Fine Arts Building Rules & Classes

Department 80: Fine Arts

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Superintendent
Alan Weaver
Sedalia, MO
Email: mostatefairarts@gmail.com,
Phone: 660-281-8535

This project is supported in part by Missouri Arts Council and an award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Missouri Arts Council and Art Works logo

Judges
Missouri 50 and Missouri Junior 50
Grant Kniffen: Artist/Educator

Open Division
Professional & Amateur
Victoria Weaver: Artist/Meseum Educator

Photography
Gerald Schlomer: Photographer

Porcelain Art
Richard Conn: Artist

Artists-in-Residence

August 13 – 17
Artist: Jennifer Wilkerson

August 15 – 16
Artist: Susan Sanders

August 17 – 21
Artist: Janis Burgin

August 19 – 23
Artist: Cheri Peters

August 22 – 23
Artist: Casey Babb

Exhibitors must comply with all general rules and regulations and requirements for exhibitors in this premium book.

Violation of these rules may result in any or all of the following:

  1. Withholding or return of payment for the animal or exhibit, premiums and awards.
  2. Suspension from future exhibiting at the Missouri State Fair for a length of time to be determined by the Missouri State Fair Commission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Commission. Suspensions can be for any length of time and may be permanent.
  3. Probationary exhibiting at the Missouri State Fair for a length of time and under such terms and conditions to be determined by the Missouri State Fair Commission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Commission.
  4. Assessment of any other penalty determined by the Missouri State Fair Commission or the Director of the Missouri State Fair on behalf of the Commission.

Premiums

Amount offered in this department by State Fair………………..$5,960
Amount offered by Mo. State Assn. of China Painters………..$275
Total amount offered in this Department………………………….$6,235

Section 80A: Missouri Junior 50 Competition

Amount offered in this section by State Fair……………………………..$320

Professionally judged competition with 4 awards of $80 each. Merit awards at the discretion of the judge.

Late entries will be accepted until 5 p.m., August 8, with the addition of $10 late fee per exhibitor.

Sponsored by Missouri Arts Council

Official Rules and Regulations

  1. All exhibitors must be junior high or high school students (grades 7-12), and those who have just graduated high school in 2025, and a resident of Missouri. An entry fee of $2.50 per piece, limit two (2) pieces. Make checks or money orders payable to Missouri State Fair. DO NOT SEND CASH.
  2. The Missouri State Fair does not guarantee premium money, merchandise, prizes or special awards. Because the State Fair Commission is without constitutional or statutory authority to borrow money for its operation, it reserves the right to prorate premium money because of state budget restraints.
  3. Work must be original work by the artist entering and not previously shown at the Missouri State Fair and completed during junior high or high school. Exhibitors may submit two (2) entries. Works of fine art in all media will be accepted for entry. Entry blank must be received by July 21, 2026.
  4. Art work will be accepted Saturday, August 1, Saturday, August 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, August 9 from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Fine Arts Building. If you cannot deliver your work at the designated times, please make arrangements to have someone else deliver your work for you. Artwork will not be accepted before August 1. Last day to deliver artwork is August 9, 5 p.m. NO EXCEPTIONS. If shipping, ship prepaid to arrive by August 1, to the Fine Arts Department, Missouri State Fair, 2503 W. 16th St., Sedalia, MO 65301. If return shipment is requested, a $25 handling fee is due upon receipt of the work and prepaid return postage. Make checks or money orders payable to the Missouri State Fair. DO NOT SEND CASH.
  5. All paintings, graphics, photographs and drawings must be mounted on matt board. NO POSTER BOARD WILL BE ACCEPTED.
  6. Due to limited display space, art work may not exceed 24″ in height and three (3) dimensional work may not exceed 2 cubic feet, unless the Superintendent has given permission. We have room for 1 or 2 larger pieces.
  7. Artist must provide any special materials and do installation for three (3) dimensional works requiring a special presentation.
  8. The artist’s signature verifies the understanding that all work submitted is at the artist’s own risk. The Missouri State Fair cannot assume responsibility for lost or damaged art work. Any insurance coverage must be provided by the artist.
  9. The primary audience of the Missouri State Fair consists of families and youth. The Missouri State Fair reserves the right to reject any works of art that may be considered objectionable by that audience.
  10. Exhibitor tags will be available at check in. Exhibitor tags will NOT be mailed to the exhibitor.
  11. Artwork may be picked up at the Fine Arts Building on Sunday, August 23, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. or Monday, August 24, between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.. There will be one more pickup time at the Fine Arts Building on Saturday, August 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.. Any artwork not picked up by 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 29 will become property of the Missouri State Fair unless prior arrangements have been made.
  12. Work that is for sale will be charged a 25% commission if sold during the Fair. Please price your piece accordingly. No changes are permitted as to price, item or title, after tags are printed.

