Leo and Dina Lisovskis--Artists in Silver and Gold

"We hope our jewelry inspires people to remember the beauty, joy and wisdom found in nature."

Leopold and Dina Lisovskis moved to rural Wisconsin 30 years ago and have lovingly restored and 1850s log cabin which is surrounded by extensive vegetable, herb and flower gardens. It is in the setting that Leo and Dina's handcrafted jewelry is created.

The inspiration for Leo and Dina's designs come from the surrounding woods, marshes, garden and their love of the North Shore, where they have gone for inspiration and renewal since they were both young. Their native Latvian heritage also has a strong influence on their jewelry design.



Leo and Dina choose each stone for their work because of the story it tells. The silver and gold work is a continuation of that story. If a stone suggests the green ripples of a quiet pond, the peice develops into a marsh scene with water lilies, a gold frog on a silver lily pad, and perhaps a small gold fish diving under the lily roots. A colored gemstone for a wildflower piece will be chosen because the stone has the color and quality of that particular flower.

In their mission to remain true to the total handmade concept, every leaf, flower, berry and tree is individually cut, formed, engraved and soldered in place. Each piece of jewley is totally handcrafted and unique. Both Dina and Leo are silversmiths, but Dina now concentrates on much of the design work and all of the details of running a studio and business. Leo devotes himself to smithing, which he finds relaxing and fulfilling. According to Dina, "You can always find Leo at his bench."

You can find Dina and Leo and their unique jewelry at the Sogn Valley Craft Fair. October 2nd and October 3rd.

www.sognvalleycraftfair.com

Oooh! New Paintings by SVCF artist Becky Jokela

Check out these new paintings by SVCF artist, Becky Jokela. Becky is a long-time participant at the craft fair. Additionally her work appears in galleries and other shows around Minnesota.

Stop by her booth at the fair on October 2nd or October 3rd to see her work in person and chat with the artist. Becky is as warm and lovely as her paintings! Original paintings are for sale; there are also lots of affordable prints and beautiful cards as well.




Becky Jokela
Artist’s Statement

I live on a farm overlooking Sogn Valley near Cannon Falls, Minnesota. I love my surroundings and am inspired by nature and the changing seasons.
Painting outdoors, en plein air, is my favorite approach. I’m in the fresh air~ I can take my easel on a trip to the lake or park or on a hike to a hilltop vista. Maybe best of all is when I paint the barn or the maple tree in my own back yard.
Why pastels? The intense colors capture the richness of the natural world.

Biography
Becky Jokela has been teaching art to Zumbrota-Mazeppa high school and elementary students since 1985. She began studying art at the University of Oregon and later graduated with a degree in Art Education from the University of Minnesota.

2010 Sogn Valley Craft Fair

Thanks for stopping by the new blog for the Sogn Valley Craft Fair. SVCF is a Minnesota tradition; 2010 marks our 38th year bringing fine art, crafts and local and artisinal foods in a beautiful country setting.

Mark your calenders! Date for SVCF for 2010:
Saturday, October 2nd, 10 am- 5 pm
Sunday, October 3rd, 11 am-5 pm

Sogn Valley Craft Fair is special.

SVCF is located in Minnesota's Sogn Valley in Southeastern Minnesota. The Sogn Valley landscape is rolling hills, farmland, forests and small fast-moving rivers and streams. For many Twin Citians a trip to SVCF is a chance to both check out excellent arts AND get away from the city--but not too far. SVCF is just 45 minutes from the Twin Cities and it's a lovely drive. In early October the trees will be changing colors and you might see some deer or wild turkeys on your way down.

SVCF is intimate. SVCF is a juried show. That means our artists are invited to the show based on the quality of their work with an eye towards representing diverse media. Visitors can definitely expect to see it all during a morning or afternoon at the Fair.

SVCF is free! No admission fee and no parking fees.

SVCF was supporting local and artisinal foods long before it was the hip thing to do. Raw Minnesota wildflower honey, organic produce, indian corn, pumpkin ands seasonal garden items, handmade jams, relishes, caramels and mnore are part of the mix.

We feature local music. You might find a band set up in the barn or maybe strolling among the crowds.

Directions. Click here.
Follow us or stop back again. We will be updating with lists of artists, artist profiles and photos.


Photo of Dawn Makarios, potter and hostess for the Sogn Valley Craft Fair in her studio. You can tour Dawn's granary studio and check out the kilns at the fair.