Art
Why travel to the Big City when the Durham Fair has its own art gallery? From traditional painting and drawing to mixed media and recycled art, there are art categories to tempt both museum-goers and artists alike.
We also offer fun activities for the whole family, such as our Art Detective Scavenger Hunt and Sketchbook Challenge, described below. So drop by the Art Department, where you’re sure to find (or design!) a masterpiece to make the Fair even more memorable!
Yearly Categories Include:
- Painting (oil, acrylic, watercolor)
- Drawing (pencil, colored pencil, pastel, pen & ink, charcoal, etc.)
- Portraits of people, flowers, trees, animals
- Scapes (land, sea, farm, city, plein air)
- Still Lifes (plant, food, mixed)
- Mixed Media (2- or 3 dimensions)
- Eco-Art (using recycled materials)
- Humor in Art (parody, trompe l’oeil, humorous topic)
- Sculpture
- Printmaking
- Folk Art (any medium)
- Fiber Art
- Leatherwork
- Miscellaneous (please review entry rules)
- Miniatures
- Art Inspired by Art
- Art produced when 75 years or older
Special Categories for 2026, Any Medium
- Red, White or Blue: Create primarily using Blue, White, or Red.
- History: The subject depicting an historical image.
- Stars or Stripes: A strong presence of stars or stripes.
- America the Beautiful: Personal Skills common theme, using any medium create a piece of art that best represents beauty in America.
Art Detective Scavenger Hunt
Kids of ages love this popular contest that lets them earn a fair ribbon! All they have to do is identify enlarged snapshots of portions of the year’s Art Department entries. Available Thursday through Sunday.
Sketchbook Challenge Friday
Artists 16 and up are invited to sketch a scene from Friday’s Fair. Register at the Art Department, and we’ll supply the paper, sketchbook. We have a limited supply of sketching materials, you are welcome to use your own. Entries must be turned in by 9 PM Friday. Fairgoers will judge the entries all day Saturday and the winner will earn a special rosette!
Get updates from the Art Department
Calling All Exhibitors
Learn more about exhibiting at the Durham Fair by visiting the 2026 Exhibitor Information page. You will find a listing of categories, rules and regulations, as well as special awards available for our winners.
Become an Exhibitor
