LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A simple, award-winning diorama caused quite the stir at this year's Kentucky State Fair, with officials shy about why it was pulled off from display.
Preston Poling, also known as the Bearded Miniaturist, takes his craft seriously, even if what he makes is a little bit playful.
"I like to put my art out there and just see what happens," he said.
This year's entry to the state fair was a miniature rendition of the infamous "casting couch," a pop culture reference to an adult film set.
It was a departure from his previous work which includes grand recreations of set pieces from the TV show 'Frasier' that have won blue ribbons at past state fairs.
Poling's miniature diorama ended up winning third place but was pulled after nearly one week on display.
"I think my casting couch piece was about as subtle as you could get," Poling said.
When asked why Poling's miniature was removed, a state fair spokesperson said "entries submitted to the fair routinely reviewed throughout the event."
Poling said the state fair board considered stripping him of his awards, but decided to let him keep his ribbons.
"There's craftsmanship involved in it," he said. "For instance, the camera that's sitting on the desk, that's hand-carved from a piece of wood."
Poling believes getting kicked out of this year's competition was the best outcome, adding that he isn't mad about the decision and even planned on attending the fair for a concert Thursday night.
"If they take one away and say, 'hey, this is too hot for the fair,' that's what everybody wants to see," he said. "Even if it's a basic couch in a boring room, that's the one you want to see."
For those who missed out on seeing it at the fair, he plans on holding a second showing. Poling is also accepting a commission to create a copy of the piece for the man who works in the office the miniaturist modeled.
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