There’s something to be said about owning a unique piece of artwork handcrafted by an area artist. I have several pieces in my own home that I’ve purchased directly from all types of artists—from the novice to the professional. Truth be told, I also have a couple of canvases hanging around that my fiancé and I created together (and we’re most certainly not artists).
In this issue, which features the themes of homes, outdoor living and pets, we’ve connected with local artists and artisans, photographers and interior designers, who work to create special spaces in our living areas. In An Artistic Adventure, I connected with contemporary artist Mary Jo Van Dell. Van Dell shares her story on becoming an artist and the inspiration behind her landscape pieces. “The work evolves … I just let it happen naturally. I don’t force it or try to be different, but, over the years, it has changed dramatically,” she says.
In Turning Inspiration Into Reality, writer Emily Gedde connects with Amy Leferink of Interior Impressions who recently created a modern farmhouse-inspired home in Hastings. Featuring wooden beams, dark accents, organic elements and natural themes, it’s a cozy and inviting space—perfect for the homeowners, who are natural hosts.
March 20 marked the first day of spring—but we all know that a Minnesota spring doesn’t come around until the end of April. I, for one, am looking forward to the melting of the snow, the warmer temperatures and the sound of birds chirping once again. (I’m also hoping that there isn’t a fluke snowstorm this month!) It seems the St. Croix Valley, too, is preparing for spring with the first anniversary of the reopening of Horta Culture and one area resident, who is preparing to dive into birding season.
Readers, how are you celebrating the changing of the seasons? Share your spring snaps with us on Instagram by tagging us @stcroixvalleymag or using the hashtag #StCroixValleyMagazine.
-Hailey Almsted
