For nearly fifty years, the Oklahoma State Fair has supported youth, art, and education through the Oklahoma Student Art Exhibition (OSAE). This program allows student art to be viewed by fairgoers, enables students to participate in special exhibitions across the state, and provides funding for art supplies and art classrooms. Over the years, the program has evolved to allow more participation statewide and increased funding to schools. 

Public and private schools from around the state have always been eligible to participate in the OSAE at no cost. Initially, the program focused on elementary and middle school students but in 2010, high school art was included. In 2017, district take-in and judging sites were added in Ada, Duncan, Enid and Tulsa which made it easier for more schools throughout the state to participate.

Art selected as Best of Show, Judges’ Choice or Superintendent’s Choice in each of the three divisions (elementary, middle and high school) is featured in a traveling exhibit each summer. Framed in the Village provides professional matting and framing for each of these outstanding pieces. The exhibit starts at the Oklahoma History Center and travels to various art galleries throughout Oklahoma, ending its tour at the Oklahoma State Fair, where it is united with the 990 other Oklahoma Student Art Exhibition pieces on display for all 11 days of the State Fair. Come check out the rest of the OSAE art September 15 – 25 in the Arts Annex during the Oklahoma State Fair!