State Fair Fine Arts exhibition gets spotlight in year without full fair

There are two attractions you can enjoy in-person at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds during what would have been the 2020 Minnesota State Fair: the food parade, which is sold out, and the Fine Arts Exhibition.

"We wanted to give people at least a slice of a way to experience the fair this year," said Danielle Dullinger, spokesperson for the Minnesota State Fair.

Dullinger said 1,718 artists submitted artwork this year and only the top 20% made it into the show. There are about 350 pieces from Minnesota artists on display.

"We had jurors pick the top talent of Minnesota, so this quality is top-notch," Dullinger said. "It’s the largest juried art show in Minnesota."

This competition has been a part of the fair since 1911 but it’s getting special attention this year.

"It is like a hidden gem that maybe people don’t see during the fair, so the fact that it’s getting its own promotion is pretty awesome," Dullinger said.

State Fair announces 2020 fine arts competition

The gallery features different kinds of art, from paintings to sculptures to tributes to George Floyd.

"It’s a reflection of the times and people use art to express that," Dullinger said.

Extra safety precautions are in place at this event. Attendance will be limited to 25% of building capacity in order to follow social distancing and masks will be required.

Tickets are $10 and will be sold for 90-minute time slots.

The exhibition runs through Sept. 7 in the Fine Arts Center on the State Fairgrounds.

Click here for more information.