Two Loons Gallery and Boutique has Gifts and Decor for All
In April of 2017, Joel and Lori Baird took over an empty storefront and building in the Lincoln Park Craft District for their eclectic Two Loons Gallery and Boutique. “We were looking for a Main Street atmosphere, and this was just what we wanted,” said Joel.
Joel and Lori Baird are owners of Two Loons Gifts and Gallery in the Lincoln Park Craft District.
The building, at 2025 W. Superior Street, is 5,600 square feet, giving Two Loons a large show room area and space for storage in the basement.
“We have a casual and fun atmosphere,” Joel said. “We don’t take ourselves too seriously.”
The Bairds have one part-time employee currently. They plan on working with local universities to bring in paid interns studying business and marketing.
Potpourri of Items
The couple does what they can to seek out locally-made products. No matter the category, a large percentage of the inventory items are from artists, crafts people, authors, and more, from the region. “We carry a wide range of products representing Northern Minnesota,” said Lori.
She added, “Our most popular items are apparel, local art, and glass items. For women’s apparel, we carry items you won’t see in other stores. We have a variety of affordable and casual dresses, tops, blouses, and more.”
Two Loons Gallery and Gifts. Photo submitted.
Items from hundreds of local artists are Two Loons Gallery and Gifts. Photo submitted.
“We don’t shop to see what other stores are carrying,” said Joel. “We watch what our customers are wearing and what they like and that helps us decide what to order.”
Two Loons also offers a variety of high-quality canvas backpacks, sling bags, totes, and purses,
Artworks in the form of painted and framed originals, posters, prints, photography, cards, and more, are displayed throughout the store. Many of the pieces reflect the natural beauty of the Northland and its scenery, animals, and, of course, Lake Superior. Vintage prints are another popular decor item.
Two Loons Gallery and Gifts. Photo submitted.
They stock books from local authors such as Bruce Caswell, Thomas Peacock, Katharine Johnson, and Janet Kay, Whether for mysteries, children’s books, histories, or many other genres, shoppers can find books for gifting or books to add to their own libraries. Two Loons also carries handmade blank journals.
For any occasion, gifts for young and old include board games, cribbage boards, and handmade jewelry—rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
Body care products in various scents for men or women, such as bath sets and luxury soaps are popular, along with items such as facial cleaning sponges. Soy candles are also perfect to enjoy bath-side.
Two Loons Gallery and Gifts. Photo submitted.
For the kitchen, shoppers like Two Loons’ handmade pottery plates, bowls, mugs, and saki cups, and cutting boards, dishcloths, baking utensils, and table linens.
Woodworking objects such as clocks, benches, coffee tables, birdhouses, and cedar-lined benches/chests are gorgeous additions to the shop’s inventory.
Lamps, many of them stained glass, are beautiful ways to provide light and to add vibrant color to a room. Their lanterns are perfect for cabin decor.
Soft goods such as colorful pillows and cozy throws are displayed artfully around the store.
Two Loons also carries seasonal products that are unique and different from other stores. Joel noted, “Our holiday products consist of a wide range of seasonal decor from local artisans: ornaments, jewelry, wall decor, gnomes, winter fused glass art, winter prints, cards, hand-knit hats, scarves, shawls. and sweater mittens,”
Two Loons Gallery and Gifts. Photo submitted.
Two Loons Gallery and Gifts. Photo submitted.
Food items are also big sellers at Two Loons. They carry Laura’s Raw Honey, an unfiltered, unheated honey. Laura’s Honey is available in Buckwheat, Orange Blossom, Wildflower, Infused Vanilla Bean, and Whipped Cinnamon varieties.
Food items are popular at Two Loons Gallery and Gifts. Photo submitted.
Some other favorite food items include barbecue sauces, dry rubs, jams, syrups, mustards, dips, and seasonings. Other Minnesota products such as Mike & Jen’s hot chocolate mix and wild rice are also popular.
Gift certificates are a fun option to allow friends and family to choose exactly what they want.
Meet the Artist Series
Each Saturday from June through November, different artists, authors, photographers, woodworkers, glass artists, candle makers, potters, fabric artists, and more are at Two Loons between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to meet with the public and feature demonstrations and activities.
Joel and Lori have been proud to sponsor over 200 local artists and crafters. They encourage people who are looking for a place to market their products to come in to talk to them.
Lisa Perrin-Kosmo is an award-winning artist who lives along a river in northeast Minnesota near Lake Superior. She said, “I hope my work helps to instill a love for wild areas and all that live in them, from the tiny mouse to the majestic moose.” She was a visiting artist at Two Loons this past June.
In the Light water-based oil on canvas painting. Artist Lisa-Perrin Kosmo
Carlton artist, Sue Brown Chapin, has spent her life in northeastern Minnesota, and her water colors and mixed media pieces are inspired by the North Shore. She will be doing her “Meet the Artist Day” at Two Loons on October 14. “I am looking forward to meeting new people and talking about my artwork.”
Trailside watercolor - By Sue-Brown Chapin
Happy Shoppers
“Every day, people tell us how great our store is, with items you won’t find anywhere else,” said Joel. “We are always looking for high-quality and unique pieces for our customers.”
“I am always glad to see happy people in the shop,” added Lori. “And we enjoy having fun with our customers as we help them find just what they are trying to find for themselves or for just the right gift.”
Call 218-481-7727 or visit their website, Facebook or Instagram pages Many of their items may be ordered online. Two Loons is open Monday-Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm and on Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm.
