Richfield Man's Photo Wins on First Try at Minnesota State Fair

Richfield resident Dan Mlynarek didn’t expect to see his photograph displayed at the Minnesota State Fair’s fine arts exhibition.

“My friend kind of pushed me to sign up,” Mlynarek said. “I didn’t really think I’d make it into the fair.”

But Mlynarek’s photograph was one of just over 100 chosen, out of more than 1,200 entries, to be displayed as part of the 100th anniversary celebration of fine arts at the fair. Despite it being the first time he’s ever submitted a photograph to a competition, Mlynarek’s untitled work, which features him reading a Dating for Dummies book, will be featured through Labor Day.

“My work is somewhat autobiographical, taking experiences that I go through each day,” Mlynarek said of the somewhat unusual entry. “But it’s kind of making fun of things, too.”

After ending a long-term relationship last year, Mlynarek found himself perplexed over dating again, but discovered that discussing his difficulties with friends wasn’t easy. And so he took the picture of himself, surrounded by some of his favorite possessions, reading the book in the near-dark.

“My photos usually feature me in a role,” Mlynarek said, emphasizing that he was interested in exploring gender roles through his photography, which he intends to be commentary as well.

The friend who pushed Mlynarek to submit to the fair’s fine arts competition was fellow 1998 grad , with whom Mlynarek maintains a close working relationship. After attending the University of Minnesota together, the two continued working on art projects in and around Richfield. 

“We both think pretty similarly, so we shoot ideas off each other,” Mlynarek said.

Mlynarek graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2006 with a degree in studio arts and art history. His main pursuit while a student was photography, which he continues to work on as a Richfield resident, often working with Klos.

Mlynarek works at in Richfield, where he worked throughout college.

“It’s like a second family,” he said.

In his spare time Mlynarek continues to pursue artwork that includes painting, music and, of course, photography. He maintains a passion for tropical fish and spends time propagating saltwater corals.