With less than 45 days till the deadline to enter pictures in the Van Wert County Fair’s photography exhibit, we feel it would be a good idea to let everyone know what the categories, and some of the rules, are for this year’s competition. One picture may be entered in each category in the color and in black and white divisions. However, the same color picture can not be changed to a black and white photo and entered in both divisions.

This year’s five categories are:  At the Fair,  Architecture,  Weather,   Around the Farm,  and  Transportation.

Frames must be made of wood or metal, enclosed on all four sides and have a glass or plexiglas cover to protect the photo. Frames must have screw eyes or equivalent screwed into the rear of the frame with a wire securely attached for hanging. We like to protect the photographs we hang as much as possible. When you consider how many times the pictures will be handled and the fact they are hung on a pegboard hook over a concrete floor, the extra precautions such as wire hangers are definitely worth the extra effort.

Frames can not have an opening greater than 8×10 inches. This rule is the one that probably most often causes disqualification of the picture. However, entrants have the option of remounting it in an 8×10 frame and resubmitting it before the deadline which is also true of needing screw eyes and wire for hanging.

Photographers of all ages may submit photos for judging. Youth 18 years or younger may enter the Junior Division, while any one older, will enter the Senior Division. The deadline this year is August 1.

It’s time to get started-and we’ll see you at the fair!

Please contact the Van Wert County Fair office for further questions.

If you have any questions regarding our camera club, classes or programs or would like to sign up please call the Wassenberg Art Center at 419.238.6837, email info@wassenbergartcenter.org or register for classes online at wassenbergartcenter.org. Hours during exhibits are Tuesday through Sunday 1–5 p.m. The Wassenberg Art Center is located at 643 S. Washington St. in Van Wert.