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 Lillian Colton
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The intent of this section is to give people an overview of the different lots (categories) in the Minnesota State Fair crop art competition. All photos come from current artists submitting work to this website.

Some lots are WAY more popular than others, so if you are interested in winning a ribbon, you might want to check out the analysis of the number of entries in the 2023 competition at the end.* Also, when registering for a category, keep in mind that a piece may be eligible for more than one lot. Entries from the junior/senior citizen, out-of-state, and novice lots were not included here, as they can include almost anything. Also, please see the official rules for information on the sponsored awards--Kim Cope LIV2LAF, Minneapolis Institute of Arts and Bremer Bank--and the new "Group, Organization or Team" category.

This website is not an official State Fair site. For the official rules, go to www.mnstatefair.org/competitions/ag-hort-bee/crop-art-and-scarecrow. The Fair usually posts guidelines for the upcoming competition in the spring of each year. If you still have questions after reading the current rules on the Fair website, you can direct questions to competition@mnstatefair.org.


Natural colors lot
2025 State Fair rulebook description: Using seeds, stems, etc., in natural colors on a supporting background. No paints and dyes of any kind. No irregular forms. The entire piece (minus any frame) should be covered with crop materials and no background should be exposed.

Editor's note: Although this is the most difficult category (all natural colors, surface completely covered), it always has the most entries. For many more examples of using natural colored seeds, check out Laura Melnick's gallery or Cathy Camper's gallery (Cathy's recent pieces have been entered in the out-of-state category, but use natural seeds and plant parts).


Laura Melnick Elizabeth Schreiber Lea Stans Nicole Hart Christy Klancher
David Steinlicht Krissy Sorensen Ann Peters Andrea Reynolds Nick Rindo



Dyed or painted lot
2025 State Fair rulebook description: Using seeds, stems, etc., in natural colors, painted, or dyed on supporting background (at least some seeds, stems, etc. shall be painted, dyed or otherwise colored). Up to 30% of background can be exposed (without crop materials). Background should be finished. No irregular forms.

Editor's note: Some people use the paint option sparingly to make a color not found in nature, while others have painted/dyed all their seeds.
Wendy Brozic Gayle Deutsch Meredith Keller Suzanne Mears Ike Whiting
Kate Martin Kristen Smith Tom Rainey Stephanie McDougall Linda Paulsen


Irregular form lot
Irregular form lot Irregular form lot 2025 State Fair rulebook description: Using seeds, stems, etc., in natural colors, painted, dyed or combinations on supporting background. Forms other than rectangular, square, round, triangle, hexagon or octagon; not limited to flat surfaces. Up to 30% of background can be exposed (without crop materials). Flat surface pieces should not be framed but should be fitted for hanging. Maximum size of 3D irregular forms should not exceed 24" x 24" x 24".


Teresa Anderson Julie Blaha Sarah Jerome Lea Stans Nicole Turek
Nick Rindo Kate Martin Nicole Turek Christy Klancher Teresa Anderson



Flat surface arrangement lot
2025 State Fair rulebook description: Using dried plant materials in natural colors on a supporting background. Up to 30% of background can be exposed (without crop materials), Background should be finished. Any flat form.

Editor's note: This is a fairly uncrowded category, for some reason. As noted above, 30% of the background can be painted, i.e., not covered in seeds.

Linda Paulsen Jill Moe Teresa Anderson Charlotte Ferlic



Dried natural plant parts lot
2025 State Fair rulebook description: Using dried plant materials such as tree or shrub seeds, fruiting structures, bark, pods, nuts, leaves, cones and at least three kinds of field crop seeds or plant parts, and seed and fruiting structures of any horticultural crop (optional) in natural colors on supporting background. Plant materials must be from plants that are adapted to growing in Minnesota. Up to 30% of background can be exposed (without crop materials). Any form; hanging or standing.

Editor's note: Any shape. All seeds and dried plant materials must be natural colored; no paint allowed.

