Stillwater Living October 2014

OCTOBER 2014

Stillwater Rickshaw Valley Chamber Chorale Potters Without Kilns

The Lofts of Stillwater

A riverside, main level condo on the beautiful St. Croix River. Features include a stacked rock gas fireplace, walk-in pantry, two bathrooms, den, and a spacious bedroom that walks through the closet to the Laundry Room. The Living and dining areas are very spacious.

The large walk-through kitchen has abundant cherry cabinetry, granite countertops and stainless steel

Square Lake - Stillwater

This spectacular casually elegant lake lodge was custom built in 2011 and offers complete serenity with 110 feet of frontage on the W. side of Square Lake, known for incredible scuba diving. Nearly 5,000 square feet of masterpiece detailing, this home boasts barrel vault ceiling, wide plank wood flooring, 2-story great room, gourmet kitchen & a screened porch. Enjoy main floor

appliances. This unit boasts one of the largest riverside terraces in town. Capture river and downtown panoramic views from the 5th floor terrace and association suites.

Cruise on over for a look! $475,000 Dwight & Sue Zaudtke 651-379-4105

living with a fabulous lower level for entertaining and lake relaxation!

For more information contact: Sandy Gehrke 651-260-5050 email: sandygehrke@kw.com

Hill-Murray School Discover our state-of-the-art Nicholas Center for future leaders with diverse learning needs.

Join Us!

Open House October 27, 6 p.m.

Learn more at hill-murray.org

The Catholic Benedictine Prep School for Grades 6-12 WWW.STILLWATERLIVING.NET 1

greatest

join us!

Friday, October 31, 7:00 pm - midnight

• The Outing Lodge at Pine Point (www.outinglodge.com) •• Costumes Required • $10 per person, pay at the door • rsvp to: rsvp@stillwaterliving.net / www.stillwaterliving.net

Gary Elert and passengers

contents

October 2014

Features

22

SOUTH AFRICAN EXPERIENCE Reflections of a Bennie Abroad

BY EMILY GOULD

Departments

8 16 18 20

MAINSTREET News and Views from the Valley ON STILLWATER The Power of One

By Jim Reynolds

STUDIO TIME American Ceramic Master

Mark Lusardi, Potters Without Kilns founder

By Heather Rutledge

GIVING BACK Potters Without Kilns

By Marjorie Wade

Cover photo, by Curtis Dale

WWW.STILLWATERLIVING.NET 3

editor’s note “You don’t need anybody to tell you who you are or what you are. You are what you are!”

VOLUME 1, NUMBER 10 OCTOBER 2014

-John Lennon

J

ohn Lennon’s sentiment resonates with what I’ve come to know of this community. We do things the way we do things around here, unapologetically. As the seasons pass the neighborhood adjusts and we move on to what’s next. How else would we do it?

OCTOBER 2014

Stillwater Rickshaw Valley Chamber Chorale

This issue portrays a sample of people in the community doing what they do for their own reasons. No fanfare, no false pretense – just people being themselves. Not everyone can set aside public opinion and remain true to themselves which is why the editorial roster in this issue celebrates those that can.

On Stillwater returns this issue with a focus on the Stillwater Rickshaw - Tour and Taxi. You may be surprised to learn that this little enterprise is run as an offering to support Stillwater area tourism. It’s not a money maker; it is more or less a community asset which is donated by the owner who loves this area.

Art Reach St. Croix continues to share tales of artists in the area that have an impact on the community. No one casts a larger shadow than Warren MacKenzie around here in the field of ceramic clay. He doesn’t boast about his work, in fact one of his most endearing qualities is his humbleness.

He is what he is and he is fine with that.

Potters Without Kilns

Peter McNiff

Copy Editor Maureen McDonough

Julie Bourman

CAROL CARVER EMILY GOULD JIM REYNOLDS HEATHER RUTLEDGE MARJORIE WADE

Curtis Dale

Mark Lusardi is on a mission to support potters without kilns. He knows that many a potter struggle to find a proper kiln to fire their work. Giving Back profiles his efforts to offer a home to that unfired work and to put back into use some dormant kilns.

LAURIE SCHNEIDER Laurie Schneider Photograpy

We’ve all been privy to Emily Gould’s trip to South Africa through her four journal entries recently. Now we have the opportunity to reflect on her trip as a whole in a feature story written by the former Pony and current Bennie. Emily could not have predicted how the months in a foreign land would impact her until she returned and reflected on her time away – read on to learn more.

This issue is rounded out with a piece written by Carol Carver, one of our favorite people in the neighborhood. Carol previews the Valley Chamber Chorale’s season and offers rare insight as to how this season was designed.

STEVE (SHOWCASE) SKALMAN HAWK JEFF BAGGOT

Peter McNiff Publisher and Editor peter@stillwaterliving.net 4 STILLWATER LIVING

OCTOBER 2014

Copyright 2014 Watershed Publishing, Inc. all rights reserved.

Stillwater Living is published by Watershed Publishing, Inc. P.O. Box 2302 Stillwater, MN 55082 651-430-3143 inquiry@stillwaterliving.net

39 Open 7 Days: M-F 8am-10pm, Sat 8am-10pm, Sun 8am-10pm

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letters to the editor

nated $1.00 do $10.00 equals power buying hase to purc food.

Nice Work!

460,000 meals

I enjoyed reading about the new folks and upbeat vibe at Valley Outreach in your last issue. I had no idea that they put so much thought into how the “clients” feel and how they are very careful to be considerate of all with their outreach. I agree that Traci sounds like the perfect person for that job.

