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The Art of en Plein Air Painting Naomi Tiry Salgado brings texture and emotion to outdoor scenes

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CONTENTS 14 Unearthing History The Woodbury Heritage Society catalogues its collection thanks to a grant program.

18 Turning Grief Into Purpose Families of the Fallen honors those who are lost in the line of duty.

20 Palette Pleaser A local painter turns everyday kitchenware into artwork.

24 A Whimsical Welcome Tour a home designed with heart and imagination.

32 The Art of en Plein Air Painting Naomi Tiry Salgado brings texture and emotion to outdoor scenes.

38 Big Dreams, Bigger Cookies A mother-daughter duo serves up gourmet baked goods.

8 12 45 48

Editor’s Letter Noteworthy On the Town Last Glance

ONLINE Let’s Get After It Examines the Road to Recovery Brian Nicholson shares his hard-earned insights about the journey to sobriety.

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Photo: Spacecrafting

A Whimsical Welcome, page 24

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F R O M T H E E D I TO R

There’s a good chance that many of us remember spending hours on the floor playing with action figures, dolls, toy cash registers or makeshift forts assembled from whatever we could find around the house. As children, we invented characters, created worlds, assigned jobs and built up elaborate stories—all powered by our own imaginations. Looking back, I think it was really my first time delving into the world of creativity; I always enjoyed telling a lively background story for all of the toys I played with. I find it remarkable that children today are doing exactly the same, but now with new opportunities at their fingertips. We might’ve had lemonade stands, offering 25-cent beverages, but today’s youth are building full-fledged brands. Passions for art, baking, gaming and more are becoming the foundation for businesses before a child even reaches high school—and Woodbury is brimming with budding entrepreneurs! Acacia Daniel is one of many of those faces. At just 7 years old, Acacia, alongside her mom, Sarah Daniel, has built Dough-Licious Cookies, a local cottage bakery business featuring jumbo gourmet cookies. Acacia’s imagination sparks new cookie ideas daily, such as her idea for a friendship cookie. I recall Acacia’s excitement during our conversation when inspiration struck—Acacia wanted to honor her best friend, Luna. “Half of it is pink, and half of it is blue. One has frosting with an ‘A,’ and one has frosting with an ‘L’ for Acacia and Luna,” Acacia said, her face lighting up with a smile. I invite you to learn more about Acacia’s story on page 38. Creativity extends far beyond the entrepreneurial spirit. This issue explores design and how it shapes the way we live and express ourselves. On page 20, Madison Grainger showcases her love for Minnesota through her thoughtfully designed and painted kitchenware; then turn to page 24 to discover a home overflowing with imaginative and whimsical artwork and elements; and, on page 32, meet an artist who looks toward local landscapes as inspiration. I bid adieu with one last thought for you, Readers. Remember: No matter how old you are, your imagination is one of your greatest tools. Use it often, stay creative and keep exploring the world around you. Until next month,

Hailey Alms t e d hailey@localmedia.co

On th e Cove r: The Art of en Plein Air Painting, page 32 A r two rk by : Naomi Tiry Salgado

Photo: Chris Emeott

C E L E B R AT I N G T H E W O O D B U R Y A R E A S I N C E 2 0 0 4 .

Fin d u s on lin e: Woodbury Magazine @woodbury_mag @wburymag

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VOL. 22 NO. 2 September 2026

PUBLISHER Susan Isay EDITOR Hailey Almsted MANAGING CREATIVE DIRECTOR Renée Stewart-Hester MANAGING EDITOR Hailey Almsted DIGITAL EDITOR Madeline Kopiecki COPY EDITORS Kellie Doherty and Sherri Hildebrandt STAFF WRITERS Kassondra Burtis, Ashley Cardona, Findlay Drabant, Emily Gedde, Maura Keller and Alexandra Tostrud CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Angie Hong, Mark Lange, Rachael Perron and Katie Tomsche DIGITAL INTERN Danielle Gallus and Kate Overend EDITORIAL INTERNS Catherine Chapman, Isabella Kunc, Abigail Larson and Kate Thompson EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Shawn Hogendorf, South Washington County Schools; Michele Magistad, Woodbury Area Chamber of Commerce; Sue McKeown, Resident; and Shelly Schafer, City of Woodbury SENIOR MANAGING ART DIRECTOR Sarah Dovolos ART DIRECTOR Allison Nolden ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR Jamie Klang GRAPHIC DESIGNER Yaz Lo LEAD STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Chris Emeott PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Brittni Dye PRODUCTION MANAGER Lisa Stone PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Mimi Coz SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Laura Bjorgo, Cynthia Hamre and Sara Johnson ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Rochita Chatterjee and Gina Neumann

PRESIDENT Pete Burgeson To subscribe to Woodbury Magazine, please visit localmedia.co. For customer service inquiries, please contact hello@localmedia.co, or call 612.208.6248. ©Local LLC 2026. All rights reserved.

