The Mastodon Fair is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that supports students, teachers, parents, and the community in the development of the creative and scientific process to submit creative and novel projects in the annual regional competition held each March at Jefferson College in Hillsboro, MO; along with hosting community events to expand creativity and knowledge.
We hope to help students achieve the goal of submitting creative and innovative science and art exhibits that will help to further their education and inspire creativity.
With the help of sponsorships and donations, we assist with sending the top science students on to compete at international level events such as the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) and Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge.
We hope that by participating in our various offered events and activities, students will be inspired to strive for knowledge and apply that knowledge throughout their lives to benefit themselves and their communities.
Encouraging our community in art and science through competitive events and educational opportunities.
To provide stability, sustainability, and impact for our community and future generations.
To explore curiosity, promote creative solutions, inspire change, and support student education through art and science.
Inspiring creativity and knowledge.
Dorothy Boyer Heinze founded the Mastodon Art/Science Connection Fair in 1979 in conjunction with early fundraising events for the Mastodon Park, now called the Historic Site. The Mastodon Park Committee held the Fair from 1979-1993 at the Historic Site which was adequate for the 15-165 students that participated.
In 1991, Eva Kirkpatrick became director of the Fair and due to the growth in participants, the Fair was moved to Jefferson College in Hillsboro. The Mastodon State Historic Site now displays winning projects for public viewing at the museum each year.
In 1992, the Fair became a 501(c)3 organization separate from the Mastodon Historic Site. We receive no state or federal funding, and all of the operating and award expenses must be raised each year. The Mastodon Park Committee continues to be a sponsor of the Fair.
After negotiations with the Greater St. Louis Fair, the Mastodon Fair received their Regional Charter on August 7, 1997. The affiliation with the Science Service in Washington, D.C. followed in September, 1997. Vera McCullough, Eva Kirkpatrick’s daughter, became director of the Fair in Spring 2000. During her directorship, the Fair integrated technology solutions enabling the processing of each of the 2000+ students in one day as well as sending the first ever observers to the International Fair. In Spring 2002, there were a total of 2500 entries with 1700 Art projects and 800 Science projects entered into the Fair.
The transfer of the director position to Jill (Thomas) Malcom, an original participant in the Fair in 1979, occurred in the Spring of 2002. By 2005, the Fair held the status of being the largest combined Art and Science Fair in the United States and started using an invented online registration system to automate the entry process. In order to sustain the growth, full-time leadership was needed, and on July 1, 2006 the Fair hired Jill Malcom as the first full-time paid Executive Director position. Previously, from 1979 to 2006, the Fair had been completely run by volunteers.
The 2020 Fair unfortunately was cancelled due to COVID-19. In July we were able to hold a Seniors Only Event. All other projects were invited to the 2021 Fair.
2020-2021 welcomed six new Missouri counties: Callaway, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, and Phelps.
My tenure with the Board started in May of 2018. I have volunteered at many places over the years and it is a passion of mine to help. My daughter has been in the Fair several times over the years. We loved Family Day and looked forward to coming to the Fair each year. I am on the Board because I love to volunteer and I love kids! This is a great way to help and make a positive impact on a large number of kids and the community.
I came onto the Board in April of 2025. My husband and I have two children who attend Crystal City 47. I am the Vice President of the Crystal City 47 School Board. Previously I was a Girl Scout Leader/April Showers Region Volunteer. My background with the Fair is that I am a parent of a participating student. I became involved with the Fair because I’m passionate about all students having opportunities to showcase all their talents.
My tenure with the Board in April of 2025. I am a representative of Ameren Missouri. I moved to Jefferson County in the Summer of 2016. I grew up in Maplewood and attended Bishop DuBourg Highschool and then attended Fontbonne University where I received my bachelor’s degree in business administration. I have a son who attends Antonia Middle School, my stepson will begin Seckman High School in the fall, and my stepdaughter will be a Junior at SEMO in the fall. I am a United Way Captain at Ameren and this will be my 7th year in that role. I also am in charge of the charitable contributions within my division at Ameren and get to decide where the greatest need is within Jefferson County (for example continually donating to food pantries). Outside of work my family and I love to go camping. Presently I have not had a chance to be involved in the Fair yet, but look forward to being a part of the Board and supporting future fairs! I am involved with the Fair as all of my children are artistically talented, and I really want to help support youth who have the passion for art and science and help to continue that mission! My son is also autistic and art (drawing and playing piano) has really been an amazing outlet for him to help build his confidence.
I have been on the Board since February of 2017 in the capacity of Treasurer. My wife and I have two children. As a student I participated in the Fair and was a Blue Ribbon Winner in 1992. I enjoy working with the community and making a difference in people’s lives.
