The annual Union County 4-H Creative Arts Competition is an exciting opportunity for youth to showcase their skills, imagination, and artistic talents. This is a contest for each and every youth, whether they have just started art or have participated in art shows before. This annual event takes place each September, where we put on a huge event and showcase all the art work, our 4-H clubs and our livestock show.

Who Can Participate:

The Creative Arts Competition is open to all youth ages 5–18 (age is determined as of January 1 of the current year). Entries are divided into the following age groups:

• Cloverbuds (ages 5–7)
• Juniors (ages 8–10)
• Intermediates (ages 11–13)
• Seniors (ages 14–18)

Cloverbuds have their projects evaluated and receive feedback, but they are not ranked competitively. Instead, every Cloverbud receives a ribbon to celebrate.

How to enter:

To participate, families must complete the online entry form, which is posted at the appropriate time each year (typically in July or August). The form will ask for details about the youth, their age group, and the artwork they plan to submit.

It’s important to pay close attention to two key deadlines: the date the entry form must be submitted, and the date projects are due to the Union County 4-H office. The drop-off date is usually about one or two week before the Art Expo, though this may vary from year to year. Please note that entries not registered or turned in on time cannot be accepted.

Judging Criteria:

Judging is conducted by a panel of individuals who value art and are passionate about encouraging young artists. Projects are judged within both age division and category (for example, all Junior Paintings will be judged against other Junior Paintings).

While each art category has its own specific scoring system (with up to nine areas of evaluation depending on the medium), all projects are reviewed for:

• Craftsmanship – the quality and care shown in the work
• Completion – whether the project is finished
• Age Appropriateness – how the project reflects the skill level of the participant’s age group

Depending on the category, judges may also score projects on:

• Originality & Creativity – unique ideas and imaginative expression
• Use of Materials – how well chosen materials support the project
• Neatness & Presentation – overall appearance, clean work, ready for display
• Theme or Category Fit – how well the project matches the assigned category
• Design/Composition – balance, layout, and overall organization of the piece

Judges’ written comments are meant to encourage and guide future improvement.

If you have specific questions about judging or score sheets, please contact the Union County 4-H Agent.

Ribbons and more:

Each entry is judged within its age group and category. Youth may receive a blue ribbon (1st place), red ribbon (2nd place), white ribbon (3rd place), or green ribbon (4th place and below). Cloverbuds are judged separately, while their work is evaluated, every Cloverbud receives a special Cloverbud ribbon rather than being ranked competitively.

After all the artwork in an age division has been judged, the panel selects a Best of Show winner for that division, recognizing the single most outstanding piece submitted in that age group.

In addition, Champion and Reserve Champion awards are presented for Juniors, Intermediates, and Seniors.

Finally, we present Judges’ Favorite awards. The number given depends on the number of judges, but we always award at least three. A Judges’ Favorite is not necessarily the most technical or highest-scoring piece, it’s simply the artwork that spoke most strongly to that judge. It might be chosen for craftsmanship, creativity, humor, emotional impact, or any other reason that caught a judge’s attention.

Recognition Beyond Prizes:

All projects are proudly displayed at the annual 4-H Art & Club Expo, giving youth the chance to see their work showcased alongside the creativity of their peers. Families, friends, and community members are encouraged to walk through, view the exhibits, and celebrate the talent of our 4-H’ers.

In addition to judged awards, we offer a Fan Favorite recognition. Visitors can scan a QR code at the Expo and vote for the artwork they enjoyed most. This winner is determined entirely by the general public and is a fun way to let the community’s voice be part of the celebration.

Categories & Rules

General Artshow Rules:

1. Entry Deadline – All artwork must be registered and turned in by the announced deadline. Late entries will not be accepted.
2. Display Requirement – All entries must remain on display until 2:00 p.m. on the day of the show. Early removal is not allowed.

Youth Work Only (Ages 8–18) – Projects must be completed solely by the youth participant. Even if a kit is used, the youth must do all of the work themselves (for example: assembling the LEGO kit, stitching the sewing project, or painting the canvas). Parents, guardians, or leaders should not do any part of the work.

Cloverbuds (Ages 5–7) – Cloverbuds are learning by doing and may receive assistance from a parent or guardian (for example: cutting fabric for safety reasons, helping squeeze a glue bottle, or holding materials in place). However, the majority of the project should still be done by the Cloverbud so they can learn and take ownership of their work.

Entry Limits – Participants may enter no more than four pieces per category (for example, four drawings, four paintings, four sculptures, etc.). If more than four entries are submitted in a category, the extra pieces will be disqualified.

Appropriate Content – All artwork must be suitable for public display. Entries with inappropriate or offensive content will be disqualified.

New Work Only – Projects must have been created during the current 4-H program year. Previously submitted or judged entries may not be re-entered.

Judging – All judging decisions are final. Judges’ scores and comments are intended to encourage learning and growth.

Labeling – Each project must include the participant’s name, age, and the intended category securely attached.

Category Placement – A majority of the time, entries are placed in the correct category. However, in the rare case that an entry is miscategorized or judges determine it fits better in another category, the panel reserves the right to move the project with a 2/3 vote from the judges.

Size & Safety – Projects must meet size requirements for their category and be safe to display (no sharp edges, hazardous materials, or items that could break easily).

Responsibility – Union County 4-H is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.

Conduct – All participants and families are expected to demonstrate respect for others, for judges’ decisions, and for the 4-H program.

