Accessibility

Competition Details and Deadlines

Eligibility

• Artists must be 17 years of age or older and a current Ohio resident.
• Teams of up to two artists may participate. Only one artist per team should complete the entry form and indicate that it is a team submission. Only one entry per team may be accepted.
• Acceptance into the Fine Arts Exhibition is not required to participate.
• Space is limited to 10 juried entries.

Entry Information

• Entry Deadline: June 21 at 1 p.m. (no late entries accepted)
• Entry Fee: None
• Accepted artists will receive:
  • A $100 stipend (paid after the conclusion of the Fair)
  • A vehicle unloading pass
  • Three single-day fair admission tickets

How to Enter

Artists or teams must submit the following through the designated Google Form when the entry window opens:

• Images of prior work (paintings, murals, website links, etc.)
• A sketch, design, or proof of concept for the proposed mural

Accepted artists will be notified by email within one week of the deadline.

Entry Form Coming at a Later Date

Theme

Designs must reflect one of the following themes for the 2026 Ohio State Fair:

• Ohio
• America 250

Designs not aligned with one of these themes may not be considered.

Competition Dates & Times

• Dates: Friday, July 31 – Sunday, August 2
• Times:
  • Friday & Saturday: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Sunday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Weather: No rain dates or indoor painting. Artists should come prepared for outdoor conditions.

Check-in & Setup

Artists must check in at the Cox Fine Arts Center between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Friday, July 31, or Saturday, August 1.

Each artist/team will be assigned:

• One 4 ft x 8 ft primed wood panel
• A 10 ft x 10 ft working space (including materials area)
• A tarp provided by the Ohio Expo Center to protect the ground
• Access to a sink with running water

Stanchions will surround the competition area.

Materials & Responsibilities

• Artists must supply all painting materials.
• Paints should be appropriate for outdoor conditions.
• Artists may bring their own tarp and securing method if desired; the Ohio Expo Center is not responsible for these materials.
• Limited storage space is available on-site.
• Ohio Expo Center staff cannot assist with transporting materials.

Judging & Awards

• Judging: Sunday, August 2 at 5 p.m. (artists may not be present)
• Awards Ceremony: Sunday, August 2 at 6 p.m. at the Cox Fine Arts Center (open to the public)