along with various other entertainment throughout the day. Today's schedule is as follows:


9am- 9pm-- Fine Arts Exhibits And Children's Tour

9am- 9pm-- Carole E. Kerber- Status Dude and Status Dudette

10am, 4pm-- Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Short Films Screening

10am- 9pm-- Desdemona's Body Art

1pm - 2:30pm Loosely Strung


Don't forget to vote for the People's Choice Award!

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Want to impress your friends with some Ohio State Fair trivia?

Want to impress your friends with some Ohio State Fair trivia? Try out the fun facts below - they'll be more than impressed with what you know!

-There are 105 steps to the top of the Giant Slide. Approximately 1,500 fairgoers ride the slide every hour, at an average speed of 15 miles per hour. There are also 98 cars on the For SkyGlider, averaging 1,800 riders per hour. Both rides have been at the Fair since 1969.

-Every year, farmers in Ohio produce 7.1 billion eggs, 274 million pounds of chicken, 5.2 million turkeys, 500

million pounds of beef, 966 million pounds of pork, 1.2 million pounds of lamb and 600 million gallons of milk. They also exhibit enough livestock that if you formed an Olympic team out of all the animals, it would outnumber the United States 10-1.

-The Celeste Center and Ohio State Fair Grandstand have brought in some big name entertainers over the years. Bob Hope has given the most performances with 15 shows between 1966 and 1991. The Oak Ridge Boys performed for 13 years, and Johnny Cash performed for 10. Recently, Rascal Flatts has been climbing the list, this year being their sixth Ohio State Fair performance since 2002.

Congratulations, you are now an Ohio State Fair trivia pro. Get out there and show off!

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Wild About Monkeys - A Show for the Whole Family!

If you're looking for a show that's great for the whole family, you CAN'T miss this one! The Wild About Monkeys show always draws a huge crowd, young or old. By the 1, 3 and 7 p.m. show times, the crowd is usually spilling over the bleacher seats to see this hilarious act, full of comedy, trickery and, well, plain 'ol "monkeying around."



The show includes a Baboon, a Capuchin Monkey, a parrot and a dog, all who are animal movie stars, appearing in films like Evan Almighty. And, after all that great entertainment, you can even have a Polaroid photo taken with Mickey the baboon, one of the stars of the show, just like this grandfather and his grand kids. What a better memory than that to take home for the fridge?

So go ahead - get wild and monkey around a bit at the Ohio State Fair!

--Kidding Around Kayla

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Day 6 at the Ohio State Fair!

We are excited to welcome you all to the Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition 2010! We are pleased to present to you our exhibition, along with various other entertainment throughout the day. Today's schedule is as follows:


9am- 9pm-- Fine Arts Exhibits And Children's Tour

9am- 9pm-- Carole E. Kerber- Status Dude and Status Dudette

10am, 4pm-- Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Short Films Screening

10am- 9pm-- Desdemona's Body Art

10am- 4pm-- Street Art Demonstration



And, don't forget to vote for our 2010 People's Choice Award!

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Day 5 at the Ohio State Fair!

We are excited to welcome you all to the Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition 2010! We are pleased to present to you our exhibition, along with various other entertainment throughout the day. Today's schedule is as follows:



9am- 9pm-- Fine Arts Exhibits And Children's Tour

9am- 9pm-- Carole E. Kerber- Status Dude and Status Dudette

10am, 4pm-- Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Short Films Screening

10am- 9pm-- Desdemona's Body Art

10am- 4pm-- Street Art Demonstration

11am- 1pm-- John Lafollette

2pm- 4pm-- Music by Blue Level

5pm, 7pm- Legair Brand Fashion Show



And, don't forget to vote for our 2010 People's Choice Award!

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Natural Resources Park

One of my family’s long-standing traditions at the Ohio State Fair is visiting the Natural Resources Park. I love that you can be in the middle of Columbus, and enjoy a little piece of nature at its finest.

