URBANDALE, Iowa - The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) has been promoting Iowa's flourishing soy industry with a unique campaign —- Soy on Parade. Soy on Parade is a collection of 18 large, three-dimensional fiberglass sculptures shaped as soybeans that have been adorned by Iowa artists.

Throughout the summer, the sculptures were on display in various sites around Iowa. The soybeans will conclude their tour at the Iowa State Fair, August 9-19, in Des Moines. While at the state fair, Soy on Parade will be part of the Super Soy Scavenger Hunt. Stop by the ISA booth in the ag building to pick up your Super Soy Scavenger Hunt card and correctly answer all 10 questions. Then return your card to the ISA booth for a free soy T-shirt and a chance to win the grand prize, an all-expense paid trip for two to four historic Iowa bed and breakfasts.

The artists interested in taking on this project had to submit a drawing of his/her idea to ISA, including the theme the artist chose and an explanation of why that theme was picked. Once the artists were selected, the beans were delivered and the artists began to bring the beans, and their ideas, to life.

The sculptures were completed by March 1, at which time they were collected and bases were added so the soybeans can be permanently displayed.

A special soybean was done at a later time specifically for the Iowa State Fair. The Iowa State Fair-themed soybean was painted by local artist, Andy Chenchar.

A native Iowan, Chenchar grew up in Des Moines and knew from the start that he wanted to be an artist. In 1992 he began drawing and marketing “Melonheads, portraits of emotion” a popular series of artwork that is frequently on display at local venues.

Today Andy, his wife Melissa and 10-month-old son Maxwell, live in Beaverdale where Andy works from home as a freelance graphic designer.

“When designing the soybean, I was inspired by the excitement and all the sights, tastes and sounds that surround you when you are at the Iowa State Fair,” says Chenchar. “I was also inspired by all the things that soybean oil can make, cook or move. It’s truly amazing.”

Chenchar’s soybean was auctioned off at the Corndog Kickoff, a benefit auction in which the proceeds go to the restoration of historical aspects of the Iowa State Fair, and was purchased by Jean Pendleton.

“We go to the Corndog Kickoff every year. We are huge fair supporters,” says Pendleton. “When I walked in and saw the state fair soybean, I knew I had to have it. I just loved it!”

Pendleton was drawn to the soybean, not only because of its Iowa State Fair theme, but also because of its soy theme. “My family is very into soy,” says Pendleton. “I love soy, I eat tofu all the time. I really feel that it is the wave of the future. This soybean was simply a must-have!”

Pendleton plans to display her soybean in the entryway at Pendleton Law Firm in West Des Moines. ” It is a beautiful work of art and I am so glad to have it in the office,” says Pendleton.

On September 5, the remaining sculptures will be auctioned off during a live auction at Hoyt Sherman Place with the proceeds going to the ISA Ag Scholarship Program. The scholarships are available to Iowa high school seniors who will pursue a degree in an agricultural-related field.

Don’t see a soybean that fits you or do you have a great idea for a soybean? Then ISA has just the bean for you. A blank soybean will be sold at the auction and the winner of that soybean will have the opportunity to design it however he/she wishes. ISA will then have an artist make those ideas a reality. From logos to portraits, ISA can make this soybean suit your business or industry.

The other Iowa artists who designed a soybean are as follows: Nanci Griffith (Ankeny, IA), M.D. Ashland (Ames, IA), Chris Cowan (Ames, IA), Mary Holtze (Des Moines, IA), Bill Hamilton (Des Moines, IA), Marv Freund (Urbandale, IA), Andy Chenchar (Des Moines, IA), Kathy Grove (Des Moines, IA), Cate Newberg and Alex Newberg (Urbandale, IA), Jennifer Mally (Des Moines, IA), Dot Prater (Ames, IA), Shelby Ostrander (Des Moines, IA), Jonathan Hoffman (Des Moines, IA) and Gary Usovsky (Des Moines, IA).  Olmsted Elementary in Urbandale and Boone Middle School also designed a soybean.

Please RSVP for the Soy On Parade Auction to Sue Heath at the Iowa Soybean Association office at 800-383-1423.