Be Part of a Tradition

The Ohio State Fair started in 1850, and although the fine arts category of scale and minature work didn't start then , it's been a long standing part of the fair for over 30 years now. Every year, CMS sponsors the Miniature Division of the Annual Fine Arts competition, at the Ohio State Fair. Awards including cash prizes, and the highly coveted First Place Blue Ribbon are given out in more than half a dozen scale categories.

who Dosen't Want to be a blue ribbon winner?

The minature art competition is for amatuers, not professionals. Although kits may be used as the starting point the final creation must be by the entrant. There are seven different categories for your creations, with first, second, and third places available by judging. Try one or try them all! Details about how to enter may be found here: www.ohiostatefair.com/p/get-involved/fine-arts

creative categories

DOLL HOUSE 1:12 scale, multiple room structure, must be complete with furnishings and accessories DOLL HOUSE 1:24 or 1:48 scale, multiple room structure, must be complete with furnishing and accessories THEMED VIGNETTE A single scene or room, any scale, complete with furnishing and accessories SINGLE PIECE ART Any scale, a single piece of work made completely by the entrant. Examples would include pottery, food, dolls, painting, rugs, quilts, a piece of furniture and so on OPEN CATEGORY Any scale miniature that doesn't fit into one of the other categories. Examples would include Dungeon andl Dragons Pieces crafted by the entrant, scale models, action figure models, market stalls, and the like. LEGOS are exluded. YOUTH CATEGORY Any item that fits into any category listed above that has been created by an up-and-coming artist between the ages of 8 and 17 CATEGORY CHANGES The judges reserve the right to change your original category selection if your entry appears to fit into another category better. This will not hamper your entry nor will any change be taken into consideration when judging. The judges are looking for solid construction and correct use of scale, overall design impression, overall appeal of furnishing and accessories, and overall presentation.

Best in Show and People's Choice Award

Some times an item exceeds their category, everything about it is simply above and beyond, and so the judges award one entry The Best in Show each year. Other times, it's not about the official judging, it's about what everyone else thinks. This is why CMS also offers The People's Choice Award. Open to everyone in every category, the viewing public has a say in what they like best.

Tips and Tricks

Proper scale is critically important! Every entry must be consistently built to the scale of your choice. Scales include 1:6; 1:12; 1:24; 1:48; 1:144. You may enter multiple scales in multiple categories.

Furnishings and accessories must be anchored to the structure, this helps avoid damage when pieces are moved for display.

Attach a 5"x8" card with details such as scale, construction, design, and official entry number. These details will be used for judging. Your name should be on the back of the card.

Carefully consider how you want your piece to be displayed as this is part of the judging. Be sure to provide everything needed to make the most of your entry.