Every year we like to catch a few great shows in the shaded amphitheater and see all the wildlife. The kids from our crew always love the fishing and had fun the last few years with the new kayak pond.

This year I’ve seen the Great Lakes Timber Show and I’m looking forward to the Retriever Dogs in Action! If I ever seem to disappear at the Fair, just look for me in the Natural Resources Park … you may get lost in the adventure yourself!

Tradition Tammie

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Free Stuff with Kids

Yesterday as we headed out to the Ohio State Fair with our entire family I was thinking about how much money it would take to keep the kids entertained all day. We knew the admission price and wristbands for the kids to ride all day were a great deal but I found so much more for FREE at the Fair!

As we began our adventure through the main gate, I was keeping my eyes open for low-cost and free options for the kids. I didn’t have to look very far! The first building we encountered was the Youth Center and I was impressed to find that they not only had some great project displays, but interactive activities from OSU Physics and youth organizations such as the Scouts and Grange.

When we finally left there, we saw the goat playground and checked out some great mobile tours from Lego and Chiquita. We eventually did make it over to the midway and after only a few rides we found the Sinbad High Dive Show (which is FREE to watch). The kids weren’t the only ones amazed as I was astonished that the performers dive from a platform 80 foot in the air into a pool of water only 10 foot deep!

We watched the pig races and stopped by the petting zoo and before we knew it the kids were wore out. With NBC4 Family Value Day coming up tomorrow, I think it will be the perfect opportunity to bring the kids back out. With these great deals I may even be brave enough to let them bring a friend!

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A+ for Sinbad and Crew!

One of this year's new attractions that I'm really excited about is the Sinbad High Dive show, daily at the south end of the Midway. I've already seen the show three times and I'm still on the edge of my seat when the crew preps for their stunts.

The high dives, trick dives, stunts and wacky comedy blend together for a highly entertaining performance. Even better, it's only about half an hour long so it'll keep the kids entertained and give you a break from walking.

The shows are at 2, 5:30 and 8 pm so you've got multiple opportunities to catch one during your day here. This show is new, exciting and only at the Ohio State Fair... be sure to catch it before it's gone!

What's New Wendy

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One Fair Scarecrow

This morning, I decided to take a leisurely stroll through the Nationwide Donahey Ag & Hort Building presented by Ohio Farm Bureau, home to a giant Corn Cob climbing wall, mouthwatering produce displays, an interactive Land & Living agriculture display and of course – the $9.95 all-you-can eat Smorgasbord.

One of the many staples to this educational building is the annual Scarecrow Contest. I was pleasantly surprised to see that this year’s contest features local celebrities including NBC4’s Tom McNutt, who was filming his regular Saturday news segment nearby. He was, of course, happy to pose for a photo alongside his scarecrow likeness. Despite the fact that I snapped shots of all the scarecrows, I won’t spoil the surprise for you. But since I know you’re curious, here are a few hints about a few of the other celebrities featured: one is wearing a pink wig, another is committed to being fit, one will advise whether or not you need an umbrella on a given day.

So go ahead, go to the Fair and see these imaginative creations for yourself. Once you make your way through the display, be sure to vote for the People’s Choice Fair favorite scarecrow – I’m sure your favorite local celebrity would love your support!

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Seriously … sculptures made with a chainsaw?

Maybe it is because I’m not particularly coordinated, but I was in disbelief when I heard about the Wood B Creations Chainsaw Carving at the Fair. I could hardly imagine making a masterpiece out of a chunk of a log - especially when the tool of the trade is a chainsaw. Obviously, I had to carve some time out of my busy schedule to check out this mysterious art, aptly placed just north of the Cox Fine Arts Center, at one of its daily times – 1 pm, 3 pm or 7 pm.

