2006 State Fair Exhibits FAQ

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Prepared by Mitchell Hoyer
4-H Youth Development Program Coordinator

Each year brings a new set of questions from 4-H members, families, and extension staff. Here are some questions from previous years we thought would also be useful for 4-H members, families, and exhibit judges. If you have an exhibit question, contact your local extension office or send your questions to me at mhoyer@iastate.edu.

Visual Arts

Q. I have a 4-H'er whose chalk drawing got chosen to go to the State Fair. What would be the best way to present this drawing? She had it on a piece of cardboard and had taped it around the edges. The judge really liked the drawing but wrote on the comment sheet to frame or matte it. Does it matter which way she does it? Would framing be ok? Or does that take away from the exhibit itself (the drawing)?

A. She could either frame or matte the drawing. I'd suggest something simple so it doesn't "take away from" the drawing. Perhaps something in a single color, not heavily patterned. She could get assistance with that from a frame shop. They could show her samples. Because the framing or matte becomes “part of” the exhibit, ultimately the 4-H member needs to decide color, style, etc. and be able to tell why she chose whatever it is she chooses. (Because it complements, accents, brings out a certain color in the drawing, whatever). She can do something more complex with framing or displaying after it comes home from the state fair. However she chooses to finish it off, have her include some type of hanging wire for display. (Not one of those short saw tooth hooks) That will let us better secure it during display at the state fair.

Q. I'm preparing an exhibit about art careers for my exhibit in Visual Arts class 821C “Other Visual Arts Topics”. Do I need to include information about how I used design elements and/or art principles with this exhibit?

A. The requirement to discuss use of elements and principles of design in the Visual Arts classes applies to all finished products (classes 821 A & B) and other exhibits as appropriate. An exhibit or report on art careers would be an exception to that requirement. You would likely want to include in your exhibit information about how artists use design elements and art principles in their careers. You would not need to discuss how you used the elements and principles to create your exhibit. However, you would use what you have learned about design elements/principles to create an attractive exhibit for public display.

Q. An exhibitor called and her picture is on a canvas 3 foot x 4 foot. But the edges are really rough so she wants to frame it. Would it be accepted at State Fair because of the size limitations?

A. This is an example of an artistic work, or actual item, and not a “poster or display board”. Artistic works and similar items in other exhibit classes are not subject to the poster and display board size restrictions. Many artists work in “large” formats, some substantially larger than 3x4. Framed or unframed, the young lady is fine with this exhibit.

She should remember that when she frames her painting, the frame becomes part of the exhibit. While the exhibit evaluation will primarily be on the painting, the frame does matter, and makes the choice of frame an important consideration. The member would certainly not be penalized for exhibiting an unframed original painting if she desired.

Q. I am going to take a self portrait to the fair. Is there a regulation on how large the drawing can be ?

A. There is not a size limit for original artistic works. These are treated differently than "posters" or "display boards", which do have size limits. If you want your self-portrait to be life size, or even larger than life, go for it.

Q. I have a 4-H member who is working on a leather project (like a billfold). He is exploring this project & the techniques, etc. What project area would you recommend he enroll in and in what class could he exhibit his work product(s)?

A. The very first thing that comes to mind is Visual Arts. Working with leather, especially exploring the technique, tools, etc, is an easy fit with the Visual Arts project. Both the Unit I and Unit II Visual Arts project manuals discuss using leather as a media. Class 821B – Design and/or Technique Exploration would let the member exhibit an item with accompanying documentation on learning the leatherworking techniques. If he makes an especially creative design or item, he might even consider an exhibit in class 821A – Original Art.

Q. I want to paint a replica of the U.S. “Colonial” Flag on a serving tray. Is this allowed?

A. Interesting question. Which “colonial” flag? There is disagreement over the design and arrangement of the stars on early flags. Indeed, there likely was variation in the arrangement of the stars, depending on the flag maker. The current arrangement of stars in rows was not specified until well into the 20th century. (See http://www.usflag.org/flag.evolution.html)

Regardless of design, the question raises the issue of proper use of the United States flag, and what constitutes a U. S. flag. Because the display of “historical” flags (48 stars, 30 stars, etc.) is permitted, we believe such flags should be given the same respect as the current flag. After all, these flags were the U. S. flag of the time. Information about proper use of the flag may be obtained from several sources. Two excellent starting places are http://www.usflag.org/ and http://www.legion.org/. Respect for the flag is part of the United States Code, Title 4. Two of the items which appear to apply to this specific question are in Chapter 8, subsections (h) and (I).