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N OT E WO RT H Y

A Surreal Shot Hobbyist photographer Olivia Costa had just taken up the activity two months prior when she found this unique subject. “It felt like finding a shiny Pokémon in the wild,” Costa says. “Something a bit unexpected and slightly surreal.” Costa had previously spotted the albino squirrel when it was building a nest and exploring, but it wasn’t until a late June evening that she captured the spontaneous photo. —Kate Thompson Title: Forager of the Season Location: Colby Lake Park Equipment: Canon EOS Rebel T7 with a Canon EF-S 55–250mm lens Award: Third Place Category: Wildlife

Baby Love Becoming a grandparent is the threshold into a new stage of life. If grandparents have the honor of being asked to assist the freshly minted family, there are some points to keep in mind to navigate the flood of emotions and concerns that can overwhelm new parents. While every family, pregnancy and adoption is different, these guidelines serve as gentle reminders for those important early days. » Before the baby arrives, let the parents know if you’re available to assist them post-delivery.

» If you don’t live in the same town, let the new parents determine the length of the extended stay. » When it comes to sharing the birth or adoption story, everyone has different comfort levels. Avoid asking too many questions. If the couple is ready to share details, they will. » While it’s tempting to share photos of a new grandchild on social media, ask the parents if it’s OK to post images. » Parents are bonding with their baby; don’t dominate the newborn. Snuggle time is

great, but watching young parents step into parenthood can be just as gratifying. » Offer advice—when asked. What was common practice isn’t necessarily being done now. Parenting and medical recommendations evolve. Now, it’s time to evolve into sitting on the sidelines unless asked to “get in the game” or in an emergency. » Make supportive comments to the new parents, who might feel unsure in this new territory: I’m proud of you. You’re doing so well. The baby is so lucky to have you as parents. I’m here for whatever you need.

Celebrate National Grandparents Day on September 13, and discover more at woodburymag.com. —Renée Stewart-Hester

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Yesteryear It’s the age of influencers, and Natalie Heller Mills posts daily to her 8 million followers—sharing her charming farmhouse life with her cowboy husband and their six darling children. Natalie practices the lifestyle of a traditional wife, and gains followers by the minute in doing so. Until one morning, when she wakes up in the 19th-century and is forced to confront the way of life she promotes. Caro Claire Burke’s debut novel Yesteryear veers between being a dark satire and a psychological thriller, while exploring faith, fame, tradition and womanhood. I found it to be quite the page turner. It is controversial, yet enticing, and it has, ironically, gained recognition across social media. —Hailey Almsted

Now Open at Woodbury Lakes

Photo: Herman Miller

The new Herman Miller showroom (9120 Hudson Road) is officially open, featuring a 2,243-square-feet space that includes the brand’s iconic ergonomic seating, healthcare solutions, interior furnishings and work chairs. “Bringing Herman Miller’s first Minnesota showroom to the center is an exciting milestone and a reflection of the strong leasing momentum we’re building here,” says Ali Runkel, Kimco Realty’s director of real estate. “We’re continuing to see interest from top

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national brands and look forward to welcoming more dynamic additions soon.” The Herman Miller opening is one of many new shops that has recently opened in Woodbury Lakes (woodburylakes.com). Since joining Kimco Realty’s portfolio in 2024, the shopping center has focused on building a curated lifestyle hub, recently adding MINISO and Paris Baguette. Within the coming months, Herman Miller will be joined by Anthropologie, jewelry studio Rowan and Shake Shack. —Danielle Gallus

Unearthing History The Woodbury Heritage Society catalogues its collection thanks to a grant program.

Photo: Chris Emeott

By Hailey Almsted

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Through the Minnesota Historical Society’s Legacy Grants program, the Woodbury Heritage Society has unearthed local history, and has documented and researched thousands of items. This Boys Union Tool Chest is one of those items. Although it once held miniature toy tools, it now contains cobbler tools.

We oﬀer the personal services youʼre looking for: jewelry sales, jewelry repairs/restorations and watch repair done on our premises. Thousands of historical items and photographs that are a part of the Woodbury Heritage Society’s (WHS) collection will now be properly inventoried thanks to the Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grants program. It has been a long time in the making. “The heritage society was started in 1983, and it was an outgrowth of the bicentennial committee [from] 1976. They started collecting and accepting contributions from Woodbury people,” says Tom Bielenberg, WHS board member. “So we knew we had over 5,000 things, but it hadn’t ever been inventoried the way that collections should be.” The Minnesota Historical Society’s (MNHS) grant program, also known as Legacy Grants, supports projects that preserve Minnesota’s history. Joyce Flynn, WHS vice president, first applied to the MNHS grant program in 2022. Phase one was completed last year, when Rose Kubiatowicz, owner of Have Gloves Will Travel and museum consultant, inventoried the items found at Andy’s Bark Park, Heritage House and Miller Barn. Several unique items have been unearthed, including a wooden box originally made for a children’s toy that now contains cobbler’s tools. Unopened for decades, the box, dated from 1910 or 1920, perfectly preserved both the toy’s paper insert and the tools inside. “[Kubiatowicz] said, ‘This is something that’s very rare and in excellent condition,’” Flynn recalls. Kubiatowicz has also done additional research on items, such as an old seed drill. “She found iron parts on it with the 1880 stamp, the company name and found out it was bought out by another company … We had good information, but she’s discovered a lot beyond this,” Bielenberg says. The WHS received additional grants from the MNHS for future phases, including a $20,000 grant from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund to support phase two, which Kubiatowicz is currently working on. “These places have some very unique items, and it was fun to come across

