This special November 2025 episode of the Iowa State Fair Podcast with Maxwell and Amy celebrates a once-in-a-lifetime honor: Iowa State Fair exhibitors whose work is now showcased at the Smithsonian Institution’s Renwick Gallery in Washington, D.C. Across the hour, listeners meet extraordinary Iowans whose “fair projects” have become part of a national exhibition on state fairs, craft, and the American imagination at the Smithsonian.
The conversation begins with award-winning quilter Mary Shotwell who explains the difference between pieced and appliqué quilting and how her love of intricate designs grew into decades of blue ribbons and multiple “Best of Show” honors at the Iowa State Fair. Next, the spotlight turns to embroiderer Anne Hansen, whose stunning three-dimensional butterfly, small enough to fit in a glass dome yet realistic enough to be mistaken for ceramic, also appears in the Smithsonian exhibit. Anne talks about learning embroidery as a child, becoming captivated by 3D “stump work” techniques, and spending months of late-night stitching to bring tiny wings and leaves to life. Then listeners can catch up with Sarah Pratt, Iowa’s beloved butter cow sculptor, whose life-size jersey cow now anchors its own custom-built, octagonal cooler in a prominent rotunda space at the Renwick. Sarah shares how she initially thought the Smithsonian was only interested in memorabilia from her mentor, Norma “Duffy” Lyon—until curators stepped into the butter cooler and started asking how they could get the sculpture itself to D.C. The episode then shifts to Rod and Deb Zeitler, a powerhouse Iowa State Fair duo. Rod is a competitive canner whose 750-jar pyramid, dramatically lit from below, showcases Iowa-grown fruits and vegetables in “visually stunning” form. Deb, a weaver, basketmaker, and shoemaker, explains how a class at the Penland School of Crafts led her into leatherwork and to the handcrafted boots now on display. Together, they reflect on becoming unexpected “stars” among visitors and on the joy of having a place they’ve always loved visiting—the Renwick craft museum—now showcasing their own work. Finally, miniaturist Beth Grabau joins the show to talk about her exquisitely detailed, three-sided vignette titled The Pump House. Beth describes the intense math, materials knowledge, and steady hands required for miniature work, as well as the emotional challenge of letting the piece leave home for Washington.
Listeners are invited to visit the Renwick Gallery’s state fair exhibit, explore the Cultural Center at the Fair, and stay tuned for next month’s holiday-themed episode featuring the Iowa State Fair–inspired stocking stuffers and seasonal fun.
