Calling all Ohio artists: showcase your original artwork!

Do you have what it takes to be named one of Ohio’s best artists?

Outstanding artists, superb sculptors, prominent painters, talented photographers and top-notch filmmakers from all over the state can enter their work into the Ohio State Fair’s Fine Arts Exhibition.

Everyone over the age of 17 (as of June 1, 2013) is invited to compete. Not only can artists showcase their talents at the exhibition, they also have the opportunity to sell their work to serious art collectors through the Patron Purchase Program. More than $18,000 in awards will be offered!

Artists will also have the opportunity to compete in our Plein Air competition on Saturday, July 27. Fairgoers can choose from a vast amount of locations on the fairgrounds to complete their outdoor painting - don’t worry, there will be plenty of scenery! On Saturday, Aug. 3 artists can enter the Street Painting competition by chalking an original artwork in a 4x4 or 8x8 asphalt area on the grounds.

For assistance in entering the Fine Arts Exhibition, artists are invited to attend our Fair Entry 101 workshop on Saturday, May 18. Attendees can bring the artwork they would like to enter into the fair to the event. When they leave their pieces will be entered into the exhibition and they will receive a CD with digital images of their work on it. The workshop will take place in the Voinovich conference room and costs $30 per digital image entry ($5 for each additional image.) Bowling Greenstudents receive a $10 discount.  

All attendees must RSVP to the Fair Entry 101 workshop. Please contact Pamela O’Loughlin at p.oloughlin@expo.state.oh.us or call 614.296.2256 to set up an appointment sometime between 10 am and 4 pm. When setting up your appointment, please also disclose the size of your artwork, the medium and how it is to be displayed.

If you aren’t into fine arts, there’s no need to feel left out! The Creative Arts division allows participants to compete in areas such as fashion, sewing, culinary arts, antiques or creative crafts. The Ohio State Fair also holds competitions in other interest areas ranging from sporting events to academic challenges. A full list of these contests can be found here.

Those interested in entering the Fine Arts Exhibition can download the Fine Arts Prospectus form from ohiostatefair.com and then enter online. Entries are due no later than May 29, 2013.