Matthew Johnson is the new director of The Walker Shop for the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, MN. The Walker Shop offers a unique assortment of award-winning contemporary home and office accessories; artisan jewelry; books about multidisciplinary contemporary art, design, and culture; creative toys; and exclusive Walker products. He has been a privately commissioned painter for various clients and was a featured pet portraitist in Boston Magazine’s “Ultimate Guide to Pampering your Pets.” From 2005-2010, he was the Director of risd |works, an innovative hybrid in the form of a retail store, gallery and design showroom that features an annual collection and changing exhibitions of work by Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) renowned alumni and faculty in a variety of media.
In September, my dog Bernie and I moved back home to the Midwest. I actually teared up as I drove through the flatter parts of Ohio. By the time I reached Illinois, the smells made me think of my childhood, my family and all that is dear to me. When I reached Minnesota, I felt I was home. Don’t get me wrong, I loved living on the East Coast for the past ten years. I loved my job, my friends and all of the opportunities given to me while working for RISD. But there’s no place like home and I feel grateful to be back in the Midwest to start my new career at the Walker Art Center. I was honored when asked to be a guest curator for Etsy and immediately knew I wanted to assemble a collection of Minnesotan Etsians.
This stunning Illustration by quantumbill reminds me of my recent journey — bridging my past with my future. The Irene Hixon Whitney Bridge by Siah Armajani is an iconic part of the Minneapolis Sculpture garden, a collaboration between the Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board. I can see the real thing from the front door of my new apartment.
These small tumblers by utilemud are unapologetically simple and honest. They are perfect for all of the hot beverages I’ll need during my first Minnesota winter. Also, I will be happy as a yeti if our winter is as beautiful as Tree Line Study by robergliden.
Repurposing is my favorite form of recycling and this Illinois vintage puzzle pin by MichelleAndHerDog honors my home state. I also love how Maverickjune has referenced one of my favorite phrases on this recycled felt applique pillow.
Reflecting Frida’s private obsessions as boldly as she did, dwitt75’s skill captured my attention at first glance. The Victorian inspired Rabbit Girl and Wolf Boy cuff by uniqueartpendants is similarly bold and beautiful, mixed with a playful nostalgia.
Please allow me to be as straightforward as I can on this print on canvas by Locality: I love typography!
Block Bot by williamdohman makes me very happy. Isn’t it amazing how so much emotion is created from blocks of wood, rope, two blue circles and a blue line? The embroidered pendant necklace by septemberhouse makes me want to make things. It’s intimate, precious, and a keepsake.
I want to thank lilfishstudios for creating this type of artwork. We currently carry these little fungi terrariums in the Walker Shop. Your cabinet of curiosities needs one!
The Golden Bent Ring by willaburk (left) reminds me of my favorite minimalist sculptor, Richard Serra. It’s so architectural that I want to crawl inside. I also love the living jewelry created by AdornJewelry. It looks just like the the grass circles imbedded in the concrete walkways in front of the Walker Art Center.
I am in love with the idea of a souvenir — a keepsake to bring home for the memories associated with it. These mini Polaroid magnets by paintedfishstudio remind me to hold on to the things I love and remember all of the wonderful experiences I’ve had.
120 comments
Colettesboutique said 10 years ago
Wow! so many great picks. I love the wool terrarium... they are just too cute!
CountryChicCottage said 10 years ago
Wow!! What a collection!! Love that terrarium!!
sewnewthings said 10 years ago
That vintage puzzle is DIVINE!!!
CatherinetteRings said 10 years ago
Awesome !
ikabags said 10 years ago
Formidable ! Thanks !
myvintagecrush said 10 years ago
That grass ring is too cool!
TwinkleStarCrafts said 10 years ago
Incredible! Thank you.
Pinkpjs said 10 years ago
The terrarium is fantastic!
BelieveJewelrySupply said 10 years ago
As an Etsy member from Minneapolis myself, I appreciate your article!! You have an amazing job working at the Walker! I love your Etsy picks, very unique!!
VivaGailBeads said 10 years ago
wonderful article! thanks.
SGArtandFashion said 10 years ago
Such interesting picks...and the grass ring is utterly intriguing! Thanks for sharing all!
