The deadline is drawing near for artists to participate in the Fine Arts Competition of this year’s Mower County Fair.

The pre-registration deadline for the competition is July 29. The competition is open to all area residents ages 16 years and older.

Artists can submit up to four original works, and each must be labeled on the back with the title, name of artist, address and phone number. All pictures must be framed and ready to hang with a wire support on the back.

The fair accepts watercolor, acrylic, oil, drawings and pastel paintings. Judging is split between three divisions: professional, pro-amateur and amateur.

Prize money is given out for first, second and third in each division. The entry fee is $3 for each piece.

Information for the Fine Arts department is on Page 30 of the fair premium book, which is online at www.mowercountyfair.com. Artists are asked to use the non-livestock entry form on Page 36 and to include the title of the piece in the description box. Entry forms are also available at the Austin Area Art Center.

All entries must be brought to the Creative Arts Building on between 3 and 6:30 p.m. July 30. Judging will take place on July 31.

Artwork must be displayed for the duration of the fair, Aug. 6 to 11. All artwork must be picked up between 6 and 7 p.m. on Aug. 11.