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Right: Museum consultant Rose Kubiatowicz researched this Van Brunt Seed Drill. Its elaborate mechanisms are used to plant seeds. Van Brunt was purchased by John Deere in 1911; after, drills were marketed as John Deere-Van Brunt Drills. However, this drill contains no John Deere markings.

them,” she says. “A lot of them have to do with the depression era and the turn of the century … It’s fascinating.” Kubiatowicz is currently inventorying nearly 1,500 items, including artworks, books and textiles, as well as nearly 800 archival documents found at the Resource Center; everything will be documented with its condition and location within the center and uploaded to an online database. “One of our main goals is to increase access to the people of Woodbury and beyond,” Kubiatowicz says. “[The project] will increase knowledge and access but also the [WHS’s] ability to care for the items.” Bielenberg says he receives research

questions and messages from people all over the country who are curious about their genealogy and Woodbury’s history. This project hopes to answer some of those questions by making everything available on a public database—which Flynn hopes to be completed in phase three or four, at the latest. “We were blessed. The Minnesota Historical Society has been good to us, providing us with information, guidance, advice and resources to use,” Flynn says. “They want us to gain this knowledge and have the community use it.” Further down the line, the WHS hopes to create a “packet of information,” Flynn says, that schools can use to teach students about Woodbury’s history. For now, members are woodburymag.com

Photos: Chris Emeott; Woodbury Heritage Society

Left: Thousands of items are being discovered and documented, including this traditional Swedish wooden mechanical toy known as a dancing bird balancing toy. Items like this have been produced in Sweden and other parts of Europe since the early 20th century, and are often sold as souvenirs or used in education to teach physics.

excited to preserve local history, one item at a time. “I want the future generations to respect the history of Woodbury,” Flynn says. “I want them to get excited about it and understand how those roots came to be, know how that’s impacted their life today and appreciate what they have because of what was done before them.” Minnesota Historical Society mnhs.org Minnesota Historical Society Woodbury Heritage Society woodburyheritage.org Woodbury Heritage Society

Turning Grief Into Purpose Families of the Fallen honors those who are lost in the line of duty.

When Woodbury’s Tim Thrush lost his brother-in-law, Steve Werner, in the line of duty in 2018, the loss was unimaginable. Werner was was an Army veteran and EMT in Dubuque, Iowa, when he was tragically killed in an ambulance accident, just minutes from home. Tim says the loss was incredibly difficult for the family and carried a heavy period of mourning and grief. Now, Tim has turned that loss into purpose through the Minnesota chapter of Families of the Fallen. “This organization does unbelievable work, and we wanted to do something to give back,” Tim says. About two years after the accident, Tim and his family were contacted by Families of the Fallen, a nonprofit organization based in Iowa, with an invitation to attend a music festival as a “hero family.” The organization was started by Army 18

veteran Andrew Klein and has two main goals: to pay tribute to fallen heroes, including military personnel and first responders, and allow their families to connect with others who have had similar loss. A secondary vision of the organization is to provide assistance to surviving family members who are enduring hardship due to the loss of their loved one. “We didn’t have a full grasp of what the event was or what it was about,” Tim recalls. “We were just told to show up and bring clothes. The rest was on them.” Several of Werner’s family members were treated to a weekend that left a lifelong impression. Not only was their every need catered to, but they were able to meet other families who experienced similar tragedies. Inspired by their experience, Tim and his wife, Kristin Thrush, wanted to help

strengthen the organization. In summer 2020, the couple hosted a barbecue in their front yard complete with a bounce house, raffle baskets and smoked meat. Their goal was to raise $3,000. Instead, their grand total came to nearly $11,000. “It was totally unexpected,” Tim says. “We were blown away by the support.” Now, it is an annual event that continues to grow. Held every September, the fundraiser has outgrown the Tim’s front yard and has raised more than $100,000 for Families of the Fallen. “Being part of a group of people who have gone through unimaginable tragedy together is very therapeutic,” Tim says of the event, now held at Stonemill Farms Community Center in Woodbury. This year’s event is scheduled for September 12. Tim serves as the president of the Minnesota chapter of Families of the Fallen woodburymag.com

Photos: Mariola Shrivastava, Precious 21 Photography

By Emily Gedde

3004 Edgewater Dr. Woodbury Left: Kristin and Tim Thrush, the president of the Minnesota chapter of Families of the Fallen. Right: Tim Thrush hosts an annual barbecue fundraiser every September. Since its inception in 2020, they have raised more than $100,000 for Families of the Fallen.

