Shown are entries for photography and artwork in open class competition at the Kosciusko County Community Fair. Open class exhibits are in the Home & Family Arts Building. Photos provided.

By Darla McCammon
and DeeAnna Muraski
Guest Columnists

WARSAW — We take a break this week to celebrate our local art and artists.

Darla McCammon and DeeAnna Muraski

When the Kosciusko County Community Fair arrives, the open class competition also arrives. Like its name, open class means it is open to any adult or youth and does not require membership, which makes it different from 4-H exhibits. Specifically, of interest for this column, open class competition offers a fine arts and photography category. These categories are available to youth, adults and professional artists/photographers. The open class displays are housed at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds in the Home & Family Arts Building.

Kosciusko County is a haven for artistic talent that is showcased at the fair. The mediums used are: acrylic, mixed media, oil, watercolor, pastel, pen and ink, charcoal and sculpture. Blosser’s Photo Design Center donates for the open class Best of Show prizes. The photography category admits different types of subjects, such as animals, humans, nature, etc. The Crafts Department displays a vast array of art expressly distinct from photography and fine arts.

Of note in the fine arts area, there is a display presenting the art of Grace Village retirement community members. The ages of the retiree artists range from 55 to 105. Seeing art from the vantage point of someone older is a beautiful cacophony of bottled-up youthful excitement, blessings of life, and longevity exploding into thoughtful brushstrokes. What makes our local exhibit so much fun is the point of view of our residents or what the youngsters say on social media: POV. How do they paint our community? What do they see? What is important to them? Serenity, simplicity, beauty in all things. What do you see?

When you review the artwork, make sure you note which “category” is listed because there are first, second and third prizes for each category. Additionally, knowing the category helps you determine if the work you are looking at is from a youth, adult or professional.

Take the time to go through the exhibits and bring your children or grandchildren. You can have a great discussion about the different types of art, what interests and draws them to a particular painting, the styles of painting (is it charcoal, ink, etc.) — children love to have people ask their opinions, and they love to share what they like or do not like. Something as simple and free as doing this could spark a lifelong interest and support of art.

You can journey to the Quilting Department, which is in the same building, and ask your children or grandchildren similar questions. Several years ago, we did a series on the artistry in quilting. The colors, patterns and quilting all require a good eye for design and complementary color combinations that are pleasing. The intricacy and detail are as exacting as a fine art painting. Which colors do they like the best, which design appeals to them and what color combinations are they most interested in? There are no right or wrong answers, which helps kids speak freely.

Keep in mind for next year, anyone in the community can enter open class — it is free and easy to do. There are ribbons and monetary prizes available in each class. We are blessed with a bounty of homegrown talent in Kosciusko County.

Events

Kosciusko County Community Fair: Home & Family Arts Building at the fairgrounds, 1400 E. Smith St., Warsaw. Visit the website at www.kcfair.com. Open daily from noon to 8 p.m. until Saturday, July 13. No entry fee for Home & Family Arts Building; however, general fair admission is $8; seniors, $3; and children ages 9 and younger, free. The Home & Family Arts Building provides air conditioning and restrooms. Cool off and see great community creativity. Definitely check out the grand prize-winning peacock made out of vegetables by a very young youth.

Warsaw City Hall. Current artist Jackie Meier. Vibrant and colorful landscapes and animals. Location: 102 S. Buffalo St., Warsaw. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays. All on the first floor and handicapped-accessible.

Darla McCammon is an artist, columnist and author. DeeAnna Muraski is executive director of Operation Read USA Inc. Send an email to the mother/daughter team at [email protected].

The fine arts area of open class exhibits includes a display of artwork by retirees at Grace Village.