Explore a world of handmade ceramics and enjoy the stories of the people who created them in Roseau, MN.
Roseau has a handful of professional potters whose style is as unique as they are. While visiting Roseau you can take a tour of a studio, meet the artist or sign up for your own hand-building and pottery wheel classes. Several of our local artists allow you to explore making art with clay at their relaxing studios. Take home a piece of art to remember your vacation by, or create memories by making your own.
Eclectic, whimsy and playful are all words that describe Pretty Dirt Pottery. Local potter Kate Hammer was raised in Roseau and her work captures her community and her surroundings in a most magical display of color, shape, and expression. She takes nature and brings it to life in a whimsical way making even the annoying Minnesota mosquito more enjoyable. If you have an opportunity to meet Kate while visiting her shop or at a market, you will immediately see the bubbling personality that creates this work. She and her art are a ray of sunshine.
At times her pottery reflects her Scandinavian roots, with nordic horses, flags, and words like Fika or hygge. If you do not know what Fika and Hygge mean stop by the EnLiten Svensk shop for conversation over coffee and take part in this comfortable conventionality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being. Everyone can use a little more hygge in their lives.
Kate’s latest collection is a commemoration of her childhood years in Roseau. It’s a series of people, places, and events that have made lasting memories in her life. The work takes you on a journey back in time to the simpler days. She describes the full bike racks that line the entry into the Roseau Outdoor Pool, the taste of hot melted butter at the movie theater, and the ever so iconic Roseau Memorial Hockey Arena and its wooden arches. These are all still fixtures in Roseau, minus the pool, which was destroyed when Roseau flooded in 2001. You can see this collection on display at the Roseau County Fair in July.
Kate offers pottery classes at her studio in downtown Roseau. Classes fill quickly so be sure to book in advance. Kate says, “a little dirt can never hurt” and invites you to her studio. To learn more about Pretty Dirt Pottery created by Kate Hammer visit https//prettydirtpottery.com. The link allows you to view her shop and sign up for classes which you should do on your next visit to Roseau. Kate says,” everyone can use a little dirt in their lives.”
Watch Kate at work getting dirty: https://fb.watch/cCtyQbeNZu/
Black Horse Pottery & Tile is a Minnesota-inspired stoneware business. Owner Karen Engevik is a self-taught artist whose shop is directly next to the family home in rural Roseau. Surrounded by the woods, with dogs, chickens, and horses for companions, the family farm provides a creative habitat for a wonderful balance between family, work, and life.
When you see Karen’s creations it is no doubt that nature and wildlife is her muse. Wildlife and nature provide stories and vision for her work. Their movement is the core element of Black Horse Pottery and Tile. Karen wants her work to be artistic yet functional. She wants her designs to bring warmth and comfort to a home and be used for everyday life, not just decoration. When she is not creating her next masterpiece, you can find her on the farm, stone mug in hand, sipping coffee and admiring her horses. You can also find her at festivals and shows in MN, ND, and WI. Soon Karen’s daughter Kate will join the company as an independent artist. A schedule for pottery workshops or single lessons is in the making.
Follow Karen’s journey at http://bhorsepottery.com
River’s Edge Studio is nestled on the bank of the Roseau River in Malung Township, south of Roseau, MN. Artist Janet Johnson finds much inspiration there in the color, lines, and textures of all the natural beauty that surrounds her. Most of the time, you’ll find Janet working in clay, but she also works with many other types of media like glass, painting, drawing, printmaking, jewelry making, and mixed media. She also writes poetry and sometimes incorporates that in her mixed media pieces.
Janet hosts small art events and art lessons in her studio, and has done larger events at the Malung Community Center or in Roseau at various venues. Her pottery as well as some of her paintings and mixed media pieces have been shown in several gallery events in the region. Her pottery is sold primarily at The Bead Gypsy and Scandinavian Shop in Roseau on the corner of Main Avenue and Center Street, and she does special orders.
“Being an artist is about looking at the world differently and seeing the beauty and visual drama all around you. It is about being a creative problem solver, and it is about being brave enough to put your feelings on paper or canvas or in clay, and then perhaps sharing it with others. I love every aspect of art!”
Take home a memory from your next visit to Roseau by buying a handmade item, meeting the artist, and supporting the local community. Roseau is a mecca of artisans whose artistic media is about as diverse and creative as they are. The lessons and events that they offer are the perfect activity for a day out on the town. Gather a few friends and plan your next getaway to Roseau and including booking an art class. Let your creativity flow by creating your own masterpiece at one of their events or private workshops. Not ready to take on the wheel, no problem you can still enjoy the art. Whether you buy pottery or make it, it will serve as a memento of your travels. Come be artsy-fartsy in Roseau.