Subsection (h) states, “The flag should never be used as a receptacle for receiving, holding, carrying, or delivering anything.” Subsection (I) states, “The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever. It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like, printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkin or boxes or anything that is designed for temporary use and discard. Advertising signs should not be fastened to a staff or halyard from which the flag is flown.

While the painting of a flag on a serving tray intended for use as a serving tray is not an “actual” flag, it is certainly representative of our national symbol. Such use is, at best, borderline. A better option would be to design your own red, white, and blue motif. Stars and stripes can certainly be included.

Q. One of our 4-H members is making a rather large metal item. His inspiration was seeing a similar item in a magazine. The work involved fabricating a round sheet of metal, cutting, bending, shaping, and adding candle holders. The piece will be mounted outdoors on a patio wall. He wants to exhibit this in a Visual Art class. Can he do this?

A. Sure. Metal sculpture as an art media is very appropriate for 4-H members. Just take a trip to any art store, art festival, or art museum and look at the variety of works created from metal. What exhibit class is best for this piece – Original or Technique? The originality of the piece will need to be determined by comparing the photo from the magazine (source of the idea) to the finished piece. If the member is borrowing only the concept, or making major adaptations and changes, it might be considered original art. In this class, the member will discuss the design elements/principles, how the piece fits, what message he's trying to convey with his work, and will discuss the process of creating his work.

Whether original or not, it could be exhibited in the Technique class. In this class, the member would place stronger emphasis on the process (the metal working), what he learned and how he will apply what he learned, as well as discuss the design elements/principles as needed for his work. For a stronger exhibit he would also include preliminary sketches of the piece and photos/sketches of other items he made to practice the techniques used in creating the final work of art.

Q. A 4-H member has used ideas from Better Homes and Gardens magazine to create wire candle holders. Does she need to credit the magazine and does she need to have copy/picture of the article?

A. Depending on the exhibit area, either Yes and Yes or Yes and Maybe. You didn't say, but I'm guessing this is a visual art or home improvement exhibit. If this is a visual art exhibit and the exhibit resulted in an actual item, a copy of the article is needed to properly evaluate for originality and inspiration regarding source of the design or design concept. Include credit for the idea and copy of the article. If this is a Home Improvement exhibit, credit to the source of the idea needs to be given. While the member could include a statement something like “I adapted an idea I saw in XYZ magazine” and tell about it, it would strengthen the exhibit to show the original concept and discuss the changes the member made.

Q. Can a 4-H member purchase a piece of unfinished pottery, decorate it, glaze it, and exhibit the item in a Visual Art class?

A. Yes, but not as an original artwork. There may be other appropriate exhibit classes, depending on the goal of the member, but for a Visual Art exhibit it would be entered in the Technique class – 821B. 4-H members are allowed to purchase unfinished “greenware or whiteware”, finish the item by applying the paint, glaze, etc., firing the item to set the decorative finish, and then use the appropriate methods to clean up and prepare the final item. They will discuss the technique(s) involved, how they learned the technique, and discuss design elements/principles (yes, the decorative touches have a basis in design).

Q. Some of our members want to make “crafty-type” items from kits. Some of the kits allow the members to choose colors and types of materials. Can they exhibit these items at the fair ?

A. Of course. Just not as exhibits in Visual Art classes. Items made from kits can be a great way, especially for young members, to learn a process or technique. Kits can also help members learn to follow directions and sometimes help members learn to make choices. However, the member is not creating something original, or using the process or technique they learned to create something of their own design. The Iowa 4-H Visual Arts project area has the exploration of creativity as a basis for learning. We expect the member will use what they have learned in Visual Arts to create items that express their own creative genius.

Many “crafty-type” items made from kits are designed to be used in and around the home as decorative items. Members should consider exhibit classes in the Home Improvement area as a possible showcase for these items. There may be other appropriate classes depending on the member's goal.

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Graphics used by permission of Iowa State Fair