[Kohlsdorf] The Driftless Area Scenic Byway is well known for its captivating scenery and many opportunities for outdoor adventure.

But attentive travelers may notice something unexpected on the northeast Iowa roadside.

[Valerie Miller] I wanted to paint a cow on the side of the building.

I love murals.

I think they're so much fun.

I picked a cow that was actually one of the first cows that I've painted, first steel cow, and her name was Queenie.

And I just painted it like she was very stoic, very patient, very wise, you know, just like that standing the test of time type of image.

♪♪ [Kohlsdorf] Valerie Miller, with the help of her husband and three boys, is the artist behind Steel Cow, a boutique art studio and storefront located in Waukon.

Her signature paintings of farm animals and wildlife have gained international acclaim in the 20 years since the brand's inception and are inspired by Val's own Iowa upbringing.

[Valerie Miller] Our family has been here in Iowa for a super long time.

And so, I really do feel like I'm of the place.

I love Iowa.

I love living here.

I love the people here.

I love the animals here.

I love the culture here.

And it is important for me -- that's not why I paint on the surface, but honestly deep down in I think it is.

[Kohlsdorf] Across town, Val and her family are preparing to welcome visitors in a new way, at the Steel Cow Lavender Farm.

♪♪ [Valerie Miller] My husband wanted kind of a non-traditional way to spend some of our extra time.

He said, let's grow something, you pick.

It took us a while but we finally landed on lavender.

Lavender takes about three years to really start producing a whole lot of material.

So, this upcoming summer we'll have more stuff to work with than what we've ever had before, which is really exciting.

[Kohlsdorf] The farm will sell lavender products and host events like painting workshops led by Val.

[Valerie Miller] I love to do things.

I love to make things.

I love to create things.

I love doing things with my hands.

But I also love that ability to focus on something new, to learn new things and then also to get it done and finished.

And so, for us and for me the workshops are going to be such a big portion of Steel Cow lavender farm.

And I'll be teaching some of them and then other people will be teaching some of them as well.

♪♪ [Valerie Miller] I really feel like this is going to be a wonderful place to gather for community and experience things that you don't normally experience.

♪♪