prairie restoration Archives

It’s a perfect fall at The Clay Coyote and the colors are in full bloom. Morgan and Brett (our intrepid Building and Grounds Manager) took the 1945 International H out for a spin on our walking path through the prairie. Take a look at the photos from our adventure.

The walking path is open to anyone who wants to go for a stroll. Also, any photographers who want a stunning backdrop (class pictures, family shots, engagements….), you’re invited to do photo shoots out here. Just let us know you’re coming.

1945 International H driving through prairie — And we’re off to explore!

It's a beautiful loop — It’s a beautiful loop

You can look back and see the Gallery and Studio

There are tons of plants, trees, and grasses

Bring lunch and a blanket for a picnic on the East clearing next to Todd Lake.

The lake is calm and clear this time of year

Todd Lake is a gem — Todd Lake at it’s best

The 1945 H with Todd Lake in the background, all told the loop takes 20 minutes in a hurry or all afternoon if you want!

Morgan was behind the camera this time, if you go for a stroll make sure to share some of your snaps with us!

IT WAS A FABULOUS WEEKEND!!!

70 Deg, A little breeze and

Throngs of people!

Thank you all for stopping out!

We estimate that some 700 or 800 people stopped out over the Saturday/Sunday affair.

Guest Artists included:

Madam Lorna from Excelsior brought her oils, soaps and scents

Lollie Hinkle from Mankato had her fine silver handcrafted jewelry,

Margo Bonniwell, a neighbor who also happens to publish the Clay Coyote cookbook brought her handcrafted journals, books, and paper creations.

Kim Hensel, from Hutchinson, brought her Maille jewelry and garments.

And finally, while a family emergency kept her from being here, Patti Ellis from Frankfort, IL, sent some of her Pheasant Feather art.

The echinacea and other prairie plants made a spectacular showing. Tom even mowed a path out into the prarie restoration to allow visitors to get up close and personal with the 9 or 12 grasses, maybe 15 flowers, and maybe a few mosquitoes…although not many because it’s been so dry.

Inside, it was a frenzy on Saturday. Betsy puts on a pretty good spread for lunch and the word is out! But the smart shoppers shop first, while others are eating, and then have a bite when they’re done. Between 11:30 and 1:30 is busiest.

In this shot, Anna Slyter, of Vivid Image who helps us, along with many others, with our website, is an old hand at Gallery Open Houses and is here showing her “new buddy” (she’s going to kill me for that), the lay of the land….mostly where the food and refreshments are.

Right outside the door was Madam Lorna with her wide variety of oils, soaps, scents and ‘stuff’. Lorna was a potter for many years (I promised not to tell how many) and a few years back, had back surgery and suddenly had to give up potting and landed on fragrances. Her husband Steve is just to the left of the booth (that’s Lorna in back). More on Steve later.

Lolly was next with her beautifully crafted silver jewelry. She has studied for several years with Fine Goldsmith Patty Conlin of St. Peter who usually is at our fall open houses.

And new this year was Kim Hensel, the daughter of a friend and good customer, who has taken up the unique art of Maille…yes, that comes from chain maille, like the knights of old wore. Beside some unique clothing accessory items, she has fashioned unique bracelets and other jewelry with the 1/4″ interlocking rings that are each hand formed and linked together. That’s Kim frolicking in the prairie above.

And inexcusably, I didn’t get a picture of Margo Bonniwell and her beautifully hand crafted journals, books, book marks, and other items. She’s a neighbor, and appeared as if by magic a year or so ago saying that she published cookbooks, and voila, the cookbook that’s been on our ‘to-do’ list for 10 or 12 years, became reality-Cookin’ with the Coyote. So if you’re looking for a organization cookbook, or other bound paper work, call Margo (dare I say The Barefoot Turtle Publishing?) at 320-587-5290. Oh yeah, I’m supposed to say her husband Jerry helped put up the tent.

Let’s get back to Steve. When Lorna was a potter, Steve did decorative and functional steel work. Look closely at the photo, He’s now making frames for pictures, mirrors, whatever, on which you can write whatever you want. It’s permanent for cleaning with Windex or water. But then you can change the sayings just by wiping it with Endust. What a fun idea! ‘course I’ll have to spiff up my handwriting a bit!

And then there’s the food. Betsy puts on a spread that’s becoming known throughout the region for it’s excellence. It takes 2 or 3 people to keep it all going,. This summer it was Linda and her DIL Kelly Lindahl, and Shirley Smith and her daughter Stacie Jones. Tom did up the Sangria, plus we had 1919 rootbeer, beer, wine, sodas and water.

Meanwhile back inside, Lena Mowlem was helping customers out with jewelry, Tami Watt was wrapping….and wrapping…and wrapping. Guess you could call her the Coyote Wrap Star.

And Michele who says she never smiles for photos, was caught almost smiling. Ann, Rachel, and Alyssa took turns at the register, restocking shelves and helping Tami with her rap.

The end of a long and successful weekend. Alyssa, Michele, Betsy, Ann, Rachel and Lolly see who stopped out.

We really do appreciate your support of the Clay Coyote Gallery and Pottery. Without you, as loyal customers, it wouldn’t exist.

So bring your friends out. There’s more to come! Watch the website for upcoming events.

Take a virtual stroll, it’s fall on the Clay Coyote prairie

The Clay Coyote Gallery Summer Picnic