The Great American State Fair

State fairs tend to be associated with animal displays and fast food. But they've long been a vital outlet for artists, too. 

A mother and daughter, Lillian Colton and Linda Paulsen, have been among the participants. Their crop portraits appear in a catalogue published in conjunction with Smithsonian Books, 
State Fairs - Growing American Crafts, which is also the title of a Smithsonian exhibition running through September 7.

The women used materials ranging from pine needles to lima beans for their celebrity portraits. Most are effective, but Lillian's version of Elvis Presley looks more like James Dean, while 'Andy Warhol' strongly resembles John Denver. 

Visitors can try making such pieces themselves on the 25th of June, when the Washington, DC, museum hosts an event called Handi-hour. Those who prefer demonstrations can learn about how decoys are made, on the 29th of May. 

There's something for everyone, much like the book. One of the most memorable projects--a spinning broom which doesn't actually clean--came from a thrift shop. Other highlights include Antonio Prieto's 1960 clay vessel with a design which seems to have anticipated TV's I Dream of Jeannie a few years later; a  cocoonlike weaving (Arturo Alonzo Sandoval's Moth III); a clay and metal John Deere tractor; and a working steam engine built from scratch. 

Another DC tribute to the fair--part of America 250--is set for this summer. Ice carvings from Alaska will be among the attractions at the National Mall. 

Find out more about the event, which runs from June 25 through July 10, here: https://events.freedom250.org/events/great-american-state-fair.

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