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and has hopes to expand its impact. But with continued growth comes additional need. Tim says he and Kristin are always looking for volunteers with different skillsets to help support the growing fundraiser. “There’s a lot more we’d like to do to grow this. We just need more people,” he says, adding he’d like to see additional events beyond the barbecue. Tim says the impact Families of the Fallen has had on his life and others makes all the hard work worth it. “Being part of that community blesses you in a way you could never imagine,” he says. “It’s so impactful to families.” And it’s that impact that fuels Tim to continue helping others, one family at a time. Families of the Fallen fotf.us Families of the Fallen

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PALETTE PLEASER A local painter turns everyday kitchenware into artwork. Written by Hailey Almsted

For Madison Grainger, wine glasses are more than glassware; instead, they’re a canvas. The Woodbury resident has carved out a unique niche with her handpainted designs, and what began as a creative interest has grown into a distinctive style inspired by the colors, nature and wildlife that define Minnesota. Madison was introduced to art at a young age by her parents, Keith and Michele Marti, who studied fashion design and art history respectively. She attended drawing classes and her father, Keith, even created costumes for her school’s plays. However, Madison lost touch with the hobby, choosing not to pursue it throughout high school and college. Then, like so many others, Madison found the COVID-19 lockdowns to be isolating. She had just moved into an apartment with blank walls and little for her to do. “I started abstract painting canvases,” she says. “I wanted to make myself art to hang up.” It turned out to be an enjoyable hobby, one that grew into a full-time job with encouragement from her family. Knowing her renewed interest in the arts, Georg and Paula Marti, the owners of New Ulm’s Morgan Creek Vineyards and Madison’s relatives, reached out with an idea. “They’re also into art,” Madison explains. “They said, ‘I wonder 20

if you’d be interested in painting wine glasses.’ So I decided to mess around with painting on those and keeping it abstract. That’s become my signature.” Madison launched Madison Marti Designs in 2022, with her first few wine glasses resembling the nature of Minnesota. “It’s all inspired by our state symbols; the [common] loon is the state bird, the monarch is the state butterfly, [and] the Lake Superior agate is the state gemstone,” she says. With acrylic paint, Madison uses a cross between pouring and dripping techniques (“I keep it a little secret because it’s unique,” she says of her methods.) to achieve the abstract look. Additionally, she uses instruments such as brushes, dotting tools and rubber stamps for smaller details. Every handpainted glass is sealed with a food- and drink-safe resin, so they can be enjoyed in daily life. Several years later, Madison now sells handpainted bar and kitchen accessories; bud vases; and pint, rocks and tumbler glasses in addition to wine glasses. She has also since added more designs that are representative of Minnesota, including the state bee (rusty patched bumble bee), state fish (walleye) and state flower (showy lady’s slipper). “I knew I wanted [my art] to be inspired by Minnesota. I love Minnesota; it’s so beautiful,” she says. Encouraged by the birth of her first child in December 2025, Madison released a birthstone collection in April where each handpainted glass is adorned with a faux birthstone crystal. “I like coming out with new items every now and then,” she says. Madison has collaborated with companies,

Madison Grainger’s designs, as seen on these cocktail stirrers, pay pay homage to Minnesota, including designs for the rusty patch bumblebee, the monarch butterfly and a nod to Minnesota’s nickname: The North Star State.

“I knew I wanted [my art] to be inspired by Minnesota. I love Minnesota; it’s so beautiful.”

Photos: Madison Grainger

Madison Grainger, owner of Madison Marti Designs

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Photos: Madison Grainger

In the midst of COVID-19 lockdowns, Madison Grainger delved into the world of painting—with wine glasses as her canvas. Now, her Northern Lights wine glass, inspired by the aurora broealis, is a bestseller.

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SHOP MADISON MARTI DESIGNS

Madison Grainger’s hand-painted wine stoppers pair beautifully with her wine glasses.

Madison Grainger sells her handpainted bar and kitchenware at a variety of Metro stores. Discover all she has to offer at mmartidesigns.com and the following boutiques:

• Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska • Oldies & Goodies, White Bear Lake • Ollie Birch Boutique + Lounge, Alexandria • Paradise Floral, Oakdale • Pearson Florist, Shakopee • Rose & Loon, Roseville • The Argyle Moose, Hugo • The Black Cabin, Osseo • The Mustache Cat, St. Paul

such as St. Paul’s Barrel Theory Beer Company. “We’ve collabed to make limited pint glasses inspired by their beer and beer cans,” Madison says, noting that she enjoys the opportunity to experiment with new designs. Currently, her products are stocked in 15 businesses across the Metro, and she hopes to stock in more boutiques. It’s her dedicated customer base that keeps her going. “I have a few … repeat customers who own one of everything I’ve made. They look at them and think, ‘It makes me proud to be a Minnesotan and see the beautiful things our state has to offer,’” she says. “It would be easy to run to Target or Amazon to get glassware. But they choose to support a small artist instead, which is great.” No matter how one discovers her designs, Madison hopes they feel excited. “I hope they look at [my artwork] and they relay it to the beauty of our state,” she says. Madison Marti Designs mmartidesigns.com @madisonmartidesigns

