Three ways to support artisans and go for something different this weekend.
One day only. An interesting location. A great cause. HAMMS (Help A Minnesota Maker Succeed) Saturday, April 11, 2015 at The Schmidt's Artist Lofts; 900 West 7th Street, Saint Paul, MN
Three days. More than 220 Product Makers from across the country gather to show their handcrafted contemporary furniture, glass, home decor, toys, jewelry and clothing. Meet the Makers. April 10-12, 2015; St. Paul RiverCentre, 175 W. Kellogg Blvd, Saint Paul, MN
This suggestion for your weekend is at 329 North Riverfront Drive, Mankato, MN. It is near and dear to my heart because the Coffee Hag is cool and they have a friend's artistry on their walls. Julia Snelson and I go back a ways, as in 1992. We lived across the street from each other on Baker Avenue in pretty West Mankato. The thing with Julia is that she can do anything she puts her mind to - - seriously, anything. She has taught herself how to create gorgeous photos that focus on her love of flowers and travel. She plays hockey, canoes and kayaks. She makes pottery, Ukrainian Eggs, and wine! And she established a butterfly garden long before I knew there was such a thing.
Julia's photos are on display at the community-minded Coffee Hag through the month of April and are available for purchase.
I stopped yesterday to see Julia's gallery and for the best Chai Tea I've ever had; the perfect blend of more cloves and ginger than any other spice. I wish I could say the Cherry Almond Scone made it home for today's breakfast but that was wishful thinking. David's scone survived the trek home and he agreed it was one of the best things ever.
Congratulations Julia! Cheers to hoping lots of people stop for coffee, scones and your artwork.