91��Ʒ

Wisconsin State Fair has named �16 (Integrated Studio Arts) the 2025 Grand Champion Fairtastic Artist for her hand-painted poster featuring this year�s theme, �youth enjoying the state fair.�

The South Milwaukee artist has a vibrant practice � Lauren Marvell Illustrations � that includes projects for municipalities, health care systems, Marquette University, Radio Milwaukee, Titletown and Milwaukee Art Museum.

Fair officials say her poster �bursts with fun colors and spotlights the vibrancy of young people soaking in all that the has to offer.�

Marvell says she finds it �fun to plant people (and pets and places) I know in my drawings (with their permission!), especially family and friends. It�s a fun way to personalize the drawing experience. Plus, I love being able to point at my drawings and say, �Hey, look! It�s my friend!��

�I especially love working with cities,� Marvell says of her client portfolio. �It�s always fun to learn more about a place, especially if they�re close to home. I�ve gotten to learn about so many awesome local businesses, parks, public art spaces and more through the research I do before I start sketching.

�My favorite project was definitely the Oak Creek Trailer. It was amazing getting to draw something on my tiny iPad, then getting to see it on such a large scale. Plus, seeing it around town is always a special treat!�

�Connections are everything,� advises Marvell. �So much work is generated through social media, vending at shows, word of mouth and by people seeing the projects I post/share/sell. Staying active and making work is also important. Even if I�m not in the middle of a big commission, I�ll always find a way to make something that I�m excited about.

�A silly series I�ve been working on with my mom and dad is called �Groovin� in the Garden�. They�re puns about the music we listen to and gardens we grow! Like Dolly Parsnip, Frank Cilantro, Ozzy Cob-Corn � all illustrated in a groovy-colorful format�. I�ve also been working on some fun stuff for local libraries and schools!�

Does Marvell feel unique as an illustrator with a fine art background? �I took an Illustration course my senior year and LOVED it�� she says, �but in the end I really value the advice and guidance given to me by my teachers. I feel it helps me approach illustration from a different angle.�

Commemorative posters and other items featuring Marvell�s artwork will be available for purchase at the 2025 Wisconsin State Fair. Proceeds support the Wisconsin State Fair Park Foundation.

Learn more about 91��Ʒ�s fine art major, Fine Art + New Studio Practice, and Illustration major.