NOTEWORTHY

Lend me an ear! A model wears a few of Sam Snyder’s delightfully whimsical designs.

NOTEWORTHY

WHAT’S GOING ON AROUND THE LAKE

Accessory Queen A young jewelry designer with big goals.

“I’ve always been interested in art

that stands out, so I figured why not incorporate that into my jewelry,” says owner and full-time student, Sam Snyder of Spotted Mushroom Co.

Snyder’s Esty shop started out as a quarantine hobby in June, but as time went on, her ideas turned into something bigger than she ever expected. Beginning as quick sketch ideas, her pieces are made in her small at-home studio space. She works with polymer clay and hypoallergenic hardware that is oven-baked and coated with glossy varnish to be durable and wearable.

Enrolled as a full-time student at the University of Wisconsin-Stout studying art education and minoring in printmaking, art has not only been a stable outlet for Snyder but says the teaching component will be an added bonus. “Teaching art is more than what many think it is,” says Snyder. “It is a class that allows students to learn about new cultures, issues and information—it also is a space for students to let their creativity flourish and freely express themselves.” Snyder hopes her future students feel valued in her classroom and understand the importance of art.

“I’ve always dreamed of being a self-employed/full time artist,” says Snyder, “and this is just a step towards that goal.” —Samantha De Leon

Spotted Mushroom Co. Spotted Mushroom Co. @spottedmushroomco

ARTS

Together as One

A collective of furniture artisans with one common goal.

Taking old furniture pieces and transforming them back into timeless pieces, with lots of care and hard work, is the mission of The Artisans Markets Minnesota collective. Created four-and-a-half years ago by Lori Gravink of LaDeeDa Design and Laura Johnson Hernandez of Vivid Furniture Designs, this successful, online collective is for artisans to come together with a common goal and a commitment to raise market quality for furniture.

The 40-plus artisan collective, with more than 20,000 members, uses Facebook as their platform to list their wares. From the page, members can view furniture listings— which change daily—and deal directly with the artisans. Members are promised first grabs at pieces since they won’t list items on any other website for the first seven days. If a piece is purchased, artisans offer personal delivery of the item.

“Artisans are all unique and do this for different reasons,” Gravink says. They can structure their production based on their lives; it’s a unified mission. Each artisan has his or her own page and can post anytime, produce as often as they want, and can leave or enter anytime. It’s a flexible, highly motivated group of individuals. And, Gravink says, it’s a “worth-while adventure because it gives me the opportunity to be a part of different generations.”

Gravink runs the collective out of a spot in White Bear Makerspace. She also has a second group, The Artisan Markets Minnesota Too, which features home décor, art, jewelry and accessories. —Samantha De Leon

Interested in joining? Head to The Artisan Markets Minnesota and The Artisan Markets Minnesota Too on Facebook and request to join. If interested in becoming an artisan, reach out to Gravink or Johnson Hernandez on Facebook about the application process.

LENS ON THE LAKE

PICTURE PERFECT 2020 Lens on the Lake winners.

Cue the trumpets and don the regalia … it’s time to reveal the 2020 Lens on the Lake photo contest winners. Look for some of these photos in upcoming issues of the magazine. Congratulations to all! —Nancy Eike

Activities and Events 1. Day at the Beach (Memorial Beach in Winter) by Lauren Meyer 2. Paddling through Gold—White

Bear Lake by Ed Boggess 3. Row by Stephanie Herington

City Landmarks 1. A Frosty Morning Near Manitou

Island by Ron Hawkins 2. Lake Ave. Spring Snow by Terry Ward 3. Autumn at the Rotary Nature

Preserve Pavilion by Ron Hawkins

People and Families 1. Boys of Summer by Jean Auger 2. Exploring the Woods by Michael Lovett 3. Donna’s New Kayak by Jean Auger

Pets 1. Crumpet Tea on the Lake Snack

Time by Beckett Babiash 2. Hi Friends by Michael Lovett

Wildlife 1. Circling the Sailboat by Jean Auger 2. Dawn Patrol—Canada Geese Over

White Bear Lake by Ed Boggess 3. Grasshopper by Ron Hawkins

Open for Business. Dreaming of Beaches.

During challenging times, we’ve remained open to meet your eye care needs. But we’ve also dreamed about walking the hottest beaches, wearing the coolest shades. Whatever your needs, our experienced doctors and stylish eyewear can make it all a reality. Call today to schedule your appointment for a comprehensive eye examination and eyewear styling by appointment only. 651-429-3379 • whitebeareye.net

4750 Washington Square • White Bear Lake, MN 55110