County fair theme this year is ‘Art to Ag’
Two areas that are especially strong in Plumas and Sierra counties are agriculture and the arts. The 2017 Plumas Sierra County Fair is bringing those diverse interests together with the theme “Art to Ag.” The creative aspect of the arts will be on full display, not only to celebrate the artistic community, but to feature the agricultural community as well.
“This is, by far, the most stimulating theme we’ve had in my time at the fair,” said Fair Manager John Steffanic. “There are so many possibilities to show the public what kind of talent we have in our community.”
The goal is to use that artistic talent to focus on how vibrant the region’s agricultural industry is.
The fair has cooperated with Plumas Arts, the Feather River College art department and individual artists to turn the West Lawn into an artists’ village throughout the fair.
A major attraction that is being curated by Feather River College Art Program Coordinator Rafael Blanco is a mural competition. Several artists will have three days during the fair to create an 8-foot-by-8-foot mural focused on agriculture. They will camp by their work, and will compete with each other for over $1,000 in prize money. Visitors can watch as these muralists create.
Another project in the works is a collaborative mural created by groups throughout both counties. Individual panels will be distributed to groups with instructions on what’s to be painted, using their own interpretation. During the August fair, the panels will be brought together and constructed in the art village to show the entire mural. There will also be daily art projects for youngsters, with all the results displayed.
For the more ambitious amateurs, or maybe even an artistic ringer, easels will be available with all the necessary supplies for fairgoers to try their hand at making “art,” using a variety of mediums. Teachers will be standing by to offer advice and instruction. Again, the accumulated gallery will be judged on the last day of the fair.
A popular trend around the country is evenings spent drinking wine while painting. The PSCF Foundation is planning on replacing its annual wine tasting in the Mineral Building with this new activity. Attendees will have the chance to taste a variety of wines, snack on hors d’oeuvres and create a masterpiece! Tickets will go on sale in the spring.
“We are just starting to scratch the surface with this theme,” commented Steffanic. He continues to search for other visual art options, performing arts offerings and other fun ways to bring art into the life of the fair.
Volunteers are being sought for artist support and installations. Anyone with an interest in getting involved with “Art to Ag” can contact the fair office at 283-6272. The 2017 Plumas Sierra County Fair takes place Aug. 9 through 13.
