'There are so many talented artists': The Alaska State Fair gives an opportunity for Alaskan artists to be seen

The 2022 Alaska State Fair is here and folks from around the state will descend upon the Fairgrounds to check out a concert, or find their inner daredevil with the Mega Drop Tower or the Zipper. Still others make a beeline for a turkey leg or elephant ear, then spend time at the farm and agriculture exhibits, guessing which will be the biggest cabbage or the best goat.

But for a growing number of visitors, the Alaska State Fair is all about the art. Whether acrylics or oils, charcoal or mixed media, the Art exhibits have become one of the most popular destinations for visitors and artists to submit their work.

“There is so much talent here, so many talented artists in Alaska,” says Cornelius.

Cornelius has a slate of 4 judges who have the daunting task of sorting, organizing, and judging the artwork. Most of that work is done before fairgoers set foot in the Art Exhibit tent.

Among the responsibilities as the Superintendent of the Art Exhibit, Cornelius must put together the guidelines for submissions. For example, proper framing of the piece. It might seem inconsequential, but for the Art exhibit, the judges, and Cornelius, it is important to follow the guidelines.

“It is about the hanging. We have 1000 people a day walk by these pieces and the idea is to keep the work secure so people don’t (unintentionally) ruin the work,” she explains. Indeed, the biggest factor is the presentation and being able to see the work without wires or flimsy hangers, or other unsafe hangers may cause a piece to fall, causing breakage or damage to surrounding artist’s work. While it may seem a minor detail, it is part of the criteria for judging, and for the artists who put hours into the work, and those judging it, it can mean everything.

“If it’s a watercolor or pencil drawing, something that could easily be smudged or easily damaged, it needs glass. If it’s something that can be protected, it really should be so artists can focus on the work.”

Some other elements considered include the design, composition, originality, creativity, emotional response, technical expertise, and craftsmanship. Presentation of all work will be judged on presentation (framing, proper hanging hardware, matting if used, cleanliness).

“We want people to bring their best to the fair, to be presented professional manner. We really want to take the art up,” she said.

This year, Cornelius says there are easily over 300 pieces that have been submitted, and she is proud of the work she has seen so far.

“Alaska has SO many artists, and so many talented artists at that, and I really want reach out and bring in that great art,” she raves, saying that there are a number of hidden artists whose work should be seen in galleries and beyond. She has utilized various methods to find new artists, even using social media to reach out to artists.

One thing Cornelius says the Fair is always wanting is original art.

“The rules are always changing year to year, and one thing we said no to was slogans, because it can become too political, when we really want the art to speak for itself.”

Cornelius has been the Superintendent of the Art exhibition since 2018. While she cannot judge herself, she does get an opportunity to place a ribbon called the Superintendent’s Award, something she takes great pride in as part of the role of superintendent.

“I do enjoy placing that every year, it’s a real pleasure and rewarding.”

An artist in her own right, Cornelius previously served as president of the Valley Fine Art Association, has been active in various art clubs, and she spends time teaching workshops, and she always encourages other artists to take as many as they can.

“Never stop doing, even if it’s a little bit. Never stop your craft.”