The Kandiyohi County Fair results are in and I’m really proud of how I did this year. It was the 8th year in a row for me to receive the SWEEPSTAKES ribbon for most 1st place in all of Division P Crafts (Needlework / Adult Crafts - including scrapbooking / Photography - including amateur, advanced amateur and professional / and Woodworking).
My next most prized accomplishment is the BEST OF SHOW ribbon which was also for all of Division P Crafts. This is the 4th consecutive year that I have attained this.
I got at least one Award of Merit for the best entry in Fine Arts.
Now on to the ribbon count for individual entries:
67 first place (13 in Professional Photography, all 14 in scrapbooking and all 40 in fine arts)
8 second place in Professional Photography and only 3 entries without a ribbon.
Photography was the most competitive. I was in Advanced Amateur last year but had to move up to Professional Photography this year because of the number of 1st place that I previously received. I was concerned about this change, but challenges and competition force us to improve. At the end of the day, I still received more 1st place and 2nd place photography ribbons than anyone else in all three photography categories.
I appreciate all the kind words of support that have been given to me from you my friends throughout the year as I post some of my favorites here. At least now you won’t have to hear me talking about the fair for several more months.
Terri, congratulations. Nice to have your accomplishments recognized. We here on the forum know you are a winner & a standout professional. Waiting to see what you will do this year. Again, congratulations. Jim
Thanks Brenda @Brenda . I’m in my happy place when working on artwork and having a goal like the fair results in learning more and drawing more. It’s self-imposed stress when getting close to the deadline, but so worth it.
Thanks for your kind words. Only the “big special ribbons” go on the wall. The rest is stuffed in an envelope with the year written on the outside. The problem is finding enough space to hang the actual artwork that I have fallen in love with.
Hi Terri, thank you so much for your kind words! My creative writing project is getting bigger and bigger so I decided to spend three more months on it. Are you going to take some rest after the county fair?
My August schedule is crazy with guardianship tasks and other personal stuff that needs to be taken care of. That means less time for artwork. I’m still trying to fit in some drawing time because it is my happy place. At least I’m not trying to meet a deadline with the artwork.
Congratulations! I don’t think any of us are surprised at how well you did. You have been blessed with amazing talent. Your dedication, discipline and love of what you do helps explain that high ribbon count. We’re all proud of you!
So, are you going to add a room to your studio to display your gazillion ribbons?
Hi Bill @pottsie
Your super kind words really made my day. I’m picking up my entries this morning . Hanging ribbons is low priority since it’s the actual artwork that I don’t have enough room for.
How did your fair turn out? You were competing at a much higher (state) level.
I entered six drawings this year and I was pleased to win a third place in pastels on my American Flag pastel. Matt critiqued it June 1st.
I must say that I expected to get something on a couple other entries like my Indian portraits in charcoal and the red barn pastel, but there were many great entries. After judging floral for two years, I realize how difficult it is to be a judge. I strive so hard to be fair. (I’m sure Matt would have much he could say about this). I realize that when someone enters a competition, they are proud of their work. This year was easier than my first. I knew what to expect and I had a plan for making my decisions. There was no second guessing on my part this year. Judges can only judge three years in a row. One more year for me and I will then probably enter an arrangement or two in floral!
Oh, also, the fair each year has a theme and this year it was “Art and Nature of Fun”. So I entered the pastel of my granddaughters at the beach (recently reviewed by Matt). It seemed to perfectly fit the theme. When we visited the fair I noticed that the picture was displayed with watercolors instead of its proper place under Fair Theme. I questioned the person in charge about this and he looked into it. Although the pastel was registered and tagged properly, it somehow got put in the wrong category. It was not even judged under show theme. That was really disappointing because I definitely had a chance there. But, mistakes happen .
Ok, I’ve written enough. Got to go, my sister is here visiting from Maryland.
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