We appreciate your coverage of local non-profits and volunteer opportunities over the years. In fact my husband and I are often called to action by Stillwater Living articles, we registered for the Cooks Challenge event after reading the article. I can’t imagine a better way to spend $75 – what a fun fundraising idea.

Nancy G. Somerset

ted

ist e Lindqu ions), Suzann r). r of Operat tive Directo Routh (Directo Maki (Execu ms), Kateri Seated: Tracy nator). of Progra Manager).

(Director Fund Coordi Liz Stone (Emergency lothing Closet Left to right: (Food Shelf/C Frederick and Cynthia Julie Froslan Liaison) (Resource Huntley

distribu

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it Valley O Our Commun s Support

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WATE 20 STILL

G R LIVIN

SEPTEMBER

Coordinator), (Volunteer

e and ntry, stat Kris Missing: this cou are stretching across nty from y families hington Cou iety comes they anx Too man thern Was nor meet. Theg goes wrong, s a here in e ends ose thin to mak sical exp if one pennies dge that the annual phyily’s one car gets wle fam job or the kno trouble. If e, if the second in will be nown issu mom to her unk sly . previou le bringing gives out ed whi rear end furnace finally y people catch mandescends if the old al erty – we nal pov before the spir h executive situatio or Outreac bers does “We see e is a gap, i, Valley ther nt num where Tracy Mak ease in clie , but from ” Says incr poverty l test ing it further. iona generat , “our grea quite mak our director from chronic, who are not y will use not stem and families mployed. The and then get als une months individu porarily one day are tem for a few of us could or who or food shelf ary. .” Most services k on their feet t, albeit tempor n has right bac kind of suppor t recessio line need this the grea r thin very fromwalking a razo t and the mee ess reco rs e ends ident, The jobl our neighbo by to mak w a car acc am of eaking follo many stre n just squ of events that your income If – how betwee es pletely me seri severe illness. com hso kids? loat ates or evapor wages cloth the wealth loss of for a time or or feed and t family is upset pay the rent independen and her staff e y does one us don’t hav to help us. Trac ary for ess Most of ld carry the day the tools nec ether. e k tog bac that wou Outreach hav their life at Valley d of piecing nee folks in

G.NET

LIVIN ILLWATER

2014

Programs run on the time and comm itment of ov er 1,000 volun teers

1,000 famili es clothed through th e clothing closet

HERE IS A SNAPSHOT WHO NEE D HELP AND OF OUR NEIGHBO RS SUP

PORT… dignity and respect. As this story I walked I felt energ VALLEY OUT ized by the through the facility I did see REACH CLIE for staff and volun a smile or • Reside NTS two on the in ISD 834 fortunate teers and to have faces • 75% live at or below at Valley Outre Tracy’s leadership of clients. We are Federal Pove = $23,550) working for ach. rty Guideline us here • Nearly 40% (family of 4 The are children Food Shelf • 20% are is by far the - 10% are well know physically senio large rs n or mentally • 50% are st and perh of the three Outreach. employed challenge aps most programs For over 30 d at one or to earn a offered more jobs, to 10 days years livable wage yet are unab worth of groce they have been by Valley • Students le Today we providing receiving ries to neigh 7 know so free/reduc Stillwater borhood much more ed-price lunch a few years Area Scho than we did families. ol district ago abou 1,321 kids. in the is currently and how even just much a meal t what comprises at 16% or a healthy and energ plan can effec diet y level. The t our overa staff cares treats each ll health abou client with The miss ion state each intera genuine respe t their clients and ment reads ction. They Outreach ct is a clients are as follow offer a “cho and support with s – able to selec and the solut bridge between the ice” mod crisis of the “Valley their family’s el t Valley neigh ion of the future. specific need from a range of optio where moment We help bors in need s. ns for financial assis of food, cloth our St. Croix The tance, and Cloth ing, emer their indiv other supp gency for peop ing Closet can have idual digni ort while le a “turning ty and offer and hope point” impa ing them enco respecting The day struggling with the .” to day harsh ct difference I think that last part uragement of demoralizi grind of stretching reality of poverty. in the world could make all imagine if for a typic the lousy. Clea ng some and leavi pennies has a your world al client. way n, gently ng most food shelf Could you fell apart used just feelin children could only to feel and you clothing for g went Tracy and judged and be her looked down to the at the bus stop difference in a childmen, women and the circumsta staff feel VERY to a paren upon? one remaining strongly that nce, all clien t feeling a warm no matter on self in a job interv little bette ts deserve iew. Thes the staff or r to be treat abou e nuan t any of the ed with the regular volun ces are not lost clients of 22 STILLW Valley Outre teers that ATER LIVING ach. support SEPTEMBER 2014

The Emer gency Fund is commonly though to “first stop be the for the next and work step,” s to supp orts basic and critical need clients they can become self-s s so that again. Fund ustaining s are disbu to a clien rsed direc t’s service tly often keep providers, which a famil to cover utility servi y in their home or ces, trans health care portation coverage, or None of etc. this can be easy reassuring for clients to know that of Valley resource it is Outreach, in place and is wasted, but it’s it is respectful of the day. service and very well managed.

Go check innovation No out about dona are the orde ting or volun the Valley Outreach will put it rs to good use teering – if you can web site to learn more they will put and spare a few you to good if you have a few bucks they idle hours use. in your week www.valle , youtreachm n.org Peter McN iff is editor and publisher of Stillwater Living maga zine.

