Lillian Colton

Lillian Colton (1911 – March 20, 2007) was a crop artist whose work, usually portraits of public figures made from agricultural products such as wild rice, hay, and timothy seeds glued to cardboard, has been prominently displayed at the Minnesota State Fair for many years.

[1] Colton was born and raised on a farm near Sherburn, Minnesota in rural Martin County.

[2] Colton first entered her crop art at the Minnesota State Fair in 1966 and won nine "best-of-show" purple ribbons in eleven years.

According to Steve Pooch, deputy general manager of the State Fair, "..Once she attained her level of expertise, there wasn't anybody that could compete.

"[3] As a result, she retired from the State Fair competition in 1983 "to let others have a chance at winning ribbons".

Colton's daughter, Linda Paulsen, demonstrates making crop art at the Minnesota State Fair, just as Colton did.