Northwoods Pioneer Gallery & Gifts, formerly Pioneer Crafts Co-op, was founded in 1971 and first opened for business on Memorial Day 1972. It was started by several small local craft organizations with assistance from the Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency (AEOA).
The original purpose of the association was to provide a way to market the craft products of Northeastern Minnesotans, particularly low-income and elderly persons, and to carry on educational activities in the art and craft field. The membership requirements have since been revised to include all local artisans, regardless of age or income, who want an outlet for their quality art and craft products.
We moved to our current location in the Spring of 1999 after the construction of the Silver Creek Cliff tunnel was completed on Highway 61. Our new location is about 7 miles further up the shore from the tunnel. (11 miles from Two Harbors).
As a cooperative, all members contribute in some way to the operation of the shop. The primary responsibility is to tend the shop as sales clerks. Our members may be offering demonstrations while they tend the shop in such varied techniques as wood working, painting, beading, jewelry making or wheat weaving. Such crafts reflect the heritage of the pioneers of Northeastern Minnesota. Sharing the love of their art and craft is a wonderful experience for the members!
The original purpose of the association was to provide a way to market the craft products of Northeastern Minnesotans, particularly low-income and elderly persons, and to carry on educational activities in the art and craft field. The membership requirements have since been revised to include all local artisans, regardless of age or income, who want an outlet for their quality art and craft products.
We moved to our current location in the Spring of 1999 after the construction of the Silver Creek Cliff tunnel was completed on Highway 61. Our new location is about 7 miles further up the shore from the tunnel. (11 miles from Two Harbors).
As a cooperative, all members contribute in some way to the operation of the shop. The primary responsibility is to tend the shop as sales clerks. Our members may be offering demonstrations while they tend the shop in such varied techniques as wood working, painting, beading, jewelry making or wheat weaving. Such crafts reflect the heritage of the pioneers of Northeastern Minnesota. Sharing the love of their art and craft is a wonderful experience for the members!
