The New York State Fair may be canceled this year, but the iconic butter sculpture is not.


What You Need To Know

  • The sculptors Jim Victor and Marie Pelton have been making the NYS Fair butter sculpture for 18 years

  • It's a monthslong process that requires approval from the American Dairy Association

  • Before they get their hands on butter, they have to draw, design, and create a foundation


Artists are currently working in the dairy building, putting together this year’s creation.

Jim Victor and Marie Pelton have been building the great New York State Fair’s butter sculpture for 18 years.

This year, people won’t be able to see it in person, but they will be able to see more of what goes into putting it all together.

“There’s a lot of work that goes into it, even before we set foot into the butter booth,” said Pelton.

First they make drawings of different designs that must be approved by The American Dairy Association. 

Then they work on creating a solid base for their sculpture.

“It’s really of the upmost importance to do it correctly and to build something that’s going to hold up the butter,” said Pelton.

They take steel or wood to weld together armatures, which are sometimes covered in steel mesh. 

“It’s kind of fun to do. It’s just one of those extra things that you pick up as an artist or a sculptor,” said Pelton.

They work with around 800 pounds of scrap butter that can’t be sold or eaten.

When they are inside the booth, they say they aren’t as cold as many people think.

“Most of the time when we’re working in there, it’s quite warm,” said Victor. “It’s in the 60s when we’re working most of the time.” 

Marie and Jim create art all across the country, but because of the pandemic, this year’s fair sculpture is their first job of the summer. 

“Everything’s been canceled and there’s just not much going on. It’s nice to see some continuity in your life,” said Victor.

They hope this year's sculpture brings the same amount of joy as it has before.

It will be unveiled to the public on September 1.