The 2026 Missouri State Fair Show Me Stars and Stripes opens Thursday, Aug. 13. Prior to the opening, Juror Grant Kniffin (artist/educator) selected 50 works of art from artist’s submissions for display in the MO50.
The 50 pieces will be on display throughout the Fair on the top floor of the Fine Arts Building on the south side of the fairgrounds. Mid-Missouri Artists (MMA) members with art selected are Brett Butler, Linda Hoover, Rebecca Limback, Karen Neppl, and Nancy Sams
The Fine Arts building features two large murals—a Modern American Gothic on one side, encouraging people to go upstairs and view the MO50 and a brand-new one celebrating America 250. The mural artist Smithton art teacher Kelsey Raines will be completing the lower portion of the mural throughout the fair, demonstrating for visitors who will be encouraged to take photos in front of the mural.
The Fine Arts Department features several divisions: MO50, Jr. 50, Open Amateur and Professional Art, Photography, and China Painting. The Photography division of Fine Arts for 2026 is designated as an American Photo Gallery, celebrating our nation and its people, places, and purpose.
Visitors can enjoy interacting throughout the Fair with a series of Artists in Residence including MMA member Susan Sanders from Clinton who will be demonstrating her art Aug. 15 and 16.
Release courtesy of Mid-Missouri Artists.