A Whimsical Welcome

Tour a home designed with heart and imagination. Written by Maura Keller — Photos by Spacecrafting

From the moment you step inside, this Woodbury home feels like a story unfolding—layered with memory and a sense of joyful discovery. Designed by Twigg + Lu Design Co., the home’s transformation embraces boldness without sacrificing warmth, creating a space that is at once elevated and deeply personal. The homeowner’s vision was clear from the start. “My goal was to update the first level with a whimsical, bold and unique style,” she says. What followed is a home that blends artistry with nostalgia and infuses thoughtful functionality into every corner. It’s the repetition of shapes, textures and tones that creates cohesion throughout the home. Layered materials, rounded forms and scalloped edges appear again and again, subtly linking each room to one another. “We’re always thinking about how each space connects to the next,” says Shannon Knutson, co-owner of Twigg + Lu Design Co. “It’s not just about picking something pretty; it’s about how it all flows together.” Color also plays a central role, yet it never feels overwhelming. It’s an orchestra of deep blues, earthy greens and soft pinks that work in harmony. The homeowner’s love of botanicals, natural elements and whimsical details is evident at every turn. “I appreciate whimsy, and it was delivered in color drenching, wallpaper choices and unique lighting,” the homeowner says. “Yet, they were very practical and efficient in enhancing the space down to the inches.” This home is more than a collection of beautiful rooms: It’s a reflection of a life and a sense of joy in the details. “I have eight favorite spaces!” the homeowner laughs. And in a home like this, it’s easy to see why.

LIVING SPACE

Cozy, Elevated and Moody While many homes lean toward light and airy living rooms, this space confidently embraces a richer palette. “Since this one has more division from the surrounding rooms, it gave us the opportunity to go a little darker, and we’re so glad we did,” Shannon Knutson of Twigg + Lu Design Co. says. The result is a room that feels undeniably refined. The moody floral wallpaper sets the tone, enveloping the space in depth and texture. Blue trim and ceiling details echo the palette, creating a cohesive and immersive environment. Custom built-ins with arched openings introduce architectural interest, while warm wood tones soften the overall look. “It’s a room that looks beautiful, but more importantly, it’s one you actually want to spend time in,” Knutson says.

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KITCHEN

Where Function Meets Flair The kitchen stands as one of the home’s most striking transformations—both visually and functionally. At its core is a reimagined layout that opens the space and improves daily flow. “We moved the sink and fridge to completely different walls than where they were originally and removed the wall between the kitchen and dinette area,” says Brittany Meidinger, co-owner of Twigg + Lu Design Co. The result is a more connected environment that invites conversation. Design choices are both bold and balanced. A greenand-white marble tile floor, laid in a diamond pattern, anchors the room, while a vertically-installed backsplash introduces subtle texture without overwhelming the space. Warm custom cabinetry grounds the design, complemented by brass hardware that lends a vintage touch. Floating shelves and paneled appliances maintain cohesion while enhancing openness. Then there’s the showstopper: the range that adds a pop of color and personality. “Let’s not forget about that blue range that is the homeowner’s favorite piece in the space,” Meidinger says. Above the sink, an arched “window” connects the kitchen visually to the living room, which enhances both light and sightlines.

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SUNROOM

A Cozy Escape If there is one space that captures the essence of the home, it is the sunroom. Inviting and quietly whimsical, it offers a retreat from the busier areas of the house. “It just has this cozy, layered feel that tells the whole story,” Twigg + Lu Design Co.’s Shannon Knutson says. The pine mural wallpaper wraps the room in natural beauty, while soft furnishings and a plush rug create an atmosphere of comfort. A charming bistro nook and vintage dresser add character and functionality. It’s a space designed for slowing down, exactly as the homeowner envisioned. “When we presented the design, she immediately said this would be the spot where she’d spend most of her time, curled up on the sofa with a book,” Knutson says.

WALLPAPER

A Story Told in Pattern Perhaps, the most defining element of the home is its intentional use of wallpaper. Rather than serving as mere decoration, each pattern tells a story. “We love using wallpaper whenever we can. It’s such a great way to bring personality into a space,” Shannon Knutson says. From the foyer to the sunroom, each wallpaper choice reflects a piece of the homeowner’s life and aesthetic. A vintage-inspired ceiling treatment greets guests at the entry, while the living room’s floral pattern ties together the home’s color story. One of the most personal touches appears in the laundry room, where kiwi bird wallpaper is inspired by the homeowner’s mother, who grew up in New Zealand. “It’s a small moment, but one that feels really special to her,” Brittany Meidinger says. For the homeowner, these details are what make the space truly her own. “For me, it is the blue floral, the pine and the Kiwi wallpapers that delight me,” she says.