I have to say, I was both shocked and impressed when master-of-all-things-sharp-and-scary Burt Fleming revved his chainsaw into gear and swiftly crafted a beautiful sculpture. Between shows, I stole a moment to snap some photos of Burt’s intricate creations – a gnome, an eagle, Brutus the Buckeye (O-H!), a horse, and too many other sculptures to name. Luckily, I can come back tonight at 5 pm to bid on my favorite. If you aren’t able to make it this evening to put in your offer, come back for auctions on Wednesday, Aug. 4 and Sunday, Aug. 8. Let the bidding war begin!

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Kid's Tour -N- More Recycling Mural: Interview with Chaz O'Neil

This year the Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition, Kid's Tour -N- More is featuring an interactive Recycling Mural. Fair-goers are invited to glue various, recycled caps and lids to a mural in the shape of the universal recycling symbol.

We interviewed Assistant Director of the exhibition Chaz O'Neil for more on the mural:


OSFFAE: Hey, Chaz! How's it goin'?
Chaz: I'm good, thanks.
OSSFAE: That's great. So, could you tell us a little about yourself?
Chaz: Yeah. My name's Chaz O'Neil. I'm a graduate of Otterbein College. Art Major. I've been working with the fair for five years. I'm assistant director of the show this year.
OSFFAE: That is awesome, Chaz!
Chaz: {Chuckles} Thanks.
OSFFAE: Sure. So... Could you tell us about this HUGE mural?
Chaz: Yeah.
OSFFAE: Would you care to share how you came up with the idea for this mural?
Chaz: Well, it was kind of a collaborative effort.
OSFFAE: Don't be modest, Chaz. I heard it was totally your idea. Haha! Just kidding.
Chaz: Haha! No, I suggested the design but, the fine arts staff and I kind of collectively came up with the whole scheme of it.
OSFFAE: Okay. What was the inspiration for the mural? It seems like the theme we've adopted has something to do with recycling...? I'm assuming... based on the rather large recycling symbol.
Chaz: Well, our goal is to promote recycling awareness. We're using recycled materials and we've collected a few thousand bottle caps.It's an interactive piece, and we're allowing fair-goers to contribute by helping to glue the caps to the mural. It's kind of like a free-for-all as you can see.
OSFFAE: Yeah, it's pretty wild, but it looks so cool thus far.
Chaz: Yeah, and, it especially gives the kids an opportunity to get involved and to be creative, and also to learn a lot. The mural is just our way of giving back to the community on behalf of the Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition.
OSFFAE: Well, I'm excited to see how it turns out.
Chaz: Me too.



Want to contribute? Stop by the Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition while your enjoying the fair!

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Day 4 at the Ohio State Fair!

We are excited to welcome you all to the Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition 2010! We are pleased to present to you our exhibition, along with various other entertainment throughout the day. Today's schedule is as follows:


9am- 9pm-- Fine Arts Exhibits And Children's Tour

9am- 9pm-- Carole E. Kerber- Status Dude and Status Dudette

10am- 4pm-- Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Short Films Screening

10am- 9pm-- Desdemona's Body Art

10am- 4pm-- Street Art Demonstration

10am-- Mural Demonstration with Andrew Neyer

11am- 1pm-- John Lafollette

4pm- 6pm-- The Music of Brian Griffin

4pm- 8pm-- Body Painting Demonstration

6pm- 8pm-- Mixed Bag with The Recreational Folk Dancers of Columbus


And, don't forget to vote for our 2010 People's Choice Award!

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That's SOOOOOME Pig!

I had a great pork tenderloin sandwich today at the Ohio Pork Producers Council booth inside the Taste of Ohio Café. It’s nice to be able to get a healthy sandwich every once in a while, amongst all the great “deep fried and sweet-i-fied” stuff you can find all over the grounds. I feel like I did my diet some justice today!

AND, not only was this tenderloin cooked to perfection, it was a 100% Ohio-grown pork loin. There’s just something about Ohio-grown food that makes it taste so much better at the Ohio State Fair!

Drop by the Taste of Ohio Café today and grab you one – you won’t be disappointed!

