COMMUNICATIONS & EXPRESSIVE ARTS
DEPARTMENT EXPRESS YOURSELF (COMMUNICATIONS)
GENERAL INFORMATION
Any 4-H member may enter classes is this division, with the exception of Clover Kids. Entries will be interview judged on Wednesday, July 22, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the 4-H Building. 4-H entries must be made according to the printed 2026 Custer County Fair Premium Book and entered online by 5:00 p.m. on June 26. Instructions for online entries will be emailed to 4-H families on approximately May 15.
Reference material which may be used for these exhibits include: Communications 1, Communications 2, and Communications 3. These references are available for purchase at the Extension Office.
The 4-H member's name, address, age, full address, and county must be listed on the back of each entry. One entry per class.
Educational resources for youth taking the Communications project can be found at: 4hcurriculum.unl.edu.
Exhibits in this division will be evaluated on clarity of purpose/message in relation to communication, accuracy of information, originality, creativity, evidence of exhibitor’s learning in this area, and educational value of exhibit to viewers. One entry per class. ENTRIES NOT ELIGIBLE FOR STATE FAIR.
Ribbons P. B. R. W.
$1.25 $1.00 $.75 $.50
LEVEL 1: COMMUNICATIONS, MODULE 1
CLASS B154006 Point of View Article - Write a point of view article for a 4-H newsletter, local school newsletter, or local newspaper. Write the article using suggestions and what you learned in the “Speak Up!” activity on page 11-12 in the member manual. Exhibit in a clear report cover.
CLASS B154007 Symbols - Design a new symbol that would communicate a specific message to others in your school or community. Include, in writing, the specific message for the symbol. Attach both the symbol and the meaning on a 11” x 14” posterboard. Refer to the member manual, pages 16-17.
CLASS B154008 Elements of Art - Design a picture that includes all the elements of art. On a separate piece of paper, identify the elements of art used in your picture. Attach the picture and the paper identifying the elements of art used on a 11” x 14” posterboard. Refer to the member manual, pages 18-19.
CLASS B154009 Letter to the Editor - Write a letter to the editor of your school newspaper expressing an opinion about an issue in your school. Write the letter using what you learned in the “Let’s Write” activity on pages 28-29 in the member manual. Be sure to include the five parts of a business letter when writing your letter to the editor. Exhibit in a clear report cover.
CLASS B154010 Design a Birthday Card - Design a generic birthday card for a resident of a local care center or someone in the hospital. Refer to the “Caring Correspondence” activity in the member manual, pages 30-31. Exhibit in a clear report cover.
LEVEL 2: COMMUNICATIONS, MODULE 2
Use one or a combination of the experiential activities in the Putting It Together - Communications, Module 2 curriculum to create an educational poster or essay sharing with others what you have learned. Topics may include, but are not limited to: identifying cultural differences in communication, developing guidelines for internet etiquette, evaluating another person’s presentation, identifying communication careers, or preparing a presentation using a form of technology.
CLASS B154001 Poster - Create a poster, measuring either 22” x 28” or 24” x 36”, that showcases what was learned in this project area.
CLASS B154002 Essay - Write an essay (3-5 pages) that showcases what was learned in this project area.
LEVEL 3: COMMUNICATIONS, MODULE 3
Use one or a combination of the experiential activities in The Perfect Fit - Communications, Module 3 curriculum to create an educational poster, essay, or digital media sharing with others what you have learned. Topics may include, but are not limited to: composing a personal resume, completing research on a speech or presentation topic, identifying ways to reduce risks online, evaluating own cell phone usage and etiquette, critiquing advertisements, and job shadowing a communication professional.
CLASS B154003 Poster - Create a poster, measuring either 22” x 28” or 24” x 36”, that showcases what was learned in this project area.
CLASS B154004 Essay - Write an essay (3-5 pages) that showcases what was learned in this project area.
CLASS B154005 Digital Media - Design a form of digital media (advertisement, flyer, short video or presentation, social media or web page, etc.) that showcases what was learned in this project area. Upload the digital media file to an online location (web site, Dropbox, Google Drive, YouTube, Flickr, etc.) and using the web address of the digital media file, create a QR code (using any free QR code creator, ex. qr-code-generator.com). Print the following on an 8½” x 11” sheet of cardstock: 1) the QR code, 2) 1-3 sentences about what viewers will see when they access the QR code on their mobile device.
