06/10/2026
"America 250"...it seems to be everywhere right now!
I passed some time this December/January and entered an art contest. Though my painting wasn't chosen amongst the 39 entries, I wanted to share the end product here.
All free-handed artwork, acrylic on canvas. 2'x3'. No AI.
The Ohio State Fair hosted the contest and there were a handful of requirements. Size, Americana/Ohio history theme, dates of the fair...etc.
Here is a small script to go along with the illustration...
"The artwork I’ve created has a story to tell. There are many fun and important things in this picture. Governor Mike DeWine and his wife, Fran, stand in the center surrounded by a variety of friends. All ages, abilities, and ethnicities are included. Every person has something of their own to share with you! Whether it be a tasty bite of food, their favorite animal to show off in an arena, a project they worked so hard on with friends, and even their best camera to capture all of those special moments together. There is also a cardinal friend perched on the pasture fencing that surrounds the 250 America-Ohio barn. Looking past the pasture is a grove of Buckeye trees that frame the city scape of downtown Columbus. All these things together play an important role in what Ohio and America are today. If you look hard you will be able to find six hidden four-leaf clovers to go with “1776-2026”. These also represent the 4H program that was started in Ohio back in 1902, as it says on the young girls shirt. The Wright brothers, who were also from Ohio, have a part in this artwork, too. The airplane flying over top of it all displays a large banner so everyone will know when the fair will take place."
Just a little something fun and seasonal to enjoy today!
Stay cool!! 🇺🇸☀️🍉🥤
