Artists Wanted: 2026 Fair Theme – The Bears of Bluemont

Organizers of the 56th Annual Bluemont Fair in historic Western Loudoun County invite artists to submit designs for consideration for this year’s posters and t-shirts. Fair Chairs met recently to vote on a theme near and dear to the hearts of the Bluemont community, and this year the winning theme centers around the region’s favorite large mammal, bears! Living here long before human settlement and part of our daily lives, Western Loudoun’s bears grace us with their presence along our rugged hiking trails, verdant forests, rolling pastures and sometimes even our back yards!

Artists are encouraged to interpret this theme as they wish, keeping in mind that all design elements should be suitable for replication on Bluemont Fair’s distinctive poster (13″ x 19″), t-shirt and other merchandise. There are no restrictions on what medium can be used (ink, paint, collage, graphic design, etc.) and all aesthetics are welcome (retro, modern, realistic, abstract, etc.). Artists may submit multiple works. The main criteria are that the design be eye-catching and unique, both capturing this year’s theme (bears!) and evoking Bluemont and the Western Loudoun region.

Art must be submitted by Saturday, May 9, 2026. Submissions can be sent via email to Chair@BluemontFair.org with the subject line: Bluemont Fair Art Submission. Additionally, designs can be sent via mail to Bluemont Fair Poster Competition, P.O. Box 217, Bluemont, VA, 20135. Individuals requesting return of their submission should include a self-addressed, stamped mailer. Art can also be hand-delivered to Bluemont by arranging drop off with Chair@BluemontFair.org ahead of time. For more information call 540-227-0388 or contact us. See past Bluemont Fair poster designs.