Metro - Vol 1, No 1.
Promoting a vibrant, localized economy!
Instagram Contest Congratulations to our winners!
Plaid Friday Plaid is the NEW BLACK
Booming Community Bicycles in the Twin Cities
Behind The Creative Building Cherry Tree House Mushrooms
Shared Ground Farmers’ Cooperative
Promoting a vibrant, localized economy! METRO - VOL 1, NO. 1 - 2015 a
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Editor’s Note
Our path continues and changes and grows and new life springs with each step. I would like to take a moment to formally introduce Kara Larson as a new partner in our endeavor to uncover the world beneath what is known as Minnesota. The name itself conjures many ideas about this land of the north, but like Leah and myself; Kara has an eye toward the stories and the soul of the land we call home. There is no place, no land, no one that can be understood based on the two dimensional images conjured by the limits of our imagination and the scope of the stories we have already been told. For Minnesota this is especially true. We have never met and I yet I imagine you now sitting at your kitchen table or in your easy chair, and in a thousand other places, and I know the smile upon your face as you recall those things that no one knows; the history that none but you have seen. I ask your forgiveness as we pry into the secret that is Minnesota and share it with all that have eyes to see. Over the course of the next year Kara, Leah, and I will be crisscrossing this great state to discover what we have been missing. Not only will we be searching out the makers that are scattered around Minnesota and sharing their stories, but also diving into the varied cultures that have made this place there home. To everyone who has discovered Make It Minnesota, and all those who have not yet seen these pages I say with great joy, watch out, we’re coming.
Benjamin Matzke
METRO - VOL 1, NO. 1 - 2015
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Contributors Editor Benjamin Matzke Editorial Coordinator Kara Larson Production Manager Leah Matzke Co ntributors Kara Larson Sean McSteen Ben Ransom Megan Sheridan Diana Crane Emy Crane Cover Photo Yonathan Moya, 2015 Metro Instagram contest winner
Copyright All images contained in Make It Minnesota are subject to copyright of the artist, illustrator or photographers as named, but not limited to. Reproduction of any part of this magazine without prior permission is prohibited. Copyright 2015. All rights reserved. Disclaimer The views and comments expressed by the writers are not always that of Make It Minnesota. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of the information in this publication, Make It Minnesota accepts no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions or resultant consequences, including any loss or damage arising from reliance on information in this publication. Published by Seeking Stories LLC & Matzke Media House LLC
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Kara Larson may be a South Dakota transplant, but today, she considers herself a Minnesotan— through and through. She dreams of a life full of encountering new perspectives, uncovering hidden stories, engaging in different kinds of communities, and riding horses.
Born and raised in a St. Paul suburb, Sean McSteen grew up being exposed to and participating in the rich and diverse culture of the Twin Cities. His passions range from playing cello, film-making, Gonzo journalism (on the weekends), and traveling to any new place around the world, near or far.
As the founder of Lanona Shoe Co., Ben Ransom has a discerning eye for quality and a drive to bring authenticity into the sole of every shoe he designs. After two years of learning from and working with a master shoemaker, Lanona’s workshop is now located in the Lowertown neighborhood of St. Paul. Megan Sheridan is a native Minnesotan who is only just now discovering everything this place has to offer. Every Monday, she and her husband are serving up the best of what’s growing or stored up to 10 guests at their private dining club, 320 Northeast.
Diana and Emy Crane felt like little nomads from a very young age—from Arizona, to Arkansas, to Idaho, it seemed they were always on the move with their families. Now settled in Minneapolis, they’re still figuring out how to put down roots, and claim this spot as their own. Spruce is storytelling, it’s learning, it’s growth— it’s their attempt to weave themselves into this city, and to feel truly at home.
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Contents 04 Featured Communities 6 Biking in Minneapolis/St. Paul 11 Plaid Friday - Creating Community 13 Out & About 13 Shared Ground Farmers’ Cooperative 16 Minneapolis Craft Market 18 Behind The Creative 18 Three Sisters Eclectic Arts 20 Cherry Tree House Mushrooms 24 Keith Wyman, Concrete Pig
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27 Metro Instagram Contest
Iconic Twin Cities Photos Winners Announced!
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30 Minnesota Style:
Lanona Shoe Co.
32 Minnesota Kitchen:
Fermented Bliss- Chow Chow
34 Share Your Story With Us:
Online Creative Profiles
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F e at u r e d C o m m u n i t i e s Welcome to the Twin Cities, where subcultures, micro-communities, and big city life unite. When we considered the best way to introduce this engaging and picturesque metropolitan area of Minnesota, we thought we should come at from the inside—and through the lens and perspective of one of Minnesota’s own. And did we mention that this fellow is also the winner of our first ever Metro Instagram Contest? His photography wowed us—and now, he offers his take on the Twin Cities community.
YONATHAN MOYA | 29 | BLOOMINGTON, MN Instagram.com/yonathanmoya I’m an avid mobile photographer and through my photography I want to challenge people to think and see differently. I want to encourage others to go beyond their current worldview and into a new understanding of who they are and help them see the part they can play in contributing to our society. Being fairly new to the metro area, I’ve experienced a strong sense of community in the Twin Cities. When I look through my camera lens, I see a vibrant community of creative people. I’ve become part of several different communities in the area, including Creative Mornings, a once a month lecture series for creatives. I’ve also connected greatly with the Instagram community in the Twin Cities by attending local meetups and different creative photo events. If you’re on Instagram you’ll see the hashtag “#CommunityFirst” used a lot. Community is about people, not just about uploading images to a social network. Most importantly, community is about constantly interacting with people around our community who share similar passions. I’ve been encouraged by how people in this community have welcomed and embraced me as a stranger who’s become like family.
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Most importantly, community is about constantly interacting with people around our community who share similar passions. —Yonathan Moya METRO - VOL 1, NO. 1 - 2015
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Featured Communities
THE BOOMING COMMUNITY O OFF BBIIC CYYC CLLEESS IIN N TTH HEE TTW WIIN NC CIITTIIEESS By: Kara Larson
And why? Because he loves bikes. He shares, “Part of the fun of my job as an artist is that I am able to focus on representing things I love and love to do, and I love bikes and biking! Bikes, while utilitarian, are also highdesign. They add a lot of dimension to my work.”
Illustration by Adam Turman
“When I think of the city I love and the places and buildings that represent it, I’m always just a step away from a memory of biking with a friend nearby or seeing the sight on my bike,” begins Adam Turman, talented Minneapolis artist. Turman is the artistic force behind many iconic Minneapolis and St. Paul murals and beyond—and a great deal of these feature bicycles.
bike-ability is something many organizations, resources, and individuals are still working to improve. Building safe networks, better infrastructure, and overall confidence while on a bike in the Twin Cities is key. And that’s what the upcoming interviews aim to address. One of the most visual and convenient biking experiences in the Twin Cities is provided by a bike share program called Nice Ride, which started in its core form in 2010 with 65 stations of bold, lime green urban bikes. Right now, there are 190 stations with 1700 bikes available for short-term rental throughout the spring, summer, and fall. With an overriding mission to provide safe, affordable, and convenient transportation, Nice Ride is the leading bike share program in the Twin Cities.
