Creative Arts and Essay Contest

Purpose

Provide an opportunity to creatively educate Indiana State Fair visitors about the importance of Art, Nature and Agriculture. Provide a fun opportunity for students in grades K thru 12 to practice or enhance their art and writing skills. This contest is sponsored in part by The Department of Natural Resources.

Theme: “The Art & Nature of Fun”

Click here to download full contest information

The Indiana State Fair is celebrating the Art and Nature of Fun. Students are to submit one creative essay and/or one visual arts piece inspired by a property managed by Indiana's Department of Natural Resources properties (State Parks, Nature Preserves, State Forests, Fish & Wildlife Area, etc.). The submitted piece must creatively educate visitors to the Indiana State Fairgrounds by incorporating specific details or a notable feature about a natural resource property. The Creative Arts and Creative Writing entries will be judged and scored separately. The contest is free to enter. Each student is only allowed to enter one creative essay and one visual arts piece.

Participation by Grade

Grades K‐2

• Two-dimensional (flat) visual arts project

Grades 3‐5:

• Two-dimensional (flat) visual arts project

Grades 6‐8:

• Two-dimensional (flat) visual arts project
• Creative Essay

Grades 9‐12:

• Two-dimensional (flat) visual arts project
• Three-dimensional art project using natural materials (i.e.: wool, seeds, plant materials, wood, etc.)
• Creative Essay

Contest Prizes:

Each grade level winner selected in the arts and writing categories will receive a $50 prize.

Division winners selected in the arts and writing categories for the following divisions: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12, will receive a $100 cash prize.

Teachers of all division winners will also receive a $100 prize.

Finalist entries will be displayed during the 2024 Indiana State Fair. Please note: two-dimensional and three-dimensional visual art entries will be judged together for grade level and division winners.