WEST ALLIS, Wis. – March 28, 2014 – Wisconsin State Fair Park Officials are proud to announce Larry Schultz as Grand Champion Artist of the 2014 Wisconsin State Fairtastic Poster Art Competition, the Fair’s first annual poster competition. The Grand Champion piece will be displayed during the 2014 Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular, July 31 – August 10, and featured on a commemorative poster and postcard available for purchase online and during the Fair. All proceeds from poster and postcard sales will support the Wisconsin State Fair Park Foundation. The draft poster shown to the right reflects Schultz's portrayal of the "Wisconsin State Fair Experience."
On Thursday, a five-juror panel reviewed and deliberated upon the final, full-color drafts submitted by the top three finalists for the competition – Christopher Maury, Milwaukee; Larry Schultz, Milton; and James Steeno, Milwaukee – who were chosen in February from a pool of 28 entrants based on their drafts depicting the “Wisconsin State Fair Experience.”
“The judges were simply in awe of the final artwork,” said Jill Albanese, Competitive Exhibits Coordinator for Wisconsin State Fair. “We are thrilled with the bright, colorful, original quality of the final entries for the first year of the Fairtastic Poster Art Competition and congratulate all the finalists on excellent work – these pieces were just phenomenal.”
Schultz grew up in Milton, Wis., a small, rural town known for its agriculture and community, and developed a passion for art, drawing and detail as a young boy. He established himself as a Wisconsin artist early on and took particular interest in applying his love for the outdoors to the canvas. Schultz has dedicated his life to his art, teaching classes, conducting painting workshops and designing murals, and has been awarded numerous recognitions and honors.
“I’m thrilled for the opportunity to showcase the passion and excitement I have for the Wisconsin State Fair through my art,” said Schultz. “It’s an honor to be named Grand Champion Artist of the first Fairtastic Poster Competition.”
Schultz will have two months to create the final piece of artwork and will receive a $1,000 cash prize upon its completion, which will be unveiled to the general public on Wednesday, June 11.
The 2014 Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular, will take place July 31 – Aug. 10, 2014. The Wisconsin State Fair offers a unique experience to all who attend and is a phenomenal value with 30 FREE entertainment stages, thousands of animals, endless family activities, events, contests, vendors and culinary delights. For the most up-to-date information, “stick with us” at WiStateFair.com or /WiStateFair on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram and /theWIFair on YouTube.