But, there’s more to it than that. Turman recognizes that bicycles are engrained in the culture of the Twin Cities. How does it work? There are “Minneapolis is known two different options. You for its commitment to the can walk up to a station and environment and sustainability, buy a pass right there and and choosing to bike is a visible you get 30 minutes without “FOR MY FRIENDS AND ME, way for citizens to show their any additional fees. The MINNEAPOLIS CULTURE AND BIKE support for green initiatives.” He second option is to get a oneCULTURE ARE ONE AND THE SAME.” adds, “But beyond that, biking in year membership for $65 or Minneapolis is fun: if you bike, you can get a one-month pay- ADAM TURMAN you’re part of a big, welcoming as-you-go membership for community. There are tons of $15. With those, you get a full events for bikers throughout the year. Almost all of my best friends hour per trip at no additional cost. Through these options, Nice are bikers, and we know how lucky we are to have so many ways Ride facilitates a mode of active transportation that is simpler to enjoy one of our favorite activities. For my friends and me, and more convenient than ever in the Twin Cities. Minneapolis culture and bike culture are one and the same.” Well before Anthony Ongaro reached his current position as It is easy to feel the presence of bicycles here. Whether you’re the Marketing Director for Nice Ride, he was a member of the leisurely riding around the lakes or running errands on the bustling program for over 2 years. And in this time, Anthony appreciated streets of Minneapolis, a bike allows you to see the Twin Cities in and utilized the fleet of lime green bikes extensively for his daily an active, personal, and energetic way. And it’s an incredibly bikecommute in downtown Minneapolis. “It was a great solution for friendly place—one of the highest ranked in the world. But its me to get to and from work very quickly. So, the main reason I
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“SO MUCH IS BEING DEVELOPED AND WE’RE GOING TO CONTINUE TO SEE MORE INFRASTRUCTURE AND CYCLISTS COMING TO THE STREETS.” - ANTHONY ONGARO
wanted to work for Nice Ride was that was I really passionate about their mission, ideas, and everything they had to offer people of the Twin Cities. When I saw that they had a marketing director position available, I decided that I wanted to keep convincing people that it’s a great idea—except, get paid to do it,” he laughs. Now, from the inside of Nice Ride, Anthony hopes to help the company maintain the position as industry leader in this bike share market. “What we’re doing is made possible largely by our sponsor Blue Cross and Blue Shield; they are encouraging us to experiment and continue building programs and facilities that are going to inspire new people to get on a bike. So, more and more, we’re looking to expand the reach of Nice Ride and make sure the communities around the Twin Cities are actively engaged and involved with what we’re doing.”
So what is Nice Ride doing to engage communities within the Twin Cities? They are constantly optimizing existing station placements and expanding their network of bike share stations so that people can get where they need to go. They are also working on a new program called Nice Ride Neighborhood. Anthony explains, “This program works to support individuals by giving people a bike—an orange bike as opposed to a green bike. But METRO - VOL 1, NO. 1 - 2015
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they get to have that bike for an entire season. And we provide programming and events and incentive to get out and ride and be a part of the community. It’s a pretty exciting development.” He adds, “We want to continue to work on these outreach efforts like Nice Ride Neighborhood that will essentially serve as different tools for communities to continue the outreach that we’re doing and to get more and more people out riding bikes. And that’s the main one—getting people out on bikes using this great infrastructure and continuing to get people healthier through active transportation.” As an avid bicyclist and influential part of Nice Ride’s efforts, Anthony enjoys what bikes add to the culture of Minneapolis and St. Paul. “In a way, I think biking is the Twin Cities culture. So much is being developed and we’re going to continue to see more infrastructure and cyclists coming to the streets. It’s truly become a part of the culture itself.” Let’s move on from bike sharing to the biggest bicycle race in Minnesota—the Saint Paul Classic Bike Tour. This ride features as many as 6000 bicyclists and tours some of the most beautiful and historic St. Paul spots. Richard Arey, the Ride Director for the Classic, has been planning the ride even before it began in 1995. A couple years before the Classic began, Richard received a grant from St. Paul businesses to visit other communities comparable to St. Paul in terms of climate, geography, and standard of living. Richard begins, “I got to travel to Europe, parts of Asia, and Canada with that grant money. And when I was in Canada, I did something called the Tour de l’île in Montreal, which is the world’s
largest bike ride, and they get 40,000 people. It’s amazing. They closed off a lap around the city and I knew that St. Paul had this parkway system that dates back to the 1870s and would make a great venue for the ride, so that’s what I proposed.” The 21st annual Saint Paul Classic Bike Tour will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2015. The routes range from 15 to 45 miles and each route includes rest stops that feature live music performed by local artists as well as fresh and local produce and baked goods. An event that champions bicycling and remains a non-competitive tour of Saint Paul, Richard hopes for another safe, fun ride in 2015 that showcases the beauty of St. Paul and celebrates the historic neighborhoods. With all proceeds going toward the advocacy group Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota, the Classic is a tour that promotes bicycling in the Twin Cities, encouraging people to enjoy the increasing bike-ability of the metro. In the 2015 Classic, this is emphasized through a new area that has been added to the tour. Richard shares, “We’re doing a loop around Lake Phalen, which is about a three-mile loop. It’s the biggest lake in the city of St. Paul and the Northwest corner goes on a trail that goes past a restored waterfall, which will be an interesting and exciting addition to the tour.” In terms of Richard’s goals for the Saint Paul Classic, it’s simple: “My three goals are that we have a safe ride, ideally no rain, and everybody has fun.” In the long-term landscape of the tour, he recognizes the great deal of interest the Classic has generated for biking in the city. “The city has committed about $15 million to rebuild Wheelock Parkway over the next four years. The ride has definitely generated interest from the city for not only making it better for cyclists, but looking at it as a route for walking and roller-blading as a green belt or emerald necklace around the city.” While we’re on the subject of improving the bike-ability of the Twin Cities, there is another major force working tirelessly to make big change. In the realm of bike safety, education, and grassroots government involvement, St. Paul Women on Bikes is one of the local advocacy organizations striving to alter the landscape. One of the founders of the program is Jessica Treat, an individual who has been working on bicycle issues in St. Paul for the past eight years. She shares, “Our goal was to build a coalition to connect women on bikes. As we became mothers, we realized that we rode differently—we weren’t as confident and we wanted more space for riding bikes. Although the leadership in the city didn’t think we existed, through St. Paul Women on Bikes, we hoped to give a voice to these women and families who want to ride more. We wanted to build a coalition to amplify that voice.” “From the very beginning, making change has been challenging. Jessica and others followed and supported city projects that, in her words, “tanked miserably.” With great opposition, Jessica saw good projects continue to not go through. But, there was a turning point. She shares, “There was one project by the Friendly Streets Initiative on Charles Avenue in St. Paul. With the goal of adding a bike lane to the street, it was yearlong process and a summer full of block parties where they would go out and talk with people on the street, served free food, and had fun games. The street was already part of a bike plan, but
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THROUGH ST. PAUL WOMEN ON BIKES, WE HOPED TO GIVE A VOICE TO THESE WOMEN AND FAMILIES WHO WANT TO RIDE MORE. WE WANTED TO BUILD A COALITION TO AMPLIFY THAT VOICE.