Fair Food Frankie

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Day 3 at the Ohio State Fair!

We are excited to welcome you all to the Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition 2010! We are pleased to present to you our exhibition, along with various other entertainment throughout the day. Today's schedule is as follows:


9am- 9pm-- Fine Arts Exhibition and Children's Tour

9am- 9pm-- Carole E. Kerber- Status Dude and Status Dudette

10am and 4pm-- Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Short Films Screening

10am- 9pm-- Desdemona's Body Art

11am-- Mural Demonstration with Andrew Neyer

2pm- 3pm Wexner Center For The Arts presents 2010 Ohio Short Film And Video Showcase, Youth Division


And, don't forget to vote for our 2010 People's Choice Award!

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Community Street Art Project

The Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition would like to thank the Greater Columbus Arts Council on behalf of the Community Street Art Project. This program has been brought to you, and made possible by the Franklin County Neighborhood Arts Grant funded by Franklin County Board of Commission.

The Community Street Art Project provides an opportunity for local artists to collaborate with community summer camps/programs in the Columbus area, teaching children basic design concepts and techniques, promoting the Ohio State Fair in doing so.The final street painting project will be presented July 30th to August 1st and again August 6th to August 8th.


For more information on GCAC and the Franklin County Neighborhood Arts (FCNA)grant please visit:

www.gcac.org

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Day 2 at the Ohio State Fair!

We are excited to welcome you all to the Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition 2010! We are pleased to present to you our exhibition, along with various other entertainment throughout the day. Today's schedule is as follows:

9am- 9pm-- Fine Arts Exhibits and Children's Tour

9am- 9pm-- Carole E. Kerber- Status Dude and Status Dudette

10am- 4pm- Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Short Films Screening

10am- 9pm Desdemona's Body Arts


And, don't forget to vote for our 2010 People's Choice Award!

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Legair Brand at the Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition

Coming Soon to the Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition!

The Cox Fine Arts Center presents...

A Legair Brands Fashion Show, featuring Arthlene Laudat Legair of Legair Brand, Ltd.


The Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition is proud to present Legair Brand Ltd fashion on Sunday, August 1st, 2010 at 5pm and 7pm.

Admission is free!

Please come and support another local artist, and extraordinary designer Arthlene Laudat Legair.

For More information please visit the Legair Brand, Ltd website and facebook page!


legairbrand.com

http://www.facebook.com/alegair?v=info


*** CASTING CALL INFO!

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/note.php?note_id=443972562596&id=1606112323

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Sheep Show!

Have you seen all the animals at the Fair today? The horses are here, and there are plenty of cattle, but I’ve spent most of the day near the sheep barn. With the junior market lamb show going on, they sure are busy over there. It’s one of the biggest shows at the Fair and I love to see the young exhibitors so excited to show off their animals. There are so many things they must do to prepare for the show. Wool is flying everywhere over there as the exhibitors trim and wash the sheep. It reminded me that the sheep shearing contest is coming up on Friday as well, another competition I’ll be sure to catch. For now, I’m just trying to wait patiently until they announce the Grand and Reserve Champions tonight at 7 pm!

Agriculture Alex

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Today at the Ohio Stat Fair Fine Arts Exhibition!

Opening Day at the Ohio State Fair!


After last night's very successful Opening Ceremony, we are excited to welcome you all to the Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition 2010! We are pleased to present to you our exhibition, along with various other entertainment throughout the day. Today's schedule is as follows:

9am- 9pm-- Fine Arts Exhibits and Children's Tour

9am- 9pm-- Carole E. Kerber- Status Dude & Status Dudette

10am- 4pm-- Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Short Films Screening

10am- 9pm-- Desdemona's BodyArt

2pm- 3pm-- The Wexner Center For the Arts presents 2010 Ohio Short Film And Video Youth Showcase, Youth Division


Once again, welcome to the Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition!

