Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
At the State Fair of Texas, one of the most iconic attractions is a life-size sculpture made entirely of butter. Behind it is Tom Roberts, a longtime draftsman turned artist whose unlikely path led him to become the official butter sculptor of the fair. After decades of drafting buildings by hand, Tom discovered sculpting later in life and developed an unconventional approach that caught the attention of the State Fair of Texas art department.
Working for hours in freezing temperatures, Tom sculpts massive butter statues that celebrate Texas culture, tradition, and memory. Each piece reflects not only the fair’s yearly theme, but also moments from his own life, including a deep connection to his mother, who encouraged his creativity and believed he would one day create the fair’s signature sculpture. This Texas Country Reporter story explores the perseverance, craftsmanship, and heart behind one of the most unusual art forms in the state.
Tom Roberts
Byers, Texas
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Episode #: 1938
Original air date: 10-19-2024
At the State Fair of Texas, one of the most iconic attractions is a life-size sculpture made entirely of butter. Behind it is Tom Roberts, a longtime draftsman turned artist whose unlikely path led him to become the official butter sculptor of the fair. After decades of drafting buildings by hand, Tom discovered sculpting later in life and developed an unconventional approach that caught the attention of the State Fair of Texas art department.
Working for hours in freezing temperatures, Tom sculpts massive butter statues that celebrate Texas culture, tradition, and memory. Each piece reflects not only the fair’s yearly theme, but also moments from his own life, including a deep connection to his mother, who encouraged his creativity and believed he would one day create the fair’s signature sculpture. This Texas Country Reporter story explores the perseverance, craftsmanship, and heart behind one of the most unusual art forms in the state.
Tom Roberts
Byers, Texas
Tik Tok ► vm.tiktok.com/ZMR7EpeVw
Facebook ► facebook.com/TexasCountryReporter
Instagram ► instagram.com/texascountryreporter
Episode #: 1938
Original air date: 10-19-2024
