State Fair of West Virginia Announces 2026 Art Contest with Cash Prize
A captivating piece of art will become the face of the 101st Annual State Fair of West Virginia, as organizers have announced the return of their annual art contest. The winning submission will be designated the 2026 State Fair Print of the Year, accompanied by a cash prize and a share of sales revenue.
Celebrating Local Artistic Talent
The State Fair of West Virginia has a longstanding tradition of showcasing the creativity of local artists. “We’ve been able to feature some amazing local artists over the last few years with the official fair portrait,” a senior fair official stated. “We are excited to continue to promote our local artists and can’t wait to see what folks come up with!” This contest underscores the fair’s commitment to fostering the arts within the community and providing a platform for both emerging and established talent.
Contest Guidelines and Submission Details
Artists interested in participating should focus on creating artwork that embodies the spirit of the State Fair of West Virginia. Submissions should depict a positive image of the fair itself or capture the anticipation and preparation leading up to the annual event. Specific guidelines include:
- Artwork dimensions should be 11”x14” or 11”x17”, oriented either vertically or horizontally.
- Acceptable mediums include oil, acrylic, watercolor, and pastels. All submissions must be suitable for high-quality print reproduction.
- The contest is open to artists of all skill levels, welcoming entries from both professional and amateur creators.
To enter, artists are asked to submit a copy or digital image of their work to [email protected] by April 27, 2026.
Fair Dates and Contact Information
The 101st Annual State Fair of West Virginia is scheduled to run from August 13–22, 2026. Individuals seeking additional information about the art contest or the fair itself can contact the State Fair Office at 304-645-1090 or via email at [email protected]. This annual event continues to be a cornerstone of West Virginia’s cultural landscape, and the art contest serves as a vibrant prelude to the festivities.
