The Ohio Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) awarded C.J. Brown of Lindewood, Illinois with the Friend of the Expo Award at the Ohio Beef Expo, held March 14-17 at the Ohio Expo Center.
Each year, volunteers spend countless hours ensuring the success of the Ohio Beef Expo. In order to show OCA’s sincere appreciation for those who have dedicated themselves over the years, the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association and the Ohio Beef Expo planning committee developed the “Friends of the Expo” award. Each year, this award is presented to worthy recipients who have contributed to the success of the Expo for the past 32 years. Since its inception in 2002, 45 individuals or organizations have received this award. In 2019, this award was presented to two very deserving individuals, C.J. Brown and Joe Foster.
Brown has always been willing to donate to fundraisers and create original artwork for the Ohio Beef Expo. For example, she created unique artwork for the Expo’s 30th anniversary in 2017. She has been a tremendous supporter of the Expo over the years and sells numerous pieces of artwork in her booth at the Expo’s trade show each year. Throughout Brown’s years at the Ohio Beef Expo, her business has expanded, allowing her to purchase new equipment and create more prints.
“C.J. has been a tremendous supporter of the Ohio Beef Expo. Over the years she has utilized her talent to benefit the Expo by designing one-of-a-kind artwork commemorating Expo milestones like the 30th anniversary. She always finds a way to help when a group asks for her assistance with various events, like youth fundraisers,” said OCA Executive Director Elizabeth Harsh.
Brown treasures the friendships and memories she has developed with vendors, committee members and OCA staff. “I have been to multiple state beef expos, and the Ohio Beef Expo is by far the best in the United States. That’s why it is such an honor to receive this award because it is such an outstanding event – nothing comes close,” Brown praised.
Brown grew up on an Angus and Simmental cattle farm in northern Illinois. She now resides in Lindewood, Illinois and owns C.J. Brown studios, where she creates unique prints for numerous cattle associations and companies. She received an art degree from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa and has a background in the gift art industry, where she worked for multiple years prior to painting cattle and other agriculturally related scenes.
Posted: March 19, 2019