Plein Art Competition

Entry Deadline: June 3, 1 p.m. Please note that this is before the competition dates. There are no opportunities to enter after the deadline of June 3.

2. Entry Fees: $10 non-refundable processing fee, plus a $40 entry fee. Entry fee includes 2 entries, vehicle unloading pass, and one fair entry ticket for three days of the fair.

3. Competition Dates: Wednesday, July 23 - Friday, July 25.

4. Competition Times: Wednesday/Thursday: 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

5. Rain Dates: There are no rain dates. Come prepared for the weather.

6. Eligible Artists: Artists must be a current Ohio resident and 17 years of age or older. Eligibility for participation does not require acceptance into the Fine Arts Exhibition.

7. Artist Check-in: Artists must check in between 9 a.m.-10 a.m. at the Cox Fine Arts Center on Wednesday, July 23, or the first day that the artist arrives. Canvas/painting or drawing surface must be checked in and stamped/signed to confirm as “blank” by the Fine Arts staff during check-in. Unstamped works may be disqualified.  

8. Storing Work: Artwork must be checked-in and given to Fine Arts staff before the artist leaves at the end of each day. Artwork not checked-in may be disqualified. The Cox Fine Arts Center offers limited space to store artwork and art materials on grounds.

9. Leaving Grounds: Artists may not take artwork off-grounds during the competition, whether for storing, framing, or completing work. Artwork that has left the Ohio Expo Center grounds may be disqualified.

10. Location limitations: Artwork must be created on the Ohio Expo Center and State Fairgrounds, during the competition dates. Artists may create work both outdoors and indoors, provided that the imagery features traditional plein air subject matter (i.e. landscape, outdoor events, etc.) Artists may inquire about limitations at check-in.

11. Artwork Submissions: One entry fee provides up to two artworks for submission. For artworks to be submitted for judging, they must be turned in to the Fine Arts staff and ready to hang by 4:30 on Friday, July 25. Late entries may be disqualified. 

12. Size Requirements: Artworks cannot exceed 30 inches on the longest side, with frame.

13. Artwork Display: Submitted artworks must be wired and ready to hang before judging. Display requirements for the Fine Arts Exhibition must be met. An area to prepare artwork will be provided by the Cox Fine Arts Center.

14. Artist Materials: Artists must supply their own drawing and painting materials for the competition. Ohio Expo Center staff is unable to assist with transport of materials.

15. Judging: Judging begins at 5 p.m. on Friday, July 26. Artists may not be present during judging, but are welcome to return for the Award Ceremony.

16. Award Ceremony: July 25 at 6:30 p.m. at the Cox Fine Arts Center. The Award Ceremony is open to the public.  

17. Photographs: To remain in keeping with the spirit of plein air, photos may not be used for reference.