Find yourself a partner and try a dance lesson or two.
Olivia and Daniel are a husband and wife dancing duo and parents of 3! Both coming from a background in competitive Latin ballroom dancing, Olivia and Daniel met and married while attending the same ballroom class in 2016. They both went on to compete on the national level from 2016-2019. Additionally, Olivia has over 20 years of dance experience in ballet, jazz, contemporary, tap, lyrical, character dance and hip hop and is currently a ballet teacher at the Just for Kix Dance Studio in Thief River Falls. Olivia and Daniel are both California natives but traded sunshine for snow when they moved to Roseau 3 years ago! This October they are starting to offer dance classes in Roseau. Whatever music you tap your toes to this couple will teach you a few new moves.
Below are the classes that they will be offering and details on attire.
SWING DANCE
Swing dance is a style of American social dance that originated in New York City between the 1920s and 1940s. It is characterized by its “swinging” rhythm and medium to-quick paced steps. Swing dance is always performed to swing music in a 4/4 time and can include lots of lifts, flips, and jumps. Though there are many types of swing dances, for this course we will be focusing on 6-count swing, also known as East Coast Swing.
LADIES SWING ATTIRE: Comfortable flat shoes or shoes with a low heel. Dress, skirt, or pants as desired!
GENTLEMEN SWING ATTIRE: Comfortable flat shoes. Pants with a bit of stretch!
SALSA
Salsa is a fusion of several styles of Latin dance including the Mambo, Rumba, Bachata, and Tango that was developed primarily by Cubans and Puerto Ricans in America. Salsa dance is popular for its rhythmic Latin music, hip action, and flirtatious tone. It is usually performed by taking three steps for every four beats of music. For this course, we will be exploring the basics of American Salsa.
LADIES SALSA ATTIRE: Comfortable, open-toed heels that won’t slip off your feet (preferably something with a strap). A skirt of your choosing–fringe, sequins and bangles are all encouraged!
GENTLEMEN SALSA ATTIRE: Comfortable flat shoes or men’s Latin heels. Pants with a bit of stretch!
CHA CHA
Cha cha is a Latin dance of Cuban origin made popular by the quick shuffling sounds of dancers’ feet. It is popular for its fast rhythm, quick footwork, and rapid hip action. Also known as the “cat and mouse chase”, Cha Cha is known for its coquettish tone and sense of playfulness between partners. Cha cha is danced in 4/4 time and includes 5 steps for every 4 beats. Though there are two main factions of Cha cha dance, or this course we will be learning the American style Cha Cha.
LADIES CHA CHA ATTIRE: Comfortable, open-toed heels that won’t slip off your feet (preferably something with a strap). A skirt of your choosing–fringe, sequins and bangles all encouraged!
GENTLEMEN CHA CHA ATTIRE: Comfortable flat shoes or men’s Latin heels. Pants with a bit of stretch!
COUNTRY SWING
Similar to certain styles of Swing dance, Country Swing is a stylized form of swing dance performed to American Country music. It is heavily influenced by the American West and includes undertones of Blues, Jazz, and Polka. Country Swing dance is always performed as pairs and can often include many lifts, dips and partnered spins. For this course, we will be learning the basic lead and follow steps of Country Swing!
LADIES COUNTRY SWING ATTIRE: Comfortable flat shoes, boots, or cowboy boots. Pants, shorts, or skirt as desired– cowboy hats encouraged!
GENTLEMEN COUNTRY SWING ATTIRE: Comfortable flat shoes, boots, or cowboy boots. Pants or jeans–cowboy hats encouraged!
Are you ready to get a little swing in your step?
Pricing is $75/ couple for the 4-week course or $25/ couple for a single drop-in.
Every Thursday in October at 7 pm. The first class starts October 6th!
Register soon by emailing roseauballroomdance@gmail.com or calling or texting Olivia at (818) 584-5530. You can also check them out on Instagram @roseauballroomdance
Do you think you can eat one faster than everyone else? Then register for your chance to be a part of the 2023 Pie Eating Pie Contest to be held at Roseau Fall Harvest Fest on October 7. Sign up online or in person at the GoRoseau tent.
Come and see if you’re the fastest!
Where? Downtown Roseau on the Music Stage at 1pm. Please note, if more than 10 people register, 10 names will be randomly drawn to feast on pie.
