INDIANAPOLIS – To support the Indiana State Fair’s 2024 theme of “The Art and Nature of Fun,” the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) launched an art competition in partnership with the Brooks Lamb Foundation for the Arts of Lebanon, Ind. This competition offered Hoosier artists more than $1,000 in prize money. On Aug. 1, awards were presented to the winners at a reception at the Glass Barn at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

Artists competed in four categories – Best in Show; Merit: Best Use of Soybeans; Merit: Best Depiction of Indiana Agriculture; and the People’s Choice Award. The Best in Show winner ($600) was “A New Dawn” by Erica Schutt from Needham, Ind. The award for Merit: Best Use of Soybeans ($200) was earned by Andrea and Patrick Worthington, of Zionsville, Ind., for “The Joy of the Harvest.” And finally, the award for Merit: Best Depiction of Indiana Agriculture ($200) was awarded to Jessica Feldkamp from Greenfield, Ind., for “Masquerade.” The People’s Choice Award ($150) will be determined by Glass Barn visitors during the state fair through an online poll accessible inside the building.

“Congratulations to all three finalists for these beautiful pieces of artwork,” said ISA CEO Courtney Kingery. “ISA was excited to partner with a very special group, the Brooks Lamb Foundation, in hopes to both share their story and also to help them reach an audience of fairgoers that can hopefully find children and students in need of their help.”

Founded by Ed Lamb to honor his daughter, the Brooks Lamb Foundation celebrates students who are exploring their talents in visual and performing arts. The Foundation was created to support students with financial need or compelling hardship to aid n their creative exploration. Learn more at brookslambfoundation.com.

While voting for the People’s Choice Award, Glass Barn visitors will notice several new exhibits for this year’s state fair. First, the Glass Barn’s farm combine exhibit is now outfitted with an interactive software that allows the user to turn, drive, raise and lower the harvesting booms, auto-steer and unload soybeans. An all-new points system allows the user a competitive challenge to try to earn the highest score.

Newly designed and installed on the Glass Barn’s northwest wall is a display that shares the vast equipment, software and technology that Indiana farmers use. The Ag Technology Wall features equipment such as soil monitors, weather stations, drones and satellites.

Outside the Glass Barn, ISA will celebrate its partnership with the Indiana State Fairgrounds with the use PoreShield, a soy-based concrete sealer, around the Indiana Farm Bureau’s Fall Creek Pavilion.

Three new farmers have been added to the Glass Barn’s rotation of daily Farmer Chats. These farmers are Denise Jamerson, of Lyles Station, Ind.; Mike Koehne, of Greensburg, Ind.; and Denise Scarborough, of LaCrosse, Ind. Broadcasting from their farms, these soybean growers can answer questions from Glass Barn visitors via an online connection. These Farmer Chats will happen at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. each day during the fair.

Among the more popular annual displays at the Glass Barn is the continuous photo slideshow of Hoosier farm families. Those who would like to have their families included in this slideshow may submit a photo along with a name and hometown to beanteam@indianasoybean.com.

ISA is also continuing its BeanGo game this year will all-new questions and brand new hats for those who complete the game.

During the 2024 Indiana State Fair, Aug. 2-18, ISA will need volunteers to work in the Glass Barn. Volunteers who work a four-hour shift will receive two free tickets to the Indiana State Fair, a free parking pass, a free t-shirt and a meal coupon. ISA needs more than 200 volunteers to staff the Glass Barn during the fair. Volunteers will help visitors take part in various hands-on exhibits, play the BeanGo game, take photos in the Picture You booths and answering quiz questions about Indiana agriculture during live virtual Farmer Chats for prizes.

To volunteer, sign up at glassbarn.org or email beanteam@indianasoybean.com. Volunteers may contact ISA Consumer Outreach Manager Ben Linder by email at blinder@indianasoybean.com or by phone at 317-644-2857.

For additional information about the Glass Barn, go online to www.glassbarn.org.