I wish everyone who rails against immigrants would read this book to remind themselves of their roots. Unless Native American, every single one of us can trace our ancestral roots to a place other than the United States of America.
Ringgold celebrates the diversity of this country in this colorful, celebratory book featuring a diversity of peoples. She honors the music, food, culture, stories, dance and more of those who resettled here. She recognizes the reasons—injustice, fear and pain—many came.
MADE AMERICA GREAT
This author even uses the words “made America great,” not in a political context, but to celebrate how diversity enriches America.
“We came to America/Every color, race and religion/From every country in the world,” she writes in a poetic refrain.
LOVING THIS BOOK
I love this book. It’s simple. Easy to read. Joyful. Accurate. Timeless. Appropriate for all ages, including adults, especially adults.
I love that the author, born and raised in Harlem, was part of the Black Arts Movement and an activist who worked tirelessly for civil rights and social justice. Ringgold is best known for her story quilts.
PEACE, FREEDOM, JUSTICE
She dedicates her picture book about immigrants to all the children who come to America: “May we welcome them and inspire them to sustain a love and dedication to peace, freedom, and justice for all.” Reread those words: Peace. Freedom. Justice for all. Ringgold was 86 when she wrote those words, created the art for We Came to America.
I wonder how Ringgold would feel about the threats to democracy and personal freedom and about the injustices occurring in this country today? I expect she would use her creative voice to rise up, resist and remind all of us that we are valued, that together we are America. All of us, no matter our color, our race, our religion. And no matter our roots.
TELL ME: Have you read We Came to America or any of Faith Ringgold’s books? Or have you seen her art exhibited? I’d like to hear your thoughts on her work and/or that of other creatives like her.
This 8 x 12-foot mural graces the exterior of the Lakeville Area Arts Center Performing Arts Building. The art was designed by Shane and Kelly Anderson and painted by the community during the 2017 Lakeville Art Festival. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo March 2026)
WHEN A CHURCH CLOSES or relocates into a new space, what happens to the former house of worship? That depends on the community, the market, the condition of the building and more.
The Lakeville Area Arts Center in downtown Lakeville is housed in a former Catholic church. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo March 2026)
In Vesta, the old St. John’s Lutheran Church was repurposed into apartments when my home congregation constructed a new sanctuary on the southeast edge of town in the early 1970s. In Faribault, where I have lived since 1984, a boutique, craft and gift shop, Nook & Cranny, fills the old St. Lawrence Catholic Church. In nearby Dundas, craft beer is served inside a former historic chapel at a brewery aptly named Chapel Brewing. A former Methodist church in neighboring Waseca houses the Waseca County History Center. Up in Fargo, North Dakota, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church is now home to the Sanctuary Events Center, where I attended my friend Hannah’s wedding and reception.
Shane Anderson created this acrylic painting in 2011 commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Lakeville Area Arts Center. It hangs in a lower level of the center. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo March 2026)
Then there’s the old All Saints Catholic Church in Lakeville a half hour to the north along Interstate 35. In 2001, the vacated massive 1932 brick building became the Lakeville Area Arts Center Performing Arts Building. If an aged church is no longer a church, then I can think of no better reuse than as a center for creativity, a sanctuary for creatives.
This magnificent lion sculpture flanks the front entry to the Lakeville arts center, formerly a church. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo March 2026)
Often these old churches have been built by skilled craftsmen who’ve incorporated art into the construction. Stained glass windows. Sculptures. Ornate wood carvings. Repurposing a church as an art center seems reverently fitting.
The sanctuary is now a theater. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo March 2026)
Recently I visited the Lakeville arts center inside that old Catholic church. The worship space has been transformed into a theater, complete with 300 tiered seats rising high in the long, narrow building. Stained glass windows remain, a visual reminder that parishioners once gathered here.
Looking up at mammoth stained glass window artabove the entry to the former church. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo March 2026)
Today concerts and live theater take place here. And in other parts of the building are art galleries, rehearsal and meeting rooms and more. I think the saints would celebrate this usage of their sacred space in the absence of a place of worship.
