“I was deeply affected by everything that happened, and so I love that she got front and center stage here,” Frucci said.
Crop art by Maria Linn-Evans of St. Paul honors former Rep. Melissa Hortman’s dog, Gilbert. (Carlos Gonzalez/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Crop artists didn’t shy away from political critiques, taking on President Donald Trump, immigration, local politics and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Other artworks referenced the State Fair, famous artworks, historical markers, celebrities and many family pets.
Here are 10 not-to-miss crop artworks at the State Fair.
Katherine Erickson of Duluth playfully re-creates the poster for 1994 movie “Speed” as crop art. (Carlos Gonzalez/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Katherine Erickson of Duluth took a seedy approach to the 1994 movie “Speed.” Her crop art parody is expertly made and hilarious. Keanu Reeves has been turned into “Beanu Reeves” and Sandra Bullock’s last name is “Burdock,” a type of root. Plus, what’s funnier than a bus flying out of a cluster of seeds?
Stephen Saupe wonders what it would look like if “The Birth of Venus” took place at the Minnesota State Fair. (Carlos Gonzalez/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Many crop artists reference the Minnesota State Fair, but few marry crop art and fine art in a tasteful yet goofy way. In “Venus at the Fair,” St. Joseph-based Stephen Saupe replaces the god Zephyr and his wife, the nymph Chloris, with a cow and a llama.
Athena Hollins pays tribute to former Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman. (Carlos Gonzalez)
In Hollins’ touching collaborative crop artwork, the detail on Hortman’s face almost makes it look like a photograph. “Sow Love” across her chest offers a message of hope after tragedy.
