VISUAL ARTS
Only one entry per class. SF Classes only are State Fair eligible. All static exhibits must have received a purple ribbon at the county fair to advance to the State Fair. All Visual Arts exhibits will be judged on Static Entry Day at the Mitchell Event Center. Large static items eligible for state fair will be the responsibility of the family to get to the Nebraska State Fair.
With an emphasis on originality, the purpose of the 4-H Visual Arts projects is to practice using 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.
Rules
- 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 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.
- 4-H members may enter one exhibit per class.
- 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 dropped a ribbon placing.
Scoresheets, forms, contest study materials, and additional resources can be found at https://go.unl.edu/ne4hvisualarts.
Special Awards
tate Fair visual arts exhibits may be selected for special on-campus exhibitions. Selected pieces will be collected at the end of State Fair and will be returned to county Extension offices following the on-campus exhibition. Youth whose pieces are selected will be contacted directly with additional information including the exhibition and reception dates.
Visual Art Mediums
Division 260
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. Scoresheet SF200
SFClass 1 Original Acrylic Painting
SFClass 2 Original Oil Painting
SFClass 3 Original Watercolor Painting
SFClass 4 Original Pencil Drawing
SFClass 5 Original Charcoal Drawing
SFClass 6 Original Ink Drawing
SFClass 7 Original Fiber Art Could include weaved art, dyed fabric, felted wool, cotton linter, batik, etc.
SFClass 8 Original Sculpture Could include Styrofoam, wood, cardboard, paper, metal, wire, etc.
SFClass 9 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. Could include slab built, pinch pots, coil built, wheel thrown, etc.
SFClass 10 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.
SFClass 11 Original Single Media Not Listed Could include digital art, leathercrafting, printmaking, stained glass, pastels, scratchboard, sand painting, encaustic painting, chalk, etc.
SFClass 12 Original Mixed Media Could include any combination of two or more other mediums or materials.
Leatherworking
Division 865
Participants may exhibit in only one level of leather working, basic, intermediate or advanced. In addition, exhibitor may enter in the Original Single Medium, Class 11. One entry per class. Exhibit must be a complete article made of genuine leather (excluding fasteners, frames, lining, or other inserts) created by the exhibitor. Kits are allowed. Each entry will be judged based on the requirements and level of craftsmanship respective to the class the entry is exhibited under. (Do not enter tanned hides in this class).
Class 1 BASIC LEATHER WORKING-Demonstrate basic use of leather tools to create a simple project including but not limited to key chain, coin purse, bag tags, knife sheaths, etc.
Class 2 BASIC LEATHER WORKING SECOND ITEM-Demonstrate basic use of leather tools to create a simple project including but not limited to key chain, coin purse, bag tags, knife sheaths, etc.
Class 3 INTERMEDIATE LEATHER WORKING-Demonstrate more advanced techniques (ex: basket stamp, crazy legs, shell, etc.); sewing or lacing is required.
Class 4 INTERMEDIATE LEATHER WORKING SECOND ARTICLE-Demonstrate more advanced techniques (ex: basket stamp, crazy legs, shell, etc.); sewing or lacing is required.
Class 5 ADVANCED LEATHER WORKING– Demonstrate proficiency at more intricate patterns, advanced techniques (ex: filigree work, dying, etc.).
Class 6 ADVANCED LEATHER WORKING SECOND ARTICLE– Demonstrate proficiency at more intricate patterns, advanced techniques (ex: filigree work, dying, etc.).
Class 7 LEATHER GARMENTS– Entry must be constructed by the exhibitor from raw materials and can include moccasins, shirt, vest, etc. (no synthetic leathers allowed!).
Visual Art Themes
Division 261
SFClass 1 Original Art Inspired by Plants or Animals - (Scoresheet 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.
SFClass 2 Original Art Inspired by Landscapes - (Scoresheet 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.
SFClass 3 Original Art Inspired by People - (Scoresheet SF200) - could involve but is not limited to cultural art, modern society, portraits, daily life, careers, families, emotions, etc.
SFClass 4 Original Art Inspired by Artist's Choice - (Scoresheet SF200) - could involve but is not limited to food, cars, fantasy worlds, imaginary characters, science-fiction, history, etc.
Crafts
Division 270
Class 1 Rubber Stamping Any item decorated using rubber stamps.
Class 2 Scrap Booking A complete scrapbook or creative craft item using scrap booking techniques.
Class 3 Stained Glass
Class 4 Card Making Exhibit two (2) cards (theme of your choice) with envelopes; each card made with a different technique.
Class 5 Ceramics
Class 6 Paper Craft Any type of craft made entirely out of paper.
Class 7 Stepping Stone or Decorative Garden Item
Class 8 Hand Crafted Jewelry
Class 9 Miscellaneous Craft