Author: Carolyn

This pastel is showing in the Woman Made Gallery, Chicago. A virtual exhibition “Quiet Piggy: We Cannot Be Silenced” will be previewed along with “100% Human” at WINTER TORCH, Epiphany Center for the Arts , February 15th, 4-5:30 PM

“Pearl’s Garden” launches March 3rd with our first book reading on March 14th at the Duluth Public Library from 2:00-4:00 PM. The Duluth Community Garden folks will provide an activity supporting their “One Community – One Vegetable” program. The event is geared for young readers, ages 3-7, accompanied by an adult. Come join us!

Additional book readings:
March 21st – Next Chapter Books, St. Paul, MN 10:45 AM
March 22nd – Eastside Coop, Mpls, MN 10:00 AM
March 28th – Zenith Books, Duluth, MN 11:30 AM
April 18th – Oliver Kelly Farm, Elk River, MN 10:30 AM
May 2nd, – Mill City Museum, Mpls, MN 10:00 AM
May 16th – Fitger’s Bookstore, Duluth, MN 11:00 AM
June 13th – Fond du Lac Reservation, gitigaan , Cloquet, MN 11:00 AM
June 20th – American Swedish Institute, Midsommar, Mpls, MN 11:00 AM
June 27th – Split Rock Lighthouse, 1:00-3:00 PM

The Duluth Art Institute has curated an exhibition of northern MN artists to show in Senator Klobuchar’s Twin Cities offices for one year. Included in this exhibition is “Waiting in Line at the Bakery”, pastel on paper 22.5″ x 55.5″ . I’m honored to join others in this ongoing exhibition in one of the most important senatorial offices in the country. #duluthartinstitute #lizzardsgallery #zeitgeistduluth #mnhspress #carolynolson “Waiting in Line at the Bakery” pastel on paper 22.5″ x 55.5″ https://carolynolson.net

“Chosen Family” and “Mutual Aid” pastel on paper March 6 – April 24

This is the last pastel in the Mutual Aid series of pastels completed in 2025. It will join the other works at the MacRostie Art Center in Grand Rapids, opening March 6th, 4-7 PM. Exhibition March 6 – April 24.

Mutual aid snow removal connects neighbors needing help (often seniors, disabled, or injured) with volunteers willing to shovel driveways/sidewalks. Some community groups are also available to volunteer their services. These efforts focus on neighborly kindness, ensuring accessibility, and supporting those who can’t afford commercial services or physically manage the task.

Are you looking for a fun holiday card with a cookie on the front, blank inside with white envelopes?? Perfect.
4 1/8″ x 5 7/8″ (blank inside with white envelopes) available. Sold in sets of 25 for $125. Up to 5 different cookies available/set. 2 weeks for delivery (Duluth area)

Select this link to see all the little cookies.

November 4 – January 4, Zeitgeist Atrium Gallery, Duluth, MN. Opening event Wednesday, November 5th, 5-7pm

March 6 – April 24, MacRostie Art Center, Grand Rapids, MN. Opening event March6, 4-7pm

For the last year I have been working on this body of work. The stories of mutual aid and chosen family are important to retell now more than ever. We’re reminded that we aren’t alone, that our families and community need us as much as we need them. We stay connected to the good – reject the chaos. We bring our best to each day and make the world better.

Carolyn Olson is a fiscal year 2025 recipient of a Creative Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund. 

This activity is made possible in part through an Artist Equity Grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to generous support from the McKnight Foundation.

“Pearl’s Garden” is the story of young person wanting to grow a vegetable garden in their urban back yard. With the help of community and family they are able to produce food to share. It is a hopeful story of how to work together and help each other as we can to achieve our goals.

Pre-orders are available through the MNHS Press or through your local book stores.

A collaboration between Zeitgeist and the Duluth Transit Authority working collaboratively to bring public art to bus shelters in support of “National Day Without Driving”. Art wraps will be installed permanently creating an inclusive positive space.

Each shelter depicts a different season with an inclusive group of folks waiting for the bus to arrive. I am thrilled to be a part of this effort. Public art is one of my passions. Making transportation welcoming and available to everyone is who we need to be as a community.

These four drawings will eventually be at 13th Ave E. and Superior St./Duluth transit shelters. Thanks to Zeitgeist and the DTA for the opportunity!

Get ready for the holiday with pepparkakor cookies! Hearts and Emigrants.. Unless you’re Native American we are all emigrants.
Holiday card set available – 25 cards with blank inside and white envelope $100 includes tax and shipping cost. Allow 3-4 weeks for delivery.

(Lois Bersell Olson) Pepparkakor recipe:

1/2 c butter
2/3 c brown sugar
1/3 c honey
1 egg
2 c flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp coriander
1/8 tsp cinnamon

Mix all together. Chill. Roll out to 1/8” thick and cut out with shapes. Bake at 375 degrees F for 5-7 minutes. Makes 4 dozen