Calling all artists! The Ironton Artists Association is hosting the 36th Annual Fall Art Exhibit on Oct. 2 at Central Christian Church, 1541 South Seventh St. in Ironton.

The event is free to spectators and is a way for artists from the Tri-state area to compete and have a place to showcase and sell their work. For the artists, the fee to enter four pieces of art is $20.

Helen Sellers, member of IAA, said artists of all skill levels are able to enter the competition this year.

“That’s a new one,” she said. “We’ve never had a specific category for students or beginners before.”

The categories include a beginner and student category for ages 18 and older, a children’s category for those under age 18, photography and fine art. The fine art is divided into subcategories of water media/thin acrylics, drawing media, mixed media and collage. There is also a special category for “Ohio Landmarks.”

Registration will be from 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. the day of the exhibit. Judging starts at noon, and awards will be presented at 2:30 p.m.

The art shown must be framed and have a wire hanger on the back, rather than a sawtooth hook. Exhibitors also need to bring their own easels to hang their art on.

Worth noting, IAA stated only original works by the artists can be submitted, as no prints or copied work are accepted. Only beginners and children can enter work done in a classroom. All work must be suitable for family viewing. A piece of art or photography that has won an award in previous IAA exhibits is not eligible for entry.

Depending on the category and winning level, purchase awards, cash prizes and ribbons will be awarded to the winning artists.

The art pieces need to be priced, as art may be bought and sold at the exhibit.

While the exhibit usually has 40 to 45 artists, each with at least four peaces of art, they are expecting more this year.

“I think with the student category this year, we’ll have, at least, between 50 and 70 artists,” Sellers said.

Sellars said when an artist enters a competition like this, it can be encouraging.

“The first show I entered, I won three ribbons and I was hooked,” she said. “That little old ribbon gave me the incentive to keep going. Even if you get an honorable mention, that’s an evaluation saying you’re doing pretty good even if you didn’t win a ribbon. That gets people enthused and keeps them painting.

“Art is so important,” she said. “It enriches the artist and the viewer. It makes life more beautiful. It lets us see through somebody else’s eyes.”

Entry forms and brochures are available at M & M Realty, The Ironton Tribune, Greater Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, Ironton High School and the Ironton City Building.

For additional information contact any of the following IAA members: Pati Payne, (740) 533-1516; Clarice Kumlien, (740) 867-6152; Reta Skaggs, (740) 532-3418; Patti DelCheccolo, (740) 377-9530; and Helen Sellers, (740) 532-3388.