Butter Sculptors Jim Victor and Marie Pelton Bring Art to Life at Pennsylvania Farm Show

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. − Jim Victor and Marie Pelton, renowned food sculptors, have transformed 1,000 pounds of butter into a stunning cow sculpture, a centerpiece at the 2025 Pennsylvania Farm Show. The couple, celebrated for their whimsical and intricate food art, have been crafting butter sculptures for decades, captivating audiences across the country.

Victor and Pelton, who live in a quaint farmhouse near Philadelphia, are no strangers to the spotlight. Their work has graced state and county fairs from California to Florida, and they’ve collaborated with major brands like Chipotle, Subway, and Hershey’s. This year’s butter cow, made from enough butter to make 96,000 pancakes, is a testament to their creativity and dedication.

“It’s very unique what we do,” Pelton said, emphasizing the joy and whimsy that drive their art. The process, however, is far from simple. It involves meticulous planning, physical labor, and a deep understanding of their medium. Butter sculptures require cooled environments to prevent melting, and the temporary nature of their work adds a layer of complexity.

The couple’s journey into food sculpting began unexpectedly. In 1980, Victor was asked to create chocolate busts of Broadway stars Mickey Rooney and Ann Miller for the 1,000th performance of “Sugar Babies.” Despite a near-disaster when Miller accidentally knocked over one of the busts, the experience sparked Victor’s passion for edible art. He created his first butter sculpture for the Pennsylvania Farm Show in 1995, and Pelton joined him in 2008.

John Chrisman, CEO of the American Dairy Association North East, praised the couple’s work. “Their one-of-a-kind butter sculptures not only captivate and delight audiences but also honor the incredible dedication of our dairy farmers,” he said. The sculptures, often themed around agriculture and dairy, celebrate the industry’s traditions and innovations.

Victor and Pelton’s creations are not just art; they’re also sustainable. After the Farm Show, the butter from their sculptures is recycled through methane digesters, converting it into energy. This year’s 1,000-pound sculpture will power a home for three days.

The couple’s yard is a testament to their craft, filled with armatures of past projects, from a manatee to a bear riding a motorcycle. These wireframes, some still bearing traces of butter, are a reminder of the fleeting beauty of their work. “We’re like Buddhist monks,” Victor said. “It feels more like a performance to us.”

As the Farm Show draws to a close, visitors young and old continue to marvel at the butter cow, a slice of Americana that blends art, agriculture, and sustainability. For Victor and Pelton, it’s just another day at the office—one that leaves a lasting impression on all who see it.