DEPARTMENT POSTERS
GENERAL INFORMATION
Entries will be interview judged on Wednesday, July 22, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the 4-H Building. 4-H entries must be made according to the printed 2026 Custer County Fair Premium Book and entered online by 5:00 p.m. on June 26. Instructions for online entries will be emailed to 4-H families on approximately May 15.
Any 4-H member may enter a poster in this division, with the exception of Clover Kids. One entry per member.
The 4-H member's name, address, age, full address, and county must be listed on the back of each entry.
Ribbons P. B. R. W.
$1.25 $1.00 $.75 $.50
CLASS B160001 Open Theme - This category allows 4-H members to create a poster, 14” x 22” in size, using any theme. Entries in this class are not eligible for State Fair.
DEPARTMENT PHOTOGRAPHY
Ribbons P. B. R. W.
$2.50 $2.00 $1.50 $1.00
The purpose of this project area is to establish basic to advanced knowledge of and abilities in using photographic equipment, lighting, and composition to capture images, express feelings, and communicating ideas. 4-H members can work through the three project levels, progressing through basic to advanced photography skills and techniques.
Entries will be interview judged on Wednesday, July 22, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the 4-H Building. 4-H entries must be made according to the printed 2026 Custer County Fair Premium Book and entered online by 5:00 p.m. on June 26. Instructions for online entries will be emailed to 4-H families on approximately May 15.
GUIDELINE RULES
A. 4-H'ers are allowed entries in only one photography unit/level. Youth in 4-H Photography Units II and III will be allowed to exhibit at the State Fair.
B. Each exhibitor may have one entry per class in their designated unit, up to a total of three exhibits maximum.
C. An image may only be used on one exhibit with the exception of the Portfolios which may include images entered in other classes.
D. Cameras - Photos may be taken with any type of film or digital camera, including phones, tablets, and drones.
E. Photos must be shot by the 4-H member during the current project year with the exception of Portfolios which may include images captured and/or exhibited in previous years.
F. Securely attach photos, mats, backing, and data tags. Exhibits that are poorly attached may be dropped a ribbon placing. Do not use photo corners, borders, or place coverings over the exhibits. DO NOT use foam core mat boards on photography exhibits.
G. Portfolios: All portfolios must include the following information: 1) 1-page max bio, 2) table of contents, 3) year each photo was taken, 4) title for each image, 5) device make and model used to capture each image, and 6) reflections for each photo. When writing reflections, 4-H members should focus on what new photography techniques or skills they were practicing when they took the photo, what makes the image successful, and what could have been done to improve the image. Portfolios may be presented in either print or digital formats:
1. Printed portfolios should be presented in a three-ring binder that is 8½” x 11” or similar book format. Recommended photo size is 8” x10”. Matting is not necessary.
2. Digital portfolios may be presented online and must be exhibited along with a single 8½” x 11” flyer. Flyers must include a link, URL, or QR code that takes users (judges and fairgoers) to their online portfolio.
H. Display Exhibits - Display exhibits are only accepted in Level 1 and Level 2 classes. Displays consist of three 4” x 6” photos mounted on a single horizontal 11” x 14” black or white poster or mat board. Incorrect sizes will be dropped one ribbon placing. No foam board backing should be used. Each photo in the display must be numbered using a pencil. Numbers should be readable but not distract from the overall display. No titles, captions, or stick-on numbers will be allowed. Photos may be mounted vertically or horizontally. Appropriate Data Tags are required (see rule regarding Data Tags).
I. Print Exhibits - Print exhibits must be 8” x 10” prints mounted in 11” x 14” (outside size) cut matting with a sandwich mat board backing. Incorrect sizes will be dropped one ribbon placing. No foam board should be used for matting or backing. Mat openings may be rectangular or oval. Photos may be horizontal or vertical. No frames are allowed. Appropriate Data Tags are required (see rule regarding Data Tags).
J. Data Tags - Data Tags are required on all print and display exhibits. Data tags are not required for portfolios. Each exhibit must have the appropriate number and level of data tags as outlined below. Data tags should be securely attached to the back of the exhibit. Photos without data tags will be dropped one ribbon placing. Current data tags and a help sheet are available at: https://go.unl.edu/ne4h-photography or at the Extension Office.
