Fine Arts Competition

Updated for 2024

This art competition is intended to encourage artists to participate in the Festival with their entries featuring sheep- or wool-related subjects. The competition is open to ALL artists. Size limitation is a maximum of 48 inches in any direction, including frame. All entries must be suitably framed and equipped for hanging with D-rings and picture wire. Absolutely no sawtooth hangers.

Artists are eligible to enter two pieces of work in every class. All entries must have been completed since the 2023 Festival.


Adult Division

Classes

  • 1.  Oil
  • 2.  Watercolor
  • 3.  Pastel
  • 4.  Acrylic
  • 5.  Graphics (charcoal, pencil, pen & ink, block printing, etc.)
  • 6.  Featured Breed – Cotswold (any medium #1-5)
  • 7.   Miscellaneous (tapestry, sculpture, etc.)

Prizes

  • 1st – $20
  • 2nd – $15
  • 3rd – $10
  • 4th – $5
  • Best of Show – $100
  • Reserve – $50
  • Best Maryland Resident Entry – $50

Junior Division (ages 16 years and under as of January 1)

Classes

  • 8.  Oil
  • 9.  Watercolor
  • 10.  Pastel
  • 11.  Acrylic
  • 12.  Graphics (charcoal, pencil, pen & ink, block printing, etc.)
  • 13.  Featured Breed – Cotswold (any medium #8-12)
  • 14.  Miscellaneous (tapestry, sculpture, etc.)

Prizes

  • 1st – $12
  • 2nd – $10
  • 3rd – $7
  • 4th – $4
  • Best of Show – $35
  • Reserve – $20
  • Best Maryland Resident Junior Entry – $20

How to Enter

Entries are to be delivered to the Main Exhibition Annex on Friday, May 3, between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. All items must be submitted in person and claimed on Sunday by the person submitting them. Judging will be at 5:00 p.m. on Friday.

All entries must remain on display throughout the Festival and will not be released before 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 5. Premium money will be forfeited for any entries removed earlier.

All entries must be claimed by 5:30 p.m. that evening. Any pieces not picked up become the property of the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival.

The Festival Committee assumes no responsibility for damage or loss of entries, but will make every effort to display and care for all the art pieces entered.

There is no entry fee.

For information contact:
Michele McGuiness, Fine Arts Chairperson
301-528-8850 or

 

2024 Festival Gear Now Available

A selection of 2024 Festival Merchandise is now available. We have short-sleeved t-shirts, long-sleeved hooded t-shirts, three styles of bags, and two sizes of posters. Click "Read More" for details on how you can get yours!

Schedule of Events

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The Festival would not be possible without volunteer help. Please consider giving a couple of hours of your time so we can continue to make this the great event it is. Volunteer opportunities start with set-up day, continue through t-shirt folding during the week and everything that needs to be done on Festival weekend, and culminates with tear down on Sunday night. Head on over to the sign-up site at www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0945ABA72BAAFA7-49093365-2024 to choose the tasks and times that work best for you!Everyone who volunteers in advance to work on Festival weekend receives free admission to the Festival on the day they volunteer. Everyone who volunteers also gets a volunteer shirt, a unique souvenir which is NOT available to the general public.Additional information about volunteering can be found at sheepandwool.org/participate/volunteer/. #mdsw #mdsw2024 #volunteersrock ... See MoreSee Less
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We are excited to welcome Meagan Condon to Maryland Sheep and Wool this year. She is teaching several half-day spinning classes including Spin the Yarn You Need: Understanding Wheel Adjustments, What the Fluff? All About Loft, Drape or Disaster, Divide and Conquer- Deconstructing Double-Coated Fleece, What to Do with that Braid You Just Bought, and Why Does Wool Do That? Meagan is an internationally published writer and fiber artist with extensive experience teaching the art of making yarn. She resides on twenty acres outside of Kansas City where she has a fiber studio with space for growing dye and fiber plants and exploring her vast fiber interests including the microscopy of fiber, breed studies, and the science behind textiles. Over the last decade, Meagan has been making a name for herself teaching at fiber retreats and conferences across North America. Meagan is a prolific writer, and her articles have appeared in Ply, Spin-Off, and The Wheel magazines. Follow her on Social Media at Luthvarian Fiber Arts. Limited seats are available for her classes...sign up today at www.lessonface.com/arts-lessons/maryland-sheep-wool-festival#mdsw #mdsw2024 #marylandsheepandwoolfestival #handspinning #handspinningyarn #handspinningclass ... See MoreSee Less
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Information about this year's auctions is now available on our website:--Saturday auction of spinning and weaving equipment: sheepandwool.org/festival/auction-of-spinning-and-weaving-equipment/--Sunday auction of sheep equipment and supplies: sheepandwool.org/festival/auction-of-sheep-equipment-and-supplies/The auctioneer who has done the Saturday auction for the past several years is returning. He will be taking care of both auctions this year, and he will also be bringing a team which will be handling the entire process, from check-in to check-out. We have a new commission structure, and we've gathered some information from veteran attendees to help everyone get the most out of the experience:--Tips for Sellers: sheepandwool.org/tips-for-sellers-auction-of-spinning-and-weaving-equipment/--Tips for Buyers: sheepandwool.org/tips-for-buyers/I also hear that the Saturday auction is a great place to people watch, even if you aren't buying or selling! ... See MoreSee Less
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