To win this competition no hands may be used. Contestants must place their hands behind their backs while eating the pie. Contestants must not touch/eat any pie until the start signal is given. The first person to finish his/her pie will throw their hands in the air to end the contest and be declared the winner. Judges will decide if the pie is actually finished before ending the contest. In the event of a tie, there will be a “Cool Whip Eat Off” between the contestants to find the winner of the contes3
“Seeing the Northern Lights is an Experience that is Bucket List Worthy”
Are you seeking a view of the Northern Lights? Do you want to see them swirl, dip, dance, dart and whirl their colorful light show across the darkness? The northern lights, as the name tells you, are more prominent the further north you travel. This makes Roseau one of the best places in the lower 48 to sneak a peek at these dancing lights.
Best Place To See The Lights
The farm fields of Roseau County make for great hunting grounds for your next adventure to see the Northern Lights. The best place to see the northern lights is in flat areas so there won’t be trees and buildings obsuring your view. Driving out into farm country along the US and Canadian Border is perfect for gazing. Light from towns and cities can partially or completely block your view of these wonderful dancing lights, so make sure to be a few miles out of town for the best view.
The less obvious reason why Minnesota is a great place to view the lights is more surprising. A large number of inland lakes! Unlike other places up north, Minnesota has over 10,000 lakes to boast as great viewing locations. Lake of the Woods, a shared lake between the United States and Canada offers a vast area for viewing. On a still night, it creates a mirror image for the lights to reflect off. This means that northern light chasers like you have a huge range of options to choose from!
Northern Lights May Be Viewed During Any of the Four Minnesota Seasons
As for the best time to see the northern lights, you’ll have to become a true northerner and bundle up for a winter’s night. The short days and starry nights make northern light spotting much easier. The beauty of fresh evening snow and morning frost will be almost forgotten when you catch a view of the twinkling northern lights dancing across the star-filled sky. The lights paint a bright color across the winter night with a mysterious beauty that seems almost hypnotic. Though winter is the prime candidate for viewing seasons because of its short days, the seasons don’t truly have an impact on whether or not you can see the northern lights. For that, you’ll have to keep an eye on the weather in space. Specifically solar flares.
Thanks to Modern Technology, We Can Accurately Predict When the Northern Lights will be the Most Prominent.
Some websites like www.spaceweather.com can tell you up to three or four days in advance! The northern lights are a stunningly beautiful experience, though taking pictures may be a bit difficult for the average person. Photographers recommend an exposure time of about 10 to 30 seconds for the best shot. The new cell phones have a setting that makes photographing easy. However, for the average smartphone user, the exposure time is capped at a few seconds. Just be sure to set the camera down to take the time and enjoy these beautiful lights at the moment.
Make your way to Roseau- Minnesota’s Winter City to discover the beauty for yourself.
Among the stars they tip toe
Careful not to wake the moon
Silently in brilliant colors
Reaching Stretching- across the northern sky.
On a clear night
They come out to play
Making a path across the white Milky Way
If one could capture their beauty
And hold for ransom it’s future to foretell
Would one’s life forever be changed?
Or changed forever be a life?
Kathy Snow
Photos shared by Angie Gregerson, Zack Manka, Kristi Bjerk taken September 1, 2022
One day in 1916 Jake Nelson, a resident of Roseau, was working in his garden. Nelson was digging up some dirt and noticed some debris in the ground. But when he looked closer, he realized what he had uncovered. His garden was filled with ancient artifacts which included arrowheads, a club, a stone used to scrape hides, and a strange stone. Over the years, this small one-and-a-half-inch rock earned the title “The Roseau Stone.”
The stone sat untouched in Nelson’s home for almost a decade until a conversation with Mike Holm, a former Minnesota Secretary of State. The stone was given to Holm, then went through the hands of almost anyone who had an interest in it. This frequent change of hands occurred until 1939, though all of the details of the exchanges were written on the box it was kept in.
One of the people who had the stone for the longest period of time was John Jager, a Minneapolis architect. The earliest, and most well-known, theory about the origin of this stone was put in place by him. Jager saw the runes on the stone and recognized them as similar to some northern European runes. If this theory is correct, it would prove that Europeans had set foot in North America long before the days of Columbus!
The second proposed theory was brought about by Professors Albert E. Jenks and Clinton R. Stauffer at the University of Minnesota. This theory suggested that the stone was simply a result of naturally occurring geological formations on the stone. A much less exciting take.
The final theory is that the stone was a result of indigenous Woodland culture, or carved by someone around 7000-5000 BCE. Roseau County is home to many archaeological finds that document the existence of indigenous settlements at the time. If the details were true in the story from Jake Nelson, the stone found amongst other artifacts would be a strong indicator of this theory. So where did the Roseau stone originate from? Could it prove that there were Europeans in North America before Columbus? Or is it simply a fluke of nature?
