Eligibility

All entries must be entirely original in concept and not previously shown at The Neshoba County Fair. The Art Show judge will make final determinations of the eligibility of the artwork.

Categories

Each artist will select the category that applies. Artists wishing to sell their work after the Exhibit Hall closes must price it when submitting the entry.

  • Amateur (18 or older) – eligible for cash awards

    • Must submit entry fee of $20 for each entry
    • Cannot hold a degree in visual arts or teach visual arts at any level.
    • Has not won $500 or more in other art competitions.
    • Cannot be actively selling art.

  • Professional (18 or older) – eligible for cash awards

    • Must submit entry fee of $20 for each entry
    • Actively selling art.
    • Background in teaching or holding a degree in visual arts.
    • Earned $500 or more in previous art shows.

  • Students (17 and younger) — participation ribbons only

    •  Entry fee not required for the student categories.
    • Please do not bring art that isn’t framed or canvas, paper artwork gets torn when we are taking it down from displaying. 

Rules for Entering (all categories)

  1. Paper or paper stock works must be under Plexiglass or heavy acetate (especially for student work on paper).
  2. Work must not exceed 30 lbs.
  3. Each entry will hang the entire week of the Fair in the Exhibit Hall and may not be removed early.
  4. All works must be delivered in person (no shipping arrangements).
  5. All works must be completed and ready for hanging. Screws, eyes, nails, and wire must be affixed to paintings. NO SAWTOOTH HANGERS.
  6. Artwork must be at least 16″, including the frame.
  7. Artwork must be no larger than 4′ × 4′.
  8. All entries must be original works by the artist and completed after June 2023.

Reproduction & Liability

  • The Neshoba County Fair® reserves the right to reproduce accepted works in catalogs and press.
  • Artists should provide their own insurance. The Neshoba County Fair® Association will take every precaution against damage or theft but will not be responsible for damage or loss, whatever the cause. Submission of an entry constitutes agreement to all terms and conditions.

Steps for Entering the Art Show

  • Pre‑registration is required (all categories).
  • Each artist may submit up to two works.
  • Each work must have the artist’s name, address, title, and media on the back using the provided label.
  • All entries must be dropped off and picked up by the deadlines listed under important dates. Works not claimed by Friday, August 1 may be picked up at the Fair Office the following week (storage fee: $10).
  • Vehicles are not permitted at the Exhibit Hall for drop‑off or pick‑up.
  • Adult categories (Amateur & Professional) require a $20 entry fee per entry. Make checks payable to and mail to:
    • The Neshoba County Fair Association, Attention: Abby Jenkins/Exhibit Hall Art Show, 16800 Highway 21 South, Philadelphia, MS 39350

Important Dates

  • Fri., July 11 — Deadline for entry cards (all categories) & entry fee (adults only)
  • Sun., July 20 — First drop‑off, 2 PM – 4 PM
  • Wed., July 23 — Final drop‑off, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
  • Thu., July 24 — Artwork hung & judged
  • Fri., July 25 — Judged artwork available for viewing
  • Fri., Aug. 2 — Pickup of entries, 9 AM– 11 AM
Click here to download Art Show Entry Form
Click here to download addtional artwork tags