Baxter
COLUMBIA - The IAFE Education Foundation has commissioned five artists from across the United States to create original works inspired by the theme “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness” in celebration of America 250.
This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov.
The artists were selected from among winners of art competitions held at fairs across the country, highlighting the depth of talent within fair communities. The commissioned artists are:
- Todd Baxter, South Carolina
- Gretchen Parker, South Carolina
- Janene Grende, Washington
- Brady Scott, Kansas
- Connie Spurgeon, Idaho
Parker
“We are incredibly proud to see two South Carolina artists selected to represent our state as part of America’s 250th celebration,” says Nancy Smith, general manager of the South Carolina State Fair. “This recognition highlights the depth of creative talent within our fair community and reflects the powerful connection between art, agriculture and history. We are already making plans to showcase and celebrate this honor during the South Carolina State Fair.”
Each artist will produce three pieces that will be transformed into engaging, family-friendly art activities that fairs of all sizes can download and incorporate into their America 250 celebrations, helping communities connect through creativity and shared experience.
“As chair of the IAFE Education Foundation, I’m proud to commission five artists as part of Celebrating America 250,” says Andrew Vandepopulier, chair of the IAFE Education Foundation. “This isn’t just about creating great art — it’s about telling the story of how agriculture has shaped our country over the past 250 years. Fairs have always been where communities come together to celebrate farming, innovation, and youth achievement, and this project brings that spirit to life in a new way. By connecting art and agriculture, we’re helping people of all ages see the impact farmers and ranchers have had — and continue to have — on America’s future.”
This marks the first grant the IAFE Education Foundation has received from the National Endowment for the Arts, and we are proud to launch a project that supports rural artists while providing fairs across the country with original artwork to inspire family-friendly activities celebrating this milestone in our nation’s history.
For more information about the initiative, visit www.fairsandexpos.com/art-