- JESSICA TREAT they wanted to have political support when it came time to find funding. And it worked. A ton of people turned out at the city council hearing because so many people had been engaged. That changed the conversation.” St. Paul Women on Bikes is certainly doing their part in directing the conversation. They have a network of “Spokeswomen,” and these are women across the city who work as incredibly engaged volunteers and act as liaisons to council members. “They meet with their council member and talk to them about partnering for bicycle initiatives. They also act as a link back to their neighborhood and really help us get the word out,” Jessica explains. Beyond working toward immediate and effective grassroots change, St. Paul Women on Bikes also engages within the
community in different ways. “We have fun social programs like Bikes Mean Business monthly happy hour series, where we go to a local business, bring a bunch of people, and have a fun social gathering. We have a Monday night joyride, so every Monday night, women gather and ride about ten miles at a moderate pace. And then we have Pedal Together rides, which is a series of rides happening throughout the summer and these are a slower, casual pace—a very social ride.” The main goal of the Spokeswomen and the social events through St. Paul Women on Bikes: to get more people, specifically women and children, to feel comfortable and safe riding bikes in St. Paul. Jessica often hears the argument from government officials that people aren’t riding. In Jessica’s experience, this is because people don’t feel safe riding in St. Paul. She wants to change the mentality from “if we don’t see them, we won’t build it” to “if we built it, they will come.” She offers, “That mentality plays out in city after city as they build more bike infrastructure. That’s the message we’re carrying forward. If we can build a network where people can feel safe on their bikes, they can more often choose that option of riding a bike, which then has all these great, positive results, from health, to the environment, to the pocketbook.” From Jessica’s perspective, the benefits of making a city more bike friendly are extraordinary. First on the list, she visits the topic of health and well-being. “In the U.S., we have a big problem with obesity and diabetes and it’s because people lead fairly sedentary lives. Getting in that regular physical activity is important and if you can build it into your routine of errands and getting around, that’s great.” METRO - VOL 1, NO. 1 - 2015
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Next up: the economic impact. “It’s good for economic development. If you’re on a bike, your distance that you can is by pedaling, you’re much more apt to support local businesses than shop at far-flung, big box stores. You keep your dollars in the local community.” And finally, she approaches the topic of the environment. “In St. Paul, we want to grow; we want to be a bigger city. I think by 2030, there are supposed to be a million more people living in the Twin Cities region, so if every one of those people gets around by driving their own car, it’s going to be gridlock. Beyond major congestion, it’s going to be really bad for the environment. We have issues with climate change, so we want to have the ability to make people feel safe to choose to ride their bike when they can for short trips. Most trips that people make in their car are the short trips—very bike-able trips.” The benefits are significant. And as the Twin Cities continues to climb many lists as one of the most bike-friendly places in the world, it might be high time to switch up your habits toward a more active mode of transportation. So, once you’re convinced that the wonderful world of biking in the Twin Cities is for you, PedalMN is an incredible resource to consider. With a bevy of information in tow, this website is a powerhouse of sorts. They have so much to offer bicyclists of every level and type. Colleen Tollefson, the Assistant Director for Explore Minnesota Tourism, divulges us on the details of the beginning of the resource. “Since about 2009, a group of agencies and organizations met informally for breakfast and talked about the many ways we were all involved in biking. This led to a bike conference in the Brainerd area in 2010 as our first activity, and the program, including the website pedalmn.com, social media, marketing, and more conferences grew from that point.” She adds, “PedalMN includes the Minnesota Departments of Health, Natural Resources and Transportation, Explore Minnesota, Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota and Minnesota Parks and Trails Council. HealthPartners has been an ongoing sponsor of PedalMN. Our target markets largely are those new to biking, including women/children, seniors, and minorities.” Through their efforts, the main goal of PedalMN is to get more Minnesotans on more bikes—and more often. Within that goal, Colleen voices that they would also like to increase participation in biking; foster connectivity; promote health, encourage travel and provide resources. She shares, “We have shared our partner resources and have had an ongoing sponsorship from HealthPartners, that has provided bike tune up stations in MSP and St. Cloud and a tune up trike at major events each year. We provide an ongoing resource (PedalMN.com) with a goal of including information and resources all things biking in Minnesota; we do marketing, social media, promotions, (Bike Mom—the mother of all bike gear giveaways) and we are engaged in statewide biking programming and activities from the Winter Biking Conference in Minneapolis to the Eco Experience at the state fair to conferences from Brainerd to Mankato. We have a full time PedalMN Coordinator working to grow the program.”
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And why does PedalMN engage in all of these resources and events and promotions? Because they believe in the benefits of biking in the Twin Cities and in Minnesota on the whole. “Biking adds personality to the cities, in the diversity of bikes people ride, clubs and tribes they belong to, clothes they wear, activities they do, businesses they support, events that are developed, gear they use, purposes of trips, and a whole range of direct and not so direct biking businesses,” says Colleen. “Biking is a culture of rides and routes known largely to the biking scene. It provides people with an inexpensive (or expensive for some) form of independence and adventure.” The depth of experience, health benefits, and the cultural and economic impact of bicycles in Minneapolis and St. Paul are immeasurable. Bicycles have the ability to reveal a new way to experience the Twin Cities. Their impression is made iconic through focal artwork showcased on buildings and in our homes, through bike share programs that make riding simple and convenient, through tours that celebrate the history of St. Paul, through advocacy organizations that aim to make us feel safe while biking in the city, and through resources that bring a world of knowledge on biking in the Twin Cities to your fingertips. It’s all here, folks; now all we have to do is grab a bicycle and get out there.
Featured Communities
PLAID FRIDAY— FRIDAY— PLAID PLAID IS THE NEW BLACK PLAID IS THE NEW BLACK By: Kara Larson
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n America, “Black Friday” is a day in dire need of a rebrand. We know it well—a day that promotes monstrous crowds that plow into big box stores at excessively early hours, desperate seeking a deal that will most likely fall short. However, there is an alternative. “Plaid Friday” is a counter to the big box “Black Friday” mall culture. A movement that began in Oakland, CA in 2010, Plaid Friday aims to promote local, independent businesses, and in doing so, our creative and diverse community. So, why plaid? Mary Hamel, the Executive Director of the Metro Independent Business Alliance (MetroIBA), the organization that brought Plaid Friday to the Twin Cities, has a perfect response to the reason behind the plaid. “Plaid is such a great metaphor for our independent businesses. It’s about diverse fabrics woven together, and together, they create a stronger fabric than a solid homogenous piece of fabric. Plaid is such a great symbol for what our businesses represent to our community.” As MetroIBA comes into its second year of planning Plaid Friday, Mary thinks back on this time last year—a time when Plaid Friday wasn’t yet on their radar. “Sometime in October of 2014, one of our retailers called me and encouraged us to pull something together. I always really liked the campaign, but I was concerned that it would be too late to start planning. But we agreed to give it go—all hands on deck! A handful of us went to work and we somehow pulled it together and got a lot of publicity. So, we thought, if could be this great after just a six weeks of planning, how great will it be if we start planning it in the summer?” Mary believes it’s a little early to see direct, clear benefits from last year’s Plaid Friday just yet; however she is optimistic about shopping local around the holiday season. “There is a national group called the Institute for Local Self-Reliance and for the last 8 years, they have done a post-Holiday survey of retailers across the country. And every single year, they’ve seen an increase in indie business sales compared to their chain store counterparts. And they’ve also seen a big difference between independent business sales in communities where there is a ‘Buy Local’ campaign like ours versus communities where there is not a ‘Buy Local’ campaign. So, we do have some hard data.” And it’s optimistic data, at that. Data that encourages MetroIBA to seriously amp up their efforts to inspire the Twin Cities community to buy local this holiday season. Part of these efforts come through a new idea—a directory that will be distributed to
25,000 people. Mary is thrilled to disclose that MetroIBA will be printing their first ever ‘Buy Local Guide’ to the Twin Cities. The first catalogues will be handed out at a launch party, which will be on October 6 at Summit Brewing Company. Mary shares, “It’s a really big deal for us because not only is it an opportunity to educate the pubic about the importance of our businesses through this print guide and offer a concrete tool for shoppers and businesses, but also, it’s going to serve as a fundraiser for us, so the proceeds from the guides and the advertising sales will go to expand our programming.” Nathalie Wilson, head of the Marketing Committee for MetroIBA, calls the Buy Local Guide: “A manifestation of who we are and what we believe in.” As an organization that believes in all things local, this guide will certainly come in handy when Plaid Friday rolls around. So, with the Buy Local Guide in hand, anyone can navigate the participating Plaid Friday businesses with ease. All independent businesses registered with MetroIBA who wish to participate will be supplied with the official Plaid Friday stickers, plaid
“PLAID IS SUCH A GREAT METAPHOR FOR OUR INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES. IT’S ABOUT DIVERSE FABRICS WOVEN TOGETHER, AND TOGETHER, THEY CREATE A STRONGER FABRIC THAN A SOLID HOMOGENOUS PIECE OF FABRIC. PLAID IS SUCH A GREAT SYMBOL FOR WHAT OUR BUSINESSES REPRESENT TO OUR COMMUNITY.” METRO - VOL 1, NO. 1 - 2015
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ribbon for giftwrapping, and they will also be included in the list of participating local stores posted on the Plaid Friday Twin Cities event page. However, any independent business is welcome to offer their own Plaid Friday specials. Nathalie is hopeful that Plaid Friday will unite all local business, regardless of their affiliation with MetroIBA. Nathalie also appreciates the range of specials that Plaid Friday encourages. “We are a bunch of independents banded together, so people support it in their own independent way. Some people have bagpipers out front, others have shortbread inside, and some have special deals—so we’re hoping to promote all of those.” As a business owner and member of MetroIBA herself, Nathalie anticipates that the participating businesses will see a bump in foot traffic, and therefore, sales. “Other programs in the past have tended to be driven by a special deal, while this one is more about the attitude of Plaid Friday and what it means to shop local. And people seem to like the idea that we’re banding together to do this. It’s more than just a single retailer with a special that day—it’s something that we’re making a bit of a statement about. It goes back to the argument
that supporting your local businesses supports the local community. I think that’s what the participants responded to last year. It gave them something interesting to talk about and share.” Mary agrees, considering the campaign to be a great conversation starter. “I think it’s such a great campaign because it’s such a memorable brand. You see the sticker with the plaid and “Plaid is the new black,” and it prompts people to ask what its all about and gives them an opportunity to have a conversation about why they want to shop at this kind of store versus another, why they think it’s important to support local retailers during the holidays, and it’s just so visual.” So, when the day after Thanksgiving comes, are you going black; or are you going plaid? Perhaps this final sentiment from Mary Hamel will help you decide: “The whole idea is get people to think outside the box. If you want to stand in line at 3 a.m. for large electronics, that’s fine. But if you want a more intimate, pleasant shopping experience and you’d like to find a more unique gift item, try one of our shops.”
