Our Artists and Makers
Here at Joy & Co., we do everything we can to support small makers, crafters, artists as they learn about and establish small businesses. We'd love to introduce you to a few of our favorite artists.
Jan Smith
Lake Superior Beach Stone Jewelry
“Basalt is by far one of the most common rocks you will find on Lake Superior’s North Shore beaches. Basalt is one of the four rock-types that make up the basement bedrock of the earth’s crust.”
Jan Smith, of Grand Marais drills these iconic stones on her kitchen table and crafts them into delightful wearables. She says that her biggest challenge is finding matching small ones for her popular earrings. You can carry the magic, peace and power of Lake Superior with you when you adorn yourself (or a loved one) with a piece of Jan’s jewelry.
TF Goodness Lotions, Balms & Butters
Kim Knutsen
Artist, organic gardener, alchemist and maker, Kim Knutson crafts her life far from the crowds of Grand Marais, MN. She can't stand itchy skin... facebook.com/tfgoodness/
Rachel Awes
Author and Artist
"I work as a psychologist, art playgroundist, and author, creating colorfully illustrated gift books and art, all meant to deeply affirm your authenticity and becoming. My psychology practice was the initial catalyst for my making. I was profoundly inspired by the insights my clients shared over time out of their vulnerable places. These conversations led me to share in color and prose how beautiful transformation is and how deeply rich we each are. As I began creating these pages, I found I was dressing more playfully and colorfully and the pages began to reflect this play and color as well. I found that joy shows up when we do! Grateful! rachelawes.com
Inspired by Nature
Carol Holmblad
Carol Holmblad grew up on one of Minnesota's beautiful lakes and has always been inspired and energized by nature. Painting the landscape nurtures a creative instinct and expresses a reverence for the beauty found in nature. Carol spends time painting outdoors in Minnesota, Northwestern Ontario and the Canadian Rockies. Carol is a painter and fiber artist.
Laser Hawk Custom Engraving, Wood Plaques
Mike Smith
Born and raised in Cook Country, Mike is the founder and artisan behind Laser Hawk Custom Engraving services established in 2007. The CNC laser he uses allows for highly detailed graphics on a wide range of surfaces, wood, glass, and marble to name a few.
"I enjoy the creative process and the ability to engrave my designs into a wide variety of materials to create a unique product for the customer."
Painter
Rachel Rae Klesser
Rachel moved to Grand Marais in 2019 and is busy building her new home on here homestead. She lives with her husband 2 kids and 4 dogs where they make the most out of the North Shore of Lake Superior. Rachel believes there is always time for making and building some art. rachelraesart
She is currently working on a Raven calendar for 2022.
Sisterhood Sayings : Writer/Wordsmith -- Jill Terrill
Recycled metal artist
Tom McDonald
These One of Kind Northwoods Pieces are by artist Tom McDonald. Loosely based on scout patches they are produced incorporating recycled materials. Most are made of sheet metal and other metal objects(buckets, pots, pans, etc.) that were found lying on the ground in the northwoods. The different cut out metal images and the different metal objects are assembled together with nails, rivets or screws. Then they are painted. The pieces are sealed with a clear coat of varnish. The text has been cut from old license plates.
Wood Cuts and Print Making
Bob Pollard
A self-taught artist, Bob has created art in various styles all his life. These days he works primarily in linoleum and woodcut printmaking. His work is strongly influenced by the beauty of the North Shore of Lake Superior, music, and tribal art. He also works in graphite, acrylic, and mixed media.
Bob’s philosophy is that art is an adventure - he strives to inspire people to approach art boldly, to expand their horizons, and try something new.
Bob’s work is on display in Studio 425 of the Northrup King Building in Northeast Minneapolis. He also teaches printmaking classes in various locations throughout the year.
We are still building our web site- more biographs of our artists will be added ASAP.