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Shining a Light on Che' Marie

We would like to extend a special thank you, and shine a light on songstress Che'Marie.

It was our great pleasure to present songstress, Che'Marie, as the entertainment for our Opening Ceremony last night. However, she did much more than entertain. Most were captivated by her melodious nature, and charmed to stay for a listen. Her soulful style and poetic voice are undeniable, and it was an honor to serve as a unique platform for a truly revolutionary artist.

Che'Marie Guy is a native of Chicago, Illinois, but has been a Columbus resident for over ten years. As part of the Fly Mental family she, along with her label mates, represents a "No box, no limits..." mentality. For more information, and booking, check out the Fly Mental website and facebook page!


http://www.facebook.com/FlyMental

Steve Carmona- Booking Agent, Fly Mental
stevencarmona@gmail.com


***FYI: THE VENUE FOR THE FLY MENTAL "FIRST IMPRESSIONS" LISTENING PARTY HAS BEEN CHANGED TO THE RIVER CLUB 679 W. SPRING STREET

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2010 Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Exhibiton Awards

Professional Juror’s Choice AWARDS

Tamara Jaeger –Two Women in Tea Room

2^nd Best of Show

Ardine Nelson –City Center Mall # 871

3^rd Best of Show

Lynda McClanahan – Buckeye Necklace, In Love With & Grandmother Holds a Mirror

Amateur

Best of Show

Sarah Ockuly – Siren

2^nd Best of Show

Eunsil Drew – Young Man

3^rd Best of Show

Christian Pierce – Texture #1 and Texture #2

Film

Best of Show

Matt Meindl - Inside Out/Side One

2^nd Best of Show

Christopher Westfield - Storybook Ending

3^rd Best of Show

Eric Homan – Garage Sale

Juror’s Choice Award’s

Professional

Josh Foy – In the Red

Dale Johnson – Ship of State

Paul Wilbur – Danielle With Rat

Amateur

Ruth Finley – The Book of Ruth: Ruth and Naomi

Virginia Kistler - Untitled

Richard Sharpe – Chromatic Crossword

Film

Beijing Charlie - technEart@dada.wave

Michael Drap Cortlander - Game Night

Christopher Westfield - Outside Candy

OHIO ARTS COUNCIL AWARDS

Professional

Ohio Arts Council

Awards

Simona Aizicovici – Waterfall

Laura Alexander -Tempest

Diana Bjel - Prayer

Helen Hoffelt - Untitled II Frozen in Time Series

Julie Byrne - Be Kind

Jonah Jacobs - Polyp #1

James Pate - KKK - Kin Killin Kin

Daniel Schreiber - Pig Goblets

Doug Taylor - Green Room

Ryan Walters - Verb

AMATEUR

OHIO ARTS COUNCIL

AWARDS

Bryan Heyward - Who's Foolin' Who?

Paul Kramer - Tower Over the Thames

OHIO ARTS COUNCIL

PURCHASE AWARD

Robert Colgan - Last Winter

People’s Choice Award (TBA)

