DES MOINES, IA (06/16/2015)(readMedia)-- Local Des Moines Artist Ben Schuh has been named the winner of the Iowa State Fair Mural Contest, and will be painting his creation in the Patty and Jim Cownie Cultural Center. Watch his mural come to life August 13-23.
According to Schuh, his concept for the mural was to combine the best of both naturally occurring and man-made points of interest in Iowa. Some of these points include the Capitol Building, Des Moines skyline, High Trestle Trail Bridge, wind turbines and Iowa's landscape. "These elements overlap in such a way that the entire mural interacts and draws viewers in," said Schuh.
Originally from Webster County, Schuh and his family are passionate State Fair attendees, starting with his grandfather back in the 1930's. He is a third generation 4-H participant. He participated throughout his childhood, and he exhibited 4-H projects at the Iowa State Fair in the late 90's.
"My upbringing was defined by 4-H.," Schuh said in his application. "As a third generation 4-H'er and a second generation State Fair exhibitor, it is part of my heritage."
Schuh's interest in art really developed in college. A passionate Iowan, he graduated from Grand View University in Des Moines with degrees in Fine Art and Graphic Design. While his largest client base is Des Moines and the Midwest, he has sold paintings all over the nation, as well as in Canada and Europe.
As the mural contest winner, Schuh won a $2,500 stipend, up to $500 in reimbursement for supplies, and an invitation to paint the mural on-site during the Fair.
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Frequently ranked as one of the top events in the country, the Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state of Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Annually attracting more than a million people from all over the world, the Iowa State Fair located at East 30th and East University, just 10 minutes from downtown Des Moines is Iowa's greatest celebration with a salute to the best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement. "Nothing Compares" to the 2015 Iowa State Fair, August 13-23, 2015. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.
