by TaLeiza Calloway
news@thenewsleaders.com
As if the smell of fresh flowers is not enough to greet customers at Floral Arts in St. Joseph, there was the added aroma of wood-fire-baked artisan bread luring visitors during a recent open house event at the business.
Floral Arts hosted its first open house with the theme, “Welcome Spring,” as part of an effort to strengthen its marketing and – of course – celebrate the season.
“That’s what this is all about – having fun” said co-owner Elaine Wruck. “We’re trying to reinvent ourselves.”
Part of the reinvention was a merging of the arts and flowers for the event. Artist Maria Peters Bodette painted her latest creations on-site for visitors during the event. It was a clear film she adorned with the favorite flowers of those who shared their preferences with her. With a little water added to the corners, it sticks to just about any window.
The St. Cloud resident admits to painting in person about once a year. She said she is usually painting in her classroom with her students but liked interacting with the customers at the open house.
“I wanted to do this because these girls are so wonderful,” Peters Bodette said of the Floral Arts staff.
Susan Kroska supplied a variety of homemade artisan bread for both sampling and purchase at the open house. Kroska said she is a frequent vendor at the farmers’ market in Sartell but liked how the open house introduced residents not only to Floral Arts but other local businesses and artists.
“It’s nice to support the area businesses,” Kroska said.
St. Joseph resident Rosella Dambowy was glad she stopped in during the event. She nabbed a specialty cake-cookie in the shape of a butterfly before leaving the flower shop.
“I think it’s just great,” Dambowy said of the open house. “I’ve been coming here for years. They are so nice.”
Wruck said she wanted to see how the open house went before possibly planning another. Details of when that will be are still being determined.
Author: TaLeiza Calloway
TaLeiza Calloway is a professional journalist in Central Minnesota. Her byline has appeared in the St. Cloud Times and Central Minnesota Women Magazine. The Ohio native moved to Minnesota about four years ago. She joined the St. Joseph Newsleader staff as a reporter in November 2011.