Twigg + Lu Design Co. twiggandlu.com @tiggandlu_designco

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HOME + GARDEN Collection FALL 2026

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The Art of en Plein Air Painting

WRITTEN BY KASSONDRA BURTIS

Photos: Mitch Rossow; Naomi Tiry Salgado

Naomi Tiry Salgado brings texture and emotion to outdoor scenes.

One thing many Minnesotans love about the state is getting to experience all four seasons throughout the year. The lakes in the summer, the crisp air of fall, the beauty of a winter wonderland and the fresh renewal of spring. For Naomi Tiry Salgado, the beauty of the outdoors allows her to find inspiration for her life’s work. After picking up painting as a hobby when her children were young, Tiry Salgado started teaching elementary school art. Though she enjoyed helping her students learn, it didn’t satisfy her own creativity. So she stopped teaching and started painting full time in 2015, and the joy she felt through painting returned. The outdoors is where she finds her creativity. “That’s what I’m inspired by most, is just driving [through] the countryside,” Tiry Salgado says. “When I see something that would make a good painting, it flashes in my head. One second I’m like, ‘Yes, that would be beautiful.’” One Woodbury area in particular has been the inspiration for many of Tiry Salgado’s paintings. “When my kids were going to school at New Life Academy, I would drive from Manning Avenue to Bailey Road every day, and I’d get to see it in all the weather conditions all year-round,” the former Woodbury resident says. “My gosh, was it pretty—just Manning Avenue by itself. I bet I’ve painted 20 paintings from Manning just because it’s so beautiful.” Painting hasn’t always been her career focus. Tiry Salgado went to school for environmental and public health and later spent time as a stay-at-home mom. She has no formal painting education and is instead self-taught through books and online videos. The freedom of ideation through painting was refreshing, if not a bit difficult at first. “When you decide to paint, it’s all wide open,” Tiry Salgado says. “If you go to a job in an office, they tell you what to do; it’s in your job description. But when you become an artist, you have to make all of it up. It was very soul-searching to figure it all out.” That soul-searching led Tiry Salgado to a style of painting she didn’t even know existed. After seeing some buildings that inspired her, she grabbed her painting supplies and started to paint the landscape outside, on location. While she was working, a passerby stopped and called her a “plein-air” painter, also known as en plein air. It was then that she learned a new method. En plein air refers to painting scenes or landscapes on location rather than in a studio. “It’s this whole little subculture within the art world, and I just accidentally stumbled into it by just doing what was interesting to me,” Tiry Salgado says. One of the challenges she notes about en plein air are the constantlychanging conditions. “It’s so tricky because you’re trying to capture the light, the shadows, the color of everything, and yet it’s shifting as you stand there,” Tiry Salgado says. “The shadows

are moving shapes, and then a cloud goes over the sun, and now you’ve lost your sunlight.” En plein air isn’t just a method of painting, it’s almost a lifestyle within the industry. En plein air competitions are held throughout the country, and artists travel to compete. Each competition sets its own rules and parameters. It’s common for a competition to last a week or longer and be set within certain boundaries of a city or outdoor area. The painter starts with blank canvases, and by the end of the week needs to submit as many paintings as the competitions require—oftentimes around three or five within the week. Tiry Salgado has frequently competed in Seasons Gallery’s annual en plein air event in Hudson, Wisconsin. She won best in show in 2022 for her painting Where Silas Sleeps, and again in 2025 for Saturday Night Live. This year, Tiry Salgado returned to the event as a judge. Gallery director Megan Riley, who has

Naomi Tiry Salgado

Left: Resilient (20” x 12”) by Naomi Tiry Salgado is an oil painting on a canvas panel. It is in a private collection.

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myself for what I’m missing and where I’m weakest. Then the next cycle of learning, that’s what I focus on.” Tiry Salgado specializes in oil paintings and varies her techniques throughout her pieces to provide texture for different areas of focus. Early in her career, Tiry Salgado experimented with palette knives after admiring another artist’s textured work. Over time, she refined how she used thick paint applications, brushwork and drippy techniques, all to direct the viewer’s eye to a focal point in a piece. Though her techniques suggest focal points and general narratives, Tiry Salgado always leaves room woodburymag.com

Photo: Mitch Rossow

known Tiry Salgado since 2022, says her past participation in the event and her longstanding involvement in the plein-air community made her a natural choice to judge. “She has a long history of competing and has been invited to other prestigious plein-air competitions across the state and country,” Riley says. “She’s very supportive of other artists and is an excellent instructor.” Tiry Salgado’s methods and styles continue to evolve. “In summer, I’m competing in plein-air competitions, so I try and keep my head in competition mode,” Tiry Salgado says. “Then in winter, I shift into learning mode. I’m always evaluating

Naomi Tiry Salgado’s Saturday Night Live won best in show at Season Gallery’s annual en plein air event in Hudson, Wisconsin, in 2025. She has since returned as an event judge. Scale: 8”x12” Medium: Oil on panel

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Left: Naomi Tiry Salgado’s Tied but Not Tethered (12”x12”) is an oil painting on a linen panel; it is available for purchase through Tiry Salgado Right: Naomi Tiry Salgado practices the art of en plein air.