- Level 1 Displays - Each photo of the display must include a separate Level 1 Data Tag. Data Tags should be numbered with the corresponding photo’s number.
- Level 2 Prints - All Level 2 prints must have a Level 2 Data Tag.
- Level 2 Displays - Each photo of the display must include a separate Level 2 Data Tag. Data Tags should be numbered with the corresponding photo’s number.
- Level 3 Unit III Prints - All Level 3 prints must have a Level 3 Data Tag.
K. Exhibits not following these rules will be dropped one ribbon placing.
PHOTOGRAPHY LEVEL 1 CLASSES - (Entries not eligible for State Fair.)
Display Exhibits - Display exhibits are only accepted in Level 1 and Level 2 classes. Displays consist of three 4” x 6” photos mounted on a single horizontal 11” x 14” black or white poster or mat board. Incorrect sizes will be dropped one ribbon placing. No foam board backing should be used. Each photo in the display must be numbered using a pencil. Numbers should be readable but not distract from the overall display. No titles, captions, or stick-on numbers will be allowed. Photos may be mounted vertically or horizontally. Appropriate Data Tags are required (see rule regarding Data Tags).
CLASS B180010 FUN WITH SHADOWS DISPLAY - Photos should capture interesting or creative use of shadows. (Activity 4)
CLASS B180020 GET IN CLOSE DISPLAY - Photos should capture a close-up view of the subject or object. (Activity 8)
CLASS B180030 BIRD’S OR BUG’S EYE VIEW DISPLAY - Photos should capture an interesting viewpoint of a subject, either from above (bird’s eye view) or below (bug’s eye view). (Activity 10)
CLASS B180040 TRICKS AND MAGIC DISPLAY - Photos should capture visual trickery or magic. Trick photography require creative compositions of objects in space and are intended to trick the person viewing the photo. For example, if someone is standing in front of a flowerpot, the pot might not be visible in the image, making it look as if the flowers are growing out of the person’s head. (Activity 11)
CLASS B180050 PEOPLE, PLACES, OR PETS WITH PERSONALITY DISPLAY - Photos should have a strong focal point, which could be people, places, or pets. Photos should capture the subject’s personality or character. Photos may be posed or un-posed. (Activity 13)
CLASS B180060 BLACK AND WHITE DISPLAY - Photos should create interest without the use of color. Photos should show strong contrast and/or textures. Photos may be captured in black and white or captured in color and edited to black and white. (Activity 15)
CLASS B180070 CHALLENGING PHOTO EXHIBIT: TELLING A STORY DISPLAY - Exhibit will include three photos which tell a story without words. Photos may show something being created, destroyed, consumed, moving, or growing. Photos should capture the beginning, middle, and end of a single story, project, or event. Display will consist of three 4” x 6” photos mounted on a single horizontal 11” x 14” black or white poster or mat board. Each photo in the display must be numbered using a pencil. Numbers should be readable but not distracting from the overall display. No titles, captions, or stick-on numbers are allowed. Photos may be mounted vertically or horizontally. Data tags are required for each photo in the display. (Activity 14)
PHOTOGRAPHY LEVEL 2 CLASSES - Level 2 photographers should be utilizing all the skills and techniques they have developed thus far in their photography careers, especially topics covered in Book 1 Photography Basics and Book 2 Next Level Photography.
Display Exhibits - Display exhibits are only accepted in Level 1 and Level 2 classes. Displays consist of three 4” x 6” photos mounted on a single horizontal 11” x 14” black or white poster or mat board. Incorrect sizes will be dropped one ribbon placing. No foam board backing should be used. Each photo in the display must be numbered using a pencil. Numbers should be readable but not distract from the overall display. No titles, captions, or stick-on numbers will be allowed. Photos may be mounted vertically or horizontally. Appropriate Data Tags are required (see rule regarding Data Tags).