A sampling of art created by students in the Lakeville Public School and recently exhibited in the arts center. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo March 2026)
As I meandered through the arts center, viewing student art featured in gallery exhibits, other art and those stained glass windows, I felt the spirit of creativity.
Outside the arts center is a six foot tall fiberglass sculpture, “Bruce the Moose.” Shane Anderson designed the sculpture and the community painted it during the 2016 Lakeville Art Festival. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo March 2026)
Outside, sculptures like “Bruce the Moose” and a “Creative Endeavors” mural visually mark this as an arts center. The artwork is part of Lakeville’s public art scattered on the grounds and about town.
On the exterior of the Fine Arts Building hangs an art piece featuring fused glass. Milligan Studio created “Hive,” which represents collaboration and innovation.(Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo March 2026)
Next to the performing arts building, creatives also gather in the former Alternative Learning Center, now home to the 11,000 square foot Fine Arts Building. Inside are ceramics studios, classrooms for glass, fiber arts and painting, rehearsal space, student galleries, an art shop, and more.
A painting of the church/arts center on the base of a round table in the lower level of the performing arts building. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo March 2026)
I love the arts. And when I discover a place like the Lakeville Area Arts Center, I feel connected as a creative myself. The arts ought always to be celebrated. They entertain us, move us, speak for us, allow us to express ourselves, bring us together in community and, oh, so much more.
Tucked into a window inside a glass case, glass art created by Nolan Prohaska for the 2010 Lakeville Art Festival. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo March 2026)
Personally, I cannot image my life without writing and photography, my creative outlets, my life’s work. Or, more correctly, my life’s passion because neither ever feels like work.
TELL ME: What are your thoughts on the arts and/or on repurposing of a vacated church into an arts center or something else?
Shopping at the Faribault Farmers’ Market on a Saturday morning. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo September 2025)
FUN, FOOD, COMMUNITY AND CREATIVITY drew all ages to Central Park on September 13 for two special events—the Faribault Farmers’ Market Family Day and the Faribault Makers’ Market Customer Appreciation Day.
Some of Al’s vegetables. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo September 2025)
Randy and I joined those shopping for local food and goods. We brought home a ginormous watermelon from our friend Al plus two pounds of ground beef from Big Woods Beef, sweetcorn from River View Veggie Farm, and four juicy and savory pears from a vendor who lives near Union Lake.
Shopping at the farmers’ market. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo September 2025)
A close-up of a colorful crocheted throw at Barb’s Kitchen Crafts and Homemade Goods. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo September 2025)
Halloween themed pens for sale at the makers’ market. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo September 2025)
I also snapped photos and engaged in some wonderful conversations. For me, these markets are all about celebrating community—the people who live here, farm and garden here, bake here, create here.
An ice cream truck repurposed for selling locally-raised beef. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo September 2025)
I learned, for example, when chatting with the couple at Big Woods Beef that their refrigerated truck is a repurposed Schwans delivery truck. That led to my reminiscing about the Schwans “Ice Cream Man.” We talked about farm prices too, about the low prices of corn and soybeans and the high price for beef. And I understood, as I did decades ago when my farmer dad struggled to support his family, how challenging the economics of farming remain.
Eggs fresh from the farm. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo September 2025)
At the farmers’ market, there’s a direct link to the land—in fresh eggs gathered, in bumpy pumpkins pulled from the vine, in garden fresh tomatoes ripened by the sun, in clutches of colorful zinnias and gladiolus cut from fields…
Selling gladiolus at Three Glad Girls. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo September 2025)
Three Glad Girls (and their mom) have vended gladiolus at the Faribault market for years, since the sisters, after whom the business is named, were young. They battled mosquitoes to bring their $10 bouquets of glads to Saturday’s market. The mosquitoes proved relentless even as they sold their flowers.
