For the past 60 years, the San Bernardino County Fair's Fine Arts department has allowed animation-style entries to be submitted for judging consideration.

It is not very surprising that numerous entries have featured the likes of famous Western Animation-style/"Cartoon" characters, caricatures, graphic novel/comic book heroes, and in more recent years, Anime fanart and original works in Anime style. However, what is surprising is the fact that they have been judged against non-animated works that fall under the same class. For example, if a fantasy illustration in Anime style was completed in watercolor media, it would then be judged against still-life, portrait, and landscape watercolor works.

This is no longer the case.

The 61st annual County Fair will now accept entries for adult Fine Arts under a new Anime class. These entries will be ranked on more balanced terms than they had in past years.

The judging system remains unaltered, so the originality and quality of each composition are still very important. With this in mind, it still gives fanartists a much better chance at placing in the Fair than they had in past years, and veteran cartoonists can breathe a sigh of relief.

Anime artists/cartoonists in the area should be very pleased to hear this news. All entries are highly encouraged and welcomed, even from novice artists, since there are separate divisions for amateur, professional, and handicapped artists. Juniors, entrants under the age of 18, are also encouraged to enter their work, however the Anime class is currently only offered to adults. If high interest is shown in the Anime class, it may be offered to Juniors in the future, but for now they will be judged against works in similar media.

Any Southern California residents may enter their work into the San Bernardino County Fair. Entry fees for adults are $12.00 per piece with a limit of two entries per person. Adult entries are eligable to win ribbons and cash prizes for 1st-3rd place and Best of Show, as well as theme and various sponsored awards. Junior division works do not have any associated fees to enter, but also do not offer cash prizes for 1st-3rd place and Best of Show. They are, however, eligable for any of several sponsor awards that are specifically for Junior entries, of which there were about 20 offered at the time this article was written.

Entries must be sent in by March 29th, 2008.

For more information on how to enter and the complete rules and guidelines, please pick up a copy of the 2008 Competition Handbook at a local library, market, or one of several places of business. You may call the fairgrounds at (760) 951-2200 (long distance charges may apply) to find a handbook supplier near you.

There is also information up at the official website: SBC Fair.

At this time, digital media entries are not eligable for judging in the Fine Arts department. If you would like to see a class opened to allow these works to be judged as well, please share your views on the website or by contacting the fairgrounds (ask for the Fine Arts department). You may also contact the author of this article with a note expressing why you would like digital artwork made eligable for judging, and your message will be forwarded to the department for consideration. Junior entrants may also write to ask that the Anime class be offered for their division as well.

If you're outside of Southern California, feel free to contact your local county fair and inquire about the eligibility of Anime works in the Fine Arts department. Many people aren't aware that their pieces can do very well against other entries, even if a Cartoon/Animation class is not offered. The change in San Bernardino only occurred when the separation was suggested to them, and happened because they agreed that the entries should be judged in their own class. Don't be afraid to express your opinions, as you may be the one to start a revolution in your own local artistic community!

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Ayabi is a regular volunteer, demo artist, and entrant in the San Bernardino County Fair. She is also an advocate for the promotion of Anime artwork and artists in Southern California. If you're a SoCal Anime artist in need of promoting, advice, or other assistance, feel free to contact her!