CLASS B181010 LEVEL 2 PORTFOLIO - Level 2 portfolios represent the 4-H member’s best work and must include 5 to 7 different images from the 4-H member's photography career. At least 2 images must have been taken during the current year. The remaining images may have been taken at any time during the member's 4-H experience and may have been previously exhibited. Portfolios may include photos which are exhibited in other Level 2 classes during the same year. Portfolios must include: 1) 1-page max bio, 2) table of contents, 3) year each photo was taken, 4) title for each image, 5) device make and model used to capture each image, and 6) reflections for each image. When writing reflections, youth should focus on what new photography techniques they were practicing when they took the photo, what makes the image successful, and what could have been done to improve the image.
CLASS B181020 CREATIVE TECHNIQUES & LIGHTING DISPLAY OR PRINT - Photos capture a creative use of lighting, such as diffused lighting, backlighting, or hard lighting, reflections, or another lighting technique covered in Book 2 Next Level Photography. (Activity 3, 4, 5)
CLASS B181030 CREATIVE COMPOSITION DISPLAY OR PRINT - Photos capture a creative composition using the Rule of Thirds, Golden Triangle, Golden Rectangle, or another composition technique covered in Book 2 Next Level Photography. (Activity 6, 7, 8, 9)
CLASS B181040 ABSTRACT PHOTOGRAPHY DISPLAY OR PRINT - Photos be abstract or capture a small piece of a larger subject. Abstract photos may not look like anything in particular but should be able to capture a viewer's attention. (Activity 11)
CLASS B181050 CANDID PHOTOGRAPHY DISPLAY OR PRINT - Candid photos capture a special moment or meaningful interaction. Photos should be un-posed. (Activity 10)
CLASS B181060 EXPRESSION THROUGH COLOR DISPLAY OR PRINT - Photos capture a creative use of color or a color scheme, such as complimentary, contrasting, monochromatic, warm, cool, primary, secondary, or tertiary. (Activity 13)
CLASS B181070 BLACK & WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY DISPLAY OR PRINT - A photo should be a black and white photograph that demonstrates strong use of composition, lighting, and contrast. Photos may be taken with any camera type (digital or film) but must be printed in black and white.
CLASS B181080 CREATIVE AND EXPERIMENTAL PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT PRINT - Using original photos a 4-H member has captured, create an exhibit in black and white or color demonstrating the use of creative or experimental technology or techniques. Alterations to the exhibit must be apparent. Examples of methods to use may include using artificial intelligence or software tools to edit or replace the original pixels of the image.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be used when creating this exhibit, with adult care-giver permission. Any artificial intelligence work must be referenced. The 4-H member’s original work must be the majority of exhibit. Using photos and other work found online is not acceptable. Must include a 4” x 6” copy of each original images on the back of the matted exhibit, describe how the image(s) were altered and the equipment or software used.
PHOTOGRAPHY LEVEL 3 CLASSES - Level 3 photographers should be exploring and experimenting with advanced techniques. This may include but does not necessarily require using an SLR camera, manual adjustments, or other advanced equipment. Level 3 photographers should be utilizing all the skills and techniques they have developed throughout their photography career, especially topics covered in Book 1 Photography Basics, Book 2 Next Level Photography, and Book 3 Mastering Photography.
CLASS B182010 LEVEL 3 PORTFOLIO - Level 3 portfolios represent the photographer's best work. Level 3 portfolios must include 9-11 images from the 4-H member's photography career. At least 3 images should be from the current year. The remaining images may have been taken at any time during the member's 4-H experience and may have been previously exhibited. Portfolios may include photos which are exhibited in other Level 3 classes during the same year. Portfolios must include: 1) 1-page max bio, 2) table of contents, 3) year each photo was taken, 4) title for each image, 5) device make and model used to capture each image, and 6) reflections for each image. When writing reflections, 4-H members should focus on what new photography techniques or skills they were practicing when they took the photo, what makes the image successful, and what could have been done to improve the image.
