As the summer quickly approaches, and last preparations for the Estevan Fair are being made, the Estevan Exhibition Association (EEA) is calling for talents to take part in the Domestic Art Show.
The fair will occupy the exhibition grounds June 17 and 18, with gates opening at 4 p.m. The art show will display the local amateur artists' works at the Exhibition Hall through the same days.
Anyone willing to participate should submit an entry form along with participation fee by June 8.
“Some people miss the deadline, but most we’ll accept after June 8. But there is a lot of paperwork to get ready for judges when they come in because all the judging is done prior to us opening,” said Tamera Huber, the president of the EEA.
She hopes they will receive most packages before the deadline.
The Creative Living Prize Book, which contains all details and the application form, can be found on EEA’s website and Facebook page. The printed versions can be picked up from Henders Drugs, Southern Plains Co-op grocery store in Estevan, the Estevan Public Library and the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum.
Artists can submit their creations falling under the needlework, culinary arts, crafts and photography categories. Traditionally there will be a separate section for school art as well.
Domestic Art Shows were historically a part of fairs.
“I feel that it’s important because the Domestic Art Show was part of the exhibition from the beginning; it’s part of the history. Before there were rides and stuff at fairs, what you saw was agriculture and arts and crafts. It’s important for us to keep it going,” said Huber.
Participants will need to bring their art in to the hall on June 13 or 14. The hall will be open from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. and the committee will be accepting art pieces and getting them ready to be displayed. Through the days of the fair, the show will be open for the public.
The fair is coming together as well. Even though the Calamity Cowgirls won’t be able to perform this year, there will be a lot to do on top of the West Coast Amusements midway’s rides.
“We are also looking into Hooves vs. Hags as a form of entertainment … It’s dirt bikers racing barrel racers … And then, of course, (there’s) all of the food vendors,” said Huber.
The first day, the Estevan Public Library will also be there, teaching crafts to the public. And the second day, the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum will take over this duty.
There will be a sign near the entrance telling everybody what’s going on at the fair this year.
Huber noted that from year to year the interest towards the show and the fair keeps growing. And fortunately, they have a big group of volunteers who always make it a great success.
“The Estevan Exhibition is a non-profit group, and we have a huge group of volunteers, our board members and our members that are a part of the exhibition. And the family members of all of those people. It takes all of them to pull all of this together,” said Huber.
