Gayle and I happily returned to A Piece of Work this summer. The place looks a little more filled…read moreout and there were plenty of new items that caught my attention. I ended up with a really nice forged metal frame, another piece of Bogenrief glass, and a handsome money clip piece from Bladesmith. There were also a few bonuses this year. We were here for the 1st Friday Art Walk and then a week later the place was happy busy during Spirit Lake Days. I also got to meet Perry Polson (handsome wood pieces) and Dan Ruf (photography) and chat about their work. Of course the biggest plus abut A Piece of Work is finding so much great art at a fraction of California prices.

This is a neat Studio that specializes in the stunning local photos of David Thoreson. It is…read morelocated in Arnolds Park, across the street from the Central Emporium. David is also an Adventure Sailor, writer and educator. David recently completed a sailing trip in the Arctic that focused on the issue of climate change. See www.bluewaterstudios.com

I bought a Butterfly House at Fair Trade in New Ulm, MN , it's adorable! I hope it will soon…read moreattract butterflies stop by the Fair Trade Store on Minnesota St in New Ulm, MN

This is an adorable little shop that is worth going out of your way for!…read more They have a variety of unique gifts from around the world and around southern Minnesota. All items are fair trade or local, and all profits benefit a charity for families in need in New Ulm. Gifts here include chocolates, tea, pottery, photography, jewelry, ornaments, bird houses, and other surprises. I bought a 'kitty-bank' - a beautiful hand-made coin depository that looks like an art-deco cat. It was made in India. Because it is fair trade, it benefited the local artisan and because I bought it at New Ulm's Own, the sale will help locally, too! Note that the store is tucked away behind another. Look for the sign and walk through the front entrance past the first store. Keep going to find this shop.

This was a fantastic museum to stumble upon in Mason City. We could have spent longer here looking…read moreat everything (but we were pressed for time). Bil Baird's puppets were my absolute favorite permanent collection. Such a variety of puppets - you'll even get to see some of the puppets featured in The Sound of Music from 1965. (If you've seen the movie, you'll recognize them immediately.) MacNider has the most extensive Bil Baird puppet collection anywhere in the world; I suspect it's because Bil grew up in Mason City. The museum resides in a Tudor-style home, previously a private residence and a convent. The house has gone through several renovations over the years. The original staircase is beautiful. The art outside the museum between it and the library is neat, too. If you're going to Mason City, take advantage of MacNider! Free admission.

Such a great museum. A must see when visiting Mason City…read more It's FREE, so no worries if you've just spent all your money at the local ice-cream shop. Donations only. Full of rich history and great exhibits. They even have a small gift shop with items made from local artist. Upstairs the Bill Baird puppets are on display. If you don't know who Bill Baird is, he's the guy who created the puppets for the movie.... The Sound Of Music. They have an Imagination playground for younger children and even a few local exhibits from artists all over the Mid-West. Some of the local exhibits change monthly. They also offer art classes like painting and pottery. Fun place to visit.

The Bijou Gallery is located within a strip shopping center that is across the street from Goodies…read moreHandmade Candies. The space used to be occupied by a Curve's gym that Gayle used once during one of our Summer trips. The owner is Kathyrn Buckley, who used to run a similar enterprise in Kansas City. The Bijou Gallery is a handsome gift shop that features Iowa and other artists. I've visited twice this summer and came away the last time with a nice wood desk/clock piece from Tim Anderson of Twilight Zone Designs. Of course, I was tempted by other items, that there's always next time.

A MUST SEE while visiting Clear Lake! Not only a MUST SEE, but go BUY stuff!!…read more Open and accepting! This art center features local artists ware and some beautiful goods from far away. It's a huge place that offers classes - has a great studio space for an art exhibit (saw a fabulous one while there) - has a great space for local art AND a nice little store that sells local art for all budgets. (I bought an adorable pendant made by a local Iowan silver smith. If I could give this place 10 Stars I would! If I lived in Clear Lake I'd drag All my friends there! GO!

