Crop Artist Liz Schreiber Explains Her Craft

Originally Published in the Pioneer Press / TwinCities.com as “TAKE A CROP ART CLASS JUST IN TIME FOR THE STATE FAIR”

By Isabel Saavedra-Weis | isaavedra-weis@pioneerpress.com |

PUBLISHED: July 14, 2022 at 6:46 p.m. | UPDATED: July 15, 2022 at 3:41 p.m.

Ever been curious about the crop art show at the State Fair? A school in Marine on St. Croix is offering a one-day crash course for beginners curious in the craft.

The class at Marine Mills Folk School will offer a hands-on lesson in crop art technique, as well as an introduction to the crop art competition at the Minnesota State Fair.

Liz Schreiber, who teaches the class, became fascinated with crop art 18 years ago after visiting the fair. Since then, she’s created dozens of pieces, including portraits Chief Flying Hawk, and Little Richard.

“I’ve entered the fair every summer since. It’s become a summertime tradition for me,” Schreiber said, who has the awards to show for it, including seven first place ribbons.

The agricultural craft became a State Fair feature in 1965 as an educational tool. Crop artists arrange thousands of little seeds to create larger images or designs. It can be a tedious craft, Schreiber said.

“It really requires time and forces you to slow down and focus, something I don’t know if we get enough of these days.” Schreiber said.

Those signed up for her class can expect to walk away with an art piece, as well as basic information about where to buy seeds, how to transfer an image, and how to attach and adhere the seeds to pre-primed panels.

The class is 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. July 23 at 550 Pine St. in Marine on St. Croix and costs $80, including materials. Visit the Marine Mills Folk School website at marinemillsfolkschool.org to register.