Beading was all the rage when I was in middle school, and I was by no means immune to the glittering trays of Czech glass, Swarovski crystals and semi-precious gemstones that filled the independent bead shops of my youth. A family friend would invite me over and demonstrate the finer points of crimp beads and jump rings. Soon, I had my own formidable collection of beads and spacers that I would use to craft bracelets and earrings for birthdays and holidays. My mom still regularly wears pieces I made for her years ago. When the mood strikes me, I’ll break out my bead organizers and pliers and noodle around with a new design idea.
When planning this annual arts and culture issue, I’ve been continuously impressed by how many people turn a hobby into an opportunity to share their creativity with the broader community. For Bilal Mamdani, this meant turning his affinity for Basque-style cheesecake into a new bakery. For Danielle and Shane Vinup, this took the form of transforming a lifelong passion for theater into a plan for a new performing arts center.
I think the need to create is one of the most unique drives humanity possesses, and along with creation comes the inclination to share it. We are richer for it. When a resident singer-songwriter shares her hope after heartbreak, we can resonate with the bitter and the sweet. When a local en plein air painter shares his recent sojourn in nature, we’re invited to see our daily surroundings differently.
This spring, I invite you to consider how your creativity can more broadly connect you to your neighbors and Maple Grove.
Until next time,
—Madeline Kopiecki
