The Smithsonian American Art Museum's Renwick Gallery will present 'State Fairs: Growing American Craft,' the first exhibition dedicated to artists' contributions to U.S. state fairs, from Aug. 22 to Sept. 7, 2026. Featuring over 240 artworks dating from the mid-19th century to the present, the show includes spectacles such as Big Tex's size 96 boots, a life-size butter cow by Iowa State Fair sculptor Sarah Pratt, and a pyramid of preserved fruits by canning champion Rod Zeitler. The exhibition is the result of five years of research involving visits to 15 state fairs, collaborations with artists in five states, and contributions from 43 states and tribal nations.
This exhibition matters because it reframes state fairs as vital sites of American craft and cultural expression, elevating the often-overlooked artists who sustain regional traditions. By bringing together historical and contemporary works from across the country, the Renwick Gallery challenges narrow perceptions of craft and underscores its relevance to everyday life and American identity. The show also highlights the intersection of agricultural heritage, Indigenous culture, and artistic innovation, making a case for state fairs as dynamic platforms for creative exchange.