Your Local Screen Printing Experts!
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Out & About: Shared Ground Farmers’ Cooperative
Connecting Small Farms to Large Communities By: Sean McSteen
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s Minnesota’s culture increasingly values a diverse and local community and economy, some may find themselves somewhat lost when trying to turn an idea or hope to eat locally produced food into a reality. For many— myself included—there is a tendency of falling into a state of complacency, being content to blindly believe the loud, colored stickers that reassure us in all caps that what they are selling is what we should be eating. Fresh and locally produced food is a claim that seems to be being stamped onto any pre-packaged container of vegetables, or package of ground beef from an animal farm and factory states away. But it does not have to be that way. Shared Ground Farmers’ Cooperative is an upand-coming distribution outlet that has created a partnership between small, independently run farms and the Twin Cities community. Using a variety of resources, Shared Ground is able
to bring together small farms as co-owners who are invested in promoting and supporting the local, organic food movement. Shared Ground does this by using multiple outlets of distribution that reach all levels of consumers—from the single household to restaurants around the Metro area. Aside from buying locally grown produce and meats at neighborhood farmers markets and grocery stores, one of the easiest and most direct options to promote and support local growers is through Community Shared Agriculture, or CSA. A CSA is created through the collective support from local restaurants, individuals and families who, in a way, purchase shares of upcoming crop harvests from one or more local farms. In doing so, they give support to the local grower and small farms, and in turn, receive a portion of the harvested produce and in some METRO - VOL 1, NO. 1 - 2015
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cases, livestock. In the case of Shared Ground, joining their CSA means supporting five different farms that work together as one in order to bring the consumer the largest variety of produce and livestock of the best quality. Though it was only created just two years ago, Shared Ground Farmers’ Cooperative has made long strides in establishing itself as a staple of the local organic economy in the Metro area of Minnesota. Selling to approximately 135 families around the Twin Cities area, 35 different restaurants and the Minneapolis School system for school meals, Shared Ground has proved itself to be a thriving, sustainable source for organically produced vegetables and livestock. The cooperative is co-managed by Robin Major and Aaron Blyth, and as Robin explains, the intention of the cooperative “Is an attempt to alleviate the great financial stress that most small farms face in the United States-accessing and delivering to fair paying markets.” Being a small farmer has many difficulties in creating a sustainable living, and being a small immigrant farmer can carry with it a whole new set of difficulties when trying to break into the market and create a living. That is why Shared
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Ground “prioritizes selling food from immigrant and beginning farmers.” The goal is to help those who are trying to get their foot in the door. The cooperative consists of five different farms, three of which are Latino-run farms with the other two being Anglo-run farms. Out of the five farms, three are Certified Organic, though all five must follow environmentally sound practices. By having five different farms from all around Minnesota and Western Wisconsin working together as owner-members of the cooperative, each farm can centralize their efforts on a few specific crops rather than becoming overwhelmed with the demand of a large diversity of crops. As Robin explains, “By coming together as a cooperative each farm is able to focus on 6-8 crops they grow well, rather than 40 crops like most CSA farmers, and put less energy into marketing their produce and more energy into farming itself.” And the quality speaks for itself. Shared Ground’s success and unique business model can also be attributed to those behind-the-scenes who create the connections and relationships with the local community. Before traveling to the farms themselves, I visited the Shared Ground warehouse where employees gather the harvested produce and box it up to be delivered weekly to restaurants and CSA customers. Seeing the vast variety of produce being grown for the cooperative, it is evident that Shared Ground’s farming methods and organization of specializing in specific crops for each farm is paying off. Every vegetable going into every box is lush and beautiful, unlike most vegetables I have seen in any average grocery store.
Though most of the farms of Shared Ground are outside the cities, there are also farmers working deeply within the Metro to promote small, community-driven farming. One of the five farms, Stone’s Throw Urban Farm, works to infuse itself into the Minneapolis-St. Paul community by converting vacant housing lots around the Twin Cities into small, micro-farms. And even with such limited space, Stone’s Throw is able to produce a large variety of herbs, greens and tomatoes for Shared Ground, showing the surrounding community the realistic viability of being an independent, self-sufficient grower. After speaking with, and being shown around the farms, it is clear that every farm and farmer in the cooperative is incredibly passionate about the quality of what they are producing. The deep-rooted pride they have for the animals they raise and the produce they grow is visible. Visible not only in their faces as they look over their fields and pastures, but in the vegetables and livestock that is the outcome of the passion each farmer puts in. For example, at Cala Farms in Turtle Lake, WI, brothers, Rodrigo and Juan Carlos Cala, are growing the most beautiful and perfect green peppers I have seen all summer. Or, in Amery, WI, at Whetstone Farms, husband and wife Klaus Zimmerman and Emily Hanson are raising quality grassfed lamb, turkeys and Mangalitza pigs while simultaneously maintaining a vegetable crop that follows organic guidelines. Walking amongst the fields and pastures of the farms, I began to understand the whole-hearted investment that Shared Ground’s farmers have towards creating a successful and sustainable future for both their families and the land on which they grow. Whether they have been farmers their entire lives or simply started only a few years ago, there is an almost tangible love for the land and for what it gives that I have not witnessed or experienced ever before. In a time where GMOs and companies like Monsanto seem to be forcing themselves into everything we eat, the local organic revolution is giving our culture something real and genuine to hold onto and support. Each farm in the cooperative brings forth its particular specialization and, with strength in numbers, is making large strides towards a healthier and more aware community. It has never been easier to find locally-grown food that is not genetically tampered with or infused with dangerous pesticides. It simply takes an element of awareness of what you are putting into your body and it is organizations and local businesses like Shared Ground Farmers’ Cooperative that are making it increasingly easier to eat healthier while simultaneously committing support to a localized, organic economy. After having the opportunity to visit some of the farms that make up the cooperative and see where it all comes together in Shared Ground’s warehouse, I was able to see first-hand the true effort and passion that goes into every element and stage of farming and raising of livestock. I saw people who farmed the land as it should be farmed, appreciating everything that earth brings forth while maintaining it in such a way as to remain fruitful and sustainable. I saw people who came together from all different ways of life to help each other grow and succeed. And lastly, I saw a healthy, viable option for the Twin Cities to support their local economy while gaining access to some of the healthiest—if not the healthiest—sources of food possible. METRO - VOL 1, NO. 1 - 2015
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Out & About: Coming this Fall
