Barlow's 2022 State Fair Commemorative Art Unveiled

The Minnesota 2022 State Fair’s Official Commemorative Art by Leslie Barlow ’16, MFA, was unveiled Thursday, June 9, at the Fairgrounds.

With her large-scale oil painting, Barlow hopes to "communicate the energy, excitement, and joy that the Fair brings."

“I often paint people of color and love our skin tones to be really vibrant and beautiful,” she added in the foundation’s announcement. “In this piece, you also see the neon lights from the Midway reflected in the faces, communicating how bright and lively the Fair is at night.”

Her original painting will be on display in the Fine Arts Building during the State Fair from August 25 to September 5. Posters and a limited number of signed prints are available for purchase.

Learn More

• "Minnesota State Fair 2022 commemorative artwork unveiled"
  (twincities.com—June 9, 2022)
• "Artist Leslie Barlow mixes nostalgia, joy in creating the 2022 Minnesota State Fair commemorative artwork. She’s the first Black woman commissioned for the task."
  (sahanjournal.com—June 9, 2022)
• Purchase Commemorative Art
• Barlow's Website