Photography

Entry Rules: Images may be printed in color or black & white. All photos must be mounted on card stock. Photos smaller than 5x7 inches or larger than 11x14 inches will not be accepted.

Subcategories:

• Nature & Landscapes – Scenic views, plants, flowers, weather, and outdoor environments (no animals as the main subject).
• Animals & Wildlife – Domestic animals, farm animals, or wildlife as the primary subject.
• People & Portraits – Individual or group portraits, candid moments, or posed photos of people.
• Action & Sports – Capturing motion or activity such as sports, performances, or fast-moving events.
• Special Effects – Creative photography using in-camera effects, lighting, or editing.
• Black & White – Images presented entirely in black and white.
• 4-H in Action – Photos of 4-H members participating in projects, events, or community service.
• Open – Any photograph that does not fit the above categories.

Painting (Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor)

• Entry Rules: Minimum size: 5x7 inches. Maximum size: 16x20 inches.

Subcategories:

• Original Painting – Entirely original design created by the participant.
• Template or Paint by Numbers – Pre-made template, stencil, or paint-by-numbers kit.

Sculptures

• Hand-formed and free-standing. No kits allowed.
• Materials may include soap, wood, clay, paper mache, wire, cloth, metal, plastic, foam, paper, plaster, etc.
• Must fit within a 2-foot square of table space. Height should remain reasonable.

Sewing

• Projects should show the ability to stitch.

Yarn Art

• Projects created using yarn as the main material. This can include wrapped designs, woven pieces, pom-pom creations, string art, or decorative wall hangings. Kits may be used but should be noted on the entry form. Judging will be based on neatness, creativity, and overall presentation.

Pottery

• Handmade, original designs of clay, fired. May be glazed or unglazed. Must be free-standing.

Drawing

• Original work. Minimum size: 5x7 inches

LEGO Designs

• May be original or modeled from kits. Please note which.
• Must be securely mounted to a base no larger than 12” x 18” x 16”.

Woodworking

• Small projects built or carved by hand or with tools (e.g., birdhouses, boxes). Must be finished for display.

Digital Art

• Original artwork created digitally. Must be printed on paper or canvas for display.

Creative Writing

• Original work such as a poem, song, short story or essay.

Jewelry Making

• Handcrafted items such as necklaces, bracelets, or earrings.

4-H Spirit

• Projects that celebrate 4-H pride (posters, banners, mixed media, etc.).
• Should incorporate 4-H symbols, mottos, or values. Must not exceed 24 inches in any direction.

Mixed Media

• Artwork must combine two or more different art materials or techniques into one finished piece (examples include paint, paper, fabric, ink, markers, natural materials, or found objects).
• Projects should be primarily created by the participant. Kits may be used but should be noted on the entry form.
• Minimum size: 5x7 inches. Maximum size: 16x20 inches. Artwork should be securely assembled and suitable for display.

Quilting

• Quilting is the process of stitching together three layers of fabric, a top layer, batting (the middle layer), and a backing, to create a finished project
• Projects must feature quilting techniques and may be hand quilted, machine quilted, or a combination of both. Entries may include quilts, wall hangings, table runners, placemats, pillows, or other quilted items. Kits and patterns may be used but should be noted on the entry form. Maximum size: Twin-size quilt.

Embroidery

• Embroidery is the art of decorating fabric using a needle and thread to create designs, patterns, lettering, or pictures. Entries may be hand embroidered or machine embroidered and may include items such as hoops, clothing, towels, pillows, bags, or other fabric projects. Kits and patterns may be used but should be noted on the entry form.

Needle Felting

• Needle felting is the process of using a barbed felting needle to shape and bond wool fibers into a design or sculpture. Entries may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional and should be primarily made from wool roving or other felting fibers. Projects must be securely constructed and suitable for display. Kits may be used but should be noted on the entry form.

Weaving

• Weaving is the process of interlacing threads, yarn, fabric strips, or other materials to create a finished textile or design. Entries may be created using a loom or by hand and may include wall hangings, rugs, baskets, placemats, or other woven projects. Kits and patterns may be used but should be noted on the entry form.

Crochet

• Crochet is the process of creating fabric by using a crochet hook to loop yarn into interconnected stitches. Entries may include blankets, scarves, hats, stuffed animals (amigurumi), clothing, bags, home décor, or other crocheted items. Projects may be made from a pattern or an original design. Kits and patterns may be used but should be noted on the entry form.

Knitting

• Knitting is the process of creating fabric by interlocking loops of yarn using two or more knitting needles or a knitting loom. Entries may include blankets, scarves, hats, socks, sweaters, stuffed animals, home décor, or other knitted items. Projects may be created from a pattern or an original design. Kits and patterns may be used but should be noted on the entry form.

Fabric Arts

• Fabric arts include decorating or transforming fabric using artistic techniques such as tie-dye, fabric painting, fabric markers, fabric stamping, bleach art, batik, fabric appliqué, or similar methods. Entries may include clothing, tote bags, pillowcases, banners, table linens, or other fabric items. Kits may be used but should be noted on the entry form.

Open Category

• For creative projects that do not fit another category. Must be original, safe to display, and reasonable in size.
  

Disclaimer: Union County 4-H is not responsible for any missing or damaged pieces.

Prizes

Participants will receive the following:

Scholarship Bucks may be used toward Union County 4-H summer camps, overnight camps, activities, livestock/horse competition entries, or purchases in the 4-H Store.