I became a Board Member in February of 2017. My wife and I have three sons; I am retired from the Jefferson County Parks Department. I volunteer with the Knights of Columbus, Boy Scouts for over 10 years, the Elks, and also as a martial arts instructor. My previous involvement with the Fair was judging science in the late 90’s and helping wherever needed. I became a part of the Fair to assist in the day to day operations of the Fair.
I started with the Fair in February of 2018. Previously I volunteered with the Crystal City Elementary PTO, Girls Scouts, and Cub Scouts. My children participated several times in the art division. I enjoy being able to see the creativity these students have and oversee the opportunities the Fair has to offer them.
Joined the Fair Board in June of 2025 as a Jefferson College Representative.
My tenure on the Fair Board started in May of 2024. I retired from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency as Division Chief. I’ve been married for 42 years, no children, love outdoors, art, and all things science. I’m a long time volunteer with the Missouri Department of Conservation. My history with the Fair began with three years staffing and coordinating a display table for the Missouri Master Naturalists, and 1 year as a science judge. I then stepped onto the Board as I have a love and passion for both art and science and get especially enthusiastic about both when the disciplines are encouraged in school. It’s contagious to be involved with the Fair and I consider it an honor and privilege to contribute in some way to keeping the Fair going and hopefully growing student and community involvement.
I have been with the Fair throughout the years as a judge, a volunteer, and as the Science Director. My reason for being involved with the Fair is to help guide STEM education experiences in Jefferson County. It is also because I believe in the Fair and want to help it continue and thrive.
I am a member of Kiwanis, and have been with the Fair for over ten years. My reason for being with the Fair is that I want the kids involved in the Fair to someday be able to come and work diligently and happily in a position like I am.
I came onto the Board in February of 2020. My former position had my knowledge of the Fair close for over 22 years. After having attended the Nite at the Races event for over 10 years, it was just a matter of time before I became more closely involved. I believe the Fair is a good way to help our youth with scholarships. Helping the students involved in the Fair is important to me, that is why I am on the Board.
I started my Board Membership in May of 2024. I cover sports for KJFF Radio. My son Alex is 27 and daughter Kacie is 26. Both graduated from Festus High School. My previous experience with the Fair was that both of my kids were Fair participants. I also helped publicize the fair with KJFF Radio back to the 1990’s. I became involved with the Fair as I want to work towards keeping the opportunity available for area students. I believe it is a valuable experience for the students and their families
I became a Fair Board Member in February of 2022. My youngest daughter won in her division several years ago and we have been volunteering on and off ever since. I love the idea of having Jefferson County budding artists and scientists come together for one event. We have so much talent in our County!
I started with the Fair in February of 2018. Previously I volunteered with the Crystal City Elementary PTO, Girls Scouts, and Cub Scouts. My children participated several times in the art division. I enjoy being able to see the creativity these students have and oversee the opportunities the Fair has to offer them.
In December of 2018 I stepped on as the Art Director to get back into working in the arts and to help in my community. Since then, I have fallen in love with what I do. Enjoyment is the word that comes to mind when I think of the Fair. I enjoy working with fellow passionate artists and community leaders.
I have been with the Fair throughout the years as a judge, a volunteer, and as the Science Director. My reason for being involved with the Fair is to help guide STEM education experiences in Jefferson County. It is also because I believe in the Fair and want to help it continue and thrive.
In December of 2018 I stepped on as the Art Director to get back into working in the arts and to help in my community. Since then, I have fallen in love with what I do. Enjoyment is the word that comes to mind when I think of the Fair. I enjoy working with fellow passionate artists and community leaders.
I have a long history with the Fair. Originally I started as a judge in 1995 and that continued until 2014 when I stepped into the Art Director role. In 2015 I temporarily stepped in as Executive Director, and then back to Art Director in 2016. My passion is art and I love working with kids of all ages and their art! I loved talking with the students and teachers and learning about each of them and the artwork they had created.Â
In 2018 I joined the Fair as a judge. As a child I know how exciting it was to be a part of the Fair, I want my own art students to feel that same excitement.
I have been with the Fair throughout the years as a judge, a volunteer, and as the Science Director. My reason for being involved with the Fair is to help guide STEM education experiences in Jefferson County. It is also because I believe in the Fair and want to help it continue and thrive.
I joined the SRC in October 2021. Prior to being a member of the SRC, I had entered science projects for my students when I was a science teacher.
We strongly encourage feedback and would love to hear from you. We are going through a lot of changes lately and we want to ensure we meet the needs of our community.
We typically open registration as early as October, so please check back later. We’re working hard to take your feedback and build a bigger and better Art and Science fair. We look forward to seeing you there!
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