Section 80B: Open Division: Professional & Amateur

Amount offered in this section by State Fair……………………………$1,800

Professionally judged competition.

Professional: 7 awards of $140 each and Amateur: 10 awards of $82 each. Merit awards at the discretion of the judge.

Open to all media.

Late entries will be accepted until 5 p.m., August 8, with the addition of $10 late fee per exhibitor.

Official Rules and Regulations

  1. All exhibitors must be eighteen years of age or older and a resident of Missouri. An entry fee of $5.00 per piece, limit two (2) pieces. Make checks or money orders payable to Missouri State Fair. DO NOT SEND CASH. Entries must be received by July 21. There will be no extension of deadline unless prior arrangements have been made with the Fine Arts Superintendent.
  2. The Missouri State Fair does not guarantee premium money, merchandise, prizes or special awards. Because the State Fair Commission is without constitutional or statutory authority to borrow money for its operation, it reserves the right to prorate premium money because of state budget restraints.
  3. Work must be original work by the artist entering and not previously shown at the Missouri State Fair and completed within the last three (3) years. Exhibitors may submit two (2) entries. It is the responsibility of the artist to decide which category to enter either Amateur or Professional. Works of fine art in all media will be accepted for entry. Artists may also enter the Photography and Porcelain Art divisions. All rules and entry fees in other divisions will apply.
  4. Artwork will be accepted Saturday, August 1, Saturday, August 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, August 9 from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Fine Arts Building. If you cannot deliver your work at the designated times, please make arrangements to have someone else deliver your work for you. Artwork will not be accepted before August 1. Last day to deliver artwork is August 9, 5 p.m. NO EXCEPTIONS. If shipping, ship prepaid to arrive by August 1, to the Fine Arts Department, Missouri State Fair, 2503 W. 16th St., Sedalia, MO 65301. If return shipment is requested, a $25 handling fee is due upon receipt of the work and prepaid return postage. Make checks or money orders payable to the Missouri State Fair. DO NOT SEND CASH.
  5. Two dimensional work must be ready to hang equipped with securely attached braided picture wire. No saw tooth, cardboard pop-out or plastic hangers will be accepted. Due to limited display space, 2 dimensional art work may not exceed 36 square feet.
  6. Artist must provide any special materials and do installation for three dimensional works requiring a special presentation.
  7. The artist’s signature verifies the understanding that all work submitted is at the artist’s own risk. The Missouri State Fair cannot assume responsibility for lost or damaged art work. Any insurance coverage must be provided by the artist.
  8. The primary audience of the Missouri State Fair consists of families and youth. The Missouri State Fair reserves the right to reject any works of art that may be considered objectionable by that audience.
  9. Exhibitor tags will be available at check in. Exhibitor tags will NOT be mailed to the exhibitor.
  10. Artwork may be picked up at the Fine Arts Building on Sunday, August 23, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. or Monday, August 24, between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.. There will be one more pickup time at the Fine Arts Building on Saturday, August 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.. Any artwork not picked up by 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 29 will become property of the Missouri State Fair unless prior arrangements have been made.
  11. Work that is for sale will be charged a 25% commission if sold during the Fair. Please price your piece accordingly.

Section 80C: Photography Division

Amount offered in this section by State Fair………………………………$384

Professionally judged competition with 8 awards of $48 each. Merit awards at the discretion of the judge.

