Fairtastic Poster Art Competition

The 2026 Fairtastic Grand Champion artwork was created by Milwaukee artist Riley Peters!

As the commemoration of the Competitive Exhibits 2026 theme, “Rooted in Tradition,” Peters’ piece overflows with warmth and nostalgia. The artwork depicts a colossal potato shaped like Wisconsin that is rooted in the traditions of agriculture, entertainment and memory making while spotlighting a beautifully rendered Wisconsin State Fair ribbon. As Wisconsin State Fair officials invite everyone to “Celebrate Together” for the 175th anniversary this year, Peters’ poster will offer Fairgoers a chance to bring home a piece of history. 

Commemorative posters and postcards featuring the artwork will be available for purchase during the 2026 Wisconsin State Fair. Proceeds support the Wisconsin State Fair Park Foundation.

The Wisconsin State Fair Park Foundation was established in 1995 as a non-profit corporation with the mission of securing partnerships to support youth development programs, assisting with future planning and providing funding for capital improvements for Wisconsin State Fair Park. For more information, please visit WSFPFoundation.org.

Orange Wisconsin State Fair Text and rosette with state of Wisconsin as a potato

Artist: Riley Peters, Milwaukee WI

Past Fairtastic Art Posters

2025 Fairtastic Poster featuring cartoon people and animals from the Fair

2025 – Lauren Marvell, South Milwaukee, WI

2024 Fairtastic poster featuring cream puffs, cartoon people, ferris wheel and Wisconsin State Fair gate

2024 – Jeff Sadowski, Brookfield, WI

2023 Wisconsin State Fair fairtastic poster featuring animals, food, flowers, quilt squares, artwork, cream puff and beer

2023 – Ryan Steiskal, Milwaukee WI

2022 – Mikayla Albrecht, Appleton WI

2021 – Deborah Perrino, Janesville WI

2020 – Ryan Steiskal, Milwaukee WI

2019 – James Steeno, Milwaukee WI

2018 – Laura Jackson, Muskego WI

2017 – Julie Roth, West Bend WI

2016 – Rozan Henning, Augusta WI

2015 – F. Paul Dominguez, Watertown WI

2014 – Larry Schultz, Milton WI