“Birch Lake” by Katrina Trent of Chanhassen

I have been doing stained glass for about seven years as a hobby. This is my most recent work, titled "Birch Lake," that was made for a friend who lives in Mound. I sustain my hobby by making windows for friends and family – they just have to repay the costs of materials and equipment wear and tear. I get the joy of creating a unique piece of art.

Sea Gull Beach by Arlene Forbes

Many promises were made to take us to the beach, and many of those promises were kept. The moment I stepped into the backseat of the brown ’55 Pontiac, my toes were already sinking into the brown crystals of the shore.

One more turn on the shiny black asphalt, two more bumps before the crackling sound of gravel and the big sign ahead: “Sea Gull Beach” – “coloreds only.” I remember the first time I asked pop, “What does that sign mean?” and he answered very matter-of-fact, “It means we’re special.”

While visiting my daughter, Raisa Ellingson, in New York, we went to Manhattan one cold, barely 40-degree day. Our pursuit was a lottery drawing at The Marquis Theatre when we passed by a scantily clothed person surrounded by a crowd of spectators. Of course, I did a double-take. My daughter said he was the Naked Cowboy, and soon I could see where he got his name. When he held his guitar in front of his mid-section, it did indeed look like he had nothing on. The highlight of my visit to New York, however, was winning lottery tickets to Broadway musicals twice in two days. Photo by Raisa Ellingson. Information courtesy Lorris Thornton of Shakopee.

"Doll Face Phone" by Jody Brosko

"Some Dame's Phone" by Jody Brosko

"Train Station Phone" by Jody Brosko

I shot a photo spread this summer focusing on tattoos. All these wonderful people from the southwest suburbs allowed me to photograph them. This is my favorite photo from the collection. I love the contrast between the father's tattoos and his daughter's translucent baby skin. Melissa Gilman