The Fine Arts Exhibition is one of the longest-running and finest traditions of the Colorado State Fair. The Fine Arts Exhibition provides an unmatched opportunity for both Emerging Artists and Professional Artists from around the state to participate in a quality exhibition. We strive to meet our mission of “Quality, Quantity, and Diversity.” The Colorado State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition serves to offer the arts community a special, annual show that is a direct result of the passion and hard work of many loving employees, students, and volunteers. Thank you! We hope your experience with us is a memorable one.
“And there should be no lagging or hanging back by anybody who has anything worth exhibiting” Pueblo Chieftain, Sept. 15, 1887 (in regard to entering the CSF Fine Arts Exhibition)

2023 List of Accepted Artwork
If you submitted images of your art for judging and were accepted into the show.
AND/OR
If you were not accepted into the show and would like to pick your art up before the fair.
The gallery will be open August 8th -12th from 10:00am to 3:00pm to pickup not accepted art or drop off electronically submitted art that was accepted.
2023 Entry Registration Dates
Entry Registration Opens – June 12, 2023 (Enter anytime online or in the General Entry/Fine Arts Office Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:00am – 4:00pm)
Entry Registration Closes – Wednesday, July 19, 2023, 4:00pm
Entry Drop-off (Receiving) – Saturday, July 29, 2023 9:00am – 3:00pm
Entry Pick-Up (Release) – Wednesday, September 6, 2023 10:00am – 3:00pm
2nd Entry Pick-Up (Release) – Saturday, September 9, 2023 10:00am – 3:00pm
Important Information
2023 Colorado State Fair - Fine Arts Competition Judges


Heather Oelklaus is the Print Work Shop Supervisor for the Colorado College Art Department. She has based her life around art for the last 30 years. After attending the Kansas City Art Institute, Heather moved to Colorado Springs where she has been creating artworks that incorporate her passion for photography, printmaking, sculpture, painting, fiber, and collage. Her work has been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums and is held in private collections around the United States. Heather explores the boundaries of photography and experiments with alternative processes and technologies. When she is not creating photographs, she can be found plein air painting, weaving on her loom, and researching new techniques for her art making.