A spirited ‘Chopped ’ style cook competitio ing n will highl ight Food Shelf ingre dients at the 1st Annu Feed the Valle al The fast-pace y Cook’s Challenge . d, mission-f event will ocused be hosted

by KSTP Meteorolo gist Dave Dahl and on Friday, held October 24, Grand Banq 2014, at the uet Hall in Througho ut the even Stillwater. t guests will cheer on Twin Citie s culinary students arts as they prep are using ingre dients taken an entrée the Food directly from Shelf.

“It’s not unco think all we mmon for people to have is cann and Ramen ed soup noodles, a warehous of limited, and some e times, unappetiz ing Director Tracyitems, “ says Exec utive promote fruits Maki. “However, we , vegetable grains and s, whole a food choic broad range of healt es. Won’t hy it be great to showcase We have a what we can offer ? fresh herb garden, an abundanc e of a wide varie fresh produce and ty of choic incidental ly, include es, which Ramen nood Through this les! event, we outdated can turn notion of that unap food shelf choices on petizing really highl its ight the quali head and have avail able. It will ty of what we be so much fun to see what the culinary stude create!” nts During the Feed the Valley Cook Challenge ’s guests will enjoy a delicious dinner, lively 100-bottle Dessert Dash Wine Pull , and live auction; all while helpiunique neighbors ng Valley in need.

Valley Outre ach Cook’s Challenge Friday, Octo ber 24, 2014 Grand Ballr oom 6:00pm – 9:00p $75 per perso m http://www.van lleyoutrea ch.org

Missing Terra Firma It could be said that the series of articles authored by Claudia Morgan could be the best series you’ve run. Being of a certain age I enjoyed the Silver Tsunami series a few years ago and in the beginning of Stillwater Living in this community the Parents Corner approach was immensely helpful to my daughter as her children were “lil ruggers” as you say.

6 STILLWATER LIVING

OCTOBER 2014

21

WWW.ST

When I read the last Terra Firma article, which focused on permaculture, I thought – this was very instructional and I’m going to miss this information. Can you please encourage Claudia to start a blog or something – I want more.

Barb B Stillwater

Problem Solver.

Optimist.

Real Estate Agent.

tomobrienrealtor.com

WOODBURY DENTAL CARE Kyle R. Edlund, D.D.S. | Michael M. Pelke, D.D.S. | Jason J. Thimjon, D.D.S.

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651.770.0292

Photography by Melissa Miroslavich, Lisa’s smile by Woodbury Dental Care

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dbury Drive!

Committed to Excellence for over 25 years. woodburydentalcare.com 3060-B Woodbury Drive • Woodbury • 651-739-7910 WWW.STILLWATERLIVING.NET 7

mainstreet

NEWS AND VIEWS FROM THE VALLEY

Greatest Halloween Costume Ball... EVER D o you have any plans on Halloween night? Well you do now! Join in the fun at the Outing Lodge for a Halloween Costume Ball. Last years event was off the hook, with a live DJ that inspired dancing till they turned off the lights. No particular theme is in place, just dress to impress with your favorite comic strip character or a traditional costume of the season.

This fun filled event is exclusively for the grown-ups.

Minors and non costume clad party goers will have a tough time getting past our security detail which is comprised of a three 400lb Samoans posted at each

8 STILLWATER LIVING OCTOBER 2014

entrance. They are sweet and helpful guys to all of the well behaved, costume wearing party goers. Please think ahead and be responsible when the clock strikes midnight, carpool or designate a sober driver because we want to see you again next year.

Friday October 31st 7:00 to Midnight Costume Required $10.00 per head rsvp@stillwaterliving.net

Get Into the Spirit Halloween will be a super fun night for neighborhood kids – if we adults cooperate. The communities that comprise our larger neighborhood typically rise to the occasion when the cause is “for the kids.” One often overlooked opportunity to help make a great memory for the lil ruggers is Halloween.

Don’t be “that house” – you know the one… the dark house in the neighborhood. Dawn on Halloween is a lively time in most neighborhoods with costume clad little people ruling the sidewalks and front yards.

If you don’t have it in you to at least pick up some pumpkins and put them out on the porch, at least turn on the light and welcome the neighborhood youngsters to your door. Most offer bite sized candies to the pint sized super heros, we suggest healthy alternatives such as apples and trail snacks – but most of all we encourage participation.

WWW.STILLWATERLIVING.NET 9

Giant Pumpkin Lovers Unite Fall is a great time of the year to gather in Lowel Park. The hearty group of community leaders has once again concocted a fun-filled family friendly event downtown near the river – Stillwater Harvest Fest and Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off. Last year we set a world record with the largest pumpkin known to man. Most people REALLY enjoyed the “pumpkin drop” where a huge crane lifts one of these mammoth pumpkins and drops it on the concrete, causing quit an explosion. Other events include a chili cook off, kid-powered mini tractor pull, micro-brew and wine tasting, pie eating contest, Saturday night street dance, kids costume parade, pumpkin regatta.

Check out the web site for an up-to-the-minute full schedule. www.harvestfeststillwater.com

gardenside Start the growing season right!

Spring & Fall Clean-ups Landscape Design/Build Private Garden Maintenance MONICA MOGREN, MLA CLAUDIA MORGAN, CNLP

Since 1995

651-770-3346 gardensidelandscaping.com 10 STILLWATER LIVING

OCTOBER 2014

Foodies on the Trolley

mainstreet

The Foodies On Foot folks have been offering area food lovers a little dash of history, epicurean wonders and fellowship for years now. It makes perfect sense that they would look to other quality Stillwater offerings to compliment their already great experience.