Minneapolis Craft Market By: Kara Larson There’s a new market in town—and it’s promising to be a great one. Dreamed, organized, and executed by Hayley MatthewsJones, the Minneapolis Craft Market is set to showcase 5070 makers and designers from the North each weekend from October 4th to December 20th. Based on the London street market concept, which is held rain, shine—or snow—this market takes place in tents outdoors and offers a festive opportunity to embrace the season. Hayley encourages makers and shoppers to wrap up in their best handmade knitwear, step outside, and enjoy. With a maker list that changes from week to week, no two markets will be the same, but that’s not the only reason to add the Minneapolis Craft Market to your fall calendar. Hayley emphasizes that the main goal of the market is to bring a new concept to the art scene in the Twin Cities. She offers, “It benefits the whole community to have a designated, regular forum for art that is accessible to the most seasoned artists, as well as kids in high school that have art piling up in their bedroom and want to see if they can make a living selling it. Our first season will be a learning experience for us, the host venues, and the makers, and I expect we will refine things as we go along.” The market is partnering with local craft breweries Insight Brewing and Sociable Cider Werks—and these spaces will also provide the locations for the market. Hayley adds, “The market should feel lively and bustling, somewhere you want to stay and browse, drink some good beer at our host venues, and hang out with friends.” More than anything, the Minneapolis Craft Market puts the maker first. As a weekly forum for Northern makers and artists in all mediums to have the opportunity to sell their work, individuals can rent a stall by the day, or by the month if they want to establish a regular presence. In terms of the criteria used to select the featured makers and designers, the Minneapolis Craft Market is simply looking for quality, original work—things you can't find everywhere, and items that have a story. “We’re looking for artists who are pushing their craft and bringing new ideas to their medium,” says Hayley. “Our community cares about what they purchase and how it is made. People want to know that someone put thought and time into their work, and that things were made sustainably. It’s so fun to see all of the great work happening in our community!” Hayley believes that many makers would benefit from getting their work into the hands of their customers so they can feel, smell, and try on their products. She shares, “As great as online shops are at getting your work seen by a wider audience, so much of that charm
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is lost, and you don’t get to build the same relationships with your customers as you do face to face. Markets are an affordable middle ground between an online store and a bricks and mortar storefront, which is just not realistic for most artists. There’s also a huge social benefit to getting groups of creative people together at the same time in a really casual, approachable setting.” An artist herself, Hayley understands the maker scene—and she knows it isn’t easy if you’re just starting out. This inspired her to incorporate a Scholarship Stall into the market. Offered to a different maker every weekend, this free stall will allow a new or struggling maker an opportunity to learn, sell, and connect with their ideal audience. “I’m very conscious of the fact that finances can be a barrier for some artists, especially young makers who are still in school or just starting out. I had many classes and art education opportunities growing up because of income-based scholarships. I got to try new mediums, take different classes, go on field trips, all of the things that are crucial to growing as an artist and expanding your view.” Hayley adds, “I simply would not have been able to do those things without that assistance. My hope for the Scholarship Stall is that we might get to hear from some new voices, and that we might be able to give someone a break who wouldn’t have been able to take part in the event otherwise. Money should never be an obstacle to those kind of experiences.” It’s clear that Hayley’s background plays a large role in her ability to relate to artists and makers. Hailing from London, her local market in Greenwich boasts the work of London’s most creative designers and makers. Hayley recalls, “In London, street markets are a way of life. We have Greenwich, Camden, Portobello Road, Old Spitalfields, Borough, to name just a few, and they’re incubators for design and craft. You see some of the most innovative and edgy work at those markets, and they inform fashion, music and culture around the world.” This locally-driven artistic influence undoubtedly inspired Hayley from a young age. She went on to receive her Foundation in Art & Design and her BA in Silversmithing and Metalwork. All the while, she spent her free time coordinating fundraisers and art exhibitions, and through these events, she found her passion as an event planner. This career would bring her to Minneapolis in 2008, and in 2015, she established Vanishing Point Events with the vision of bringing a weekly craft market to Minneapolis. And here she is, so close to the opening weekend of the Minneapolis Craft Market. “The market is the perfect combination of all the things
I love: art, events, craft beer, good friends. Given that there is such a concentration of makers here in the North, I started thinking about a year ago that we need this here, and I was really just astounded that it doesn’t currently exist. I spent the last year developing the business plan and finally realized that having a perfect business plan on your laptop is pretty pointless if you never take the leap and put it out into the world. I sent it out to breweries around town asking them to host the market, thinking I would be making weeks of follow up calls trying to persuade people of the merits of this concept.”
Make It Minnesota is partnering with the Minneapolis Craft Market, a fantastic new market debuting October 4 at Insight Brewing! We will be setting up a video station where makers have a chance to sit down and talk about what they’re making, their journey as a maker, and what this community means to them. In doing so, each maker’s insight will help to build a collection of interviews highlighting the wonderful world of Northern makers. These short videos will be shared and featured on the Minneapolis Craft Market website, mplscraftmarket.com and our website, makeitminnesota.com.
As it turned out, the persuading phone calls never became a reality. Within 72 hours, Insight Brewing and Sociable Cider Werks had confirmed they both wanted to host the Minneapolis Craft Market through the end of 2015. Hayley shares, “It’s a perfect example of how the community here supports each other and sees the value in creative projects.” As the community continues to support the market, Hayley has decided to donate 5% of market proceeds back to a MN-based nonprofit. On this decision, she shares, “If the market’s successful, we should give something back. Minnesota has some of the best arts programming and facilities in the country, and investing in those organizations is vital to foster more opportunities for artists in the future. Part of the reason the market is even viable here is because so many organizations have galvanized the community to support the arts, and we would be remiss to ignore that. It's the simple premise that we all do better if we all do better.” For Hayley Matthews-Jones and the Minneapolis Craft Market, thinking about the now is exciting. There are sponsors, makers,
and locally focused buyers itching with anticipation for the market to begin. And so is Hayley. However, her anticipation doesn’t stop there; she keeps one eye focused on the months to come and one eye miles ahead—far into the future. “I want to grow the market to the point that we can find a dedicated, permanent space for it, and customize that space to be usable for the market year-round. It’s an audacious goal, but I think we have the right community to support it, enough creators to sustain it, and I think the Twin Cities need this.” She adds, “The popularity of annual craft fairs and recent summer pop-up events demonstrate that people want a regular event like this in the community, and I’m trying to make that happen!”
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With a rotating selection of makers each week, Minneapolis Craft Market is a festive outdoor event to discover emerging artists and new design talent of the North.
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Makers are invited to
APPLY NOW The Twin Cities' first weekly craft market
mplscraftmarket.com METRO - VOL 1, NO. 1 - 2015
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Behind The Creative
Three Sisters Eclectic Arts By: Kara Larson
Stepping into the cozy Grand Avenue space of Three Sisters Eclectic Arts in St. Paul feels like coming home—that is, if every wall, shelf, and corner of your home is filled with iconic Minnesota artwork, unique ceramic pieces, and locally designed and made clothing. In the eyes of shop owners Linda Snyder and Valerie Anderson, they reveal that their shop offers, “An opportunity for customers to find unique, one-of-a-kind art and work that they can’t find at big box stores.” And they believe in local artists. When it comes to showcasing our state, Linda asks the question: “Who better to capture all the beauty of our state than local artists?” We know she is on to something. When you live where you create and engage in the community, you are bound to attract a genuine crowd looking to support local. This is a passion of theirs—bridging the gap between artist and community. Their favorite aspect of owning Three Sisters is in the possibility to connect artists to customers. Linda shares, “There is so much talent in Minnesota and getting their work out for customers to see and fall in love with is thrilling.”
