Organizers are encouraging area artists to participate in the Fine Arts division of the 2015 Mower County Fair.

This competition is open to all residents from Mower County and surrounding area artists ages 16 years and older. New artists are welcome as well.

Artists can submit watercolor, acrylic, oil, drawings and pastels. There will be three divisions: professional, pro-amateur, amateur. Each artist 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.

The pre-registration deadline is Saturday, Aug. 1. All entries must be brought to the Creative Arts Building between 3 to 6 p.m. on Aug. 4. Judging will take place on Aug. 5.

No artwork will be accepted which cannot be displayed for the duration of the fair, which runs Aug. 11-16. All artwork must be picked up between 6 and 7 p.m. on Aug. 16, the last day of the fair.

All pictures must be framed and ready to hang with a wire support on the back.

Monetary prizes will be awarded for the first, second and third place winners in each division.

Information for the Fine Arts (Dept. P) and entry forms can be found on www.mowercountyfair.com. Printed forms and information can be requested at the fair office. There is no entry fee.

For more information, please contact the Fine Arts superintendent, William Olson, at 507-413-2835 or olsonwilliam@hotmail.com.