Meet the Mastermind Behind the Stunning Painted Hay Bales at Copper Creek's Fall Festival Days: Heath Foss

It’s that time of year again where our famous painted hay bales grace the acreage of our Fall Festival Days at Copper Creek Garden Center in Nisswa Minnesota. A stamp in time every season seen by thousands of drivers off of Highway 371 and by our thousands of Fall Festival Days visitors. During Fall Festival Days, there is one artist whose remarkable hay bale paintings truly capture the essence of the event. With each stroke of the brush, this talented individual infuses the artwork with seasonal spice, nostalgic vibrancy, and an undeniable sense of FUN. These quirky but beautifully painted hay bales become more than just festive decorations; they become a visual representation of the spirit and excitement that permeate the entire festival. Whether it's a giant Frankenstein or a cluster of playful pumpkins, this artist's creations become the focal point of admiration and joy for festival-goers. Through his talent and artistic vision, he manages to transform ordinary hay bales into captivating works of art that bring smiles to the faces of all who encounter them. The Fall Festival Days event simply wouldn't be the same without Heath Foss and his artistic and fun touch.

Let’s Meet Nisswa’s Bob Ross: Heath Foss

Heath Foss is a stellar Mason for the Copper Creek Landscaping team and has been for years. With his team, Heath builds extravagant outdoor fire pits, fire places, outdoor kitchens, and anything that includes mending one brick to another. Staff has grown to love Heath’s doodles, break room paintings, and Heath’s vibrant and funny personality. In terms of his masonry career, Heath started working in the field at the age of 14, alongside GL Foss Masonry. Afterward, he ventured into concrete work with a partner until around the age of 35. For the past six years, Heath has been working alongside Copper Creek Landscapes, honing his skills and gaining valuable experience.

Growing up on a farm, Heath was exposed to the world of masonry at a young age, watching and helping his parents with their work. With a family history of masons dating back four generations to their Swedish roots, it was only natural for Heath to follow in their footsteps. After graduating from Brainerd High School, Heath had plans to pursue Commercial Art at Minneapolis Tech. However, fate had different plans for him.

From a young age, Heath showed a talent for drawing and painting. His mother and grandmother always supported his artistic endeavors, gifting him sketch pads and art supplies. In high school, Brainerd offered excellent art classes, and Heath excelled in painting, photography, sculpting, and pottery. However, he found that drawing and painting resonated with him the most. Heath primarily works with acrylic paints, showcasing his artistic skills in various ways. One notable accomplishment was entering the State Duck Stamp, which commissioned artwork for licensing duck hunters. Additionally, he created the artwork for the 2001 Governor's Fishing Opener with Jesse Ventura at Breezy Point. When it comes to his artwork, Heath has a variety of interests. In his free time, he gravitates towards painting nature, woodsy landscapes, wildlife, and cars. His favorites, however, are ducks and deer, capturing their beauty and essence through his brushstrokes. With a keen eye for detail, Heath is skilled at creating depth and contrast, particularly in snowy scenes.

While Heath considers his artwork a side business, he thoroughly enjoys it and doesn't see it as work. His paintings range from personal projects to commercial ventures. Many people approach him for portraits of pets, children, and cars. His art is not just a means of personal expression; it also serves as a way to give back to the community. Heath has donated artwork to Ducks Unlimited banquets, the Minnesota Deer Hunter Association, and the National Wild Turkey Federation, helping raise funds for these organizations.

Outside of work, Heath is a family-oriented person. He currently resides in Nisswa with his second wife and three children: Brianna, Garrett, Emma Lee, and a step-daughter Janey. The family enjoys spending time together, going on trips, hunting, and having dinner nights. With five grandkids, Heath has earned the title of "Papa Heath" and hopes that they inherit his artistic traits. Heath's wife, Jackie, is a teacher at ALC, and he often jokingly tells her that he should have been an art teacher. Nevertheless, he continues to pursue his passion for art, channeling his creativity into each piece he creates. Many people have compared him to the iconic Bob Ross of Nisswa, a nickname that Heath humbly accepts. Although he may have been a good kid with only average grades, Heath's art teachers always recognized his talent. He fondly remembers them and the encouragement they provided. In his kitchen, the family has a chalkboard that they traditionally dress up for holidays, reflecting their artistic spirit.

Outside of art, Heath shares a love for 50's cars with his father, who collected and restored them. One of his favorite subjects to paint is hay bales, a subject he looks forward to working on. On a productive year, Heath completes around 4-5 paintings. He sets up his paints on a table and usually works with a replicate image side by side, ensuring accuracy and attention to detail. To nurture his drawing skills, Heath keeps sketch pads handy for quick sketches on the go.

Heath Foss is a true testament to the power of passion and dedication. Through his artwork and masonry work, he brings beauty, creativity, and a touch of his Swedish heritage to the world. With every stroke of the brush and every masonry project, he leaves a lasting impression. And we all love when Fall Festival Days comes around and we get to see his creation in full force at our very own stomping grounds. All the staff and visitors can agree that we love your work. We thank you and look forward to another magical Fall Festival Days ahead!