Artist Carves Portraits From Giant Blocks of Butter Inside a Rotating Fridge at the Minnesota State Fair
NYT Wirecutter visited artist Gerry Kulzer at the Minnesota State Fair, where he carved detailed portrait sculptures from 90-pound blocks of cold butter inside a rotating refrigerator.
We peeked into the famous butter-sculpting tent at the Minnesota State Fair to find out how sculptor and art teacher Gerry Kulzer makes magic from butter blocks.
Kulzer explained that, despite working in such a frigid environment to ensure food safety, he really loves what he does, as he gets to talk about the farmers who produce dairy, having grown up on a farm himself.
The butter has to stay at 40° for food safety purposes. So, I have to wear layers. …My fingers get too cold to go much longer than 2 hours. And so, every 2 hours or so, we take a little break. …To me, it’s a badge of honor. I get to talk about the farmers who produce dairy. And I grew up on a farm.
Kulzer carves the likeness of each finalist in Midwest Dairy’s Princess Kay of the Milky Way program. His faculty bio at Eden Valley-Watkins School, where he teaches art, describes the role.
As the butter sculptor for Midwest Dairy’s Princess Kay of the Milky Way program, Kulzer brings regional recognition to Dairy products and the people who work tirelessly to bring food to our tables.
Kulzer took over the role in 2022 from Linda Christensen, who had carved the Princess Kay finalists in butter since 1972.
Kulzer also carved a butter bust of Amy Adams for Minnesota Monthly’s holiday gift guide.
