the Local Hand Project - Community Supported!
Mercedes Moffett
Carlton County Extension
published September 2, 2025
“OACC is more than just a platform—it’s a real opportunity for farmers and local creatives in Carlton County to grow their businesses and connect with their community. It’s designed to support and promote the work you’re already doing, while helping you reach more people and expand your customer base. Whether you raise beef, grow produce or hay, sell flowers, or offer something totally unique."
Susan Zmyslony
Carlton County Commissioner
published September 3, 2025
“Across the county, folks are stepping up—neighbors, community members, and supporters—ready to highlight what makes your farm and business special. That kind of support can take some of the pressure off when it comes to marketing, advertising, and getting
your name out there. By signing up, you’re creating visibility for your products, services, and operation.”
Alyssa Bloss
Carlton County Soil and Water Conservation District
published September 3, 2025
“I know first hand how well placemaking works. Bringing together creatives, beekeepers, gardeners and food growers to support pollinators has made a huge difference. When we all turn our attention to growing our community together, we will succeed. Join this ‘hive’ of local people who want to live a good life in harmony with this great place."
Mark Thell
4 Quarters Holdings
published September 3, 2025
“Combining creativity together with farming is smart. That’s how we come up with better ways to bring our products to people who want them. One great example is the Lake Superior Harvest Festival put on by the Sustainable Farming Association each fall. Great
ideas will come from OACC’s Local Hands project.”
Heather Bergherr
the Green House - Carlton
published September 3, 2025
“We all have something we are amazing at: whether it’s growing flowers, creating recipes, or raising beef. In my experience, this community, in particular, has shown us an overwhelming amount of support. However, it hits like a punch to the gut when I still have
people come in and say, “I didn’t even know you were here.” Most of us are not social media marketers or salesmen. Communicating our passions can be a struggle. Using Local Hands, OACC leverages the deep creative talent we have here to reach the audiences
we haven’t reached yet."
the Local Hands Project
why do this
Have you ever wanted to know where to locate a blacksmith, a dance instructor, a custom woodworker, or know a little bit about the farmer who grew the vegetables on your table?
The Local Hands Directory will help you and visitors alike discover and support the rich network of agriculture, artistic talent and craftsmanship rooted in our region.
It not only links you to their businesses, it provides a glimpse into the lives of our farmers and artists. And in so doing, we get know and appreciate each other more deeply.
The Local Hands Directory more is than a list; it’s a celebration of place, skill, and sustainability.
what it does
- a directory of local farmers, food producers, artists and creatives
- creating marketing opportunities for our region's agriculture, arts and cultural communities
- increasing local demand for locally produced food and locally created art and crafts
- providing a point-of-contact resource for locals and visitors to our region
- our platform's workspace allows registered users to list themselves - our community provides assistance to those who need it
- The individual farmer or creative community member, on their own, has a difficult time in marketing themselves locally, not to mention the world outside our region. But together, through this central resource and cooperative marketing, we can increase our marketing reach, visibility and sales.
Registration
why register and eligibility
the vision
To register in the website's roster of local creatives, you must be a resident of the Fond du Lac Reservation or Carlton County, or have a deep connection to our region.
Our definition of art and creative passion is broad and inclusive, ranging from fine artists to flower growers and organic vegetable producers, from grass-fed beef farmers to bakers at the farmers market. We welcome all.
Our goal is to harness the collective creativity of our region and channel that energy into a cooperative effort, leading to broader marketing opportunities, the creation of a "maker space" and marketplace—and we are starting here, right now, with our digital presence that will move us forward into the future.
This initiative will also provide opportunities to bring the community together in real-world experiences, where we can share our love for this region and offer exposure for our creative passions.
eligibility
Birthplace, enrollment, residence, or business ownership is in Carlton County or Fond du Lac Reservation and surrounding region.
Creative work is set here or refers to or is inspired by local people and places.
Currently works with Carlton County and Fond du Lac residents on creative projects.
A current Local Hand recommends that the person be included.
its free, simple and quick
The process won't take much time, and once your submission is reviewed, your listing will be posted. We expect this to take just a day or two.
the why
By offering a centralized registry, the program makes it easier for people to find local artists and attend their events. This could include gallery exhibitions, art fairs, workshops, or performances. Access to local art helps demystify creative processes and makes art more approachable for everyone.
1
Photo of you doing
a photo of your hands at work
We kindly request a photo of your hands engaged in your craft—whether you're a baker, farmer, quilter, potter, sculptor, photographer, musician, visual artist, or any other creator. This image will help connect us through the common theme of "local hands" or "our hands" at work. The photo will be featured as the primary image at the top of your listing in our website's registry.
acquire several images
We ask that you submit two images of this nature, though only one is required for display. You may already have suitable images, but if not, please find someone to take several photos of your hands at work. If you practice multiple crafts, try to choose the one that best represents your primary field or category. For example, if you're a writer or author, an image of your hands with a pen on paper or perhaps a computer would be ideal. This image will connect viewers with your work.
usage
The images you submit will be used on this website. As part of the submission process, you will be required to check a box confirming that you are the owner of the images and granting OACC permission to use the images and information you provide.
2
Artist and Work Photo
a selfie / head shot
Your listing will have a picture of you or in the case of a co-owned business - a place for you and your partner's photo. We think a 'head-shot' is best but its entirely up to you.
a featured work photo
Select a photo sample of your work that you wish to feature for your listing with a short description.
usage
We may create a gallery featuring the images submitted by you and others to be displayed on the website in the future. As part of the submission process, you will be required to check a box confirming that you are the owner of the image and granting OACC permission to use the images and information you provide.
3
Statement and Info
statement
Please prepare a brief statement that introduces your work and passion—think of it as a bio for your craft. This should be directed toward website visitors who are unfamiliar with you and should be concise. We’re limiting it to around 500 characters.
info
We ask that you provide the general location of "your hands." The registration form will also include a checkbox list for you to classify your work, helping us create searchable categories that cater to viewers' specific needs and interests. We are putting careful thought into how to best organize our "local hands" for our audience.
contact and online presence
We will provide your "local hand" listing with a link to your website or your primary online platforms and contact information as you see fit.