Each month Foodies On Foot join forces with Lift Bridge Brewery for a Craft Beer Progressive Dinner. This culinary event includes a narrated Stillwater Trolley tour of historic Stillwater, private tour of Lift Bridge Brewery with beer tastings along with a four-course dinner in beautiful Stillwater, MN where each restaurant will prepare and serve a mouthwatering course with a specific Lift Bridge Beer. And to top that off, one of the Lift Bridge “guys” will join us for dinner and explain the food and beer pairings. This event is held the once per month April through October..

Groups taking advantage of this fun experience have been Girls Night Out, Date Night, Corporate Team-Building Event, Birthday Parties, Bachelorette Parties, Family Reunions. Give it a try, and remember that “people who love to eat are always the best people.”

Call 1-855-2Foodies www.FoodiesOnFootMN.com WWW.STILLWATERLIVING.NET 11

Teach a Friend

to Brew Day The DIY trend is not relegated to home improvements; in fact the trend of producing food and drinks may be the strongest trend in society today. In recent years the St Croix River Valley Homebrew Club has seen their membership grow at accelerated rates. A primary reason for this explosion of home brewing is the variety of flavors and types of brew one can now produce at home.

If you prefer an ale then brew that, if you love a lager then get the lager kit and go to town. Not sure how to do it? Well you’re in luck – the St Croix River Valley Homebrew Club is hosting their 8th annual “Teach A Friend To Brew Day” right here in Stillwater.

There will be a variety of brewing systems set-up for you to see and members from the St Croix River Valley Homebrew Club available to answer your questions. There is no such thing as a stupid question when it comes to brewing your own beer or wine.

If you’d like to brew, call ahead and let them know what you have in mind, or that you don’t know anything about this but that you want to learn. They will accommodate you.

Have a recipe in mind, call ahead and they will get it ready for you. All levels of experience welcome, in fact the greener the better. Refreshments and food available.

Saturday, November 1st 11AM – 4PM. Still-H2O, 1266 W Frontage Road (Valley Ridge Mall) 651-351-2822 12 STILLWATER LIVING

OCTOBER 2014

mainstreet

Apple Season We’re announcing a new photo contest – a fall season apple orchard photo contest. Just grab a great shot of the orchard, the food served in the public buildings at the orchard or of the kids playing with each other at the orchard and send it in to us.

The apple orchard day-trip experience provides a ton of great photo opportunities and we’d love to publish them next year when this great season rolls around again. We don’t care if you send in family shots, grandma or grandpa shots or the rowdy pack of twenty somethings being excised from the wagon ride – we love em all.

Send your entries to: appleseason@stillwaterliving.net and we’ll compile a list of winners and “long shots” for next year’s October issue of Stillwater Living magazine. This is the antithesis of instant gratification, come on –it’ll be fun.

WWW.STILLWATERLIVING.NET 13

mainstreet Art of Relaxation

Danielle’s Thursday night Restorative yoga classes offer a sense of ease and peacefulness that help melt away pain, stress, and grief.

402 north main • studiooneyoga.com • 651-280-7155

Artist Talks

Nick Grasso

The fall winemaking season is upon us.

Franconia Sculpture Park is a rare gem of this area. When their artists are willing to explain how they developed a piece of work anyone with even a slightly curious mind should want to hear the explanation.

Here’s your chance to find out. Two of Franconia’s artists-in-residence will present their artistic portfolio and current project, giving you the chance to discover the concepts and meaning behind the work.

Be part of the discussion by participating in an audience-driven conversation full of feedback, critique, and new ideas. Presentations start promptly at 8pm and all are welcome for dinner with resident artists and staff at 6:30pm before presentations begin. $10 donation for the hearty meal. Please RSVP if you plan to come for dinner.

Thursday, October 23rd 651-257-6668 info@franconia.org 12 STILLWATER LIVING

OCTOBER 2014

Still-H2O has all your winemaking needs covered from yeast, additives, puree, corks, bottles and more.

Still-H2O also carries a large selection of RJ Spagnols & Winexpert winemaking kits.

Stop in or shop at our new online storewww.still-h20.com

1266 W. Frontage Rd. Valley Ridge Mall

651-351-2822

ask the

experts

Green Building:

Minnesota Spray Foam Insulation

A great alternative to fiberglass batts traditionally used for building insulation is modern spray foam insulation. You probably have seen application of spray foam on TV shows or in pictures online – basically, an expert sprays highly-insulating foam through a hose into a houses attic and other cavities where air can escape causing difficulties in heating or cooling a home.

Depending on how the house is built, spray foam can be a primary insulating material, expanding in spaces to completely fill any locations where air infiltration may occur. It also can be paired with other insulating strategies to achieve high levels of energy efficiency.

One of the main benefits of spray foam insulation for the contractor is its ease to completely fill even minute spaces where insulation is necessary. For home and business owners, the benefit is the R-value, or the ability to insulate and regulate temperature flow.

There are two types of foam that can be used: Open cell foam insulation – It provides a strong air barrier but does not have a vapor barrier, so something else must be incorporated. Open cell foam has an R-value of 3.5 or 3.6 per inch.

Closed cell foam insulation – It serves as a barrier to both air and water vapor. Closed cell foam has an R-value of 6 to 6.5 per inch, according to the above source.

In addition to the obvious energy efficiency benefits, spray foam is considered more environmentally friendly because it has no HCFCs. By better insulating a space, residents will feel more comfortable throughout the year, plus it reduces moisture and mold potential.

