Summer means barbeques, camping, beaches, mosquitoes, and art fairs.
For someone like me who partakes in two arts and crafts shows per summer, I am quite caught up in the hullaballoo of it all.
But more importantly (and wonderfully!), when it comes to art appreciation, summer is also the time to take advantage of your local fairs. County fairs, state fairs, city and town fairs are all places to really get into the heart and mind and pride of artists of all sizes and ages.
There is indeed a ton of impressive art at, say, the Louvre or Metropolitan Museum of Art — but there is a ton of impressive art right out your back door, too.
Last week I went to our local county fair, jammed packed with familiarities such as funnel cakes, wild rides, and livestock competitions. It was also a showcase for local artists of all ages.
I happened to walk through the Open (exhibitors must be from the county and adjoining counties) and Senior (exhibitors must be age 62 and older) Exhibit, and was knocked out by the ribbon winners.
There was also a Junior Exhibitors Art Competition [8 – 19 years of age and in good standing with the youth organization they represent], but there was something going on in their display barn.
You could feel the passion that went into a painting or crocheted offering or a wirework necklace.
The work was as impressive as any visit to a local art gallery.
So give up some of your free time and wander the barns and stalls and booths of your local art festivals. You’ll not regret it.


I think there is not much difference between “real” art ( the price yes)and art made by people who make art as a hobby. People focus too much on what “experts” say. If you look what some hobby artist make you’ll know what I mean.
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And there is so much fantastic art out there, too! That’s why county fair art fairs and neighborhood art fairs and fancy art in the park art fairs are all places to discover new worlds and colors and designs. Love it!
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County fairs are also great places to meet your friends and neighbors.
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Take them with you! I love going to the fairs with my grandkids. I can’t believe I haven’t been visiting the barns of art and animals until recently. Never too old to start something new, I say!
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I love local fairs. They are the best! That Pipa Pig is adorable.
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Pipa! I knew that piggy looked familiar! Someone did that all by hand — how amazing. Thanks you!
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