Erie County Fair call to artists to apply to create 2023 commemorative art

The Erie County Fair has issued a call for submissions for the inaugural commemorative poster art competition, welcoming artists (ages 18-plus) from across Western New York to submit their vision of the annual event. The chosen design will be the artwork for the 2023 commemorative Erie County Fair poster. The final piece will be unveiled to coincide with the Erie County Fair, which is running Aug. 9-20.

The inaugural Erie County Fair commemorative art program will be the first time local artists will have the opportunity to create the poster artwork exclusively for the “Best 12 Days of Summer.”

“Art can be a powerful medium used to commemorate a special event, and we are looking forward to seeing the artists’ interpretations of the Erie County Fair,” said Jessica Underberg, CEO and fair manager.

This call for submissions is open to Western New York residents ages 18 and older. There is no entry fee. The deadline for applications is Thursday, Feb. 27. The concept must be created in two-dimensional media and should include “Best 12 Days of Summer” and the year.

After applications have been received, a panel of judges will invite a short list of applicants to present and share, in an interview-like setting, their artist statement and supporting sketch/drawing of their Erie County Fair visual interpretation. Then the panel will select one official artist to finish his/her artwork.

The official artist will receive a commission of $2,500 and the final artwork will be unveiled in July. Once the artist is selected and the piece is complete, a limited number of commemorative posters will be available for purchase during the 2023 Erie County Fair. Proceeds will support the Erie County Agricultural Society scholarship fund and the 501(c)(3) mission to preserve and enhance, by educational endeavors, the agricultural and historical legacy of New York state. The original art will be on display during the 12-day run of the 2023 Fair.

For more information about this call for submissions or to view detailed application requirements, visit www.ECFair.org.

About the Erie County Fair

The Erie County Agricultural Society is a private, not-for-profit membership organization. Established in 1819, the society is the oldest civic organization in Western New York. The mission of the Erie County Agricultural Society (ECAS), sponsors of the Erie County Fair, is to preserve and enhance, by educational endeavors, the agricultural and historical legacy of New York State.

Visit www.ECFair.org.