Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Karin Kraemer. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Karin, thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.
Growing up, with my single mom and grandparents, we didn’t have much. But, they all gave to others that needed things. We always had people in for meals, and shared what we had. Later, I was fortunate, because artists I worked for helped me grow into being an artist by opening their studios to work for them, and do my own work. It made me want to do the same for other artists. Never hurts to be generous!
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I have a Gallery and Studio building in a very popular neighborhood in Duluth. I bought it when a bunch of other business owners were getting together to make it a vibrant place. It’s pretty big, and houses our gallery, and pottery studio and Warrior Printress Letterpress. Five of us make our own work, and share the work of the shop.
I make Maiolica functional and decorative pots and tiles for custom projects. I also make a few custom cup and dinnerware lines for restaurants and businesses. Folks working here all do some part of that.
I love making pots for people to use and share a meat. Hopefully, they bring some joy to the table.
I also love the other part of what we do. Having a pottery and art gallery allows me to get art to people that love it, and help my friends make a living. My favorite part of paperwork is sending out the artist checks. This place is an art hub for our community, and that brings a lot of fun and new experiences to us.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Work a lot, make a lot of art. It will bring you to where you want to be. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about all of it: your elders that have been doing this a while can help. Learn business skills, accounting, social media, finance, all that.. You ARE a small business owner. .
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
Artists I have worked for and with have helped me in learning where to get work and how to discipline myself in working.
I have received a lot of help from the Entrepreneur Fund in Duluth over the last 9 years. They helped me get all my financial stuff together so I could get funding for this building, and getting out into the world to bring in customers. Now, I have a retirement plan, and am getting the rewards of working all my art life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.duluthpotteyr.com
- Instagram: duluth_pottery_art_gallery
- Youtube: Karin Kraemer various
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
