Mine was one of 31 crop art pieces from the Minnesota State Fair chosen for this year’s Cream of the Crop exhibit at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

The Artemis II mission and lunar flyby was a much needed period of light during a dark and terrifying winter in the Twin Cities. I hope the astronauts know the positive effect they had on so many people on this planet, and I hope someday they see my tribute to them.

Cream of the Crop: Second Harvest is open now through 11/29. Admission to Mia is free for all visitors.

It’s a crop art tradition to try to get a picture of someone taking a picture of your piece. Last year and this year I took a picture of the first person I saw doing that. I was looking through pictures from last year and noticed something a bit odd…

Does anyone know her?

I would love to thank her for apparently being my biggest fan and ask her how long she’s been rocking that outfit on opening day of the State Fair!

This is my crop art piece based on Craters of Time, a photo taken by the Artemis II crew during the Lunar Flyby. It recieved the 3rd Place for Class 1 - Natural Colors, Amateur, which is the most-entered class. This year there were 128 pieces in that class.

The sky is black lentils and the moon is made of 90,000 grains of quinoa stacked in 8 layers to show the varying depth of craters ok the moon’s surface. I’m the first person to use layers to achieve a sculptural effect in a crop art piece. It took me hundreds of hours over 3.5 months.

This is my second year entering, my second piece, and my second ribbon. Knowing that many people would handle the resistance art far better than I could, I chose to a subject that would bring me joy as I worked. I’m very proud of it and am happy it has resonated with so many people.

I made this crop art piece for the Minnesota State Fair. It took me hundreds of hours over 3.5 months. In a year plagued by darkness and fear, the Artemis mission brought was a beacon of joy and hope. As soon as I saw the photos from the flyby, I knew I had to make it the focus of my entry this year. I am so happy with how it turned out and cried when I saw my third place ribbon.

It’s on display at the MN State Fair now through Labor Day!

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Crop Art(emis) II: Seeds of Tranquility
Based on Craters of Time, taken by the crew during the Lunar Flyby on April 6, 2026.

Black lentils and 90,000 pieces of quinoa stacked in eight layers on canvas board.

Third place in Crop Art Class 1 (Natural Colors).

PASSINGISH
Coliseum East – C
DNR/Cafe Caribe – C
Grandstand L2 West – D
West End Market – D-

DO NOT USE
Ag-Hort Bldg – F-
Bandshell – F-
Education/Creative Bldg – F-
Machinery Hill – F-
North End/Hangar – F-

I will try to visit new bathrooms this year starting on opening day. Use these to plan your wiping trips in the meantime!

✌🏻❤️🧻

It took me about four years to get to this point and I’m so proud of myself for finally doing it! Everything hurts, but it was worth it. Next up: my first metric century! Definitely need to build up a bit more strength first, but hoping to get that in before the end of September.