Anoka Art & Novelty

06/15/2026

Lot's of fun stuff to kick off Summer in Downtown Anoka!
Anoka Art & Novelty will have snacks, beverages ( remember we are in social district), and swag bags for the first 20 people.

06/15/2026

As we continue into this last week of Spring, we celebrate the beauty of the flowers Jill has so carefully and beautifully created!

Q 7. What currently motivates you?

I love to learn. I am not afraid to fail. I know what I want to accomplish before I fully understand how to accomplish it. But I put in the time and effort with research, until I feel that it's time to make it happen.

Q 8. How has your work evolved?

There are so many techniques used in glass work. I have evolved by transitioning from traditional, pattern-driven techniques to experimental, personal styles, using new technology and tools, including digital design

Q 10. Do you have a favorite piece?

No. Because I am always pleasantly surprised when I conquer something new. So I guess you could say that each new project is my favorite until the next project.

06/15/2026

As we continue into this last week of Spring, we celebrate the beauty of the flowers Jill has so carefully and beautifully created!

Q 7. What currently motivates you?

I love to learn. I am not afraid to fail. I know what I want to accomplish before I fully understand how to accomplish it. But I put in the time and effort with research, until I feel that it's time to make it happen.

Q 8. How has your work evolved?

There are so many techniques used in glass work. I have evolved by transitioning from traditional, pattern-driven techniques to experimental, personal styles, using new technology and tools, including digital design

Q 10. Do you have a favorite piece?

No. Because I am always pleasantly surprised when I conquer something new. So I guess you could say that each new project is my favorite until the next project.

06/11/2026

Anoka Art & Novelty is working with young artists by mentoring, inspiring and collaborating to bring their art to the public in a creative way. All art is available instore!
Meet our first Artist:
This is his creative perception of the USA!

My name is Gavyn Ogdahl. I'm a 17-year-old Senior attending Champlin Park High School in Minnesota with a passion for graphic design. I've been exploring this passion for a year now, because of this interest in understanding the meaning behind art and how others express themselves in a way that calls to their nature and who they are at that moment. My journey in exploring the art of graphic design started with my interest in psychology. I am fascinated in learning about others' thinking/mindsets and actions, and also wanting to learn about myself as a human being with a disability. This deep fascination with psychology channeled my growth mindset, and so I applied this growth mindset to graphic design.

06/08/2026

06/08/2026

As we continue with our Artist of the month!
Let's hear a little more about Jill as we wish her a Very Happy Birthday!
Jill also makes beautiful Jewelry!

Q 4. Why/How did you start creating?
I'm a bit restless, and needed something creative to do when I was not working. In IT you spend all day solving problems, and I wanted to spend time creating rather than fixing all the time. I have found the two are not mutually exclusive.

Q 5. Who or what inspired you to pursue art?
I discovered that I was kind of a hybrid: someone who bridges the gap between structured problem-solving and creative imagination.

Q 6. If any, what outside influences shape your art?
I continue to take classes. I go to craft shows and talk to other artists, for inspiration. I do google searches on YouTube, and then re-design into something unique.

06/01/2026

Artist of the Month Jill Lemmer

For the rest of June stop by Anoka Art & Novelty Facebook to learn more about Jill and her art!
🌈✨ MEET THE MAKER: Glass Artist Spotlight

“A jack‑of‑all‑trades with a love for learning and building beauty.”

🔹 Who I Am
I’m a recently retired IT professional, a mom, a grandma, and a lifelong builder of things. I love learning, creating, and challenging myself.

🔹 How It Started
I’ve always loved building. In the early ’90s, I took my first stained‑glass class and fell in love. Woodworking followed, because glass needs frames — and I love figuring things out.

🔹 Why I Create
After years in IT solving problems all day, I needed something that let me create instead of constantly fixing.

05/18/2026

04/27/2026

04/27/2026

Look what the creative ingenuity of Local Artists have brought to the shop!