Oftentimes that initial investment quickly pays for itself in energy savings, plus, living in a home that is both sustainable and comfortable is something anyone can feel good about.

Andy Braden- Braden Construction • 715-549-6099 info@BradenConstruction.com • BradenConstruction.com

Stillwater 651-275-0700 | Woodbury 651- 600-3310

INeedANewKITCHEN.com

www.rivermarket.coop WWW.STILLWATERLIVING.NET 15

On Stillwater

By Jim Reynolds, photos by Laurie Schneider

The Power of One Promoting Stillwater One Ride at a Time

H

ave you seen this cool little buggy around town? On summer weekends you can regularly catch a glimpse of it buzzing around the hills and roaming through downtown carrying happy passengers about Stillwater.

Gary Elert, along with his wife Kit have lived downtown Stillwater for 25 years, travels far and often which gives him regular exposure to other cultures.

While vacationing abroad he took notice of the rickshaw concept “I got the idea of bringing a rickshaw service to Stillwater from visiting vacation areas where there are lots of pedal rickshaws. However, with the many hills here in Stillwater I figured I could never hire someone to go up and down the hills.” Who could argue with that logic?

Fortunately for Stillwater, Gary later found the AutoRickshaw, which is made in India, he bought one and shipped it home. In the summer of 2005 the Stillwater

16 STILLWATER LIVING

OCTOBER 2014

Ricksha Taxi & Tour enterprise was taking fares and giving tours of Stillwater and Houlton Hill. “We tried to run it as a business for the first two years” says Gary “just too few people to make a go of it.”

Gary and his other drivers enjoy playing the role of tourism ambassador for our little river side hamlet. “We take people across the bridge or up the hill for a scenic view of Stillwater.”

Shares Gary, “We love to show off the city and help people from out of town have a great experience - people always want a photo with the rickshaw.”

Part of what makes Stillwater great is individuals like Gary who, of their own free will, just give back to the community with no expectation of a return. Driven by a sincere fondness for the community Gary underwrites the financial commitment to maintaining that crazy little buggy from India while generating an abundance of good will for our fair city.

Having a residence and business downtown (a business which is in no way connected to tourism) Gary and Kit see the traffic pick up in the warm months and he witnesses the significant drop off in traffic after the fall colors drop from the trees. Living and working downtown one feels truly connected to the community and, in some ways kind of protective of the community.

Seeing tee shirts that encourage people to leave town or to see the bumper sticker that reads “welcome to Stillwater – now go home” can be irritating to all non-Stillbilly residents.

Gary is a good source of motivation for the rest of us “I love to live in and have a vibrant and healthy downtown, it makes me sad when I see those anti-visitor tee shirts so I work a little harder to promote the city.”

More of us could follow his lead and do a little something extra for the tourists that spend hundreds of thousands of dollars in our community during “the season.” Clearly, Gary has the no-profit rickshaw business sewn up, but we could use a few street vendors or food trucks to compliment the retailers downtown.

Knowing a little about who is running the rickshaw and why he is running that fun little community service should encourage folks to give em a wave as they roll by with

We Deliver

smiling passengers in the back seat. We should all support the various community assets, both public and private, that comprise this river town. For it is people like Gary that make this area what it is – wonderful.

Jim Reynolds is frequent contributor to Stillwater Living magazine.

ElksSaltDelivery.com Delivery Dates:

FALL: October 25, 2014 SPRING: April 25, 2015 Learn more at ElksSaltDelivery.com

Elks #179 5880 Omaha Ave. No. Stillwater, MN 55082 651-439-5276 Hours: Mon-Sat 4-9 pm WWW.STILLWATERLIVING.NET 17

studio time

By Heather Rutledge

Warren MacKenzie in his studio

American Ceramic Master

D

oes coffee taste better out of a handmade mug?

Probably not, but it makes your morning coffee more special.

Does the potter's touch in your serving bowl change the salad? No, but it changes your experience of the meal.

Pottery infuses art into the everyday.

"There's almost no art you can imagine where people put it to their lips." observed Robert Briscoe, a potter based in Harris, Minnesota (5/7/13 Pioneer Press). And yet, it is with this kind of daily use that you begin to really appreciate a functional and absolutely beautiful piece of art pottery.

The contemporary art pottery tradition in the St. Croix Valley draws collectors and admirers from all over the globe. Within this active community of potters, many have worked alongside world renowned Stillwater potter, Warren 18 STILLWATER LIVING

OCTOBER 2014

MacKenzie. At age 90, Warren MacKenzie continues to hold international influence in the field of ceramics. He maintains an active schedule in his Stillwater studio and frequently contributes work to exhibitions including an upcoming show at ArtReach St. Croix.

MacKenzie is considered an American ceramic master. He is particularly revered in Japan where ceramics is appreciated as a major art form. Between 1954 and 1990, MacKenzie taught at the University of Minnesota where he shared his philosophy of pottery influencing countless emerging potters over the years.

Early in his career, Warren MacKenzie was inspired by Bernard Leach in England and Shoji Hamada in Japan, “towering figures in twentieth-century pottery,” according to the University of Minnesota’s Dr. Rob Silberman. Inspired

by Mingei, the Japanese folk pottery tradition, Warren

MacKenzie has been known for his functional, no-nonsense style of pottery lovingly called “Mingei-sota.” Dr. Silberman characterizes MacKenzie pots as, “…straightforward, with an immediacy and sensuality….Simple is best,” writes Silberman, “although there is a world of difference between the innocent simplicity of the beginner, however appealing, and the achieved simplicity of a master.” (Warren MacKenzie: A Potter’s Hand, exhibition catalog 2014).

