North Woods Life Duane Shoup is a furniture-maker who lives north of Itasca State Park in Moose Creek Township in northern Minnesota. Duane, who moved to the North Woods from metropolitan northern Indiana, says, “I can have my boat in Lake Itasca in thirty minutes. It’s a beautiful place to live but a tough place […]
Richard Bresnahan: Artist and Environmentalist
Master Potter Richard Bresnahan, a world-acclaimed potter and environmentalist, incorporates sustainable materials in his art, many of which are found in the nature that surrounds him and his family on their 120-acre homestead in Avon, Minnesota. It is here that Richard and his wife, Collete, teach their two daughters and young son about the importance […]
Morris: Investing in Community
Renaissance on the Prairie A renaissance is underway in Morris; a rebirth of community connections and involvement designed to highlight the town’s many resources and the good quality of life in west central Minnesota. Through working with Blandin Community Investment Partnership (BCIP) the people of Morris have greatly expanded opportunities for youth, and taken steps […]
Luverne’s Prairie Spirit: Let it Grow!
Luverne: Home of the VIP Since the summer of 1999, the people of Luverne have been exploring ways to strengthen their community. Through the Blandin Community Investment Partnership (BCIP) process of priority setting, resource inventory, and implementation planning, the VIP (vision, involvement, promise) project has emerged. A commitment to the youth and land of this […]



