People Stories

Of all the amazing things that make up our region, the most amazing of all are the people! Of all the things we want to write about, our highest priority is to write about the folks doing creative things. Let us introduce you to just a few of your neighbors in these Greater Mankato Area people stories!

Photo by Jessi Havemeier - Painting by Kelsie Havemeier

Art Therapy: Young Mankato Artist Uses Creativity to Cope with Brain Surgery Recovery

10-year-old Mankato artist Kelsie Havemeier uses art to help cope as she recovers from brain surgery.
Adult and child

Like Mother, Like Daughter: Two Generations of YMCA Mentors

Joy Wels and Courtney Kranz may be a mother-daughter pair in real life, but they're also fellow "big sisters" in the YMCA's Brother-Sister program.
Oak Lumber

With the Grain: Tim’s Woodcrafts

North Mankato resident Tim Hatlestad has been creating wood furniture for nearly 40 years and has quite an inventory available to customers.
Balloon animals

One Pop Shop: Balloon Artist Clare Fischer

New Ulm 16-year-old Clare Fischer offers customers inflation with a twist through her very own balloon business, Balloon-a-Kazoo.
Submitted Image - Sabrie said she was inspired to create a jellyfish print in honor of her grandfather, who passed away from Alzheimer's, after she heard about Alzheimer's research being conducted on jellyfish.

Printing Her Own Identity: Artist Wardah Sabrie

Printmaker Wardah Sabrie draws from many sources and facets of her identity to create her vibrant artwork.
Photo by Dinah Langsjøen

Beautiful Simplicity: Artist Dinah Langsjøen

Artist Dinah Langsjøen shares her journey through life and art in a new exhibit, Nostalgia in Nature, at Mankato's 410 Project.
Submitted Photo - Some of the recipients of The Little Dresses project

Volunteers Sew from the Heart: The Little Dresses Project

Seamstresses from New Ulm and surrounding areas are having an international impact through the Little Dresses Project.
Submitted Photo - Pegeen Rozeske in her role as historical reenacter

If the Shoe Fits: Shoemaker Pegeen Rozeske

Every customer's shoe fits like a glove when it's handcrafted by local shoemaker Pegeen Rozeske.
Piano keyboard

Pitch Perfect: MSO’s New Executive Director Bethel Balge

From Moscow to Mankato, the Mankato Symphony Orchestra's new executive director, Dr. Bethel Balge, never shies away from a musical adventure.
Photo by Maddie Fox Photography - Megan Hoogland at work

Skin in the Game: Tattoo Artist Megan Hoogland

Mankato artist Megan Hoogland has crafted an international reputation for herself with her world-class tattoo work.