State Fair's 2011 Official Commemorative Art is Unveiled

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2011 Official State Fair Commemorative Art by Steve Thomas

ST. PAUL, MINN. (06/08/2011)(readMedia)-- The Minnesota State Fair's 2011 Official Commemorative Art was unveiled this morning by artist Steve Thomas of Lino Lakes, Minn. Thomas presented his original acrylic piece to the public for the first time surrounded by State Fair fans and art enthusiasts at the J.V. Bailey House on the State Fairgrounds. The original piece will be on display in the Fine Arts Center during the fair's 12-day run.

Thomas' piece, created exclusively for the State Fair, showcases some of the Great Minnesota Get-Together's most prominent and identifiable attractions. "The art captures iconic elements of the fair and is based largely on photos I took," Thomas said. "I guess you could say it's a snapshot of my fair experience."

Just prior to the 2010 State Fair, fair officials announced their first-ever commemorative art call for submissions. Any Minnesota artist could apply. From the nearly 80 applicants, five finalists including Thomas were chosen to create near-complete artistic interpretations of the Great Minnesota Get-Together. From that group, Thomas was selected as the official artist by a panel of judges including members of the visual arts community and State Fair staff.

Thomas is a self-taught illustrator who has been creating art since he could pick up a crayon. A graphic artist and Web producer, he has worked in the newspaper industry for 13 years and is a two-time recipient of the Society for News Design's Best in Newspaper Design Award. He also runs his own small business, Steve Thomas Art & Illustration. His style ranges from graphic to painterly, as he works in both digital and traditional mediums, sometimes combining the two. Much of Thomas' artistic inspiration comes from pulp and poster art from the early to mid-20th century. He has a degree in Visual Communication from Ohio University. For more about Steve Thomas' work, visit www.stevethomasart.com.

The 2011 Official Commemorative Art is the eighth in a series of annual artwork created exclusively for the State Fair. In previous years, Minnesota State Fair artists have included: Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher (2004), Mary GrandPre (2005), Nancy Carlson (2006), Michael Birawer (2007), Edie Abnet (2008), Leo Stans (2009) and Deborah Voyda Rogers (2010).

Commemorative art posters, postcards, pins and a limited number of signed giclee prints featuring Thomas' artwork are available for purchase at www.msffoundation.org. Posters may also be purchased at the State Fair Box Office on the fairgrounds. Pricing is as follows: posters (18"x24") $10, pins $5, postcards $1 and large giclee prints (20"x25") $100. Proceeds from commemorative art merchandise support the Minnesota State Fair Foundation 501(c)(3) mission to preserve and improve State Fair buildings, grounds and educational experiences.

The 2011 Minnesota State Fair runs Aug. 25 - Sept. 5. Visit www.mnstatefair.org for more information.