Have you ever been at the state fair, wandered into the Horticulture building and are astounded at the line of people waiting to view this year's crop of Crop Art from around the state?   

The Minnesota State Fair Crop Art competition officially began in 1965, where Minnesotans used local seeds, stems and plant parts to make pictures on boards, a true folk art, its original purpose was to help people learn to tell different farm crops apart.  It's now one of the most beloved parts of the Minnesota State Fair. 

Did you know that not one of the finalists in the 2025 competition was from Olmsted County?   

We are ready to change this in 2027! 

Local artist Molly Althoff is teaming up with the History Center on September 16th from 5:30-8 p.m. to help you make your very own piece of crop art.  You get instruction from a local artist on creating one of two designs or come prepared with your own design to create, select from The Corn Tower, a styled “Ope” or BYOD: bring your own design. 

You’ll learn about the history of crop art, state fair guidelines and how crop art has become a thriving folk art in Minnesota, and all of the supplies needed to create your own piece to take home. 

• Advance registration is required and will close on 9/14/26. 
• Spots are limited to 40.  
• Please select your preferred design when registering. 
• This class is for ages 16 and up, teens age 12-15 can attend if an adult attends with them (2 tickets required). 
•  $3 processing fee for any cancellations/refunds until 9/1/26. No refunds after 9/1/26. 
  
  $45 for non-members. $40 for HCOC members.