Items must be the original work of the 4-H member and should show creativity and originality. No copyrighted images or master studies. All exhibits must be presented appropriately for the medium(s) used and ready to be professionally displayed. Two-dimensional pieces should be ready to hang using sawtooth or wire hanger. Stretched canvas do not need frames as long as staples are not visible on edges. All other 2-dimensional pieces must be framed behind glass/plexiglass. 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 template can be found at https://go.unl.edu/ne4hvisualarts. Sheet must be securely attached to the back of the exhibit. Items without supporting information or not ready for display will be dropped one ribbon placing.
Division 260: Visual Art Mediums
C260001 – Original Acrylic Painting
C260002 – Original Oil Painting
C260003 – Original Watercolor Painting
C260004 – Original Pencil Drawing
C260005 – Original Charcoal Drawing
C260006 - Original Ink Drawing
C260007 – Original Fiber Art Could include weaved art, dyed fabric, felted wool, cotton linter, batik, etc.
C260008 ––Original Sculpture Could include Styrofoam, wood, cardboard, paper, metal, wire, etc.
C260009 – Original Ceramic Pottery No purchased ceramic pottery. Must be glazed and fired. May be any hand-built technique or wheel thrown. May be functional or non-functional.
C260010 – Original Painting on Purchased Ceramic Surface. No hand-built or wheel thrown pottery. May be functional or non-functional. Could include figurines, cups, bowls, etc.
C260011 – Original Single Media Not Listed. Could include digital art, leathercrafting, printmaking, stained glass, pastels, scratchboard, sand painting, encaustic painting, chalk, etc.
C260012 – Original Mixed Media. 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. Artwork should depict the artist’s own interpretation of the theme. Include an explanation of how the piece reflects the theme and what ideas or thoughts the artist was attempting to express or communicate.
C261001 - Original Art Inspired by Plants or Animals. Could involve but is not limited to domestic animals, pets, agriculture, wild animals, wildlife conservation, house plants, fruit, vegetables, flowers, native plants, trees, etc.
C261002 - Original Art Inspired by Landscapes. 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.
C261003- Original Art Inspired by People. Could involve but is not limited to cultural art, modern society, portraits, daily life, careers, families, emotions, etc.
C261004 - Original Art Inspired by Artist’s Choice. Could involve but is not limited to food, cars, fantasy worlds, imaginary characters, science-fiction, history, etc.