Greater Columbus Arts Council

Professional

Jules Knowlton – Circus

Lexie Stoia Pierce – Noise

Amateur

Melissa Ayotte – Waiting

Luciano SerragLio – Bridge of Sighs

FILM

Jennifer Deafenbaugh - Strawberry Jam Session

Sean McHenry - Stauf’s Mission

ARTS COUNCILS AND SPONSORED AWARDS

City of Upper Arlington

Rachel Heberling – World Champion Typists

The Collage of Women Artist

Pam Adams – Still Water River

Ryan Walters – Verb

New Albany Arts Council - $100.00

James Cox – Lincoln Theatre

Hazen /Taft - $100.00

Monica Achberger – Peonies in Vase

Westbridge Camera Club

Ellen Libertini – Irish Heather

Sydney Schardt – Circles of Confusion

Raven’s Glenn Winery and Italian Restaurant

Lloyd Greene – Santigo Fisherman, Atitlan

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Strolling Entertainment

I'm a huge fan of strolling entertainers (who doesn't love it when entertainment comes right to you!) and there's some really cool new ones coming to this year's Fair. Below are my personal top 3 that I think you should watch out for...
The Wacky Wheeler - You literally can't miss this guy: he performs crazy tricks and stunts on top of a huge wheel and always includes the audience
The Procrastinators - They take everything you can think of - water jugs, stools, pots and pans and more - and turn them into drums. Very cool!
Mr. Pedalsworth - A former Ringling Brothers performer. Need I say more?
I can't wait to catch these and there's plenty more where they come from - musicians, jugglers, comedians and more. Hope you get a chance to see their shows!



What's New Wendy

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Lamp Chop at the Fair this year!

This is the song that doesn’t end….yes it goes on and on my friends….some people started singing it not knowing what it was…but they’ll continue singing it forever just because this is the song that doesn’t end.

How many times have I sung this throughout my life? Probably more than could ever be necessary. One of the most effective ways to annoy someone, this song has been a staple in my repertoire for years. Of course I learned this song from Lamb Chop’s Play Along—one of my favorite shows as a child!

Imagine my delight when I discovered Lamb Chop is coming to the Fair! Mallory Lewis is the daughter of Shari Lewis, the woman who created the world-famous puppet Lamb Chop. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Mallory is partnering with Lamp Chop to entertain a new generation, as well as bring nostalgia back to those who grew up loving Lamp Chop.

If you want to pass on memories through generations, check out Mallory Lewis and Lamb Chop at the Fair July 28 – August 1. They have shows in the Gazebo Stage at 3:30, 6:00 and 8:00 pm everyday except July 30 there is no 3:30 pm show.

Check back for more family friendly entertainment the next time I post!

Kidding Around Kayla

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Llama-Luv

Last night I stopped by the pre-Fair “An Evening with a Llama” Activities and it was seriously awesome. When I arrived everyone was playing “musical rugs” with their llamas. Kids of all ages were leading llamas around a circle and when the music stopped they had to get the llama to stand on one of the rugs. It was hysterical!

At 7:30 pm, the Llama Open Costume contest began. The costumes were out of this world. I was expecting a hat or perhaps even just a tie on these llamas, but they were wearing full-out, carefully constructed costumes! Annie the llama was a campsite and Bam-Bam was a pirate ship. I learned that the more covered the llama is – tail, eyes, legs, etc—the better the costume score will be. It is important for the llamas to react well to the costumes too!

Not being a llama connoisseur, I asked a few of the folks exhibiting at the Fair to explain why one would have a llama or a llama farm. It turns out, llama fibers are very valuable and make great fibers for knitting, crocheting and felting. I saw some of the pieces made out of the fibers, such as a bag, hat, gloves and scarf, and they looked beautiful and soft.

Another reason for keeping a llama is companionship! There are “PR” or public relations llamas that visit nursing homes, children with developmental disabilities and daycares. These llamas are incredibly well-behaved and know how to avoid obstacles on the ground and little toes.

While llamas can be sweet and gentle, they are also really good at protecting herds of sheep and other livestock. Some farmers keep llamas to protect their livestock from wolves, foxes and other predators. I certainly wouldn’t want a llama to get angry with me!

I spent about 3 hours at the show in all! Check out some of the videos of my new best friends and their owners. Everyone was very welcoming and friendly; most offered to let me “lead” the llama or take the llama out so I could get a better picture with the llama.
This free pre-Fair event should definitely be listed as a “do not miss” activity for your plans next summer! Who knew llamas would be such a hoot?

For Now,
Agriculture Alex

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Butter Is Better!

When I think of the Ohio State Fair, there’s always ONE thing that comes to mind first. Butter cow.

