Creative Arts: Frequently Asked Questions
I want to enter; where do I start?
Read the rulebook
Pick a contest department
Pick your division
Register online
Bring your entries to the fair on the designated receiving days
I can’t make the drop off day. Can I mail my entries?
Yes. Creative Arts entries may be mailed or shipped if they arrive between August 10-24, 2026, and include the required Shipping Form.
Mailing Address (label your package exactly as shown):
Name of exhibitor
Eastern States Exposition – Creative Arts Department
1305 Memorial Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Important shipping requirements:
• You must notify the Creative Arts Department when your package ships and provide the expected arrival date.
Call: (413) 205-5015
Email: CreativeArts@TheBigE.com
• All mailed entries must include the Shipping Form.
• Each item must have an Entry ID Label attached.
• No liquids may be mailed, including soups and stews (Department 43: Food Mixes in a Jar).
• Entries must be packed securely. Any glass items must be wrapped and taped with masking tape to prevent breakage.
• Do not use packing peanuts.
If you want your items returned by mail:
You must include:
• Enough packing materials for the return shipment
• An envelope containing:
Prepaid return postage (including any desired insurance)
A 3½” × 5” or 4” × 6” card with your return address clearly written (this will be used as the return label)
Eastern States Exposition does not pay for return shipping or insurance. Items will be returned in the same container they arrived in, using the materials you provide.
Additional notes:
• Include a photo of your entries with the packing sheet to help ensure proper identification for return shipping.
• Entries cannot be shipped to PO boxes; a street address is required.
I’m confused about the age classifications; what do they mean?
We have four main age classifications based on the exhibitor’s age and experience:
• Adult Professional
An instructor or professional who earns more than $2,000 per year from their craft through sales and/or teaching.
• Adult Amateur / Hobbyist
Adults who do not meet the professional income threshold.
• Junior
Youth ages 13–18.
• Child
Youth ages 5–12.
In addition, there are two optional designations you can select if they apply to you:
• Beginner
An exhibitor with less than two years of experience in a specific craft.
Example: Someone who has quilted for 30+ years would enter quilting as Adult, but if they started watercolor painting six months ago, they would enter that category as Adult, Beginner.
• First-Time Exhibitor
Someone entering The Big E for the first time. You may have entered other fairs before—this designation only applies to your first year at The Big E.
Some divisions require copyright permission. Why do I need this if I made the item?
If your entry is based on someone else’s design, artwork, photograph, pattern, or original concept, you must have written permission from that creator to display the item publicly and enter it for competition.
Designs and artwork are considered intellectual property and are protected by U.S. copyright law. Copyright exists automatically once an original work is created, and the copyright holder controls how that work is reproduced, displayed, or used publicly.
Keeping written permission protects you and The Big E.
How do I get copyright permission?
Start by checking the inside cover of the book or magazine, or the back of the pattern, for contact information. If none is listed, search for the artist’s website or contact the publisher.
Send a short email or letter that:
• Explains you created an item using their design or artwork
• Includes a photo of your finished piece
• Asks permission to enter it in competition and allow photos to be published with proper credit
I have permission. What do I do next?
On your entry form, list:
• The artist or designer’s name
• The title and publisher of the pattern, book, or magazine (if applicable)
• The website or source of the artwork
Keep a copy of the written permission for your records and be prepared to provide it if requested.
What if I cannot locate the artist or the artist is deceased?
Contact the publisher or the place where you found the artwork (such as a website, gallery, college, or museum). They may own the copyright or help you locate the copyright holder.
Important Note:
This copyright information is provided as a general guideline for entering The Big E Creative Arts competitions and should not be considered legal advice.
Why are there so many blue ribbons? Did they all win first place?
No. Most Creative Arts departments use a Danish judging system, which means entries are judged against a standard of quality, not against each other. This allows multiple entries to earn the same ribbon color if they meet the criteria.
Ribbon meanings:
• Blue (Excellent)
Awarded to entries that closely meet the highest standards for that class. A blue ribbon reflects a high level of achievement—but not perfection.
• Red (Very Good)
Given to strong entries that meet expectations but fall just short of the highest standard.
• White (Good)
Entries that meet basic standards and are acceptable for display but show noticeable areas for improvement.
• Yellow (Honorable Mention / Fair)
Entries that meet minimum standards but have significant shortcomings.
• No Ribbon
Entries that do not meet the reasonable expectations for the class may receive no ribbon.
Special Awards
• Best of Show
Awarded to one Adult, one Child ages 5–12, and one Junior ages 13–18 entry from the entire Creative Arts exhibition each year.
• Best of Division
May be awarded to one Adult, one Child, and one Junior entry per division at the judge’s discretion. Judges are not required to select a winner. Recipients receive additional premium money.
• Judge’s Choice Award
Selected by judges to recognize a piece they personally favor. This entry may or may not have received a blue ribbon.
• Volunteer’s Choice Award
Chosen by Creative Arts volunteers and awarded to one Adult and one Youth entry.
• Donor Awards
Sponsored by businesses, organizations, guilds, and individuals within the arts community. Each donor sets specific criteria for their award within a department.