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Celebrating Creativity!

Discover the Vibrant Artists Shaping Northeast North Dakota’s Cultural Landscape

By Adrienne Montonye

October 22, 2024

Northeastern North Dakota, despite being rural, offers many opportunities for artistic expression and creativity.  The region boasts a thriving community of artists who contribute to the vitality of the region and foster a strong sense of community! Meet Ashley Solem, Misti Koop, Kayla Huber and Toni Pulak!

Ashley Solem

Ashley is a designer and owner of of ASH + OAK. 

“I design and print graphic apparel. I have a small boutique located between Oslo, MN and Ardoch, ND. Hours vary and I am open by appointment.

This started as a side hustle while working in Oslo at Parts City. When they closed two years ago, my business started taking off. I started with doing a few vendor shows, then, I became busy doing a lot of custom work. I was working in a bedroom in our house and it became too small, so we revamped our little shed in our yard and it became my workplace, along with a boutique. This fall, I am also offering a few fun activities while I am open. A spooky trail, touch a tractor, pumpkins and more. 

I love creating, designing things for my customers and I love meeting them all. I am also married to a farmer and help on the farm when I can, driving grain and beet truck, along with staying busy with our three kids, running to sports, etc.”

Misti Koop

Misti is an actress and musician who came home to Northeastern North Dakota after a career as an actress in New York, Tennessee, on a ship, and most recently in the Medora Musical.  She serves as the music teacher at Minto Public School and stays active in the local theater and bands right here in this region. She directs plays for Minto School and brings her youth drama camps to Minto in the summer. She recently released her first album, “Favorites”. Her example of creative expression and love for the arts impacts the students in the community in a big way!

Kayla Huber

Kayla, an artist and muralist. is a mom of six and wife to a teacher serving the North Border – Walhalla community. She graced the community of Cavalier with her creative talent by designing and painting a mural on one of the buildings downtown.  The mural is one of many projects she has completed throughout her career as stay-at-home parent.  Kayla most recently took her talents to the community and offered animal face paintings at the Walhalla Pumpkinfest. 

Toni Pulak

As a creative philanthropist, Toni has kept the Boy and Girl Scouts of America going strong in Minto.  Her enthusiasm for fundraising, and fun spirit give the students in the community a chance to experience service and life! She finds creative ways to engage the kids, and keeps the community involved with acts of service and events that keep the youth involved.  She also keeps the community Thursday night summer cookouts thriving.  The little town of Minto has benefitted greatly from her creativity and her commitment to serving and helping in countless ways.

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About the Author

Adrienne Montonye is a resident of Minto, North Dakota and host of the podcast How to Love North Dakota (When you Hate North Dakota).  She has spent the last five years of her life finding the positives in rural surroundings. Her employment as Communication Manager at the LCMS ND District, studies at the local University of North Dakota, and time volunteering in Northeast North Dakota communities have kept her grounded in rural life.

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