Jax enjoys a cookie while his mom sells at the farmers’ market. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo September 2025)
Saturday’s special family day focused primarily on activities for kids. I met several of them. Jax, 1, clutching a cookie and wearing a simple black tee with the words “CAUTION instructions not included.” Now that made me laugh. His mom, Jaylyn, was selling tallow balms, lotions, sugar scrubs and more with her business, Tallow Parlor.
Margot shows off the butterfly she made. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo September 2025)
Over at an informational display about Scouting, Margot, 4, not old enough yet for Girl Scouts, posed with a coffee filter butterfly she crafted at a master gardeners’/University of Minnesota extension service table. The adults got a swag bag.
Kids enjoy the bouncy castle set up next to the Central Park Band Shell. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo September 2025)
Near the Central Park band shell, kids bounced inside an inflatable castle and played yard games while shoppers passed nearby. There was market BINGO for all ages.
Friendly and creative Amelia. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo September 2025)
Pickles crafted and canned by Amelia’s dad. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo September 2025)
Amelia arranges some of the items she creates for the farmers’ market. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo September 2025)
I continued to work my way along the sidewalk, pausing to chat with vendor Amelia, a bubbly and energetic young woman who crafted a carrot and corn to wear in her hair, her contribution to the fun. I always make a point of talking to her because she makes me happy. Amelia stitches and crafts. Her dad gardens and cans.
Homemade salsa from The Viking Baker. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo September 2025)
I walked past piles of melons, pumpkins filling a wagon, jars of homemade salsa and a whole lot more local goodness.
I love this message on the artsy sign crafted by Ronda. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo September 2025)
Over on the south side of the park, where the makers set up shop, I talked to my friend Ronda, whose joyful personality matches that of bubbly Amelia. Ronda’s love of crafting is evident. She’s been doing this for years, crafting and selling at markets.
Harvey shows off his stenciled art. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo September 2025)
I popped into several other booths, passed by the Mighty Fine Coffee vendor, stopped to photograph Harvey, almost seven, sporting a freshly-painted spider web and spider on his arm. His smile reached to his eyes.
Selling and shopping at the makers’ market. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo September 2025)
This is why I attend community markets and events. This place, these people, bring me joy.
Books on Central is housed in the former Dandelet Jewelry, 227 Central Avenue North in downtown Faribault. This photo was taken before the bookshop opened in early October. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo January 2023)
THIS SEEMS THE SEASON for creatives. At least in my community. Wednesday evening I listened to local writer Larry Gavin read poems and tell stories at Faribault’s new used bookstore, Books on Central. It’s always a delight to listen to this creative and especially so in the former Dandelet Jewelry Store. This cozy space features a grand vintage chandelier, built-in shelves and drawers, and other historic details that make it inviting, charming and unlike any bookshop I’ve ever shopped. Plus, this volunteer-run Rice County Area United Way bookstore boasts an inventory of 8,000 used books for all ages and in all genres.
Among artists selling their art at Holly Days is Julie Fakler, Paradise Center for the Arts executive director. Fakler is known for her animal portraits, these showcased in a previous exhibit. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo October 2022)
Shopping. This is the season to shop the goods of local creatives. The Paradise Center for the Arts kicks off its Holly Days Sale with an artists’ reception from 5-7 pm this evening, November 16. Twenty artists are selling their art, from pottery to needle felting to stained glass and much more. The sale runs until December 22.
Tis the season of holiday craft sales/bazaars/boutiques. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo November 2022)
On Saturday, November 18, creatives will vend Christmas items (including porch pots), quilts, wood and metal works, baked goods and more in the Trinity Lutheran Church auditorium along Fourth Street in Faribault. My friend Mandy has been baking up a storm, creating cupcakes, pumpkin-shaped centerpiece cakes and more for the 9 am – 3 pm Holiday Boutique Sale. Trinity youth will sell lunch, snacks and treats.
Also on Saturday, the Faribo West Mall hosts its Fall Bazaar from 10 am-4 pm with crafts, flea market finds and baked goods. A bonus feature is kids’ free craft making from noon to 2 pm.