Let’s start our morning energized and fueled for a day of inspiration, creativity, and carefree creations. Start your morning with a cup of coffee, tea or a muffin from the Reed River Coffee Company located in the historic Reed River Trading Company Building, the former Land O Lakes Creamer. This building is also home of the Polaris Experience Center, a free museum dedicated to the history of Polaris and the Brickhouse Restaurant & Bar. After a tour and a snack, get back in the car and head downtown.
Circa 1940
Most shops and businesses open by 10 AM. If you are early, consider spending some time taking a stroll along the Roseau River and enjoy the art on a two-block loop. Park in the City Center lot at the north Roseau River Bridge off of Hwy 11. Here you will see the blacksmith sculpture created by Roseau residents Sue Suess and Joel Miller. They designed and created the metal sculpture outside the Roseau City Center just along the Roseau River. They looked for ways to draw attention to Roseau’s French history. The moose sculpture’s intricate details encompass the rich history of Roseau. They also added an element of mystery. A game of hide and seek if you will. They included a hidden bigfoot in their art. Can you find it? It’s trickier to find than you might think.
If you continue south along the paved path, it leads to the riverfront door of the Roseau Public Library. Stop inside for a quick view of the Maggie Adams Exhibit.
Maggie Adams was a well-known Roseau writer and artist. Her artwork is mostly watercolor or textured pieces of art. Fourteen of her pieces are hanging in the Roseau Public Library Gallery and are free for viewing. While admiring their vibrant colors and detail, you might notice they look like they came straight from a children’s picture book, and they did. When Maggi Adams died in 2002, Roseau Friends of the Library gathered pieces of the author and artists work “Iggam’s Dreams”. They published the book in 2003. From cats and dogs to lazy farmers, to famous figures such as Cleopatra, Adams brought her varied subjects to life. Stop to see the works and purchase some replica cards to take home.
Head back out the door and cross the bridge of the Roseau River. Notice the tall grass along the river’s edge. This is Roseau Grass, and the reason the river was named Roseau River by French settlers. Roseau means reed or grass in French.
Turn left on this block to see the Veterans Memorial Park and its humbling admiration of Roseau county’s veterans of war. You will notice the eternal flame lamp. Admire this on your way to the Roseau Gazebo. This beautifully crafted structure using Scandinavian design was built without nails holding it together. A traditional element of many Scandinavian architectural designs. On Thursdays all summer long, you will find a live band playing here free for the community to enjoy. It’s time to circle back and jump in the car and hit Main Street for some shopping.
En Liten and The Bead Gypsy
Rebecca Rosenkrans, known as the Bead Gypsy, has been designing original beaded jewelry for 29 years. As a bead artist, her work expresses traditional, contemporary, and innovative beadwork. Rebecca’s beadwork includes; handcrafted jewelry using Greek & Italian leather, beads, crafted chain mail, glass, stone, silver, crystal, & vintage materials. Her Scandinavian heritage is also reflected in her work and her shop. It’s rare that you stop in the store and not see the artist working on her latest creation. She loves to talk about jewelry and can tell you about each piece, what inspired it, and where the material was sourced. Before you leave, pick out a special piece of jewelry to treat yourself; her work is a great souvenir of your trip to Roseau.
The Scandinavian Shop is a destination retail store, offering unique Scandinavian gifts, home goods, and decor. Opened originally by Rebecca and her daughter, this business believes in cultivating community through sharing and celebrating their beloved heritage and traditions. Here you will find Scandinavian food, décor, and also local artwork in the shop. Pottery, quilted bags, hand-carved cutting boards, and fused glass are just a few of the treasures you can discover at the shop. Becky appreciates art and likes to talk about the craftsmanship of local artists in the area. Join her for Fika, which means coffee, and treats with friends. They Fika all day and are always ready to enjoy a Scandinavian story… or a good ol’ fashioned Ole and Lena joke.”
Modern Materials Quilt Shop
At Modern Materials, there is always an emphasis on fun, camaraderie, and teaching. The walls are lined with the most “modern materials” and the patterns and prints on the bolts can inspire even a non-sewer to become one. On the first Friday of every month, laughter resonates from the sewing floor where quilters sew and share stores until almost midnight. There is no charge for this fun, they only ask that you call to reserve a table, as this is a very popular event. Partake in classes that cover everything from Beginning Quilt Making, to T-shirt classes, to quilt block of the month clubs and embroidery projects. Quilts of Valor, missions, homeschoolers and 4-H groups also find quilting purposes here. The owners have a dream of creating a quilters retreat, so they may be offering overnight courses as well. Stop in for a visit, get inspired, and start creating.
