NORWICH – Local youth, grades K-12, will have an opportunity to display their art creations for the community during the Chenango County Fair, which runs from Tuesday, Aug. 7 through Sunday, Aug. 12. Students have a chance to win a cash prize and a ribbon when they enter their works of art.

Interested kids may submit up to three works, with no more than two in each category. All art submissions are due no later than noon on Sunday, Aug. 5. There is no entry fee and students can bring their creations to the main gate at the Chenango County Fairgrounds beginning this week.

Categories for this year’s contest include drawing, painting, watercolor, graphics and computer art, pottery and sculpture, mixed media, and crafts.

This year’s contest has been separated into four grade divisions: beginner (grades K-3); intermediate (grades 4-6); junior high art (grades 7-9); and senior high art (grades 10-12)

All works must be original to the creator and have been produced in the last year. No art kits are allowed in this contest.

Upon entering their art, participants will need to fill out an application stating their grade, class and category of their creations. Best in show awards, sererate from the prize winners, will be conferred on the youth who best present their piece(s) for each grade division.

“This contest provides an opportunity for youth to get their art work out in the public and show people what they are capable of,” says Mary Weidman, president of the Chenango County Fair Association.

Despite its positive mission, youth and school arts is lacking a superintendent to take charge of organizing the contest.

“We are looking for someone who is interested in art and who wants to help develop our youth,” says Weidman.

Anyone interested in filling the position can contact the fair office at 334-9198 or Weidman at 337-1451.