Late entries will be accepted until 5 p.m., August 8, with the addition of $10 late fee per exhibitor.

NEW for this year only our photography exhibit will be designated the “American Photo Gallery”.

The 250th anniversary of the American Revolution is an auspicious moment in history and we are asking photographers to submit works which celebrate our great nation and its vast array of people, places and purpose.

Official Rules and Regulations

  1. All exhibitors must be eighteen years of age or older and a resident of Missouri. An entry fee of $2.50 per piece, limit two (2) pieces. Make checks or money orders payable to Missouri State Fair. DO NOT SEND CASH. Entries must be received by July 21.
  2. The Missouri State Fair does not guarantee premium money, merchandise, prizes or special awards. Because the State Fair Commission is without constitutional or statutory authority to borrow money for its operation, it reserves the right to prorate premium money because of state budget restraints.
  3. Work must be original work by the artist entering and not previously shown at the Missouri State Fair and completed within the last three (3) years.
  4. Artwork will be accepted Saturday, August 1, Saturday, August 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, August 9 from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Fine Arts Building. If you cannot deliver your work at the designated times, please make arrangements to have someone else deliver your work for you. Artwork will not be accepted before August 1. Last day to deliver artwork is August 9, 5 p.m. NO EXCEPTIONS. If shipping, ship prepaid to arrive by August 1, to the Fine Arts Department, Missouri State Fair, 2503 W. 16th St., Sedalia, MO 65301. If return shipment is requested, a $25 handling fee is due upon receipt of the work and prepaid return postage. Make checks or money orders payable to the Missouri State Fair. DO NOT SEND CASH.
  5. Exhibitors may submit two (2) entries. Photograph may be any size up to 11″ x 14″ and must be permanently mounted on 11″ x 14″ stiff board, sometimes call foam core. No Poster Board. Overall finished size must be 11″ x 14″. Double matting or window matting is permitted. Overall thickness not to exceed 1/4″. Artwork in the Photography Division is displayed on narrow shelves, side by side, and the 11″ x 14″ overall size requirement allows room for many entries and gives an overall neat and consistent look to the exhibit. Please follow the guidelines and be sure the outside dimensions of your artwork are 11″ x 14″, even if the photograph is much smaller than 11″ x 14″. Photographs may be shrink wrapped or covered with acetate. No frames or hanging materials are permitted. Work not meeting these requirements will not be shown.
  6. The artist’s signature verifies the understanding that all work submitted is at the artist’s own risk. The Missouri State Fair cannot assume responsibility for lost or damaged art work. Any insurance coverage must be provided by the artist.
  7. The primary audience of the Missouri State Fair consists of families and youth. The Missouri State Fair reserves the right to reject any works of art that may be considered objectionable by that audience.
  8. Exhibitor tags will be available at check in. Exhibitor tags will NOT be mailed to the exhibitor.
  9. Artwork may be picked up at the Fine Arts Building on Sunday, August 23, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. or Monday, August 24, between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.. There will be one more pickup time at the Fine Arts Building on Saturday, August 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.. Any artwork not picked up by 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 29 will become property of the Missouri State Fair unless prior arrangements have been made.
  10. Work that is for sale will be charged a 25% commission if sold during the Fair. Please price your piece accordingly.

Section 80D: Porcelain Art (China Painting)

Amount offered in this section by State Fair…………………………$256
Amount offered by Mo. State Assn. of China Painters …………..$275
Total amount offered ………………………………………………………..$531

Late entries will be accepted until 2 p.m., August 8, with the addition of $10 late fee per exhibitor.