MacKenzie will headline the ArtReach exhibit in Stillwater, his hometown for the last 50+ years. His pots will be joined by the work of St. Croix Valley potters who were his students, mentees and colleagues. The contributing potters, masters in their own right, include: Wayne Branum, Guillermo Cuellar, Jan McKeachie Johnston, Randy Johnston, Jeff Oestreich and Mark Pharis.

This exhibition is about celebrating a contemporary pottery tradition in the St. Croix Valley. In this region, pots are being made with quiet connection to the land and with an appreciation for the people who discover their magic with daily use. Residents of the St. Croix Valley can take pride in this regional art tradition. It is great to know that around the next bend in the river there might be a world famous potter at work. The piece you found at an art fair or while visiting a St. Croix Valley potter’s studio is yours to use every day. Yet, it may be made by the same potter whose work is found in the Smithsonian or other major museum collections around the world.

Heather Rutledge is the Executive Director of ArtReach St. Croix.

“MacKenzie’s Influence in the St. Croix” will be on view October 16 - November 16 at ArtReach St. Croix. The show will kick-off with a panel discussion moderated by University of Minnesota professor Dr. Rob Silberman. The discussion, to be held at the Stillwater Public Library will be followed immediately by an opening reception at ArtReach. The galleries and all exhibition events are free and open to the public.

On Thursday, October 30 at 7pm will be a screening of a 2013 documentary, “A Potter’s Hand: Warren MacKenzie” at Marine Village Hall in Marine on St. Croix. The screening will be followed by a social hour at The Brookside Bar & Grille.

Information about a studio demo at Cuellar’s Shafer Studio and about the sale of a limited number of Warren MacKenzie pots is available online at www.artreachstcroix.org/st-croix-galleries/ or by calling 651-439-1465.

“MacKenzie’s Influence on the St. Croix” will have extended gallery hours including: Wednesday-Friday 10am-4pm; Saturday & Sunday 12-4pm and in advance of the evening events.

ArtReach St. Croix is located at 224 North 4th Street, Stillwater WWW.STILLWATERLIVING.NET 19

giving back

By Marjorie Wade

Carl Erickson's Kiln

Warren MacKenzie's Kiln

Potters Without Kilns

T

hese kilns have a voice and a story to tell. Come be a part of the next chapter…

To the casual observer an old kiln may look like nothing more than a stack of old bricks. There are many people though, who feel these old kilns have a voice - if only people would take the time and listen to the stories they have to tell. From the ancient kilns of Japan and Korea to modern kilns not in use, there is much more to them than meets the eye. This is apparent when looking at an old kiln and realizing that each brick still holds energy and is waiting to speak volumes to the next person or generation.

The passion and love that the potter and artist instilled into their work has transcended and has been imprinted onto the bricks themselves. It is this energy that remains perceptible to others.

The St. Croix Valley is well known for its many potters and their studios nestled among the rolling hills. While these potters fire their own kilns, not all ceramic artists are as fortunate. It is for this reason that New Richmond, Wisconsin potter Mark Lusardi founded Potters Without Kilns.

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OCTOBER 2014

Twenty-five years ago Mark had a dream to help ceramic artists find access to kilns and studios in the area and offer assistance to graduates and artists in transition. Over the years Mark has researched various kilns and ceramic facilities, taught at art centers and colleges and worked as a technical assistant and glaze chemist. Through his conversations with many young artists he found that one of their primary concerns was finding the necessary facilities to fire their ceramic art so they could continue to explore and develop their work.

In 2013 Mark’s dream began to become a reality. He was given the opportunity to purchase former Stillwater, Minnesota potter Carl Erickson’s kiln. It was an unexpected offer from Carl’s wife Rebecca after Carl’s passing in 2011 from pancreatic cancer. After acquiring Carl’s kiln Mark received a telephone call from a friend asking if he had use for a salt kiln for Potters Without Kilns. Mark’s friend suggested they get together to talk about the kiln and gave him an address to meet him at the next morning. When Mark arrived at the location he was greeted by Warren MacKenzie, who has been making pots in his Stillwater

workshop for over 60 years. They discussed the kiln and how Mark intended to use it. After hearing the plans for Potters Without Kilns Warren gave his kiln to Mark.

THE BARN PROJECT

Now that the kilns have been acquired the next step for Potters Without Kilns is to build a 26’ x 18’ New England style barn to offer Warren and Carl’s kilns protection from the elements and allow them to be fired regardless of the season or weather conditions. The barn will ensure that the kiln area is inviting and comfortable for artists to come and fire their pottery and to impress a sense of community, which has been a key part of fostering the ceramic arts in the Midwest for many years. The barn will be built in a woodland setting on Bass Lake near New Richmond, Wisconsin. It is an ideal location for workshops and educational outreach with close access to the St. Croix Valley and the St. Paul/Minneapolis area.

The barn design reflects the character and attention to detail present in Warren and Carl’s work. It also brings to the kilns a confirmation of their heritage. Warren’s kiln was located next to his workshop on the site where a barn once stood.

Carl’s kiln was housed in a small tool shed just north of Stillwater and the barn will be a testimony to his love of wood and his Craftsman touch, which was apparent in every aspect of his studio and gallery.

