Local Celebrities

March 26, 2014
drewnorton's picture
As much as I hate to admit, one of my guilty pleasures is keeping up with celebrity gossip. Who has lost the most weight, which star is now pregnant, and what couple split this week. There is always drama. For the most part, Iowa stays clear of the celebrity gossip. Of course we have John Wayne, Johnny Carson and Ashton Kutcher that have brought fame to our state. Over the years, there have also been plenty of celebrities that have attended the Iowa State Fair. For the 2014 Fair, there is one local “celebrity couple” that is making a grand appearance. 
 
Iowa native Grant Wood’s most famous painting is currently on the Fairgrounds BUT in the form of a 25-foot statue. The 30,000-pound structure, created by sculptor Seward Johnson, arrived on the Fairgrounds last week and will remain until September 1. It is standing tall in front of Pella Plaza, next to the Livestock Pavilion. 
 
The sculpture is entitled “God Bless America,” and depicts the famous couple – a farmer and his spinster daughter – that Wood painted in 1930. “American Gothic” became one of the most familiar pieces of art in American history. The painting of a farm couple posed before a white house brought the artist instant fame. Don’t forget that the inspiration came from a cottage he had seen in the small Iowa town of Eldon.
 
“American Gothic” is also one of the most parodied pieces of art. In 1996, in true Fair fashion, the painting was sculpted out of butter honoring the Fair's sesquicentennial. The Iowa State Fair is fortunate to be able to display this piece of art. We are thankful to the donors that paid the expenses for the statue to be delivered. The icon was brought on to the Fairgrounds in multiple sections on semi-trucks. I was able to watch the 4 crew members put together the exhibit using a crane. Overall, it went together pretty quickly. 
 
Nothing compares to the Amazingly Amusing Iowa State Fair!  This statue will only contribute to the “biggest show in Iowa”! So make sure you add the “American Gothic” to your list of must see attractions during this year’s Fair. As always, I will continue to do my best to keep all Fair-goers informed with any new Fair celebrity updates.