All posts filed under: Arts, Authors & Music

Local Author Presentation: Claudia Sellin

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Of course, I’ll start out with a picture of the amazing brunch (peach french toast with sausages) that was catered by Crazy Apron Catering.  It was truly as delicious as it looks! I’m a member of one of our local organizations in Ortonville that gets together once per month (September through May) and enjoys great food, conversation and a presentation by a person or organization from the area.  This month’s presentation was a delightful (and humorous) share by Claudia Sellin on her book “You Can be Anything You Want to Be!  Says Who?”  The video below provides an introduction to the book – then she went on to share various pieces of the book… which were so relatable and hilarious!  I’ve just started the book… and picked up a few copies which will make perfect gifts!  As one of the MNbump bloggers, I find this book to have an extra interest… reading about the life of someone who also grew up in Ortonville (bonus for me:  as a babyboomer), moved away and has now returned …

Northridge Apartment Specs, OHS Homecoming & the 2019 Art’s Meander

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It was a busy week for all ages in the Ortonville area! Many of you have noticed the activity at the Northridge building (I know this because of the number of texts I’ve received!)  Yes, the work has begun – and I can share the Phase I and Phase II apartment layout with you!  Phase I is the complete northern hall/end with Phase II being the apartments along the hallway that runs north and south.   LINK:  Apartment Layout — The contractors have an estimated 60 working days to complete Phase I with Phase II to follow early next summer.  Phase I includes Six 2-bedrooms, two 1-bedrooms and an efficiency apartment. More details to follow!   — If you are interested in renting and would like more information once the project is complete (or nearing completion) of the first phase, please fill in the no-obligation form.  LINK to FORM I’m excited to see this project get started – the property will provide some lovely rental options with mature trees, great landscaping and private sheltered picnic area in …

Local Author Visit at the Ortonville Library

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Author Michael J. Larson (Mike) grew up in the middle of the ‘bump and now lives right on the top of the ‘bump in Wheaton!  Our Public Library (Vicki Bartz) always has a full calendar of activities and author visits are of course on that list.  It is always fun to see one of our very own area authors featured! Mike will be at the Ortonville Library on November 27th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. for a book signing (and some fun!)  for his children’s book “The First Advent:  Stories and Activities”  (this is Mike’s seventh book) Other Dates & Locations are: Clinton Bank on November 20th 11:00 to 2:00 p.m. Graceville Public Library, November 26th 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. This newly released book is designed to prepare children’s hearts and minds for the arrival of baby Jesus.  The First Advent contains stories and activities for each of the twenty-five days of Advent.  (More info link: A Grandchild) At the Library events, there will be some additional fun: At 5:30 pm author Michael J. Larson will …

Leadership Book Club Invite!

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I’m excited for the opportunity to work through this topic with Edie as she completes her extended education through The Humphrey School of Public Affairs (part of the University of Minnesota) in the Master of Public Affairs program!  I’m hoping others will join along for this learning experience! Edie Barrett invites you to be a part of her class project where she is hosting a book club featuring Brene’ Brown’s new book, Dare to Lead.  Listen to the KDIO news story below for details. (link below) The first meeting is this coming Sunday, October 21st from  2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Lingonberry’s Edie notes “We will circle around the following questions:  What does it mean to live in a quality rural community? What does that look like on a day-to-day basis? Who gets to decide what a quality rural community is? And what is my responsibility?” — There will be 11 free books available!  This book club will go through May 2019 and meet one time per month. Check out Edie Barret’s Facebook Invite at this …

Art in Ortonville & Big Stone County

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The 2018 Meander (Upper Minnesota River Art Crawl) is coming up this weekend (October 5, 6, & 7th).  And, often times we (as economic development people – and likely City Council members) look to the numbers as verification of the impact that an art event provides to their community – for confirmation.  Like, in 2017 there was a total of $111,920 total reported Meander art sales to customers during the Meander weekend with $2,870 Average reported art sales per artist.  Then there is the breakdown of average expenditures per customer:  $124 on Meander Art, $43 on Food/Gas, $11 on shopping, other than art, and $18 on Lodging.  85 to 1,500 were the reported total number of customers at individual studios for the entire weekend.  (Big Stone County’s Red Barn stop with multiple artists always ranks high on the customer visitor chart) However, this picture – this young lady – reminds me that art not only contributes financially, it is also a vital foundation for our community’s youth and families.  So taking my eyes off the …

A Water Plant Arts Project Update

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We will be posting and sharing an Ortonville blog – sharing some fun – life in Ortonville on Big Stone Lake as part of the MNbump community of Big Stone County.  Check back as we get our site set up and start sharing our news! Our first update is from Greg Lockwood (Big Stone Arts Council Member – and on the building committee) and Jeannie Kanten (Big Stone Arts Council President) – sharing an update on their plans for the Water Plant Building Project.