The enduring tradition of state fairs in the U.S. is celebrated in a new exhibition, State Fairs: Growing American Craft, at the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery. From butter sculptures to seed art and crazy foods, these annual festivals reflect the nation's agricultural heartlands.

The Minnesota State Fair stands out for its intricate seed art, where artists create tableaux using grains and seeds native to the state. These artworks often translate famous paintings or depict celebrities, with a legend card detailing the seed usage.

The exhibition spans over 240 objects including contemporary jewelry pieces, historic quilts and even a rhinestone rodeo outfit. Artist Morgan Hill's mixed-media necklace celebrates treats and pastimes, while Agueda Martínez’s geometric weaving highlights Southwest tapestry blanket weaving.

State fairs also serve as a platform for rural communities to showcase their pride, resilience and inventiveness. From Rod Zeitler’s pyramid of preserved fruits and vegetables to Corey Alston's sweetgrass baskets drawing on Gullah Geechee traditions, these works offer unique interpretations of state fair events.

The exhibition runs until September 7th in Washington D.C., offering visitors a glimpse into the vibrant creativity and cultural heritage of American state fairs. The accompanying catalogue is also available for those seeking to learn more about this rich tradition.