With an emphasis on originality, the purpose of the 4-H Visual Arts projects is to practice design elements and principles while exploring and experimenting with various mediums and techniques. In addition, youth should practice self-expression and work to communicate their personal voice through their work.
a. 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.
b. 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 boards 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.
c. Entries per Exhibitor: 4-H member may enter one exhibit per class (see general rules).
d. Entry Descriptions: Entry tags should include a visual description of the exhibit, including size, dominant color, and subject to aid in identification.
e. 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 dropped a ribbon placing. See pg. 38 of this document for the Visual Art supporting information.
f. Class Changes: Exhibits must be entered in the appropriate class based on the medium(s) used or theme. No class changes will be made after check-in. Exhibits in inappropriate classes may be lowered a ribbon placing. Supporting information may provide evidence or justification for the piece being entered in a specific class.
Special Awards: State Fair Visual Arts exhibits may be selected for special on-campus exhibitions. Please see State Fairbook for more information https://4hfairbook.unl.edu/fairbookview.php/exhibits
Intermediate & Advanced Projects
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 liner, 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.
C) C260901 County Only - Other Item Made in this Project
C) C260902 County Only - Other Item Made in this Project
C) C260903 County Only - Other Item Made in this Project
Visual Arts 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 involve 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 world, imaginary characters, science-fiction, history, etc.
C) C260901 County Only - Other Item Made in this Project
C) C260902 County Only - Other Item Made in this Project
C) C260903 County Only - Other Item Made in this Project