Official Rules and Regulations

  1. All exhibitors must be eighteen years of age or older and a resident of Missouri. An entry fee of $1.00 per piece will apply. Make checks or money orders payable to Missouri State Fair. DO NOT SEND CASH.
  2. The Missouri State Fair does not guarantee premium money, merchandise, prizes or special awards. Because the State Fair Commission is without constitutional or statutory authority to borrow money for its operation, it reserves the right to prorate premium money because of state budget restraints.
  3. Work must be original work by the artist entering, and not previously shown at the Missouri State Fair and completed within the last three (3) years.
  4. When there is only one (1) exhibit in a class, the exhibitor will receive half of the premium money for the placing awarded by the judge.
  5. Artwork will be accepted Saturday, August 1, Saturday, August 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, August 9 from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Fine Arts Building. If you cannot deliver your work at the designated times, please make arrangements to have someone else deliver your work for you. Artwork will not be accepted before August 1. Last day to deliver artwork is August 9, 5 p.m. NO EXCEPTIONS. If shipping, ship prepaid to arrive by August 1, to the Fine Arts Department, Missouri State Fair, 2503 W. 16th St., Sedalia, MO 65301. If return shipment is requested, a $25 handling fee is due upon receipt of the work and prepaid return postage. Make checks or money orders payable to the Missouri State Fair. DO NOT SEND CASH.
  6. Exhibitors may submit two (2) entries in each class.
  7. Porcelain artists may also enter other Fine Arts divisions. All rules and entry fees in other divisions will apply.
  8. Plate stands or easels should accompany porcelain art entries in order for china to be displayed properly. Be sure to label stands and easels with your name.
  9. The artist’s signature verifies the understanding that all work submitted is at the artist’s own risk. The Missouri State Fair cannot assume responsibility for lost or damaged art work. Any insurance coverage must be provided by the artist.
  10. The primary audience of the Missouri State Fair consists of families and youth. The Missouri State Fair reserves the right to reject any works of art that may be considered objectionable by that audience.
  11. Exhibitor tags will be available at check in. Exhibitor tags will NOT be mailed to the exhibitor.
  12. Artwork may be picked up at the Fine Arts Building on Sunday, August 23, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. or Monday, August 24, between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.. There will be one more pickup time at the Fine Arts Building on Saturday, August 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.. Any artwork not picked up by 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 29 will become property of the Missouri State Fair unless prior arrangements have been made.
  13. Work that is for sale will be charged a 25% commission if sold during the Fair. Please price your piece accordingly. No changes are permitted as to price, item or title, after tags are received by the artist. Any change must be authorized by the Fine Arts Superintendent.

Class

  • 1 Florals
  • 2 Fruits & Vegetables
  • 3 Portraits
  • 4 Animals, Birds, Fish, Insects
  • 5 Scenes
  • 6 Miniatures (6″ or less)
  • 7 Special Techniques
  • 8 Lusters
    • First Place: $40, Second Place: $20, Third Place: $8, 4th Place: HM
    • A rosette will be awarded for “Best of Show”, provided by the Missouri State Association of China Painters.

Section 80E: Missouri 50 Competition

34th Annual Juried Professional Fine Art Exhibit.

Amount offered in this section by State Fair………………………$3,200

An entry fee of $5.00 per piece, limit two (2) pieces.

4 cash awards of $700 and 4 cash awards of $100

Open to all media.

Sponsored by Missouri Arts Council

Please read rules carefully, there are some changes.

Official Rules and Regulations

(General Rules and Regulations also apply to this section.)

  1. The Missouri State Fair does not guarantee premium money, merchandise, prizes or special awards. Because the State Fair Commission is without constitutional or statutory authority to borrow money for its operation, it reserves the right to prorate premium money because of state budget restraints.
  2. All exhibitors must be at least eighteen years of age and residents of Missouri. Work must be original, produced within the last 3 years and not previously shown at the Missouri State Fair in any fine art division. Works of fine art in all media will be accepted for entry. Paintings and 3-dimensional wall hangings must be wired and ready to hang. No clip type or plastic poster frames or saw-tooth hangers will be permitted. Wall pieces may not exceed 84″ in height. Three-dimensional art weighing over 150 pounds or requiring special installation must be installed by artist. All pieces must be able to fit through a standard doorway. All works exhibited must remain for the duration of the Fair. The Missouri State Fair reserves the right to reject work that does not conform to the entry specification.
  3. Each artist may enter a total of TWO artworks; by submitting 8×10 photographs. One (1) photograph each for 2-D works and up to two (2) photographs each for 3-D works. Securely attach a 3″ x 5″ label to the back of each photograph, providing the following information from your entry blank – 1) artists name; 2) entry number (1 or 2); 3) title of artwork; 4) year produced; 5) media; 6) dimensions – height x width x depth (if applicable). Juror will select 50 artworks for the exhibit, by reviewing the 8″ x 10″ photographs. Accepted work that differs significantly from the 8″ x 10″ photograph will not be installed. Juror will decide on awards by viewing the installed exhibit on the morning of August 7. Photographs of work will become the property of the Missouri State Fair. The Missouri State Fair and Missouri Arts Council reserve the right to reproduce accepted entries in catalogs and promotional materials.

