Inspired by the Americana of Midwestern county fairs, artists Allison Rowe and Nancy Nowacek (both MFA Social Practice 2011) remix social rituals and cultural symbols. Their collaborative exhibition, Fans of Democracy, captures the emotional undercurrent of American politics—intense passion and constant collision.

Visitors are greeted by Just Crushing: Made in America, a parade of psychedelic festival flags dressed in swirling mixes of red and blue. The show's title piece—paper fans representing a spectrum of voting issues—was inspired by intense summer heat fueled by corn sweat. Just Crushing: Voter Perspectives, a video installation, collapses the drama of demolition derby, comfort of midway snacks, and Reddit forums to reflect the transformation of information and ideas into political opinion. And Concession Stand offers the opportunity to play politician, sacrificing personal desire for the promise of a larger social good.

The show culminates with a public event in CCA's Double Ground Quad on the evening of November 3: Just Crushing: Election Night, a mini demolition derby with remote-controlled cars designed by CCA students and local teens.