State Fairs: Growing American Craft

State Fairs: Growing American Craft is the first major exhibition to survey the extraordinary and unconventional crafts that have defined American state fairs from the mid-nineteenth century to the present. Culminating five years of on-the-ground and behind-the-scenes research, the exhibition brings together more than 240 artworks across both floors of the Renwick Gallery, each gallery exploring personal stories of craft found in different fair competitions. Iconic highlights include the size‑96 boots of Big Tex from the State Fair of Texas, a life‑size butter cow created on‑site by Iowa State Fair butter sculptor Sarah Pratt, a pyramid of over 700 glass jars of preserved fruits and vegetables by Rod Zeitler, and Justin Favela’s site‑specific installation *Capilla de Maiz (Maize Chapel)* in the Rubenstein Grand Salon. The exhibition celebrates the intersection of artistry, tradition, and community that makes state fair craft so vibrant and enduring.

When: August 22, 2025 to September 7, 2026, daily 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Venue: Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Pennsylvania Avenue at 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20006
Tickets: Free admission
Highlights: Big Tex’s size‑96 boots; a life‑size butter cow sculpted on‑site by Sarah Pratt; a pyramid of more than 700 glass jars of preserved produce by Rod Zeitler; Justin Favela’s *Capilla de Maiz (Maize Chapel)* installation; over 240 works dating from the 19th century to the present
Run time: Not specified; visitors are free to explore at their own pace
Ages: All ages welcome
Note: Presented with generous support from the James Renwick Alliance for Craft. The exhibition is the first dedicated entirely to artists’ contributions to the state‑fair tradition.