Theme Announced For Fairfield's 'Artistic Visions Challenge'

News release from the Fairfield Arts Commission:

FAIRFIELD, CT — The Fairfield Arts Commission wishes to express its appreciation to all who attended the official Kick-Off Event for the Artistic Visions Challenge, held this past Thursday, December 5th, at the Second Story above the Fairfield University Store. A special thank you to Fairfield University for hosting and sponsoring the sketchbooks for our young artists.

The Artistic Visions Challenge is a town-wide juried art competition aimed at encouraging young artists to create art in new and unique ways. The competition is open to all young people, ages 11-18, that either reside or attend school in Fairfield.

The theme of this year’s Challenge, which was unveiled at the December 5th Kick-Off meeting, is to create a work of art that makes a statement about the Town of Fairfield’s history. The Artistic Visions Challenge is designed to create a one-of-a-kind work of art that not only reflects the given theme but also incorporate the letters “F-A-I-R-F-I-E-L-D” and at least one “Easter Egg”—a hidden message or reference to engage viewers.

Eligibility & Entry Details:

Open to ages 11-18 who reside in Fairfield or attend a school within the town.

• Entries are divided into two age categories: 11-14 and 15-18. Students may also work in teams of up to three people.

• All participants must register by January 31st, and have a parental or guardian co-sign as project supervisor to oversee and support the process.

• Participants will be required to include an artist statement as part of their final submission to describe their artwork and the process by which it was made, as well as a digital representation of the final submission for public viewing.

• All entries must be submitted by March 1, 2024.

The Commission encourages participants to push their creative limits, whether through a unique technique or by a mash-up of traditional art forms to create something new. A quick overview of the rules and guidelines can be found here.

To enrich the creative process, participants will have access to local artists (experts in a variety of categories) to gain insights, network, and share inspirations. The Fairfield Arts Commission will be hosting a “Collaboration Station” on January 16th, from 6-8PM at Fairfield Theatre Company (70 Sanford Street), to facilitate young artists interaction with peer mentors. The event is free to attend, though advance registration is requested. All participants are asked to indicate their attendance plans by registering here.

Individuals or businesses that have a passion for the arts and may be interested in sponsorship opportunities should contact the Fairfield Arts Commission at (203) 256-3120 or arts@fairfieldct.org for more information.

About the Fairfield Arts Commission
The Fairfield Arts Commission is an official body of the Town of Fairfield, comprised of nine volunteers appointed by the First Selectman. The purpose of the Fairfield Arts Commission is to stimulate, foster, facilitate and encourage the development and appreciation of artistic and cultural activities within the Town of Fairfield. Following their appointment in 2023, the members have been working toward achieving statewide recognition of a cultural district in Fairfield.