sara walters

For artist Pete Sandker, painting in the Driftless and living in the Driftless are forever intertwined. “The patterns and cycles of nature, the flowers and…

For author and activist Bobbi Rathert, adventure is always on the brain. She’s been a self-proclaimed “wonderer and wanderer” her whole life, traveling all over…

In stores, parks, and restaurants all over the world, little hearts – smaller than the palm of your hand – are spreading positivity. Crocheted with…

Paul Reardon is hard to chase down. If he’s not traveling the world as a mechanic for various bike races, he’s back home in La…

The six owners of the Bridgeview Plaza, Rick and Michelle Beyer, Jim and Karen Christenson, and Todd and Deb Page, had a space to fill…

Patience: We all bloom in our own time. I totally hated the phrase “late bloomer” when I was a kid. I had two cousins – both…

As we wrap up winter, let’s embrace the new season upon us with a refreshed weekend itinerary. Join the area’s artists, farmers, and fest-goers for…

For many years, tattooing was synonymous with masculinity. Tattoos were often associated with the military or prison, and tattoo shops were run by men. But…

Karla Bloem fosters a close-knit community (or should we say parliament?) of owls at the International Owl Center in Houston, Minnesota. And though this small…

It’s late July in the Driftless Region. The air feels thick, the sun feels hot. Temps are holding steady with no reprieve.   Just when you’re…

Shiny new bike day is a happy day.  But sometimes the joy is found in the journey. Restoring a bike – shining up something old…

Like many others, Shaundel Spivey landed in La Crosse to go to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He set forth to earn a Bachelor’s degree…

“The magic of community engaged art is the community engagement,” says Sarah Johnson, owner and operator of The Joy Labs in Winona, Minnesota. “It is…

1. Take in a View There’s nothing quite like nature to leave you both grounded and inspired. Take a hike or a drive to one…

Generally, when people speak fondly of a community, it’s because it’s a place where they feel a sense of belonging. “To me, a community is…

Farming in the Midwest is a deep-rooted tradition. Grounded in a history of agriculture, cultivating the foods that end up on our tables has long…

The Summer/Fall 2020 Inspire(d) is all about finding ways to Keep Showing Up – for yourself, your community, and your world. Inside, you’ll find (so…

The Spring 2019 Inspire(d) is all about planting the seeds of hope for the future! Here’s what you’ll find: Puentes/Bridges • La Crosse Promise •…

The Winter 2018-19 Inspire(d) is all about walking your talk! Here’s what you’ll find: Female Mayors in the Driftless Region • Mentoring in Northeast Iowa,…

The Fall 2018 Inspire(d) is filled with fun ideas for getting out of your comfort zone – we are so excited to share it with…