The Minnesota State Fair is constantly reviewing all of our programs to find ways to evolve, and after commissioning 19 artists over 20 years we decided it had come time to sunset the commemorative art program. With it, we are proud to have met our original goals to expand our connection to local visual artists and the arts community and explore this program as a revenue stream for the Minnesota State Fair Foundation. The decision took into consideration logistical challenges – coordinating the processing and selling of posters as well as storing and displaying 19 works of art – as well as all our other art focused programs. Like any organization, we will always continue to evaluate our programs and remain open to changing direction where and as needed.
Of artistic note, our commitment to strengthening visual arts programming at the fair will continue with our robust fine arts competition and exhibition which is the largest juried art show in the state. Over the years we have also introduced and will continue to foster initiatives such as Studio: HERE, which recreates 12 different artists’ studios in the Fine Arts Center over the fair’s 12 days and where guests can watch artists work and engage in conversations to learn more; the Giant Sing Along installation bringing people together to sing in unison; Arts A’Fair entertains fair guests with pop-up showcases performed by local arts organizations throughout the fairgrounds; and Joyful World Mural Park, a space dedicated to creating and showcasing large-scale works of art created by local artists on-site during the 12 days of the fair.
For this year’s fair we will create a featured design in house that can be showcased as a whole or pulled apart for use on various fair merchandise items available online and at our State FairWear gift shops during the fair. This featured design will be shared in late July.
Commemorative Art Posters and Merchandise
Past commemorative art posters are available to purchase through the State FairWear website.
Proceeds will support the Minnesota State Fair Foundation 501(c)(3) mission to preserve and improve State Fair buildings, fairgrounds and educational programs.