When in Clear Lake, I always make it a point to stop in to see what items I can add to my…read morecollection at home. While there are certainly lake-themed items made by local artists for sale, there's a little something for everyone - pottery, paintings, glass, paintings. A quaint establishment, it has a definite museum gift-shop feel (which I love) combined with a small gallery area exhibiting more high-end art pieces for sale. What I appreciate is the eclectic options in all price ranges for folks who appreciate unique pieces to add to their home collection. It's slightly off main street, so if you're touristing - make sure to walk the extra block out off the main drag. It's worth the visit.

Gayle and I are big fans of the NW Iowa art scene. Whether it be Hank Hall (formally of Art on 16th…read morein Spirit Lake), Dan Ruff, Perry Polson, or Jesse Bogenrief (just down the street), the artistic creativity is impressive and at very reasonable prices. Arts on Grand is a spacious shop and gallery that features some of the above artists and more. They're also part of the annual Artisan Road Trip that allows one to travel the Iowa back roads in search of artistic treasure. Gayle and I wander in when we're in town each summer, and usually come out with a work of art that's both stunning and something we don't have any room at home to display. But we usually figure that out later.

Amazing treasure for the creative spirit!!!!…read more I love, love, love this place. They staff is passionate about their work and it shows. The gift shop/gallery is a beautiful reflection of local artisians and I couldn't resist buying some gifts while there. Do yourself a favor and stop in to find out more about their classes, the gallery shows and the gift shop. It will feed your artistic soul.

The last of 2 reviews for the Pearson Lakes Art Center (PLAC) was 10 years ago? This place is a…read morereal treasure, and this place has always been on my "must go" list when I'm visiting the Iowa Great Lakes. It's located right next to the Okoboji Summer Theatre, with its impressive building sitting on a nice piece of land with a pretty northern view. Gayle and I are members, even though we live way out here in Genoa Nevada. Gayle and I fell in love with the Iowa Art shown here years ago, and as we've contacted some of the artists (particularly Hank Hall and Daniel Ruf), we've grown to deeply appreciate the imagination, professional skill, and great friendships coming from their work. PLAC is a well-regarded anchor for these regional artistic endeavors, via their gift shop, annual auction, and specific exhibits. On the main floor, PLAC has a nice gift shop and a couple nice galleries. The front one changes themes fairly frequently, while the one in the back has featured Russian impressionism for at least the last few years. There's another gallery downstairs and a hallway that features the work of local artists. If I lived in the area more regularly, PLAC offers classes, children's programs, and a fairly impressive live entertainment calendar.

My sister is an artist, so I knew we had to head out and check this one. Very lovely permanent…read morecollection...as well as lovely local artist collections. It was a beautiful building, had friendly staff, and was free when we went!! (Thursdays!) Great way to add a bit of culture to a stay at the lake.

Carol, who is the artist, does fine farm animal sculptures and will deliver it to you in a very…read moretimely fashion. She takes from two to three weeks to finish it and mail it to you, which for a piece of art, is fast. The quality is very good and she will custom paint an animal for you if you've got a favorite farm animal that you want made into a sculpture. However, she is difficult to get a hold of. She does not respond well to e-mails and you'll need to call her if you want to talk about anything to do with your piece, hence four stars. Overall she offers good service and her sculptures are excellent. You will be satisfied.

When I visit a resort area, there's a certain schlock factor that I come to expect within the more…read moretouristy portions. Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco is a prime example and to a point where I simply won't go unless an out-of-town guest really insists. The Iowa Great Lakes isn't San Francisco, but for this Iowa Boy, it's a World Away that is close enough. As such, you'll find me here every Summer with my Family in tow enjoying another Blue Water adventure. As for shopping, I start with my favourite galleries - Bogenrief Glass in Spencer and Art on 16th and A Piece of Work in Spirit Lake. Arnold's Park and the more touristy shopping at the Central Emporium and the Queens Court come later and are covered quickly. World's Away is a notable exception to the model. It's clothing, art, and antiques makes this store a classy island within this sometimes schlocky sea.