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.