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

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)