The Fairfield Arts Commission is inviting local artists to participate in its second annual Artistic Visions Challenge, a juried art competition designed to promote creativity and collaboration ahead of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
The town-wide challenge, open to artists in two age categories, ages 10 to 19 and ages 20 and older, who live, work or attend school in Fairfield. The theme is the anniversary of America’s founding 250 years ago that connects the country’s past and present.
“Fairfield played a notable role in our nation’s founding, so this gives an opportunity for artists to reflect and interpret this theme in a variety of ways,” said Mark Barnhart, Fairfield’s director of community and economic development.
The commission recently hosted a free open house and brainstorming event at the Fairfield Museum & History Center, where artists had the opportunity to ask questions, exchange ideas, and find inspiration.
Sam Goldstein, a commission member, conceived the challenge. He emphasized the value of collaboration between younger and older artists. “When young and experienced artists collaborate, they create a dynamic space where creativity knows no age,” Goldstein stated
Barnhart said about two dozen artists have registered so far. The inaugural challenge last year received twenty submissions representing eleven public and parochial schools, he said. Artists under 18 must have a parent or guardian to be a project supervisor. Submissions may be created individually or in teams of up to three people within the same age group.
Organizers said participants must attend one of the two planned collaboration events and submit an artist statement detailing their creative process and collaborative role, along with a digital representation of their final work.
First-place winners in each category will receive a $1,000 prize. And each entry must include the phrase “America’s 250th.”
For more information about the challenge visit the Fairfield Arts Commission website