Maybe it’s my obsession with popcorn, lathered in butter, or maybe its my childhood history of eating margarine straight from the tub (when mom wasn’t looking, of course.) I always have had a bit of an obsession with the stuff. Or maybe it’s my history with cattle, showing all around the state and waking up at the wee hours of the morning to feed and chore (something a lot of my friends don’t know about me, now that I’m a city kid and all).

But whatever the reason, I always get excited when it’s butter cow time. Can’t wait to see what the sculpture is this year! Might bring some popcorn, just in case it gets hot enough to melt.

Traditional Tammie

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Welcome to the 2010 Ohio State Fair!

Welcome to the 2010 Ohio State Fair official blog where we are excited to share some Fairtastic aspects of this year's Fair. To do this, we've enlisted the help of some friends who are interested in different parts of the Fair to blog about their experiences. You can pick and choose the areas in which you are most interested, but we encourage you to read them all.

Use this resource to plan your trip to the Fair and discover something that you may have not previously known. Check back daily for the latest information about what's happening at the 2010 Fair.

Meet the bloggers:

Traditional Tammie will help you find exhibits, events and everything that would typically come to mind when you think of the Ohio State Fair!

Want to try out a new attraction or catch a show? What's New Wendy will update you on all things new at this year's Fair.

Fair Food Frankie is always hungry and will be roaming the Fair finding the best spots to grab a bite to eat. Check out these posts for the inside scoop!

If you are interested in one of the most well-known aspects of the Ohio State Fair - agriculture - Agriculture Alex's posts are definitely for you!

Kidding Around Kayla is really in tune with what kids and parents want. She'll give you the 411 on kid-friendly activities and other insider tips for bringing the little ones along.

Other guest bloggers will also join the team from time to time to spice things up! Let us know if there is something else you want to know about and we'll find an expert to guide you in the right direction.

Until then, see you at the Fair!

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2010 Fair

Yay! 2010 Fair is coming in two weeks. Can't wait!

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FILM ENTRY DEADLINE EXTENDED

***** OHIO STATE FAIR *****
Fine Arts Exhibition Film Division

FILM ENTRY DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JULY 11th!!!!!

EMAIL Quicktime Files, Vimo or links to entries located online
(no cd's or dvd's unless work accepted)
email to: p.oloughlin@expo.state.oh.us

Entry Form MUST be submitted (form located online ohiostatefair.com, competitions, Fine Arts, Prospectus - page 8 needed only). Two films may be entered for the $25.00 entry fee (late fee waived). Mail entry form with check for $25.00 to:

Entry Department - Film Entry
Ohio State Fair
717 East 17th Ave
Columbus, Ohio 43211

Jurors:
Susan Halpren
Jim Higgins
Tim Portlock

AWARDS:
Best of Show - $1,000.00
2nd Best of Show - $ 500.00
3rd Best of Show - $ 200.00
Juror’s Choice Awards (Three - $100 each)
GCAC Awards - (Two - $250.00 each)

Email your entry today!!!

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OAC Opinion Poll

We would like to express our gratitude to The Ohio Arts Council for their constant support. We encourage you all participate in the Statewide Arts, Culture, and Entertainment Opinion Poll.


As part of its strategic planning process, the Ohio Arts Council (OAC) is conducting a statewide arts, culture, and entertainment opinion poll of Ohio residents. Its purpose is to learn how the OAC can continue to best meet citizens' cultural needs in a changing environment for State government.

To learn more about OAC please visit: http://www.oac.state.oh.us/

To take the survey simply follow the link below!
http://maildogmanager.com/page.html?p=0000015Fu8vsFcMEY9L9IFh4rhKqnHyijvY2VG+mO9LwsF4A==&email=p.oloughlin@expo.state.oh.us

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2010 Ohio State Fair Fine Arts Final Accepted List

This is the FINAL list of accepted artists. Congratulations to these artists, and thank you to all who entered.

Amateur

Anderson, Ruby

Ayotte, Melissa

Browning, Jon

Charlie, Beijing

Cooke, David F.

