Rooted in a childhood of wild imaginings on a small farm at the end of Hoot ‘N Holler Lane in Dixonville, Oregon, Jill Carter’s artistic journey began among a delightfully chaotic cast of characters —farm animals, woodland creatures, and a few personalities only she could see. Her earliest drawings layered fantasy onto photographs, revealing the secret lives of furry friends with stories to tell and mischief to make.
That instinct for storytelling grew into a multidisciplinary practice shaped by years in theatrical scenic and lighting design, where diverse worlds were conjured on stage. Today, her illustrations carry that same sense of stagecraft—rich with atmosphere, personality, and a touch of magic— whether brought to life in pencil, paint, pixels, photographic collage, or a joyful blend of them all.
A longtime fixture of the Oregon Country Fair, Jill began working at Blazing Salads in the mid-’80s and has eagerly returned every year since. After decades of running a beloved food booth, she is delighted and honored to have been selected as this year’s poster artist—a lifelong dream come true.
When not playing in the magic of the Fair, Jill is a freelance graphic designer and illustrator based in Olympia, Washington. Jill’s work celebrates collaboration, imagination, and the quiet wonder hidden in plain sight—inviting viewers to pause, smile, and glimpse new whimsical worlds.
Stop by to see Jill and her work at the Poster Artist Booth just inside the Fair’s main Dragon Admissions entrance. Explore more at jillcarterdesign.com.
14″x22″