The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association unveiled the 2023 Common Ground Country Fair artwork Jan. 10 at the Agricultural Trades Show in Augusta.

The artwork for the fair’s promotional materials is selected from contest submissions each year. This year’s artwork by Rebekah Lowell is titled “Monarchs and Milkweed.”

With the monarch butterfly population declining due to habitat loss, the message of “Monarchs and Milkweed” is both timely and a fitting selection for MOFGA’s annual celebration of rural living, according to a news release from the association.

“As a survivor of domestic abuse, monarchs hold a special place in my heart — for their resiliency, strength and metamorphosis, despite their size. Over the past several years, I’ve rescued and released over 1,000 monarchs from local hayfields, and have started tagging them,” Lowell said. “Monarchs are suffering due to climate change and habitat loss. They need milkweed to survive so anywhere you can let native milkweed grow, or plant new milkweed, you’re helping monarchs have a chance at life.”

Planning is underway for the 2023 Common Ground Country Fair, scheduled for Sept. 22-24 in Unity, with vendor applications being accepted for many areas of the fair. Vendors and exhibitors interested in learning more about how they can participate in this year’s event can learn more online at mofga.org.

Check out other upcoming area events!