Teresa Anderson Jill Moe Julie Rainey Marta Shore Kate Martin



Special Occasion
2025 State Fair rulebook description: Using materials, forms or techniques as allowed in any class listed, to depict one of the following: any national holiday (United States), anniversary (wedding, historical), birthday greeting, religious holiday or event, or any other special event (holiday, anniversary, or tradition). Caption or theme must be included. Up to 30% of background can be exposed (without crop materials). Background should be finished. Any form; hanging or standing. Maximum size of 3D irregular forms should not exceed 24" x 24" x 24".

Editor's note: Very open, both in technique (can use paint/dyes, dried plant parts, any shape) and occasion (can be a well-known holiday, a little-known anniversary, or a personal milestone).

Siena Leone-Getten Julie Blaha Charlotte Ferlic Ashley LeMay Linda Paulsen
Nancy Rzeszutek Nicole Hart Marta Shore Andrea Reynolds Ann Peters



Seed and Plant Craft Objects
2025 State Fair rulebook description: Objects made of or decorated with seeds, stems, etc. natural color, painted or dyed. Examples: corn shuck dolls, caricatures, straw or stem structures, straw basket, seed chains, key chains, etc.

Editor's note: A very little used category. Forest, trees or shrub plant parts are allowed.

Jill Moe Jill Moe Joe Klancher Christy Klancher



Wearable Crop Art
2025 State Fair rulebook description: Objects made of or decorated with seeds, stems, etc. natural color, painted or dyed. Examples: jewelry, clothing, hats, etc.

Editor's note: A fun category! It doesn't seem to be required that the object could actually be worn. Forest, trees or shrub plant parts are allowed.

Nicole Turek Janine Joseph Marta Shore Joe Klancher Jill Moe



CROPS ARRANGEMENTS
2025 State Fair rulebook description: Only dried plant materials of farm crops, vegetables, forest trees or shrubs allowed; in natural colors, painted, dyed or combination. Exhibitor must furnish supporting suitable container (bowl, vase, dish, basket, etc.); exhibits will be shown on tables or shelves. Maximum height is 36 inches. Exhibit may be decorative or interpretive, with exhibit description and materials used on a small label. One exhibit per exhibitor.

Editor's note: This is technically listed under "Crops Arrangements" instead of "Crop Art," but it is displayed in the same area and is also eligible for the Bremer Bank award. Very few entries.

Lori Brandt Anderson Lori Brandt Anderson



*Popularity of Lots
 (with thanks to biostats professor and seed artist Marta Shore and the State Fair)

Total pieces submitted in 2023: 236 out of 397 registered = 59%

AMATEUR DIVISION
  • Natural colors: 44 submitted/82 registered = 54%
  • Dyed or painted: 26 submitted/45 registered = 58%
  • Irregular form: 22 submitted/33 registered= 67%
  • Flat surface: 2 submitted/5 registered = 40%
  • Natural plant parts: 11 submitted/15 registered = 73%
  • Special occasion: 22 submitted/32 registered = 69%
  • Seed and plant craft objects: 5 submitted/13 registered = 38%
  • Wearable: 10 submitted/27 registered = 37%
  • Crops arrangement: 2 submitted/10 registered = 20%

    ADVANCED DIVISION
  • Natural colors: 1 submitted/3 registered = 33%
  • Dyed or painted: 4 submitted/6 registered = 67%
  • Irregular form: 3 submitted/5 registered= 60%
  • Flat surface: 1 submitted/1 registered = 100%
  • Natural plant parts: 2 submitted/2 registered = 100%
  • Special occasion: 1 submitted/2 registered = 50%
  • Seed and plant craft objects: 1 submitted/2 registered = 50%
  • Wearable: 4 submitted/4 registered = 100%
  • Crops arrangement: 0 submitted

    MISC. DIVISIONS
  • Novice: 23 submitted/38 registered = 60%
  • Junior, 12 and under: 23 submitted/39 registered = 59%
  • Junior, 13-16: 7 submitted/9 registered = 78%
  • Senior citizen: 15 submitted/22 registered = 68%
  • Out of state: 6/6 = 100%

    One novice piece was submitted, but not displayed because it was disqualified due to size.
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