Local Artist Adam Turman Has Biggest State Fair Display Yet
Adam Turman, whose studio is based in Golden Valley, is celebrating his eighth year at the Minnesota State Fair with an even bigger store.
Turman’s store is located in the upper lever of the State Fair Grandstand. It features prints, decor, clothing and even snacks decorated in his colorful illustrated style.
Matt Pekarek, a Plymouth resident who stopped by the store to buy a stack of T-shirts, is a big fan of Turman’s work.
“It’s uniquely Minnesotan,” Pekarek said. “I absolutely love that pop of color and the style, and just bringing everything about Minnesota into the artwork.”
Turman said this display is the biggest yet. It covers six parts of the grandstand, much bigger than it was at the beginning.
“We’ve taken up a huge amount of space. And basically, it’s this great store and people get to come in and enjoy,” Turman said. “It’s going to get crazy in here. It’s really fun!”
Turman’s pieces are Minnesota-centric and people have taken notice. His special fair prints pop up annually, featuring recognizable characters.
“We’ve got Babe, Hot Dish Girl, we’ve got Paul Bunyan, and we’ve got Fairchild. And they’re all riding the Space Needle,” Turman said, pointing at the 2025 design.
Turman shows off this year’s fair print.
It keeps him and his crew, “Team Turman,” busy. Julie Swenson said she loves it.
“Oh my gosh, it’s craziness. It’s always the first day. The first day’s like this every year. Which we’re super excited about—but the line always goes out the door,” Swenson said in between check-outs.
Customers got a free tote bag with their purchase by signing up for an email list.
Some were there to buy original works, while others wanted to view what Turman has up his sleeve now.
“It’s just a quintessential part of the state fair, you know,” said Brian Waletzko, a longtime fan. “Adam’s become a fixture, kind of like Martha’s cookies or cheese curds.”
People can also enter a giveaway to win a piece of Turman and Mercury Mosaics art.
Turman is selling prints of the mosaic, too. He said money from those prints goes to the Friends of the Boundary Waters.
Turman and Mercury Mosaics teamed up to create this artistic depiction of the Boundary Waters.
