Visual Arts

  • Original Work – Items must be the original work of the 4-H member and should show creativity and originality. No copyrighted images or master studies.
  • Ready for Professional Display – All exhibits must be presented appropriately for the medium(s) used and ready to be professionally displayed. 2 dimensional pieces on paper should be framed behind glass/plexiglass. Canvas bords should be framed but glass/plexiglass is not necessary. Stretched canvases do not need frames as long as staples are not visible on the edges. All 2-dimensional pieces should  be ready to hang using a sawtooth or wire hanger.
  • Entry Descriptions – Entry tags should include a visual description of the exhibit, including size, dominant color, and subject to aid in identification.
  • Supporting Information – Supporting information is required for all Visual Arts exhibits. Information must include responses to all questions and steps taken to complete the project. Supporting Information must be securely attached to the back of the piece. Supporting Information tag templates can be found at https://go.unl.edu/ne4hvisualarts. Exhibits with missing or incomplete supporting information  will be lowered a ribbon placing. 

Division 260 – Visual Art Mediums

sf C260001          Original Acrylic Painting -  (SF200) 

sf C260002        Original Oil Painting – (SF200) 

sf C260003         Original Watercolor Painting – (SF200)

sf C260004        Original Pencil Drawing – (SF200) 

sf C260005             Original Charcoal Drawing – (SF200)

sf C260006         Original Ink Drawing –(SF200) 

sf C260007        Original Fiber Art –(SF200) – Could include weaved art, dyed fabric, felted wool, cotton linter, batik, etc. 

sf C260008        Original Sculpture – (SF200) – Could include Styrofoam, wood, cardboard, paper, metal, wire, etc. 

sf C260009        Original Ceramic Pottery – (SF200) – No purchased ceramic pottery. Must be glazed and fired. May be any hand-built technique or wheel thrown. May be functional or non-functional. Could include slab built, pinch pots, coil built, wheel thrown, etc. 

sf C260010        Original Painting on Purchased Ceramic Surface – (SF200) – No hand-built or wheel thrown pottery. May be functional or non-functional. Could include figurines, cups, bowls, etc. 

sf C260011        Original Single Media Not Listed – (SF200) – Could include digital art, leathercrafting, printmaking, stained glass, pastels, scratchboard, sand painting, encaustic painting, chalk, etc. 

sf C260012        Original Mixed Media – (SF200) – Could include any combination of two or more other mediums or materials. 

Division 261 – Visual Art Themes 

  • Exhibits may utilize any medium or combination of mediums on any surface. All exhibits must be appropriately presented and ready to be professionally displayed. Artwork should depict the artist’s own interpretation of the theme. All exhibits should include an explanation of how the piece reflects the theme and what ideas or thoughts the artist was attempting to express or communicate.

sf C261001        Original Art Inspired by Plants or Animals – (SF200) – could involve but is not limited to domestic animals, pets, agriculture, wild animals, wildlife conservation, house plants, fruit, vegetables, flowers, native plants, trees, etc. 

sf C261002       Original Art Inspired by Landscapes – (SF200) – could involve but is not limited to rural landscapes, natural environments, man-made environments, urban landscapes, extraterrestrial landscapes, oceanic scenes, buildings, fantasy landscapes, agricultural landscapes, etc. 

sf C261003       Original Art Inspired by People – (SF200) – could involved but is not limited to cultural art, modern society, portraits, daily life, careers, families, emotions, etc. 

sf C261004       Original Art Inspired by Artist’s Choice – (SF200) – could involve but is not limited to food, cars, fantasy worlds, imaginary characters, science-fiction, history, etc.