NOTE: PROVISION FOR LIGHTWEIGHT HANGING INSTALLATION

We now have permanently installed a simple grid of steel cables above the central area of the Mo. 50 Gallery. This grid is approximately 10 feet from the floor and is intended to suspend lightweight artworks / installation type sculpture. Artists are encouraged to enter artworks or proposals for artworks utilizing this cable system. Contact Alan Weaver, Fine Arts Superintendent, at 660-281-8535 with questions.

  1. Enclose a self-addressed, stamped (repeat: stamped – Missouri State Fair will not add postage for the return of notification) #10 business size envelope (4.25″ h x 9.5″ w) with entry for return of notification of acceptance or rejection. Please mail entry with 8″ x 10″ photograph(s) of artwork to: Missouri State Fair, Fine Arts Department, 2503 West 16th Street, Sedalia, MO 65301. Failure to comply with specifications may result in disqualification of entry. All entries must be received by July 1, 2026.
    NOTICE: Your work has not been accepted or declined until you receive an official notification letter from the Fine Arts Department Superintendent.
  2. If neither of your artworks is juried into the Missouri 50 Exhibition, they may be exhibited in the Open Professional division with no further fee. Entry forms from which no artworks have been selected will be moved into the Open Professional section and you have only to deliver your work to be included. We want to exhibit your artwork and appreciate your efforts. If any of your artworks are juried into the Mo. 50 Exhibition – CONGRATULATIONS! – You may also show other works in any of our other exhibits but must follow the usual steps for entry including forms and fees.
  3. Artwork will be accepted Saturday, August 1, Saturday, August 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, August 9 from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Fine Arts Building. If you cannot deliver your work at the designated times, please make arrangements to have someone else deliver your work for you. Artwork will not be accepted before August 1. Last day to deliver artwork is August 9, 5 p.m. NO EXCEPTIONS. If shipping, ship prepaid to arrive by August 1, to the Fine Arts Department, Missouri State Fair, 2503 W. 16th St., Sedalia, MO 65301. If return shipment is requested, a $25 handling fee is due upon receipt of the work and prepaid return postage. Make checks or money orders payable to the Missouri State Fair. DO NOT SEND CASH. A written notification of acceptance into the Missouri Top 50 will include a request that you email the Superintendent to confirm your knowledge that you have been accepted. Please also include in the email a brief artist statement which will be posted along-side your artwork.
  4. Artwork may be picked up at the Fine Arts Building on Sunday, August 23, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. or Monday, August 24, between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.. There will be one more pickup time at the Fine Arts Building on Saturday, August 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.. Any artwork not picked up by 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 29 will become property of the Missouri State Fair unless prior arrangements have been made.
  5. The artist’s signature signifies the understanding that all work submitted is at the artist’s own risk. The Missouri State Fair cannot assume responsibility for lost or damaged art work while in the Fair’s possession or in transit. Any insurance coverage must be provided by the artist.
  6. The primary audience of the Missouri State Fair consists of families and youth. Works submitted should reflect the audience. The Missouri State Fair reserves the right to not install work that is inappropriate for its audience.
  7. The Missouri State Fair will retain 25% commission on all sales directly attributed to the exhibition. Artwork must be priced accordingly. The artist is responsible for delivery of artwork sold.