“Ginger” begins new Indiana State Fair Arts Tradition

Spear-Huff couldn’t have possibly known then that her inspiration would be the beginning of a new Indiana State Fair tradition.  She brought Ginger to life on canvas and entered her painting in the fair’s fine arts competition.  Although it didn’t win a ribbon, the Indiana State Fair Commission purchased it for permanent display in the fairgrounds’ Administration building.

“I was thrilled when (the fair) called to say they wanted it to start a new collection,” Spear-Huff said.  “It’s great to be part of something with so much tradition.  I’ve been coming to the state fair since I was a kid.”

In an effort to honor Hoosier artists and Indiana agriculture, the fair created the idea to purchase a new painting from the fine arts competition for permanent display each year.  The deadline for this year’s fine arts competition is July 1.  Artists who would like to enter online can do so at https://secure.in.gov/statefair/fairentry.