All that was yummy in 2022

Another year is coming to an end, giving birth to a new one. What 2023 has in store is yet to be seen. A mystery like turning a page in a suspense novel yet to be written. This last year has not been without “speed bumps,” both locally and globally. Locally we continue see the struggles of Minneapolis, and globally, well… that’s another longer chapter. When we talk about local, it seems to me that perhaps it refers to distance. Something that is not far, but close. Within reach. = I like to use the word “Local” with word “Community”=.” Local Community has a nice tone to it. It feels good. The energy is good. It is good. The community surrounding my small business, Everett & Charlie, has given me many things to be thankful for this year. As December gently pulls the shades, I’m still soaking up the sunny moments on all that was yummy in 2022. I want to share with you some of the highlights through the eyes of the Everett & Charlie Gallery, and the amazing gifts given and received.

Art:

E&C represents only Minnesota Artists. We are blessed with an enormous amount of creativity in Minnesota, and I am honored to share it with the community. There is a quote that says, “When you buy something from an artist you’re buying more than an object. You’re buying hundreds of hours of errors and experimentation. You’re buying years of frustration and moments of pure joy. You’re not buying just one thing, you’re are buying a piece of a heart, a piece of a soul… a small piece of someone else’s life.”

I consider it a gift to share the talents of every artist and love seeing pieces received into the arms of a new “forever home.” When a piece of art speaks to you, listen carefully.  

Music:

“Busking” is the activity of playing music in the street or another public place for voluntary donations.

Local musicians generously played for tips and just for the love of playing music. The sidewalk outside of Everett & Charlie and Harriet Brasserie brought a new level of energy with acoustic originals, harmonica solos, violin serenades, gypsy jazz, to folk rock. We often heard comments and compliments about how magical it was to sit outside on a lovely evening or Sunday morning to listen. My favorite would be when children or adults would spontaneous dance or sing along. Music truly is a universal language.

Art on The Edge:

Four years ago, I was asked if I would ever start a Linden Hills Art Fair. My immediate response was a quick and solid no. I’m familiar with the amount of time and energy that goes into the planning and execution of it. Absolutely not. I thought, Everett & Charlie is like an indoor art fair – why do anything more. I like art fairs. Minneapolis has some great ones that have been established for years. I had no desire to do what is already being done. Then I met Kelly Wagner of The Edge Magazine. We had an immediate connection and knew we were drawn together to create something. Within days we knew we wanted to blend the visual arts with the metaphysical world. So, we said yes, and the Art on The Edge Fair was born. With over 50 artists and holistic vendors, as well as the help of some amazing volunteers from the community, we pulled it off and look forward to the 2nd Annual Art on The Edge July 22, 2023!

Linden Hills Business Events:

Linden Hills businesses support one another and enjoy bringing special events to the community.  Woofstock might be for the dogs, but who doesn’t enjoy puppies and hearing a local band sing, “Who let the dogs out?” And for the adults, twice a year, “Wine & Stroll” is an excellent time to stroll through the businesses, sip something special and enjoy some fun shopping. December brings us the wonderful winter event, Reindeer Day. Carolers, Santa, and hot chocolate warm us for the holiday season.

I wrap this up by thanking each and every one in the local community and beyond for your continued support for Small Businesses like Everett & Charlie. (And, a reminder that every artist and musician is also a small business). 

By the time this issue is out, we will be past the annual “Shop Local and Small Business Saturday.” It’s a great promotion; however, I believe every day should be “Shop Local Day.”

We live in a world of abundance with lots of choices. Make good choices!