Are you ready to get your hands dirty and start creating? 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.”
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.
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.
In most Folk schools, individual expression and social interaction are developed and supported through classes in music, crafts, nature studies, gardening, cooking, dance, and other expressions of local culture. At the folk school local artists, musicians, and creative community members share their talents as instructors. In Warroad, classes have ranged from Native American beadwork to backyard medicine. To learn more about classes and events visit their website at https://www.folkschoolwarroad.org/
Warroad Summer Theater has been entertaining this region for over 40 years. The local talent that auditions for the theater is amazing. Shows include hits like Tarzan and Mary Poppins. The shows are performed in the mini-theatre every summer with dinner theatre shows at the Legion and Rock Harbor Lodge at Rocky Point. They are trying to expand beyond the summer months and recently moved one production to the Christmas season. WST has also been doing children’s theatre workshop productions in the mini-theatre under the name of Popcorn Players. Visit their website at www.warroadsummertheater.com
Minnesota’s northernmost brewery, Lake of the Woods Brewing Company in Warroad, Minnesota is a great spot to have a beverage and a break. The Warroad brewery is located in a refurbished fire hall and situated right on the river that runs alongside the city’s downtown area. The brewery operates on a custom-made 15-barrel brew system. In Warroad, the beer offerings on tap include Sultana Gold, Forgotten Lake, Lakeside Kolsch, Honey Pale Ale, and other seasonal offerings.
Lake of the Woods Brewing Company offers events such as Tuesday Trivia Takeover, growler painting, live music, and board games. The brewery does not have a kitchen, but they do hosts food trucks onsite over the weekends and encourages patrons to order food from the area’s restaurants. We highly recommend you try the artisan wood fire pizzas from Nomads Tavern or Vientiane, local Thai cuisine.
Tours of the brewery are offered by appointment on Friday (4–7 pm) and Saturday (12–7 pm) and cost $10 per person, which includes a pint of your choice of brew. Kick back by the Warroad River with your choice of beverage and talk about the amazing day you just had.
It’s been a full day, so let’s head to our home for the night and discuss our day in the hotel’s sauna. A very Scandinavian way to relax and unwind.
Blueberry season is just around the corner, so why not kick off the season with a few quick tips and facts about these delicious fruits! Blueberries start ripening in mid to late July, and will continue into August. You don’t need any fancy equipment to pick berries, a gallon bucket works perfectly to hold the fruit as you pick them.
Blueberries are usually found in areas that are somewhat sandy or rocky. This generally includes the edges of forests, forest clearings, or walking paths. These berries are given a great kickstart in areas that have been ravaged by forest fires. Even years after a forest fire these berries will continue to flourish. For those who live near Roseau, Beltrami Forest is a great place to find these berries.
Wild blueberries are often smaller than store-bought blueberries, so don’t expect to win any of the largest fruit competitions! Blueberries that are ripe are easily removed from the bush, so don’t pull too hard on these fruits, they may need a bit more time to ripen. Blueberries are often easier to pick when done individually or in small clusters. But you can also rake your hands through the bush and come out with a handful of berries, just expect to pick out some loose leaves when you’re done!
Though you may not need any fancy equipment, there are a few things that come in handy when searching for these delicious berries. It is strongly recommended to bring bug spray and apply it regularly while picking berries to avoid itchy mosquito bites in the days to come. It would also be helpful to wear long pants while picking berries to avoid any cuts from the thorns on the bushes. Don’t forget to bring some water to keep yourself hydrated.
So after all that hard work you can either enjoy the berries plain or enjoy them in a large variety of other ways. A simple and delicious blueberry recipe is to just pour some milk and a bit of sugar into a bowl with the berries and enjoy! But if you want a bit of a fancier alternative, here is a delicious recipe for a blueberry pie courtesy of Betty Lessard, owner of Betty’s Pies in Duluth, MN.
Baked Blueberry Pie
1 cup sugar
5 Tablespoons flour
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
1 ⅓ Tablespoons butter
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
Make pastry for a two-crust pie. Line a 9-inch pie pan with rolled-out pie crust. Combine sugar, flour, and cinnamon and mix well. Mix lightly with 4 cups of blueberries and pour into a pastry-lined pan. Dot with the butter and cover with a top crust, pierce with a fork and sprinkle with sugar.
Bake for 20 minutes, then turn the oven down to 375 and bake an additional 30 to 35 minutes.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s go pick some blueberries!
Relay For Life is the signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, which is devoted to funding research to find a cure, discover better treatments, and promote life-saving prevention screenings. It also provides programs and services to those diagnosed with cancer.
