The Iowa State Fair, But Make It Art
Another Iowa State Fair has come and gone...
If you're anything like us you're still thinking about it.
The Iowa State Fair 2026 brought us 11 days of everything we love about this time of year in Des Moines—from the barns and agriculture to concerts, competitions, foods we never would have thought to deep fry, and all the best traditions in between.
Naturally, we started seeing art everywhere. So, in honor of another year at the Iowa State Fair, we pulled a few pieces from the gallery that remind us of some of our favorite fair traditions.
A Trip Through the Barns
It wouldn't be the Iowa State Fair without a trip through the livestock barns. Aly Ytterberg's 'As The Days Go By' gives us that familiar feeling, with open fields, a red barn, and a landscape that feels right at home here in Iowa.
It captures a quiet side of agricultural traditions that have been part of the fair for generations, and a view that feels unmistakably Midwestern.
Night Time at the Grandstand
Home for Iowa State Fair concerts with bright lights, loud music, thousands of people, and an energy you can feel from your seat —the Grandstand is a little chaotic in the best way.
'Chaos to Calm' by Sarah Grant feels like the perfect match for the Iowa State Fair concerts, with layers of expressive color, gestural marks, and movement that captures the excitement of a night spent seeing your favorite artist on a summer night at the fair.
The Roots of the Iowa State Fair
At its roots, the Iowa State Fair is a celebration of agriculture. 'Trees and Crop' by local Iowa artist Bill Luchsinger captures that part of the fair that goes beyond the fairgrounds—colorful rows of crops and trees stretching across the landscape.
It's a familiar view for Iowans, and a reminder of where so many of our favorite fair traditions begin.
The Homegrown Goodies
Of course, we couldn't talk about the Iowa State Fair without talking about food.
From the classic fair food to the the fruits, veggies, and other homegrown goods entered into competitions each year, food is a huge part of what makes the fair so fun.
This piece from Paige Ledom, 'Juicy Tomato', feels like out gallery's very own take on the tradition. Bright, playful, and the perfect ripe tomato to be entered for the best tasting tomato!
Until Next Year...
The 2026 Iowa State Fair came and went so quickly. Although it only comes around once a year, so much of what makes it special—the color, energy, agriculture, creativity, and traditions—can be found in art all year long.
Until next August!
