Minnesota Artist

The work that it takes to turn raw wood into a custom handwriting piece or a Montessori kitchen tool all serves as a metaphor for life’s journey at Umbrella Custom Woodworking. 

Rebekah is a full-time resin artist who incorporates natural materials found along Lake Superior’s shores and northern forests to create distinctive Minnesota art. Birch bark is one of her favorite mediums.

From her own botanical paintings to the coaching she provides artists and artisans, Lara Cornell challenges her community to consider the long-term impact of their work. Impact includes eco-impact, social justice, equality, biodiversity, and economic questions. Lara disrupts the myth of the starving artist in order to empower creatives to found sustainable, economically-sound businesses that make the world a little more fair. 

Meet Jamie Bowser, a self-taught wood and 3-D paper artist from Faribault, MN. She designs and creates her laser cut designs from her workshop in their historic farmhouse home.

Meet Laura Merino-Franco of Primitiva Jewelry and learn about her conscientious approach to jewelry making. “I feel a responsibility to create ethically and from a place of clear intent,” reflected Laura.

Mattie Ernst of Earnest Threads uses a bit of magic to allow nature to literally leave its mark on vibrant silk scarves, wool felt earrings, wool coasters and cozies, and art prints.