Jeweler Rebecca Rosenkrans and owner of Bead Gypsy in Roseau spoke about how she became a jeweler and how her shop came to be. She creates and sells jewelry from vintage flatware, leather, beads, Chain Maille (a weaving of a jump ring), brass, copper, and other metals, and more. She learned silversmithing from the Milan Village Arts School in Milan, Minnesota. She does take custom orders. The shop sells pottery, rosemaling, books, weavings, knitting, wood carvings, and other items created by 16 area artisans, as well as items from Sweden and other Scandinavian countries. She serves Fika (coffee and treats) every day and they celebrate Scandinavian holidays. Stop into this shop for locally crafted treasures. Find her on Minnesota Bead Gypsy on Facebook. The store is downtown Roseau on Main Ave. Listen to learn more!

Badger artist Paulette Christianson has art in our Traveling Art Exhibit touring the region and the Artists of NW Minnesota Exhibit at our gallery in Thief River Falls. Paulette has led an active life in the arts. She’s worked in commercial art, like advertising via signs, magazines, and newspaper. In fine art she creates what she likes. She’s inspired by nature. She prefers to take a photo and bring it home to capture the image with her painting. She works in pen and ink, pencil, acrylic, and more. Her piece in the Traveling Exhibit is abstract, which she enjoyed creating. Paulette is available for commissions and for school residencies. To aspiring artists she says “Don’t give up .. keep trying.” You can find a listing for Paulette in our Artists of NW Minnesota booklet. Listen to hear more.

Cristeta Boarini is the Partnerships Program Manager at The Loft in Downtown Minneapolis. She spoke about resources, programs, and classes that the Loft offers virtually (and in person). Writers can find a community to help them grow their writing at the Loft. Learn more at loft.org

She also shared information about the McKnight Fellowship for Writers — the deadline to apply is open until November 30. Awards are for $25,000 and are available for mid-career established artists. Four awards will be given for spoken word and poetry, and one for children’s literature ages 8 and under. Judges change each year so Cristeta recommended that even if you’ve applied in the past, consider applying again. Winners join an elite alumni group. Apply through the loft.org. Eligibility questions can be sent to awards@loft.org.

Megan Maloney spoke with Phil about her history in the arts, taking over as the Executive-Artistic Director of Thief River Falls Community Theater, and Jane’s legacy. TRFACT is producing An Evening of Short Comedies Nov 13-15 at the Eagles Club in Thief River. Tickets are available online at TRFACT.org or at the door. Megan shared how they come up with the upcoming shows. The upcoming season will include The Sound of Music (directed by Jane Anderson), for kids ages 2nd-5th grade Frozen Kids, Teresa McGriff will be directing The Sweet Delilah Swim Club, and Something Rotten Jr for teens. Listen to all of the conversation!