Class List > Fine Arts > "Paint The Fair" a plein air competition

"Paint The Fair" a plein air competition

Class Fee:$60.00
WednesdayWorkshop:$60.00 (optional)
 
To clarify...
Event Registration Fee (listed as "class fee")
Wednesday Workshop Fee (optional)
 
Contest rules:
Contest is open to anyone 18 years and older. 
Artist can enter up to THREE Framed & Wired pieces for judging that were created between Wednesday at 7:00am and Friday at 4:00pm.
 
Contestants must pre-register online at VillagesFolkSchool.com by Friday July 19, 2024.  Entry fee (class fee) covers three days of the event. 
On-site check-in Wed, Thurs & Fri from 7:00-8:00am under the Van Buren County Fairgrounds grandstand. Canvases stamped and goody bags with maps handed out at sign-in. If you need to sign-in at another time, you must contact Mel at 641-919-7323 and set up a time in advance.
 
All pieces must be created between 7:00am Wednesday July 24th and 4:00pm Friday July 26th .
Wednesday & Thursday is open to painting any where in Van Buren County.  Artists are invited to admire the brick and mortar historic architecture of the villages, scenic landscapes of our state forest and state park, or perhaps a gravel road winding through the fields.  Night time painting is encouraged.
We request that Friday painting takes place on the fairgrounds only. Of coarse artists are invited to paint all three days on the fairgrounds if they like.
 
Bring your own supplies: Easel, canvas, paper, paints, pastels, frame, eyelets & wire for hanging, etc. 
 
OPTIONAL Workshop - Larry Siwek demonstration and class Wednesday morning. Plan to gather with plein air painters and kick off the competition with a demonstration by Larry. Bring your setup and plan to enjoy discussion after the demonstration, as Larry travels from easel to easel for one-on-one guidance and support. This class is offered at a discount to Paint The Fair Participants, regularly $100. 
 
Exhibit will open to the public Friday at 5 pm. 
-Artists must bring their stamped ready to hang framed paintings to the grandstand area by 4:00pm on Friday for judging.
-Your three submissions for judging need to be stamped, framed, with a horizontal wire for hanging. 
-You may hang up one additional painting for sale (painting must have been created during PTF)
-20% of each sale will proceed Villages Folk School, a non-profit organization. Please see NOTE below.
-Award Ceremony will be under the grandstand 5:15pm Friday evening. All works released at approx. 6:15pm.
 
1st Place: $500
2nd Place: $400
3rd Place: $200
Honorable Mentions $50 (2)
Several Hidden Items Cash Prizes $10each
 
Judge: Artist, David Garrison of Burlington, Iowa.
Honorary Judge: Ms. Margie of Ottumwa Radio
 
Purchase Pledges so far and adding: 
$300 Villages Folk School
$300 The Stockwells (farm scene and/or cattle)
$300 Libertyville Savings Bank
$300 Steve Kisling
$300 First Iowa State Bank  (of their lovely side garden, possibly in bloom if artists wants to add)
$300 Circle B  (of their new gas station) 
$300 Van Buren County Hospital
$300 Van Buren County Farm Bureau
 
Registration: VillagesFolkSchool.com/calendar.html
Fair Schedule: www.vanburencountyfair.com 
Lodging: villagesofvanburen.com. 
Camping: www.vbcountyconservation.com.
Camping is available at the fairgrounds. Please check in with the fairgrounds for camping in advance. 
 
NOTE: Selling from the easel is not allowed. So that the folk school may continue to offer cash prizes, painters may not sell from the easel during the competition. The 20% we receive from exhibit sales goes directly into the cash prize amount we award the painters. Thank you. 
 
This event is sponsored by the Villages Folk School of Van Buren County.
For more information contact Mel Stockwell at register@VillagesFolkSchool.com or 641-919-7323

Upcoming Classes...

  • Wednesday, Jul. 16th, 2025 and Friday, Jul. 18th, 2025 from 7:00am until 4:00pm
    Additional Details: Competition starts 7:00am Wednesday July 16th thru Friday July 18th at 4:00pm. Exhibit opens to the public at 5pm.
    Location: Van Buren County Fairgrounds - Highway 1 North • Keosauqua, IA 52565 [Map]
    Register For This Session