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Photos: Mitch Rossow; Naomi Tiry Salgado

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for the viewer to add their own story to the pieces she creates. If she feels that something ends up too perfect, she’ll go back to the piece and add imperfections on purpose because she wants to leave room for people’s imaginations to work. Whether competing, judging or creating a personal piece from a new point of inspiration, Tiry Salgado is drawn to painting for the creativity and effect it has on her. “Painting to me isn’t just about making money, it’s about making an impact,” Tiry Salgado says. “Your body, soul and spirit all go into your work. You can’t just show up and put in your 9-to5, clock in and clock out. You need all your spirit and soul to create. But because you put all that in, it can help someone else’s spirit and soul on the receiving end too. And that’s what really gives it meaning.” Naomi Tiry Salgado tirysalgado.com @naomi_tirysalgado

Written by Hailey Almsted

Sarah and Acacia Daniel

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Big Dreams, A mother-daughter duo serves up gourmet baked goods. Acacia Daniel may only be 7 years old, but she is well on her way to fulfilling her dreams. As the face of Dough-Licious Cookies, Acacia works alongside her mother, Sarah Daniel, selling jumbo, gourmet-stuffed cookies in and around Woodbury. From sandwich cookies to truffles, each baked good is filled with a variety of indulgent flavors dreamed up by Acacia herself. Sarah and her husband, Ryan Daniel, homeschool their children, including Royce, 17, Acacia and Winston, 4, and run their media company, Zandolee Media. When Sarah began looking for a more hands-on approach to learning, baking sparked the family’s interest. “That’s really where the cookies get started. We put so much time and value into what we’re doing at home, and [I thought], ‘How can simple things that we do every day translate

into a learning experience?’” Sarah says. For the children, the math and science behind baking—measuring ingredients, doubling or tripling recipes and experimenting with techniques—is more engaging than some traditional teaching methods. With this in mind, the couple got DoughLicious Cookies officially up-and-running last December, when Sarah and Acacia baked around 100 cookies for their first event at Leopold’s Mississippi Gardens in Minneapolis. “As we grow, we’re learning how to scale and make more cookies,” Sarah says. “We’re maxed at 100. It’s a lot to do, but we want to learn how to bake 500 to 1,000 cookies.” Now, Dough-Licious Cookies can be ordered for pickup and found locally at the Lake Elmo and Oakdale farmers markets as well as events in Woodbury and its surrounding areas.

Photo: Alex Just, Zandolee Media

Bigger Cookies

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Flavor Profile Sarah Daniel and her daughter, Acacia Daniel, are still experimenting with new cookie flavors—but their tried-and-true flavors are available to order year-round. Specialty options also top the menu from time-to-time, such as the famous Dubai Chocolate trend, and seasonal flavors abound. Each cookie is created with the Dough-Licious Cookies signature dough and filled to the brim with unique ingredients. Discover all flavor combinations at zandoleemedia.com/dough-licious-cookies. • • • •

Lindt Chocolate Ball Stuffed features chocolate chips and a chocolate truffle. Oreo Dream is filled with chocolate sandwich cookies alongside chocolate and white chocolate chips. Peanut Butter Cup Explosion is a peanut butter lover’s dream—stuffed and topped with a peanut butter cup. S’mores Stuffed Cookie is perfect for a fall bonfire, featuring chocolate, graham crackers and ooey-gooey marshmallows.

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Photo: Alex Just, Zandolee Media

Indulge your sweet tooth with the largest of desserts—the Cookie Monster Cookie. Chocolate chip cookies and chocolate sandwich cookies are folded into this vibrant blue dessert, which also includes semi-sweet and white chocolate chips.

Photos: Alex Just, Zandolee Media

Top: Seven-year-old Acacia Daniels is the face behind Dough-Licious Cookies, which offers jumbo, gourmet-style cookies in a variety of flavors.

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Bottom: Among its most popular flavors stands the Oreo Dream— a stuffed dessert featuring chocolate sandwich cookies, alongside chocolate and white chocolate chips.

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Although the registered cottage food business is mostly run by Sarah and Acacia, the rest of the family jumps in to help too. Ryan is behind the branding and marketing, and Royce is an enthusiastic taste-tester and helps with event set up. Four-year-old Winston assists with measuring and pouring. Plus, Acacia and her best friend, Luna, often bounce ideas off of one another. “They come up with their own cookie ideas, and then they present them to me,” Sarah says. Acacia excitedly adds, “Like a panda cookie—it’s a chocolate cookie with frosting, where the panda is white, the panda’s ears are Oreos, sprinkles as the nose and M&M’s as the eyes.” As Sarah and Acacia approach the end of their first year in business, they’re looking ahead with ambition. For the future of Dough-Licious Cookies, Sarah envisions releasing a cookbook filled with their beloved recipes, while Acacia hopes to one day have a brick-and-mortar cookie cafe. “I want our cookies to be perfect [so] that everyone likes them and the company becomes a really big thing,” Acacia says. The pair is also exploring new additions, such as brownies, and hope to introduce allergy-friendly options too. For now, they’re focused on steady growth and strengthening their connections in Woodbury. “We’re going to take it year by year for now and continue to build a customer base in our community,” Sarah says. Dough-Licious Cookies zandoleemedia.com/dough-licious-cookies Dough-Licious Cookies MN

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VISITATION SCHOOL

CASE STUDY: David and Dianne are transitioning to the “downsize mode” in life and need to complete quite a few tasks before they sell their beautiful acreage in Stillwater...

