Dallas, September 24, 2025
News Summary
The State Fair Sculpture Garden Invitational will showcase a dynamic collection of public art at Fair Park. With works from 29 different artists, the exhibit invites visitors to stroll along Sculptor’s Way, away from the fair’s bustling areas, while enjoying a diverse range of sculptures. Featured works include the large-scale piece ‘Three Squares’ by Stephen James. This year, attendees can experience a blend of fair activities and art appreciation, highlighting local artists’ connections to the fair and the community.
Dallas.
State Fair Sculpture Garden Invitational returns to Fair Park during 2025 State Fair of Texas
The State Fair Sculpture Garden Invitational will appear as part of the State Fair of Texas running from September 26 to October 19, 2025. The exhibit includes a public art collection that changes annually and this year features works from 29 different artists installed along and near the lagoon at Fair Park, extending from the Old Mill Inn to Discovery Gardens. The outdoor route, referred to as Sculptor’s Way, offers visitors a less populated side of the fair for strolling and viewing sculptures while also enjoying fair food and drinks.
Key pieces and contributors
This year’s display includes a range of styles from colorful and whimsical to contemporary. One featured piece is titled Three Squares, a large-scale metal sculpture by artist Stephen James. Both Stephen James and fellow artist Perkins build their sculptures at the Bill J. Priest Center at Dallas College. The exhibit curator and sculptor Laura Walters has described the event as the best-kept secret of the fair, and participating artists highlight the personal and professional ties many have with the fair and the city.
Visitor experience and access
Visitors can access the Sculpture Garden by following Sculptor’s Way along the lagoon corridor between the Old Mill Inn and Discovery Gardens. The route is positioned away from the fair’s busiest promenades, providing a quieter experience that can be combined with typical fair activities, including enjoying corny dogs and other fair food and beverages. Perkins notes that many regular fairgoers are surprised to discover the exhibit, and organizers aim to raise awareness of its presence so more visitors can include the sculpture trail in their fair visits.
Artist connections and production
Several artists represented in the exhibit work locally. Both Stephen James and Perkins produce sculptures at the Bill J. Priest Center at Dallas College, where large-scale metalwork and fabrication are supported. Participation in the Sculpture Garden is framed by some artists as a professional milestone; in particular, Stephen James views participation as a homecoming and a privilege tied to his connection to the fair and the city.
History and format
The State Fair Sculpture Garden Invitational has been a part of the State Fair of Texas for nearly 20 years. The exhibit is organized as an annually rotating public art collection, meaning the works and participating artists change each year. Placement along Fair Park’s lagoon and path network has been used to create a consistent route labeled Sculptor’s Way, which contributes to the exhibit’s identity within the fairgrounds.
Logistics and planning
Exhibit installations are arranged in advance to accommodate outdoor display conditions and pedestrian circulation around the lagoon. Organizers coordinate installation locations from the Old Mill Inn to Discovery Gardens to balance visibility with the goal of offering a less crowded viewing experience. The presence of 29 different artists in this year’s exhibit reflects the Invitational’s continued emphasis on variety and rotating public art.
Background context
The State Fair of Texas, hosted at Fair Park, is an annual event with a wide range of attractions. The Sculpture Garden Invitational has grown within that ecosystem over nearly two decades, establishing Sculptor’s Way as a distinct pathway for public art appreciation amid the larger fair experience. The Invitational’s changing collection model supports returning visitors who seek new works year to year as well as artists who use local facilities, such as the Bill J. Priest Center at Dallas College, for fabrication.
FAQ
What is the State Fair Sculpture Garden Invitational?
The State Fair Sculpture Garden Invitational has been a part of the State Fair of Texas for nearly 20 years.
What does the exhibit feature?
The exhibit features a public art collection that changes annually.
Who described the exhibit as the best-kept secret of the fair?
Laura Walters, the exhibit curator and sculptor, referred to it as the best-kept secret of the fair.
How many artists are included this year?
This year’s exhibit includes sculptures from 29 different artists.
What styles are represented?
The sculptures range in style from colorful and whimsical to contemporary.
What is a featured piece this year?
One featured piece is titled Three Squares, a large-scale metal sculpture by artist Stephen James.
Where are the sculptures located?
The sculptures are located along and near the lagoon at Fair Park, extending from the Old Mill Inn to Discovery Gardens.
What is Sculptor’s Way?
The route featuring the sculptures is referred to as Sculptor’s Way, offering a less populated side of the fair for visitors to enjoy.
Can visitors combine the exhibit with other fair activities?
Attendees can combine enjoying fair food like corny dogs and drinks with strolling through the sculpture exhibit.
Where are the sculptures built?
Both Stephen James and fellow artist Perkins build their sculptures at the Bill J. Priest Center at Dallas College.
Do fairgoers typically know about the exhibit?
Perkins mentions that many regular fairgoers are surprised to discover the exhibit, suggesting a goal to raise awareness of its presence.
How do artists describe participation?
Stephen James expressed personal connection to the fair, describing participation as a privilege and a homecoming.
When will the State Fair of Texas take place?
The State Fair of Texas will take place from September 26 to October 19, 2025.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event name | State Fair Sculpture Garden Invitational |
| Part of | State Fair of Texas |
| Dates | September 26 to October 19, 2025 |
| Number of artists | 29 different artists |
| Location | Along and near the lagoon at Fair Park, extending from the Old Mill Inn to Discovery Gardens |
| Route name | Sculptor’s Way |
| Featured piece | Three Squares by Stephen James |
| Production site | Bill J. Priest Center at Dallas College |
| Style range | Colorful and whimsical to contemporary |
| History | Has been a part of the State Fair of Texas for nearly 20 years |
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Additional Resources
- NBC DFW: State Fair Sculpture Garden Invitational
- Wikipedia: State Fair of Texas
- NBC DFW: Sculpture Garden Provides Peace
- Google Search: State Fair of Texas
- Time Out: Best State Fairs in the USA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: State Fair
- Garden & Gun: Why There’s No Fair Like the State Fair of Texas
- Google Search: State Fair Sculpture Garden Invitational
- Spectrum Local News: State Fair of Texas Unveils 2025 Theme
- Google Scholar: State Fair of Texas
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