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Linda and Valerie’s passion for all things local stems from their love for our great Northern state. As for their ties to Minnesota, Valerie was born and raised in St. Paul, while Linda is a transplant from Ohio who has been living in St. Paul for the last 35 years. Valerie shares, “We love Minnesota and it is meaningful to us
to support locally owned businesses. Minnesota is a beautiful place with a lot to offer. It is fun to share artists’ visions and interpretations of that beauty with others.” She adds, “We’ve gained a lot of satisfaction out of creating something from nothing, watching it grow, and discovering what happens next. Every day offers new opportunities and gives us a chance to be creative and innovative.” Three Sisters Eclectic Arts not only brings local art, goods, and clothing to the community, but it also serves to facilitate the duo’s artistic vision. The idea for forming the store was born in their passion for the arts. “We both formerly worked in different fields but had a passion for the arts,” begins Linda. “As we dabbled in the art world, we discovered our community is rich with talented artists. We wanted to create a place to showcase our work along with the vibrant community of artists. In March 2013 we opened our gallery in Lowertown, St. Paul. Then in June 2015, we moved to Grand Avenue.”
opportunity to connect to the owner who has first-hand interest in delivering the best product and service.” Another element of promoting and enhancing local community comes through various events that aim to encourage curious visitors, art enthusiasts, and artists to stop by the shop. Linda shares, “This summer we’ve been having fun showcasing many of our artists with our “On the Patio with Three Sisters Eclectic Arts” events. Customers can meet with artists, enjoy the Minnesota sunshine, listen to local musicians, and shop local. We have two remaining Saturdays of the series, September 12 and 26. You’ll find us on the patio 12-3pm.” She adds, “We also have a jewelry artist offering jewelry repairs and refashioning of your treasures the 3rd Saturday of each month. Alex will be in store next on September 18, 10-4pm.”
Inevitably, the location of a business ends up impacting ideas, progress, and accessibility. Luckily for Linda and Valerie, St. Paul has been a positive constant in their efforts to showcase local art. Valerie offers, “St. Paul is a beautiful city with a thriving art community. It is also a big city with a small town feel, which fits our business. We offer high-end art and lower priced functional art and prints. We want people of all budgets to be able to find something perfect for themselves or their home.”
Further down the road, Linda and Valerie are gearing up for the holiday season and will be participating in many Grand Avenue events including the Grand Meander and an event formerly named Grand Harvest, which is now a festive fall celebration that includes fun for everyone with BooFest for the kids and Oktoberfest Gardens for the adults. Because this store boasts such a wide variety of Minnesota made goods, Valerie has no doubt that a stop at Three Sisters will be a worthwhile one. “We believe anyone who walks through our doors will find something they love, but those interested in local art, gifts, unique finds, or custom work will find it’s their new happy place!”
And within the local community of St. Paul, and more specifically, Grand Avenue, Linda and Valerie find promise in their ability and desire to share the local love around their own
At Three Sisters Eclectic Arts, the goals are simple, the mission is concise; however, it is the depth of Linda and Valerie’s dreams that leave the deepest imprint. On this legacy, Linda reflects,
shop. “Grand Avenue is a great example of the positive effects of buying local and what it does to preserve the community’s character,” says Valerie. “In addition to the positive effects on the local economy, we like to shop local because we find a great selection, a higher quality product and better service than big box stores. In many cases shopping local gives us the
“More than anything, we’d like to leave this world having had a part in deepening the appreciation of work done by the hands of artists and artisans. Giving artists a tangible and stable place to showcase their work is our way of trying to preserve and expand the unique local talent we have here in Minnesota.”
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Behind The Creative
Building Cherry Tree House
MUSHROOMS By: Diana Crane, Photos by: Emy Crane
When Jeremy McAdams studied architecture in grad school, he learned that a good building should include three fundamental principles: firmitas, utilitas, venustas. Durability, utility, beauty— growing up in Cedar County, Iowa, he may not have had many opportunities to appreciate all three at once. Thrust into the job market during the economic downturn, struggling to secure work, he eventually found those three pillars of architecture growing in his own South Minneapolis backyard. “This one over here is called a lion’s mane.” Jeremy motions towards a log that has sprouted what looks like a little, pink pom-pom. “It tastes kind of like lobster … it has a really subtle flavor, a kind of mildness … it’s also fleshy and firm.” As it turns out, mushrooms are made out of chitin, the same polymer that helps lobsters grow shells that feel like solid, sturdy homes. Trading a career in architecture for life as a mushroom farmer makes a little more sense when you feel a lion’s mane’s perfect structure in your palm. After experimenting with growing mushrooms on logs in his
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backyard, Jeremy started Cherry Tree House Mushrooms on a small farm in Maplewood in 2009. “Most people grow their mushrooms indoors; I grow outside, on logs, because I believe the quality is really unparalleled… it also means I leave the smallest footprint possible on my surroundings.” Jeremy works hard to ensure he moves in tandem with nature, and serves his community sustainably. He uses logs sourced from Northern Minnesota, as they require a lower input of energy than indoor farming methods. He also commits to shorter growing periods, beginning in June, rather than year round production in temperature controlled greenhouses. Hanging his thumbs in faded denim pockets, and squinting earnestly out at a clearing of fruiting shiitake, Jeremy muses, ”With fuel resources becoming more and more scarce, I believe mushroom cultivation like this, and foraging are our most sustainable options.”
“Most people grow their mushrooms indoors; I grow outside, on logs, because I believe the quality is really unparalleled… it also means I leave the smallest footprint possible on my surroundings.”
— Jeremy McAdams
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“The longer I’m in business, the more I appreciate being at farmer’s markets,” Jeremy smiles softly. “I love seeing the appreciation… meeting the customers, hearing the ‘Oohs’ and ‘Aahs,’ as people sift through my offerings … I love that.” — Jeremy McAdams
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While his focus on thoughtful growing practices often complicates his ability to establish year-round vendor relationships, he has found a bit of a niche with local restaurants, farmer’s markets and Co-Ops. “The longer I’m in business, the more I appreciate being at farmer’s markets,” Jeremy smiles softly. “I love seeing the appreciation… meeting the customers, hearing the ‘Oohs’ and ‘Aahs,’ as people sift through my offerings … I love that.” In addition to setting up shop every Saturday at the Mill City Farmer’s Market, Jeremy shares his high quality shiitake, oyster and nameko mushrooms with local loves like Birchwood Cafe, Dan Wilder of WildEarth Wood Fired Pizza, and Ian Gray, of The Curious Goat. His produce appeals to purveyors who know that every time they lift a fork, they can make a choice to sustain the livelihoods of local, organic farmers who actively care for the environment. Beyond selling wholesale and to restaurants, Jeremy makes a huge effort to reach out directly to conscious consumers all over the Twin Cities. He offers classes on backyard mushroom cultivation at The Seward Coop, and at the Mississippi Market. Fungi lovers can also find his morel mushroom butter and spreads, along with growing kits, at places like Egg|Plant Farm Supply, in St. Paul. “I’ve always had a passion for food and for
cooking,” Jeremy notes, “I love inventing my own recipes, and showing people how versatile mushrooms can be.” Included in his log kits, Jeremy provides step by step instructions for successful harvests. He mentions that many farmers who grow in saturated markets, like the Northwest, hesitate to share the knowledge they acquire through years of hard work and trial and error. “I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned,” he says warmly. “It’s hard enough just getting a business up and running!” Jeremy’s life in Ham Lake, Minnesota, looks a lot different than it would have, had he continued to pursue corporate architecture. Out on the farm, the trees grow old and quiet, hop vines creep along fences, and pigs snort off in the distance. If you pull up outside his big red barn, you might have the pleasure of meeting Betty, the sweet old lady from whom Jeremy rents his land— she’s lived on the same plot of earth since 1952. Wander up towards a clearing just a little bit North of Betty’s modest, Minnesota farmhouse; there, you might run into Jeremy, and the greatest little works of architecture anybody could hope to create. For more stories from Diana and Emy Crane please visit Spruce Minneapolis at www.sprucempls.com METRO - VOL 1, NO. 1 - 2015
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Behind The Creative
Keith Wyman, Concrete Pig Talk about the beginnings of Concrete Pig. It was a slow evolution but once it hit me, the infatuation took hold almost overnight. I grew up around a family of carpenters. Worked through high school and college as such and had some experience with concrete, but always loved making, creating, tinkering, sketching. Fast forward to a few years ago, my wife and I moved into a cool little rambler built in ’61 that I…ahem, we, just absolutely fell in love with. Livable, but just the right amount of work to be done to it throughout. After starting in on the demo to a bathroom, I grew obsessed with the idea of creating a wall-to-wall floating concrete sink. At the same time in creating the sink I made my first concrete coffee table for my living room.
different names, and Concrete Pig was the first one down on paper, and the last name I would always come back to.
