Minneapolis Artist Michael Sweere to Create 2016 Minnesota State Fair Commemorative Art

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ST. PAUL, MINN. (02/02/2016)(readMedia)-- Minneapolis artist Michael Sweere (pronounced SWEER-ee) has been selected to create the Official 2016 Minnesota State Fair Commemorative Art. His original interpretation of the Great Minnesota Get-Together will be unveiled at the State Fairgrounds in June.

"I love the Minnesota State Fair and find it an honor to create the 2016 commemorative artwork," said Sweere. "For me, the fair is all about excitement – there's just so much to do and see. Animals, exhibits, rides and food – there's something for everyone. I can't help but feel like a kid when I attend the fair, and I hope that my artwork captures the excitement I get when I walk down the midway on a perfect summer day."

Sweere is a mosaic artist who primarily uses recycled and salvaged materials. His commissioned artwork installations can be seen at airports, educational facilities and health care institutions throughout the United States. He was recently chosen to be one of the 34 Minnesota artists commissioned to create work for U.S. Bank Stadium, future home of the Minnesota Vikings. Sweere attended Mankato Technical Institute and received a degree in commercial and technical art. After graduating, he moved to Minneapolis and spent the next 20 years working as an art director, illustrator and graphic designer for numerous advertising agencies. In 2005, he left the commercial field to pursue fine arts and formed The Michael Sweere Mosaic Company, LLC. He is represented by Rosalux Gallery in Minneapolis, Sivertson's Gallery in Grand Marais and Abode Gallery in Stockholm, Wisc. He resides in Minneapolis with his wife, Carole, and their two dogs – Ladybug and Tully. Visit michaelsweeremosaic.com for more information.

The commemorative poster, a limited number of signed prints and other merchandise featuring the art will be available for purchase after the June unveiling. Proceeds will support the Minnesota State Fair Foundation 501(c)(3) mission to preserve and improve the historic State Fairgrounds and support State Fair educational programs. The original art will be on display during the 12-day run of the 2016 State Fair. For more information about the fair's commemorative art, visit mnstatefair.org/art.

The 2016 Minnesota State Fair Commemorative Art will be the 13th in a series of artwork created annually by Minnesota artists for the Great Minnesota Get-Together. In past years, artists have included: Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher (2004), Mary GrandPré (2005), Nancy Carlson (2006), Michael Birawer (2007), Edie Abnet (2008), Leo Stans (2009), Deborah Voyda Rogers (2010), Steve Thomas (2011), Joe Heffron (2012), Marie Olofsdotter (2013), Emily L. Taylor (2014) and Adam Turman (2015).

The Minnesota State Fair is one of the largest and best-attended expositions in the world, attracting 1.8 million visitors annually. Showcasing Minnesota's finest agriculture, art and industry, the Great Minnesota Get-Together is always 12 Days of Fun Ending Labor Day. Visit mnstatefair.org for more information. The 2016 Minnesota State Fair runs Aug. 25 - Labor Day, Sept. 5.

-MSF-