Now, even before all those one-day shopping options open on Saturday, there are non-shopping creative opportunities. The Faribault High School play, “A Trip to the Moon,” is on stage at 7:30 pm Thursday – Saturday and at 2 pm Sunday. It’s been a while since I attended a FHS play. This one intrigues me since its set in 1969, my coming of age teen years.
Promo courtesy of Jeff Jarvis of Cedar Lake Studio/ The Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour.
And then there are Irish musicians, coming from the Twin Cities to perform at 7 pm Friday, November 17, at the Cathedral of Our Merciful Saviour across from Central Park near downtown Faribault. Bonnie Drunken Lad, an Irish folk band, is performing as part of the free Merner Concert Series. If you’ve never attended a concert in the historic cathedral, I highly-recommend doing so. The acoustics are outstanding. And you can’t help but feel the history here while sitting on pews once graced by the Dakota people of the region and by early settlers.
An ice cream sundae at Berners’ Ice Cream Parlor in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, home of the ice cream sundae. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo August 2011)
Finally, but certainly not last in level of creativity—and perhaps most creative—is an event from 1-2 pm Saturday, November 18, at the Cannon Falls Public Library. “Baking Yesteryear” is a free buffet style sampler feast featuring foods of yesteryear. Library staff worked with the Cannon Falls Historical Society to develop a collection of recipes from 1880-1989. People could peruse the recipes and choose a food (s) to make at home for Saturday’s sampler feast. I absolutely love this idea. Teen and Adult Services Librarian Matthew Stelter said his history buff teenage son will be there dressed as a 1930s soda jerk creating flavored sodas and ice cream floats with flavorings and ice cream donated by local CannonBelles Coffee and Ice Cream. Now, if I still fit into my 1970s lime green pants, perhaps I could come bearing banana-laced red Jell-O. Period-fitting dress is encouraged.
All in all, creativity defines the next several days. Food. Art. Music. I am grateful for all the creatives who share their talents with the greater community.
A serene rural scene just north of Lamberton in southern Redwood County, my home county, shows the roots of my creativity in the prairie. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo October 2013)
I’VE ALWAYS SENSED within the artistic community an unwavering support of one another. A kinship in creativity. A connection sparked by the sheer act of creating, whether by words, by music, by paintbrush or pencil or camera or hands or…
Craig Kotasek crafted these letterpress print promo posters for his current show. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted photo February 2022)
Well, Craig heard about my post, followed up with an email to me and then posted the kindest/loveliest/nicest review of my work on his website (click here). I am not only humbled by his generous words, but by his detailed gratitude for Minnesota Prairie Roots. He clearly understands me, my artistic and journalistic passions, my love for small towns and rural Minnesota, and my desire to share my discoveries.
Craig is just one example of how generous this community of creatives.
When we create, we share part of ourselves with the world. I cannot imagine not creating. That comes from a southwestern Minnesota farm girl who grew up with minimal exposure to the arts. No music lessons. No art classes. No gallery shows. No community concerts. Nothing outside the basic core of required class courses in middle and high school.
A snippet of the land my father farmed, my middle brother after him, on the rural Vesta farm where I grew up. (Minnesota Prairie Roots copyrighted file photo April 2013)
But what I lacked in the arts I found in the prairie landscape. In the unrelenting wind. In sunsets bold and beautiful. In snowstorms that washed all color from the earth. In wild pink roses pushing through road ditch grass. In the earthy scent of black dirt turned by a plow. I took it all in, every detail in a sparse land.
And I read. Laura Ingalls Wilder, pioneer girl from Walnut Grove only 20 miles distant. Nancy Drew with her inquisitive mind. Whatever books I could find in a town without a library.
Today I feel grateful to live blocks from a library. I feel grateful to have access to the arts. You will find me often posting about creatives on this blog. Creatives like Craig Kotasek of Tin Can Valley Printing. He’s a gifted craftsman and artist specializing in letterpress printing. What a talented community of artists we have in rural Minnesota. I feel grateful to be part of that creative community.
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