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.