Pop(corn) Art

It's all about tradition at the great state get together known as the Minnesota State Fair. Some fair enthusiasts look forward to their yearly check-in on the animal barn, machinery hill, the midway. Others are all about getting that favorite delicacy on-a-stick or picking up the freebies, the most classic of which is the yardstick. For many the highlight is watching the royal dairy performance art of butter sculpting Princess Kay of the Milky Way and the also-rans.

Our favorite thing at the fair? We can't wait to see the new entries in the agricultural competition category, crop art.

This winner in the senior division was created by Linda Paulson, daughter of the late, great seed artist Lillian Colton.

Competitors must show the materials used in their art.

Linda was present and working on a new creation while kindly and patiently answering questions.

Many of her mother's prize winning seed portraits were on display.

The often seedy looking Willy Nelson never looked better than he does here represented in actual seed form even though the photo is a little grainy. Oh wait, I guess that's unavoidable.

If you want to read more about the amazing Lillian Colton you can buy Seed Queen for your own edification and enjoyment all winter long and until the fair comes around again next August. The cover, created by David Steinlicht is a work of art in itself.

Then, you might be inspired to enter in the junior category.

Or, if you are more mature in years, but not yet experienced in this artistic genre, there is the amateur option.

And after that you will move up to be an advanced competitor.

Which may give you the confidence to try the dyed and painted subcategory for a more colorful entry.

But, if like us you never really get around to getting out the glue and raiding the pantry for your palette...crop art appreciators, for the small price of a ticket to the fair, are welcome to stand as long as they want to admire the hard work of others.