GIVING BACK

Giving from the heart is very important to those in the pottery community. Giving back to the next generation not only helps ensure the future of the craft but continues to grow the ceramic arts so that future generations can enjoy and learn from the young artists of today. Fundraising has begun to raise the money needed for the barn so Warren and Carl’s kilns can be rebuilt and be fired again.

To learn more about Potters Without Kilns and how to be part of The Barn Project visit www.potterswithoutkiln.com or contact Mark Lusardi at 651-303-0727 or email him at mlusardi.directions@gmail.com.

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W6124 County Road N • Beldenville WI 54003 • 651-239-3852 • thebarnsoflostcreek.com WWW.STILLWATERLIVING.NET 21

South African Experience

Reflections of a Bennie Abroad

By Emily Gould

22 STILLWATER LIVING OCTOBER 2014

I

left South Africa in the same condition as I found it: a country suffering from the legacy of apartheid, both racial and economic inequality affecting the majority of their population. I knew going into this four-month adventure that I would encounter examples of the legacy, from extreme poverty to power disparities reflected by still-present conservative mindsets.

Despite knowing what I was getting myself into and scratching the surface of South Africa’s history, nothing could have fully prepared me for what I would actually witness.

I held many expectations for what South Africa would be like and quickly learned that although some of them were true it was better to keep an open, adaptable mind. I expected to encounter poverty. I expected to be part of the minority of the population. I expected to be immersed in the city environment. I expected to go through struggles and feel frustrated at times. Most of all, I expected this journey to be a life-changing experience.

Sure enough, my expectations gave me a nice slap in the face. The quantity of people living in poverty and the accumulation of trash in the townships exceeded my predictions. The uncomfortable feeling of being in the minority of the population yet somehow still being more privileged because of the color of my skin was perplexing. Knowing I couldn’t escape the sound of the honking cars and the shouts of “Town!

Town!” from the open window of the taxis along with the pungent sewer smells was often disheartening as I longed for the open meadows, pine forests, rivers and lakes back home. The idea of returning to the comfort of my flat after service was conflicting and troubling. Yet all these things were part of what made my time in South Africa a life-changing experience.

In light of all these challenges, the people of South Africa were overflowing with kindness and joy. Yoliswa, who cleaned my flat every day at Langerry, was like a mother and a friend to me and the other girls in my flat. The idea of this woman cleaning up after us every day was uncomfortable, but once we took the initiative to talk to her and get to know her better, our relationship quickly skyrocketed. We grew to adore her so much that we made her a card and gave her chocolate on Mother’s Day. The staff at Missionvale Care Center was incredible to our group as they welcomed us to not only their worksite, but also their family. The staff constantly reminded me of the sacrifice my parents made to support me in traveling to South Africa and that

even though I was missing my family, I could rely on the staff and that I was part of their family at Missionvale.

Rosa, the head of agriculture, even told the staff when it was my birthday and they sang for me. I also had the honor of dancing in the middle of the morning circle with Estherlene, one of my role models at the Care Center. I was humbled that Rosa had remembered my birthday, nearly three months after I told her the date. Although we only went to Missionvale twice a week, the love and support of the staff was incredible to experience.

Some of the basic differences between South Africa and Minnesota showed themselves in small daily events such as eating at restaurants and the transportation system.

Eating at restaurants in South Africa means slow service, asking for the bill and single checks. As for transportation, where in Stillwater I had access to my car at all times, in South Africa I had to rely on a free bus shuttle to get to class and a taxi to get anywhere else unless I wanted to walk, which was sometimes an option but could also be a hassle. It was also an acquired habit being able to convert Rand to U.S. dollars to figure out what was expensive and what was a good deal. Yet after even just a few weeks, these differences became normal, as if I had been doing it this way my whole life.

The frustrations that came with learning about and witnessing first-hand accounts of the legacy of apartheid took me longer to get used to. The very concept of the townships caused me to feel overwhelmed, anxious and frustrated. Sometimes I felt like what I was doing at Missionvale wasn’t enough to even make a dent in improving people’s quality of life. I also had to grapple 24 STILLWATER LIVING

SEPTEMBER 2014

with the lack of effective justification for these people. It wasn’t until I had been in South Africa for a little over two months that I began to come to terms with what was going on, yet the irritation still lingers in me today.

More stark differences became clear to me the longer I was in South Africa and especially once I arrived back home.

Crime awareness is a matter of great significance in South Africa, which is something that rarely, if ever, crosses my mind at home. Not being able to walk the streets late at night, having a security guard at Langerry and hearing first-hand accounts of experiences with crime made me appreciate the comfort of my home but also became a norm for me while abroad. Further, I realized how much I was cut off from what was happening at home in news and popular culture. I didn’t know what movies were coming out, I didn’t know what the top songs on the radio were and I didn’t know what was going on politically. Upon returning it took awhile for me to get back in the loop, which made it hard to fit back into my own culture.

While I definitely experienced culture shock upon arriving in South Africa, I experienced reverse culture shock to a greater extent upon returning to the states. I distinctly remember my first trip to Target to pick up a few things I needed for camp. I thought I would be excited to shop there again, as Target is one of my favorite stores, but as soon as I walked in I felt like I was in a foreign land. Here was an abundance of clothing, toys, technology, food and more that I didn’t need but had right at my fingertips. The familiar Target smell and the largeness of each department left me feeling overwhelmed and somewhat consciousstricken. I left after ten minutes.