Concrete Pig Brand. Literally.
Before I knew it I had built nearly 20 new pieces completely destroying my basement in the process. It just took me over. It possessed me. The name came about almost subconsciously after mixing with colored pigments. I grew infatuated with the idea and imagery of a pig. An animal and brand you wouldn’t necessarily associate with furniture design. Once I had decided to take this seriously I must have written down nearly a hundred
Brute Modern | Modular Coffee
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How has your business evolved? How have you evolved? I’ve only been at it officially for about 3 years. When first getting started, it’s all about passion. All feeling. Just “following the energy” as a friend once said… I love that hippy quote. I do the same today. It’s the only way of making something interesting, unique, and to stay true to yourself. At some point, however, you have to pay attention to ‘the books,’ and make sure you’re organizing your time effectively and efficiently. You know—all the boring things that are required to run a business.
Evolving means being strategic; as an example, taking note of what works and what doesn’t. What people seem to be attracted to the most in way of certain designs. There is one piece that I think has struck a nerve with many which has prompted me to submit the utility and design patents for it. If anything, it’s cool to say I own a patent on something, on my ‘intellectual property,’
The Harlan | Wood v Concrete (Photo by Josef Harris of Bodega Ltd.)
In the shop
(Photo by Josef Harris of Bodega Ltd.)
Meta [Modern] Coffee
(Photo by Josef Harris of Bodega Ltd.)
Post Punk | Modern METRO - VOL 1, NO. 1 - 2015
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which in and of itself has been a fun learning experience. I will continue to evolve in how I go about making certain pieces as well. It is the only way to press forward, in hopes of also discovering or learning something new that leads down a different creative path. That’s the most exciting part—not necessarily knowing what will happen next, and how and when to evolve in order to keep the business alive. What do you hope your products add to the ‘Made in MN’ community? I feel incredibly fortunate to be here doing what I am doing, during this time. There’s a sort of resurgence of creators, artists and makers—not just happening here, but throughout the country. I love this city for its progressive nature, helping push art and music to the next level, shaping where it will go to next beyond the Midwest. My hope is that I am carving out my own path, my own little niche that will stand the test of time locally and beyond. Bringing a fresh perspective on modern urban living and furniture design. In an attempt to bust through the status quo when it comes to furniture and prove that furniture is another place where artist expression can live. How has living in Minnesota impacted your business and products? Minnesota and the city of Minneapolis in particular have definitely had an impact on my work. The idea of simple urban living—basic, raw material necessities in concrete, wood and steel. Modular pieces that can work together, or serve multiple needs. The architecture here is fantastic. I have always been entranced by urban development and decay. The attempt to make something that will last forever. I was recently tasked a project by Forage Modern Workshop—to take in the work of Ralph Rapson’s Riverside Plaza and come up with my own design for a piece. I made an all concrete piece affectionately named ‘The Riverside
The Riverside Credenza
Credenza’ after his brutalist concrete masterpiece. Easily my favorite project to date. I love street art too and there is no shortage of graffiti throughout the city if you go looking for it. The idea of visual art and storytelling through graffiti work has always captivated me. As well as the idea that the graffiti, too, inevitably fades over time. The winters here can be brutal. Not the best conditions when working with concrete, so when the weather keeps me indoors, I need to get clever when it comes to shop space and how I’m working with my materials. I love it here though, and the tradeoff you get with a few cold months compared to this community’s support for the arts makes it all worthwhile. Talk about the fulfillment that comes from being a maker. “Art is selfish. You’re making stuff because of a burn to create what you want.” I love this quote, pulled from a Collective Quarterly piece awhile back. There is nothing more fulfilling, more liberating and more gratifying than making something with your own two hands. Sketching out then creating from the ground up. A representation of who you are, where you’re going, or what you have seen and done. This sort of vulnerability can be unnerving—certainly for someone who is as self-conscious as I am most of the time—but the most rewarding when you completely throw yourself into your work.
Riverside Plaza by Morgan Sheff for Architecture MN
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Do you have any advice for someone just starting out? Follow your passion. Be a little selfish and don’t be afraid to experiment and make new things. Or make mistakes. And be patient. I think patience is way underrated nowadays in our world of immediate gratification. Where immediate results are expected. When an easy, immediate result is almost always impossible.
Metro Instagram Contest
proudly sponsored by
Iconic Mpls/St. Paul Photo Winners #MakeItMN_MetroContest
WINNING IMAGE @YONATHANMOYA - YONATHAN MOYA
A few months ago, we held our first Instagram contest, graciously sponsored by Three Sisters Eclectic Arts. We asked our followers to submit photos of the Twin Cities Metro area using the tag #MakeItMN_ MetroContest. When all was said and done, we had 600 entries total--a number that completely exceeded our expectations. On the coming pages, you will see the Top 20 photos, and, of course, the #1 photo, taken by Yonathan Moya. As the winner, he will be awarded a $75 gift certificate to Three Sisters Eclectic Arts! We are so grateful to the women behind Three Sisters for their generosity and the incredible photographers who submitted their Metro shots!� RUNNER UP @JVANBEBBER - JAY VANBEBBER METRO - VOL 1, NO. 1 - 2015
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Honorable Mentions
(randomly arranged)
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4. @papalando - Orlando Panlilio 5. @nodeskjob - Chris Savage 6. @marcacoleman - Marc Coleman
7. @lisagroene3 - Lisa Groene 8. @jonathancharp - Jonathan Charp 9. @mrsjdudas - Jessica Dudas
1. @tlilyl - Tracy Lund 2. @srsteinfeldt - Samantha Steinfeldt 3. @rachel_six12 - Rachel Ewell
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10. @screw_usernames_218 - Jake Nanti
13. @rizogram - Brian Vlasenko
16. @andorius - Andy Wilbourn
11. @twincitiesjake - Jake Freese 12. @ericaellen12 - Erica Hacker
14. @bhoyne - Brian Hoyne 15. @ben_r_cooper - Ben Cooper
17. @bikeygirl - Amy Seine 18. @amanda_in_mpls Amanda Arneman Bakken METRO - VOL 1, NO. 1 - 2015
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Minnesota Style
As Functional As Beautiful By: Ben Ransom
The Minneapolis/St Paul fashion scene is an interesting contrast. There is an element of practicality with what we wear, but there is still a lot of thought behind it. Longevity is important. Snow, wind, and slush is a reality of ours half of the year, so we always find ourselves asking, “can I wear that in the winter?” Even when we’re out shopping for a swimsuit, the thought crosses our mind of wearing it for the Polar Plunge that winter as well. With over 11 miles of skyway in Minneapolis, there are some individuals who almost never need to (or do) take a step outside in the winter. For the majority of us, weather is an element that we cannot escape and our fashion reflects this activeness and durability that we demand. Take for example some of the more popular Minnesota brands like Red Wing Shoes, Duluth Pack, and Faribault Woolen Mills, where hiking boots, waterproof canvas and thick wool is not just a style, but a necessity for us Minnesotans to explore the outdoors. There are some really great brands and makers emerging locally that are carrying on this tradition of functional style through some of their featured products— Askov Finlayson: Explorer Pants, Wilson and Willys: Carver Shirts and Full-zip jackets, Fidelis Co.: ALCON bag, and Leather Works Minnesota: hefty belts and leather goods. For us, Lanona Shoe Co., we’re about to launch the Porter Boot—a rugged urban boot that can take on any winter element Minnesota offers, but still one that a fellow Minneapolite will want to show off in our skyways downtown.