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O N T H E TOW N

All ages and abilities are invited to enjoy the Move to Your Own Groove All Abilities Run, Walk & Roll on September 13 at Colby Lake Park.

Run, Walk or Roll Photo: Family Achievement Center

The Family Achievement Center brings back Move to Your Own Groove. Inspired by the Family Achievement Center’s (familyachievement.com) mission to provide hope, the Move to Your Own Groove All Abilities Run, Walk & Roll will inspire the community for its eighth year. This running event focuses on inclusion rather than competition, and all ages and abilities are welcome and encouraged to join. The races will start at 9:30 a.m. September 13 at Colby Lake Park, taking place on an accessible path. “We offer multiple participation options to meet people where they are,” says Katy Gavin, Family Achievement Center vice president of therapy services. Participants start the day with a 50-meter “run, walk or roll.” From there, attendees are invited to run, walk or roll in a 1K or 5K. “It’s not just accessible, but it’s intentionally inclusive,” Gavin says. All proceeds from the event will go to the Family Achievement Foundation, which strives and hopes to improve lives within the community. —Kate Thompson woodburymag.com

FOSTERS

O N T H E TOW N

NEEDED

for kittens, cats, dogs

09.06, 09.13, 09.20 and 09.27

Farmers Market

C E L EBRAT I N G 1 1 5 Y E AR S I N OU R CO M M U N IT Y

Explore local produce, flowers and artisan goods from 8 a.m.–1 p.m. Sundays at Red Rock Elementary School. stpaulfarmersmarket.com 09.11

H o t D ogs • I ce C re a m • Ro a ste d Cor n Pet t i n g Zo o • B in go • M u sic • P r i ze s

S e p te m b e r 1 1 | F r i d ay

4 : 0 0 - 7 : 0 0 pm L a ke E lm o O f f ice Pa r k in g Lot

Kick off fall with the eighth annual kickball tournament from 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m. alongside food trucks at Ojibway Park. Registration required. woodburychamber.org 09.12

Barbecue Benefit Enjoy the sixth annual all-you-can-eat barbecue fundraiser for Families of the Fallen with activities for children from 3–7 p.m. at Stonemill Farms Community Center. fotf.us 09.12

Coal Forge Blacksmithing From 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Dodge Nature Center’s Shepherd Farm, participants ages 18 and older will enjoy a blacksmithing workshop, learning how to transform a piece of metal into a functional fire poker. dodgenaturecenter.org 09.19

Big Truck Day Children of all ages can explore

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Photo: Mariola Shrivastava, Precious 21 Photography

Commu n i t y Day

Kickball Tournament

Barbecue Benefit

vehicles, such as an ambulance, fire truck, garbage truck and more, at this free event from 8:30-11:30 a.m at Central Park. woodburymn.gov 09.25–09.26

Fall Fest The annual Saint Ambrose festival features live music and entertainment, food and drink and carnival rides and games for all ages from 5:30–10 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.– 10 p.m. Saturday. saintambrosecatholic.org 09.26

One Woodbury All ages are invited to celebrate the community from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. at Ojibway Park with cultural performances, food trucks and sponsor booths. onewoodburymn.com

Compiled by Catherine Chapman and Isabella Kunc To have your event considered: email woodburymag@localmedia.co by the 10th of the month three months prior to publication. Please note that some events may have changed since these pages went to print. Please visit affiliated websites for updates.

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LAST GLANCE

Golden Hour Glow During a sunset walk at Edgewater Park, Michael Ambion noticed it was already close to 8 p.m., but the light hadn’t faded yet. “It was still soft, warm and glowing in a way that felt almost magical,” Ambion says. “I’ve always felt drawn to the golden hour; the sun has a way of making everything feel just a little more perfect.” —Kate Thompson

FO C U S O N WO O DB U RY Photographer: Michael Ambion Title: When the Light Lingers Equipment: iPhone 13 Pro Location: Edgewater Park Category: Seasons Award: Third Place

To view other Focus on Woodbury photo contest winners, visit woodburymag.com.

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THE BEST IN THE FIELD. FOCUSED ON YOU. Pictured above: Dr. Brandon Kelly

At Summit Orthopedics, we’re proud to be Minnesota’s only top-ranked orthopedic and spine outpatient surgery center as recognized by U.S. News & World Report. And while our expertise sets us apart, it’s how we care for people that defines us. Even after thousands of procedures, we treat each patient like the only one.

Woodbury - September 2026