The 2025 State Fair of Texas’ commemorative theme art is “Texas Shines Bright”!
Theme Inspiration: Big Tex’s Larger Than Life Persona
For more than 70 years, Big Tex has stood proud and tall in the heart of the Most Texan Place on Earth: The State Fair of Texas. From the heel of his boot to the tip of his hat, he stands at 55 feet tall, but in our minds, he looms larger than life. A giant cowboy with an even bigger heart, he embodies everything admirable about the Lone Star State and its residents. With a friendly smile, a genuine wave, and a hospitable catchphrase – “Howdy, folks!” – Big Tex is a beacon of goodwill and resilience. Big Tex is a gentle giant, one who inspires us all to be kind, have fun, and show the world what it means to truly be Texan.
SHINING A LIGHT ON BIG TEX
There is so much to see and do at the State Fair of Texas, but for this year’s Commemorative Art, we decided to step back and focus our spotlight on our Texan ambassador. Capturing the awe-inspiring experience of standing at the base of Big Tex Circle and marveling up at Big Tex himself was a challenge we were up for. This was also our opportunity to show Big Tex outside of the fairgrounds, but still showcase his friendly nature. We believe Big Tex belongs to all Texans, so what does it look like to have Big Tex walking through the state of Texas? Is he as tall as we imagine him to be? Yes!
CAPTURING THE GRANDEUR
Texas native graphic designer and illustrator Silvia Skinner at The Matchbox Studio, a design agency in Deep Ellum, shared our vision of emphasizing Big Tex’s grandeur in this year’s Commemorative Art. With a focus on Big Tex and his iconic stance, an initial sketch was developed that placed our beloved cowboy in a scene that could represent all of Texas. This initial idea even gave Big Tex a bit of movement and placed an emphasis on why his stance is so important.
REACHING FOR THE LONE STAR
One hand waves, and one outstretched hand ushers guests from far and wide to the fairgrounds. Big Tex is known for his recognizable stance, but what else could he do with his enormous hands? Could he give an armadillo a high-five? Could he pick a bushel of Texas wildflowers? Could he offer a helping hand? In this year’s commemorative art, we wanted to envision Big Tex being so tall that he could pluck a star from the sky. Or in other words, he could hold the “lone star” of the state in the palm of his hands, shining a light down on us all.
BRIGHT ELEMENTS OF TEXAS
From the plateaus of West Texas to the Pineywoods of East Texas, this year’s commemorative art uses landscape and natural elements to represent the variety of our state, with a special nod to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the Fair’s home. A closer look around Big Tex reveals fun nods to the Texan experience, both urban and rural. Towering above it all is our favorite cowboy, planting himself deep within the heart of Texas but forever reaching out for new friends and new possibilities.
The 2025 Commemorative Art
If Big Tex represents the best of Texans, then his beaming smile and the brightness of his welcoming spirit embody the Fair itself. After all, the State Fair of Texas is the Most Texan Place on Earth, so that same good-natured light is alive across the fairgrounds each and every year here at Fair Park. And at the center of it all, standing tall and shining bright, is Big Tex, encouraging us all to reach for the stars.
READY TO GET YOUR THEME MERCH? CLICK BELOW!