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The Porter Boot: Lanona’s premier cap-toe boot. The Porter boot is constructed with hefty waxed black leather uppers from the legendary S. B. Foot tannery in Red Wing, MN. Goodyear welt construction built on their all-new Raptor outsoles. The Porter boot has rugged performance capabilities with a stylish profile. Superior quality and comfort. Materials proudly sourced and made in the USA.
The Academic Boot: The Academic boot offers a classic profile confident in the classroom, a conference or out on the concrete. Paying tribute to a classic design with proven comfort, these carefully crafted boots are constructed with a waxed thread moc-toe and each stitch is hand-penetrated to ensure a water tight seal. The uppers are made with the finest Horween Color #8 Chromexcel. Finished with a classic leather outsole and heel. Made in the USA.
The Tavern Boot: Our Tavern Boot, a tall 8� urban adventure boot for the uniquely stylish and practical. These carefully crafted boots are constructed with a waxed thread moc-toe - hand penetrated stitching to ensure a water tight seal. The uppers are made with the finest selected Horween Natural Tan Chromexcel. Finished with a hand-poured Lanona cube tread wedge outsole. Made only in the USA.
Spaulding: The Spaulding is Lanona’s premium boat shoe. Featuring a supportive, four-eyelet profile, these carefully crafted shoes are hand-built with a waxed thread moc-toe and each stitch is hand-penetrated to ensure a watertight seal. Our Spaulding boat shoes are made with the finest Horween Navy Chromexcel and are finished with a hand-poured, nonmarking Lanona cube tread wedge outsole. Made in the USA.
Shop online at www. lanona.co METRO - VOL 1, NO. 1 - 2015
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Minnesota Kitchen By: Megan Sheridan
U
ntil last fall, I had never tried sauerkraut. I blame my mom. Sauerkraut is one in a long line of foods that she wouldn’t touch with a ten-foot pole so, of course, neither would I. I entered adulthood knowing for certain that I only liked Chardonnay and Kraft Mac & Cheese, and that anything from water should be promptly gagged at and set aside. Don’t get me wrong, my mom is the best. Ever. But if I hadn’t been diagnosed with Celiac disease, and then discovered myriad of other food sensitivities, I’d still be having cheese toast and a glass of Kendall Jackson for dinner every night. Limitations force creativity. And lucky for me, my soul found its mate in a chef, and I’ve been eating like a queen for nearly a decade.
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Last year, my husband and I decided to self-impose a new restriction: to eat entirely from this place. That is, all vegetables, fruits, meats, fats, oils, nuts, seeds, grains, herbs, spices. Everything. We did it first to figure out if it could be done. (It can.) And secondly, to begin the work of creating a cuisine for this place – a culture of food and eating shaped by this landscape, this climate, and these people. Which brings me to kraut. As we researched and planned for our year of eating from this frigid place, I became obsessed with fermentation.
No steaming canning baths or botulism warnings needed. Just salt, vegetables, time, and voila: tasty, tasty probiotic-full food ready for the long winter ahead. After all the reading and planning and excitement, though, I still hesitated to try the first batch. It was covered in scum (which happens). Smelled weird (apparently that’s just how it smells). I finally scraped off the top layer, picked up a shred of cabbage, and after too many moments popped it in. It was weird. And then magic. Sour, salty, crunchy. And once I started I couldn’t stop. I ate it – and am still eating it – on EVERYTHING. Then we started playing with all different kinds of krauts. Cucumbers, beets, carrots, kale. We pretty much fermented anything and everything last year (and not all to such life-altering success). But my favorite is the chow chow, which has quickly become a high demand product among our farmers and friends. “Is the chow chow ready yet?” everyone’s been asking. Well, everyone except my mom. Join Megan Sheridan and her husband Matt Kappra Mondays at their private dining club, 320 Northeast. Request more information at www.320northeast.com.
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10 s li c e d ly in h t , s t o r 1 2 - 15 c a r p e p p e r s , t h in ly s li c e d 1 2 - 15 s w e et o n s s a lt e r . M a s h it in a t n o c e iv 6 - 7 t a b le s p o t c e, n on-rea g r la r e n r e le a s e d h e t e o b r s o a k h c o r e r c t a il e n o u g h w o g et h e r in a t t n u s t le p of t he n o t ie s t d e e n p r o a g t h h ig it e w w M ix in o r p o u n d it s o me o t h er , r s o d e n o u r d a y s it t a f h la r r p o u e o a e y e r c h h t la it r w P e . t up d a il y . A f k le s e nt ir e ly c b e a h t c t r y it . e g d d e n n v a a e r h m e u v t o c r s e C v e . o h d c e t to crape of m s u b m e rg S e h ? t y d p a e e e r k o ’s t it v eg et a b le s kn o w w hen u o y l il w w o H y. s h o u ld b e r e a d
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Minnesota Creatives ... Recent Online Features Caroline and Isabel
Founders and Owners, Da Bomb Bath Fizzers “It started out as a hobby. We didn’t realize we could make a real business out of making bath fizzers until we were selling our products at an art fair and we were approached by a salon owner. He asked if he could sell our bombs in his salons. We said ...” Read full profile at http://makeitmn.com/da-bomb-bath-fizzers
Debbie Wolk
Founder and Owner, Debbie Wolk Designs “Truthfully, inspiration can come from the simplest of things. I can be inspired by any number of things that immediately get my creative juices flowing. I think it is important to be open to possibilities and explore outside of your own limitations by looking to other creative souls for further inspiration. This can help me to expand what I am currently working on and think outside of the box...” Read full profile at http://makeitmn.com/debbie-wolk
Abby Chapman
Founder and Owner, Raindrop Paperie “ Since colors and patterns are so important in my raindrop paperie designs, I often gather inspiration for my cards while out on a walk or spending time by a lake or the river. Being a Minnesotan has inspired one of my more popular designs, the MN Love Cards that I make...” Read full profile at http://makeitmn.com/raindrop-paperie
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Share Your Story With Us! Ashley Duke
Founder and Owner, Viska “The most fulfilling part about being a maker is building something that is time-tested, something that will be going strong 100+ years from now. Knowing that I am choosing materials that will withstand hard use and weather ... I get a kick out of talking with people about experiences they’ve had with their packs and how they use them.” Read full profile at http://makeitmn.com/viska/
Christy Johnson
Founder and Owner, redshoes26 “I like to say that my State Icons “celebrate the everyday” because the illustrations are not of grand structures such as Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower, but the less recognized—but still awe-inspiring in their own way—landmarks such as the Aerial Lift Bridge and the Foshay Tower. These are not structures that you’d find on a t-shirt or postcard or as part of ...” Read full profile at http://makeitmn.com/christy-johnson
Ben Ranson
Founder, Lanona Shoe Co. “We recently launched our first boat shoe influenced by the “up north lake life” many of us experience in the summertime. You’ll notice our boat shoe is slightly thicker than most boat shoes on the market. I think part of that difference stems from our time spent on Lake Superior where temps are usually on the chilly side even in the summer ...” Read full profile at http://makeitmn.com/ben-ransom
Join These Makers And Other Across The State - Submit Online At: www.makeitmn.com/creatives METRO - VOL 1, NO. 1 - 2015
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www.makeitmn.com/subscribe We create a magazine that shares the stories of makers and innovators spanning our great northern state. Our stories highlight places, people, and communities, as well as the makers, growers, and businesses within each region across the state. We aim to strengthen and promote sustainable, beautiful, altruistic, unique, innovative, and inspiring communities. METRO - VOL 1, NO. 1 - 2015
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Farmer’s Market I saw a man On the road He was walking, carrying a load He was waiting to turn the key To release the burden that bent his knees He smiled as he walked He smiled and bowed He lay his burden on the ground. He opened it up for the world to see To share his burden as a gift for you and me His toil and his heart laying bare I smile back at his sparkling stare. The sweat and life he has to give This man works the ground to live.
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