Wendy Grethen is a connecter. “I'm aware there's a lot of creative people in the Northland,” says Grethen. “I like to provide and kind of do matchmaking.” Fifteen years ago, in an effort to connect local venders with buyers who were interested in supporting local artists and crafters, Grethen organized the first Treasures of the Earth Green Goods, Craft and Art Fair. This year’s fair is happening on Saturday, March 18th from 10-3pm at Peace Church in Duluth.
Those in attendance can expect 25 artisans selling local goods crafted with natural or found items. "They'll have a mixture of things made of natural material like stone and clay and wood, antlers, beach glass,” says Grethen. “Someone is using plants as jewelry.” There will also be a youth booth, an education booth with Wild Woods, and live music.
Treasures of the Earth is one of five events like it that Grethen organizes through the year. The next fair that Grethen organizes will be the Woman-Made local art and gift fair in July.