Kristofer Bowman’s new store, UpstateMN, features artwork and other items gathered from a wide variety of artists. Bowls and mugs by Bianka Groves are one example of Bowman’s philosophy that it is important for people to have beautiful functioning things, making everyday activities more meaningful.
Kristofer Bowman, originally from Aurora, Minnesota, did not expect to find himself starting his new business in Grand Marais. Prior to opening, Bowman had worked as a jewelry buyer for a gift store and also had a store in Indianapolis for a few years.
“I actually always thought that I would move back to Minneapolis,” said Bowman. “Even when I was a kid, I thought I would move to Minneapolis. And most recently, I thought I would open a store there, and then open a satellite store here in a couple of years. But it was easier to open up here first. It is totally exactly where I need to be. I feel like I am in the right place.”
Recently setting up shop on First Avenue, between Buck’s Electronics and The Garage, the shop, Upstate MN, features a variety of artwork, jewelry, and much more. The works displayed are geared towards representing the North Shore in an original way.
“Most of what I have is contemporary, mostly artist made or small designer. What I want to do is represent where we are through tones, and materials, and form,” said Bowman. “I think because I am not trying to sell images of where we are, then it can be different.”
Bowman’s vision for the store certainly gives it a unique flair that is worth stopping in to see. Among the items in the gallery, each of which represents the North Shore in its own way, is a collection of mugs and cups made by J. D. Jorgenson.
“J. D. Jorgenson’s pottery is native clay. So he digs the clay. In fact, some of the pieces are Grand Marais clay,” said Bowman. “Even the facets on J. D.’s pieces totally look like our rocky shores.”
In addition to aiming to have art that represents the North Shore in ways other than directly depicting it, such as in a painting or photo, Bowman has another idea for the store.
“It is important that people have beautiful functioning things,” said Bowman. “It changes your day. Like, if you are drinking your coffee out of a handmade mug from Bianka [Groves], it is much nicer than starting your day with a cup made in China.”
When asked how he decided what artists or artwork to include in his store, Bowman said that his previous experiences have helped him find what would fit well with his vision.
“I have been buying for a long time. I have traveled to New York twice a year for the last 15 years, doing the bigger trade shows, but really focusing on the smaller artists and designers who set up there,” said Bowman. “A lot of these people are people that I have fallen in love with or own their work, and now I have the opportunity to share that with other people.”
Since coming to Grand Marais, Bowman has kept busy, getting involved in the community through the Arts Economy Committee, the Gallery Owners Group, and the Realtors Group.
“It has been really good. I am super in love with this community and building community is really important to me,” said Bowman. “I feel like I have been able to be more involved here than I would have been in the Twin Cities.”
For more information about UpstateMN, you can reach the owner at (218) 877- 7802 or Kristofer@shop-upstate.com.
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