Artwork is ‘butter’ when done together at Marshalltown Public Library

Marshalltown Public Library recently hosted a unique workshop that brought the community together through an unlikely medium: butter. Sarah Pratt, the artist famous for her work on the Iowa State Fair butter cow, led the event alongside her daughter, Grace. Attendees received their own butter sticks and tools, practicing the art of sculpting while exploring deeper themes of community connection.

Pratt used the workshop to explain her guiding principles for life and art. She highlighted the importance of invisible supports, referring to the volunteers and neighbors who assist others without needing recognition. For Pratt, these people function like the armatures used in sculpture to hold the medium in place. She encouraged the attendees to look for inspiration in their daily surroundings and local history to build something that represents their collective identity.

During the session, Pratt shared personal stories from her early years at the Iowa State Fair. She recounted her initial struggles with farm chores, including being fired from washing cows and walking them to the parlor. These early setbacks actually guided her toward the butter cooler, where she met Norma Duffy Lyon, the sculptor who would eventually mentor her for over a decade. Pratt took over the role in 2006, turning those early failures into a lifelong career.

Ultimately, the event focused on the value of diversity. Pratt noted that if everyone created the exact same sculpture, the results would lack interest. By embracing different approaches and unique ideas, the group created a range of art that reflected the variety of the community. The library workshop served as a reminder that creativity is a vital local resource and that working together makes the final result better.