CLASS B182020 ADVANCED TECHNIQUES & LIGHTING PRINT - Photos show an experimentation or exploration of advanced lighting, such as low-light or silhouette photography or another advanced photography technique, such as astrophotography, underwater photography, or infrared photography. (Activity 3, 4, 5, or 12)
CLASS B182030 ADVANCED COMPOSITION PRINT - Photos show advanced compositions, such as using diagonal, horizontal, or vertical lines or repeating shapes to frame a subject or lead the viewers eye through a scene; breaking the rule of thirds to compose a discordant image; or another advanced composition technique covered in Book 3 Mastering Photography. (Activity 6, 7)
CLASS B182040 PORTRAIT PRINT - A great portrait captures not only a person's physical image, but also something of the person's character or personality. Photos may be either formal or informal but must be of one or more human subjects. (Activity 9)
CLASS B182050 STILL LIFE PRINT - Photos capture non-moving objects that have been arranged in an interesting way. Photos demonstrate advanced control over lighting and composition. (Activity 8)
CLASS B182060 FREEZER/BLUR THE MOMENT PRINT - Photos capture a subject in motion. Photographers should adjust shutter speed to either freeze or blue the movement. (Activity 11)
CLASS B182070 BLACK & WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY PRINT - Photo demonstrates advanced black and white photograph with strong technical ability and creative expression. Photo demonstrates intentional use of contrast, lighting, and composition to create visual impact. Advanced editing is allowed as appropriate for black and white imagery.
CLASS B182080 CREATIVE AND EXPERIMENTAL PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT PRINT - Using original photos a 4-H member has captured, create an exhibit in black and white or color demonstrating the use of creative or experimental technology or techniques. Alterations to the exhibit must be apparent and advanced techniques used. Examples of methods to use may include using artificial intelligence or software tools to edit or replace the original pixels of the image or other advanced techniques.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be used when creating this exhibit, with adult care-giver permission. Any artificial intelligence work must be referenced. The 4-H member’s original work must be the majority of exhibit. Using photos and other work found online is not acceptable. Must include a 4” x 6” copy of each original images on the back of the matted exhibit, describe how the image(s) were altered and the equipment or software used.
DEPARTMENT BOOTHS
4-H entries must be made according to the printed 2026 Custer County Fair Premium Book and entered online by 5:00 p.m. on June 26. Instructions for online entries will be emailed to 4-H families on approximately May 15.
Ribbons P. B. R. W.
$9.00 $8.00 $7.00 $6.00
CLASS B900001 4-H Club Booths - Booths will be assigned at the 4-H Exhibit Hall and may be put up anytime Wednesday, July 22 through Friday, July 24, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. All booths must be completed for judging by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 24 and may not be removed until 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon on Thursday, July 30. THERE IS A LIMIT OF 7 BOOTHS. All booths are approximately 3' x 7½' in size. "Grow It. Show It. Live It" is the theme clubs must use to decorate their booth display this year. Each booth must be the work of the 4-H club members. 4-H exhibits to be judged cannot be displayed in booths. Tacks, staples or tape, must be removed from booths when booths are disassembled.
DEPARTMENT THEATER ARTS
Ribbons P. B. R. W.
$2.50 $2.00 $1.50 $1.00
RULES
- Entries will be interview judged on Wednesday, July 22, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the 4-H Building. 4-H entries must be made according to the printed 2026 Custer County Fair Premium Book and entered online by 5:00 p.m. on June 26. Instructions for online entries will be emailed to 4-H families on approximately May 15.
B. NUMBER OF ENTRIES PER INDIVIDUAL - An exhibitor may have 1 entry per class.
- Entries not eligible for State Fair.
THEATER ARTS, UNITS 2 & 3
CLASS B930001 COSTUME - Made or decorated by 4-H’er for use in a theater arts production. Costume could be for self or others.
CLASS B930002 PORTFOLIO - A collection of photographs, sketches, or other samples illustrating the theater arts learnings such as costume design, stage make-up, written scripts, set design or other related learnings.
CLASS B930003 PUPPET - Exhibit consists of a puppet made by 4-H’er for use in a theater arts production.
CLASS B930004 SCRIPT - A script written by 4-H’er for a play, musical, skit, puppet show, or other type of theater arts production.
CLASS B930005 STAGE SET PHOTOGRAPHY DISPLAY - A display of photos of a stage set that was designed and built by a 4-H member. Photo display to be mounted on horizontal 14" x 22" black or white poster or matting board. Include description of the photos.
CLASS B930006 ACTING PORTFOLIO - A collections of photographs of the 4-H’er acting in a play. Photo display to be mounted on horizontal 14" x 22" black or white poster or matting board. Include a written description of the photos.