News : Vinton artist among those paying tribute to State Fair Butter Cow

Artist Angie Wittmer of rural Vinton painted the flowers on this cow for the Iowa State Fair.

In honor of the Butter Cow's 100th anniversary, Fairgoers will find 100 cows of all shapes and materials in various locations throughout the grounds during the Fair, set August 11-21.

Angie Wittmer of Vinton is one of the artists involved in the project. She painted a cow with bright yellow flowers. It is among the other cows that will be on display when the Fair begins tomorrow.

"I chose the design as it was cheery and happy," said Wittmer. "I have had the design in my head for a while; I was going to paint it on a clay pot, but I decided to use it on the cow instead. I submitted the design to the Iowa State Fair & luckily was one of the 60 artists chosen. It was very difficult painting on a vertical surface that had alot of curves and bumps; it took 15 hours to complete, but I had alot of fun doing it."

More than 60 concrete cows painted by Iowans pay tribute to the 100th anniversary of the Iowa State Fair Butter Cow. Fairgoers had the opportunity to display their creative talents, in professional or novice categories, and decorate a concrete cow in any way they chose. From paints to clothing to accessories, these concrete creations are covered from head to toe. The first place cow from each category will be announced on August 11 during opening ceremonies. For a printable map with a listing of all the concrete cow locations visit http://www.iowastatefair.org/fair-attractions/butter-cow/

Together We CAN will use thousands of cans of food to sculpt a larger-than-life replica of the Butter Cow, a milk carton, and a market hog set in a "field" of corn and soybeans. Following the Fair, all the canned goods in the exhibit will go to the food insecure throughout the state.

Created by Sandscapes, the Cultural Center will house a softer tribute to the Butter Cow made of sand. A flower bed near Little Hands on the Farm was artfully designed by Fair landscapers in the shape of the famous bovine.

Of course, the buttery birthday bovine will be on display in her 40 degree cooler in the Agriculture Building. The Butter Cow, as well as the companion sculptures, will be unveiled at the Fair's August 11 opening ceremonies.

"Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair set August 11-21, 2011. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.