2023 Minnesota State Fair Fine Arts Preview

A sure sign of the end of summer is the arrival of the Minnesota State Fair. A prelude to the fair is the Fine Arts Preview where aspiring (and perspiring) artists (heat index: 111°F!) and their friends and families can see the new crop of “fine” artworks by Minnesota residents. This years show is OK, the average quality is up but it didn't seem to have as many exceptional works. LOTS OF DOG ART! I first made it in to the exhibition in 1973—50 years ago—so my inclusion in this year’s exhibit is a special landmark for me.

Some brief impressions from last night’s preview…

Never lose sight of the vulnerable, a lesson from the birds, Blair Treuer:

Projections, Kathryn D’Elia:

Flight, Jack Mader:

Threatened Lady, Denise Mattes:

Monarch Butterfly Scarf, Samantha Haring:

Raise High the Roofbeams, Mark Alan Peterson:

Homage to Seydou Keïta, Betsy Thayer:

Godzilla vs. Barbie, Nicole Houff:

See all the entrants in the catalog.