The Best and the Würst - CA State Fair 2009

It took a while to peel ourselves away from the 100,000 Toothpick Sculpture, but we finally got our fill and looked at the rest of the Fine Arts entries.

This was my favorite piece--the origami dress and shoes:


Star Tessellated Dress and Shoes by Linda Mihara

White against white doesn't do it justice. Trust me, it was amazing.


Star Tessellated Dress and Shoes by Linda Mihara


Star Tessellated Dress and Shoes by Linda Mihara

Award of Excellence and Special Award for Innovation
Star Tessellated Dress and High Heel Shoes
Linda Mihara

This artwork is the result of my lifelong experimentation with traditional origami folding techniques.

Origami tessellations are defined as repeating shapes or patterns that are folded from a single sheet of paper. This dress, folded from a single sheet of parchment, has 112 stars folded throughout. There are no cuts. Each shoe is folded from a single uncut square.

I hope to bring a different view to origami by using it in non-traditional ways.

Here are other pieces from the Fine Arts Gallery:


Eye Candy by Elaine Bowers

Award of Merit
Eye Candy
Elaine Bowers

Definitions of "Eye Candy"

Random House: Attractive person of limited merit.

Merriam-Webster: Something superficially attractive to look at.

Wikipedia: A common slang term for visually appealing persons or effects used to draw mass attention. The implication is that they are eye catching in a superficial fashion, for example due to adding an element of sexuality. Like actual "candy" this addition is seen to be neither nutritious nor substantial, but rather provides a potentially addictive appeal which will sustain the attention of a wider audience, possibly despite their better nature.

Elaine Bowers: To have fun with a pun and play in clay on words.

Recycled Night by Aaron Buehring


7,500 bottle caps

Award of Merit
Recycled Night
Aaron Buehring

Recycled Night contains over 7,500 bottle caps, and each cap has its own story. Many came from my travels to Europe and Peru, while I picked up others off sidewalks, on golf courses, and in parks across the country. A large portion came from beverages consumed by my family, friends, and coworkers, collected over a period of many years to assist me with my creation. The collaboration among everyone in my life helped to make this a community project, which provided me to make a piece that reflects life, energy, and love.

Hardly A Davidson, by Roy Holmberg

Juror's Award
Hardly A Davidson
Roy Holmberg

This motorcycle is comprised mostly of vacuum cleaner parts. Look closely and you will see names like Kirby, Electrolux, Hoover, Compact and Eureka. A total of 11 vintage vacuum cleaners gave up their parts for this piece. I drew parts from the older machines, constructed before plastics took over. These products were constructed in this country and were built to look good and last.

I am an artist blacksmith, woodworker, biker and collector of vintage treasures (some might say junk). I enjoy scouring yard sales, flea markets and thrift stores looking for just the right parts to be combined into a seemingly recognizable object. I had a great time putting this piece together--hope you enjoy checking out my ride!

Up To My Neck by Terrence Martin


Up To My Neck by Terrence Martin

Award of Excellence
Up To My Neck
Terrence Martin

This piece is composed entirely of 1/4" and 1/2" mild steel scrap metal. Left over, or "drop-outs" from a CNC plasma cutting table were collected and saved for use in this 100% recycled sculpture. Shaped by hand with hammer and anvil, these leftover scraps were shaped and MIG welded together to form a giraffe's head and neck. Gun barrel bluing solution and automotive clear coat were then used to give it a two-tone color. This sculpture will retire after the State Fair to its final resting place at the Sacramento Zoo's new interactive giraffe exhibit this Fall.

These fellows were part of a special exhibit by Clayton Bailey--


Trio of Robots by Clayton Bailey


Robot by Clayton Bailey


Robot by Clayton Bailey


Robot by Clayton Bailey

A female robot surrounded by vintage coffee pots was on display in the Weird, Wild, and Wacky Hall. A domestic robot, how quaint.


Robot by Clayton Bailey

The Weird, Wild, and Wacky Hall had all sorts of strange collections--medical devices, tattoo instruments, vintage toasters and waffle irons, Barbie dolls, etc..

I only took a few photos--here's my first computer (I can hear the keyboard now).


My first computer

This is a device that R recognized from the attic of his childhood home.


Magneto-Electric Machine

Put electrodes on each hand and have someone turn the crank. It's a sure cure for what ails you. It's a wonder that modern physicians don't use this device today. And you call yourself a doctor?!

We ended the day with the best of the würst.


Our Würst is the Best


Lunch at the Fair

The dogs filled us up leaving no room for fried carbs covered in sugar.


Maybe next year

My first funnel cake will have to wait until the next time.

Signing off from the fair.

California State Fair
August 21 - September 7, 2009
Cal Expo
1600 Exposition Blvd.
Sacramento , CA 95815