Cox, James

Drew, Eunsil

Edwards, Rhainy

Ferguson, Sarah

Finley, Ruth

Fisher, Helen

Fitzgerald, Barbara A.

Fohl, Mark

Giannetto, Joe

Goldie, Beverly

Griffith, Adena

Hardin, Paula

Hartford, Mark

Heyward, Bryan

Horowitz, Mark

Humes, Donny

Hurley, Chelsey

Kasson, Dylan

Kistler, Virginia

Kramer, Paul

Krol, Judy

Laxton, Misty

Leon, Monika

Libertini, Ellen

Maag, Howard

McDevitt-Stredney, James

McMullen, Frederick

Misiuna, Magdalena

Ockuly, Sarah

Petrosky, Alyssa

Pierce, Christian

Pogalies, J.

Porta, Ron

Riat, Sheila

Robinson, Michelle

Ryan, Christine Guillot

Schardt, Sydney

Serraglio, Luciano

Sharpe, Richard

Sitko, Andrew

Slowinski, Stephanie

Stentz, Debbie

Strickling, Christine

Trout, James

Tursich, Crystal

Walkowicz, Julia

Weller, Nova

Whitaker, Hailey

Whittington, Daniel

Yeager-Torre, Darlene

PROFESSIONAL

Achberger, Monica

Adams, Pam

Aizicovici, Simona

Alexander, Laura

Alexander, Lindsey

Alloway, Brian Thomas

Anderson, Amy Kollar

Bachman, Laine

Baillieul, Thomas

Baker, Lawrence

Birckhead, Leslie

Bjel, Diana

Bogle, Bridgette

Booze, Kelley

Boram-Hays, Carol

Borg, Rick

Bova, Laura

Byrne, Julie

Carmean, Matt

Colgan, Robert

Cushman, Anne

Daniel, Nora

Dunlap, Jennifer

Emory, Paul

Emslie, Sally

Fairchild, Sarah

Farris, Clair

Fochtman, Frederick

Fort, Jeremiah

Foster, Bruce

Foy, Josh

Galloway, Scott

Graham, Paul

Gray, Lea

Greene, Lloyd

Greenwalt, Tracy

Groot, Helma

Gunter-Seymour, Kari

Harris, Lionel

Hays, Michael

Hayslip, Rodney

Heberling, Rachel

Heisler, Nicole

Hoffelt, Helen

Hubbard, Tom

Jackson, Morris

Jacobs, Jonah

Jaeger, Tamara

Johnson, Dale

Joseph, Gregory

Keiser, Kevin

Knick, Jeffrey

Knowlton, Jules

Konicsak, Kitty

Leach, G. W.

Lombardo, Joseph

May, Michael

McClanahan, Lynda

McGhee, Kathy

Montague, Juliette

Morris, Kristin L.

Moses, Ennia

Mullett, Sherry

Nash, Susan

Nees, Paula

Nelson, Ardine

Oldfather, Dana

Pate, James

Payne, Brent

Peng, Naichuan

Pierce, Lexie

Pratt, Susan

Randall, Katie

Regensberger, Jeff

Rond, Stephanie

Rosen, Mark

Routson, Jason

Schanberger, Francis

Schramer, Kristine

Schreiber, Daniel

Schutte, Katie

Scranton, Jenny

Screven, Craig

Scurlock, Larry

Shaw, Gary

Shellhouse, Ashley

Shirey, James

Sipher, Barbara

Smith, Catherine

Sorenson, Alissa

Stanley, Melanie

Stern, Andrea

Swanson, Thoma

Tallan, Joan

Tavani, Bob

Taylor, Doug

Thomas, Marcus

Turner, Donald

VanDenberg, Amanda

Vogel, Barbara

Von Endt, Laurie

Walters, Ryan

Wang, Arthur Chun

Weiser, Laura

Weller, Heidi

White, Maria

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