The worst question people asked me once I returned to the states was, “How was South Africa?” What do you mean how was South Africa? How do you expect me to answer that in one word or even in one sentence? I mean, I spent four months there and had some of the most meaningful, heartbreaking, fun, crazy, intense moments of my life. These were all the thoughts going through my head, but instead I answered with an exclaimed yet simple “great” or “amazing,” which of course does not do my experience justice. Most people I talked to would then move on in conversation as if I had never left the country. I found myself struggling to contribute, both for lack of interest in the subject and unawareness of the latest events in my friends’ lives. The transition back home proved tougher than I thought it would be; the first few weeks I spent at home and at my summer camp job consisted of feeling lost, confused and on the brink of crying at any given moment.

Nevertheless, I found ways to keep part of South Africa with me, both externally and internally. I planted a few rows of vegetables in my neighborhood community garden with my best friend who was also in South Africa with me. But then I was faced with the daunting question of “Now what?” How do I take this meaningful experience and bring it home, bring it to camp and apply it in my daily life?

It took me awhile to figure out the answer to this question. At first I thought the only thing I could do was tell people as much about South Africa as I could before they got tired of hearing my voice. When my campers would comment on my rhino Buff, I would use that opportunity to tell them about the rhinos I saw at Schotia Game Reserve. While talking about my experiences is definitely helpful, I realized that applying my experiences through my actions was what really kept South Africa alive in my heart.

For me, my experience taught me a lot about following your passions and not being ashamed of them. Society and even friends and family can have a strong influence on what we feel is acceptable to like and be involved in, but South Africa reminded me that everyone has their own strengths and passions to bring to the world. Many people associate Africa in general with starving children, which is definitely a big deal, but there is so much more than that. There are environmental, political, education issues and more. We need people with passions for these things to boldly follow their passions; even if such interests are hidden behind the idea that all we need to do is help the starving children. In fact, it is at the root of these issues that ending starvation and poverty lies.

The most meaningful overarching element of my experience in South Africa was the idea and practice of ubuntu, an Nguni Buntu term that essentially means, “I am because you are.” Desmond Tutu popularized ubuntu during South Africa’s transition to democracy.

This concept reminded me of how to effectively love others by being open to everything about them and finding the good in everybody. Ubuntu can be applied not only when we travel and meet new people, but also in our everyday lives when we encounter strangers, or when we are put in situations where we have to work with people we may not know or like very well. The people of South Africa and the members of my study abroad group showed me what ubuntu means, and for that I am truly grateful for the shared experience we had.

I left South Africa as I found it, but I also left with new friendships and a new perspective that made me better for it. All I can do is hope that I made even half the impact on South Africa as it made on me and try to keep my time there alive as I continue on my own journey. Do I want to go back? I would go in a heartbeat.

Emily Gould is a graduate of Stillwater High School and a Communication major at the College of St. Benedict.

WWW.STILLWATERLIVING.NET 25

chorale time

By Carole Carver

Tis the Season

F

orty years is a long time to do anything – whether it be 40 years of life, 40 years of wedded bliss, or 40 years as an arts organization – 40 years certainly is something to celebrate! So, with the upcoming 20142015 season, the Valley Chamber Chorale will celebrate 40 wonderful years of song and in the same breath, look to the future with excitement, with a season titled “So Much to Sing About”.

Over the past 40 years, with the mission of bringing quality programming to the St. Croix Valley, the choir has sung upwards of 150 original concerts, commissioned more than 20 new works, engaged well-known and emerging artists from across the country, and presented numerous major works with full-orchestra.

The choir began life in a living room on South 3rd Street in Stillwater with 14 non-auditioned singers. Today the choir boasts 48 auditioned singers, from young singers just out of college to retirement age. In 1975 the budget was $0 – now revenues near $100,000.

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OCTOBER 2014

Over the years the choir has been proud of the uniqueness of their concerts, marketing them as events, for you often not only hear music beautifully performed, but also see exquisite decor and taste gourmet refreshments in stunning venues.

The 2014-2015 season will include all of these elements. The Chorale’s Christmas concerts, “I Sing the Birth”, will feature an orchestra accompanying the VCC on familiar carols and new settings. Held at the Historic Courthouse in Stillwater, this is an event that has no comparison in the Twin Cities or the state of Minnesota. Guests sit at beautifully decorated tables for 10 with friends and family. Refreshments are gourmet and the music always is delightful. For this concert you have four performances to choose from the weekend of December 12-14. On February 21, at Trinity Lutheran Church, the Chorale will for the first time in 40 years present a performance of the much-loved Requiem by Johannes Brahms. The tremendous beauty of this choral masterwork has immense power, lifting the human spirit and should remind us of the exquisite joy of life. The VCC is pleased

to present this greatest of masterpieces in choral literature in Brahms’ own two-piano version featuring piano masters – Gretchen Perkins and Phil Kadidlo. April 11 & 12 will bring what the group is calling A Celebration of American Musical Theater to life. The stage will be transformed into a Broadway set and the singers will relive great moments and music we all love – from musicals like “My Fair Lady” to “Les Misérables. You will hear many of the VCC’s wonderful soloists and even experience “giant” production numbers!

Yes, this choir has so much to sing about! In this, their 40th anniversary season, they invite you to join the celebration.

Forty years of Bach to the Beatles – 40 years of bringing the best of musical performance to the Stillwater and the St. Croix Valley. For this special season they plan to pull out the stops with concerts that hopefully engage and delight you and have you saying what patrons said after an April 2014 concert – “you guys are world-class!”

Carol Carver is the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Valley Chamber Chorale.

Season and individual tickets are now available on the Chorale’s website at www.valleychamberchorale.org; via email at info@valleychamberchorale.org; or by phone at 651-420-0124.

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