Roseau County has always been very supportive and generous toward this annual event that has been taking place for over 20 years. This year, Roseau County is on track to raise over $100,000! Just think of the lives this can and will change!
Paint the town purple for Relay For Life! The Roseau RFL committee is hoping to paint the town purple the week of July 28 – August 3, and we invite all businesses (and homeowners) to join us. Decorate your windows, doors, the whole store, etc. with purple décor to help raise awareness and support Relay For Life.
Cancer survivors! One of the most exciting parts of Relay For Life is recognizing our own cancer survivors. All cancer survivors may sign up to receive a free survivor t-shirt and are invited to a pie social at 5:30, prior to the main activities.
Luminaria – another highlight of Relay. Everyone is invited to purchase a luminary in honor or in memory of a loved one. When all the luminaria lining the sidewalk are lit, it is a beautiful site.
Luminaria may be purchased (and decorated) in advance by contacting any of the committee members personally, by emailing the address below, or through our Facebook page (Relay for Life of Roseau County). Also, we invite everyone to stay until it is dark, so you can see the magic of the luminaria lighting the way and celebrating our loved ones.
The event. Relay For Life of Roseau County will be held in conjunction with the Roseau Gazebo Night, with music by The Overtones. We’ll also have a bake sale, live auction, a quilt raffle, a 50/50 drawing, and a meal.
If you wish to be involved further or if you have questions, you may contact the committee by emailing relayforlifeofroseaucounty@gmail.com. Committee members: Pam Lovejoy, Patty
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.”
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.
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.
August is a great time to plan a vacation before the kids head back to school and Roseau hotels are offering you a way to save on a get-away in August or September.
Roseau Summer Fun Week
August 10-14, 2022 travelers may take $15 off their hotel room, per night, at the Roseau AmericInn or NorthCountry Inn. To make your lodging reservation and receive the nightly discount call the hotel direct using Promotion Code: Roseau Offer valid for new reservations only. Offer not valid with online reservations or with other discounts.
Stay tuned to our social media pages for all the fun events going on during summer fun week!
August & September Lodging Saving
Golfing. Birding. Kayaking. Hiking the Trails. Stay in Roseau August 15 – September 15, 2022 and save $15 nightly at the Roseau AmericInn or NorthCountry Inn. To make your lodging reservation and receive the nightly discount call the hotel direct using Promotion Code: Roseau Offer valid for new reservations only. Offer not valid with online reservations or with other discounts.
Oakcrest Golf Course BOGO Golf
Buy One 18-hole round of golf, Get One 18-hole round FREE at Oakcrest Golf Course. Offer excludes golf cart rental. Must present your hotel room key to receive BOGO golf offer. Offer ends Oct. 2022
Summer is here and it’s time for some fun in the sun! Within the wonderful city of Roseau, there are countless fun and many FREE activities for kids to partake in. Let’s get those kids outside and enjoy the fresh air. While it’s great to do special activities with our kids in the summer, the cost of outings can really add up quickly. There are so many kid-friendly summer activities around Roseau and most are nearly free. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite summer things to that won’t break the bank. Rain or shine we guarantee a good time.
Throughout summertime, the Roseau Library and Roseau County Historical Society offer child-centered learning and fun. Kids can create crafts, explore music and arts. All events are free. These are great no matter what the weather. You can even take part in scavenger hunts within the library and museum walls. The Museum is a great place to cool off and get out of the sun. You can also stop at the library for a little rest time while looking at a book. If the kids happen to fall asleep, grab a magazine and enjoy the quiet time. When the kids are ready to go again, step outside to look for shapes in the clouds under the shade of a tall oak tree.
Roseau has so many unique parks in and around its city limits that even the kid who finds everything boring will be kept busy. Make an afternoon date to visit each park and enjoy the diverse activities and scenery that make each one unique. Do you have an adventurous child? Try renting a kayak from Riverview Outdoors and use the city’s free kayak launch to paddle on the Roseau River the kayak launch is located a stone throw from the splash pad. You can also fish off the bridge and river’s edge. In the summer months, a food truck is often set up selling slushes and corndogs. Need some time to dry off after the waterpark fun? Take a ride down the zip line and catch a breeze. These parks include features such as grills, picnic shelters, playground equipment, and public restrooms. On Thursdays at 7 PM, there is free music at the Gazebo to dance to. The Veteran’s Memorial Park is a great opportunity for a history lesson. You can reach each park on foot, via the paved bike paths, or by car.
So slather on the sunscreen, grab a lawn chair and a picnic basket and make plans for a day trip to explore Roseau, MN.