MargauxStudio said 10 years ago
I loved these features! Great to see someone with such a fantastic eye! bravo all the way!
jesseBYAH said 10 years ago
Give it up for Minnesota! I need to visit the Walker soon. It has been too long. Thanks for this story, makes me proud to be a Minnesotan! Even though it's cold and disgusting out today, lol!
lauraprentice said 10 years ago
Hooray for Minnesota!!! I recently returned home to Minneapolis and am appreciating home all over again. Welcome back! Ooffda, Youbetcha!
NutfieldWeaver said 10 years ago
The Walker is one of many treasures in Minneapolis. Makes me want to go back & visit one of my many former homes. :)
shopdomestica said 10 years ago
This is probably the best curated treasury this year - loved everything for it's simple and thoughtful elegance - great job! Love MN peeps!
AZCreativeStudio said 10 years ago
Beautiful picks!!!
Krystyna81 said 10 years ago
I like your selections and your references to some incredible Artists. I'd love to see the fabulous 2D Art on Etsy celebrated in it's wonderous diversity.
minouette said 10 years ago
Wonderful selection! Several were on my favorites - thanks for introducing the others to me.
yaelfran said 10 years ago
Terrific taste!!!
JulieMeyer said 10 years ago
My husband and I had our first date at the Walker, and we got married next to the big glass fish in the sculpture garden 13 years ago. It was a lovely day and fun to take pics amongst all the great sculptures!
Mclovebuddy said 10 years ago
love this! walker is one of my all time favorite contemporary museums.
Crafterall said 10 years ago
A delicious cut of gorgeous Minnesota work, including many of my own faves: dwitt75, utilemud, and AdornJewelry to name few. Welcome to MN, Matthew!
KettleConfections said 10 years ago
Just checked out the website of the walker shop: http://shop.walkerart.org/ Really like the selection of neat & interesting items there- bookmarking on my browser for future gift purchases!
polkadotmagpie said 10 years ago
Love this Museum! It's where "Birds in Art" is exhibited every year. Great print.
dkalvarez said 10 years ago
so many great and unique ideas in the featured listings.
maggiemaevintage said 10 years ago
wonderful!
rarebeasts said 10 years ago
Looks like a great place. That terrarium is cool.
jamieribisi said 10 years ago
Wonderful picks from a wonderful museum!
VintageValleyGirl said 10 years ago
Great picks from the land of ten thousand lakes and talents!
jewelrybyjackie said 10 years ago
Awesome finds from Matthew! Thanks!
studioku said 10 years ago
I would definitely go check out there when I go to Minneapolis next time!
choisette said 10 years ago
the golden bent ring is almost too gorgeous to wear.
MarvelousMelissa said 10 years ago
As a Duluthian, it is great to see the Minnesota creative community featured on Etsy.
theroyal said 10 years ago
i like the mushrooms and the polaroids, cause they are cute.
Earleyimages said 10 years ago
This is great.
mikelange3 said 10 years ago
very nice form mn like to see the art center when I go fishing in walker next spring
CositasSeriasVintage said 10 years ago
LOVE this article!
CositasSeriasVintage said 10 years ago
LOVE this article!
decembermoondesign said 10 years ago
Mr Johnson..The photo of the Walker building coupled with your impressive resume' had me expecting something different...you totally fooled me. I absolutely love this article Matt..let Bernie know his master rocks!
pickleberries said 10 years ago
Waving from the Bryn Mawr neighborhood on the other side of 394. Welcome to MPLS!
ArgyleSt said 10 years ago
I'm so impressed that Etsy is getting people like this to be part of the Etsy experience. Thanks!
breadandroses2 said 10 years ago
The Midwest is a very cool place to live. Glad you've gotten back to your roots! Congrats.
lilfishstudios said 10 years ago
What an absolute pleasure to be included in your round-up, Matthew. I'm a transplanted Illinoisan myself, but I now proudly call MN my home. (though I was calling it other things with this morning's snow....) Thank you, and the best to you in your new position at the Walker.
hans1247 said 10 years ago
I am an even more proud Walker member and citizen of Minneapolis and Etsy. Great work! Come to Minneapolis, everyone!
ARTLUX said 10 years ago
Thank you for the great article! I receive so much inspiration from the etsy experience...
bionicunicorn said 10 years ago
Hello from South Minneapolis! I'm so excited to see this feature.
CindyLindgren said 10 years ago
The Twin Cities is a living art museum with diverse artisans and a population that supports and appreciates them. There's no place like it.
sacredsuds said 10 years ago
Oh wow! I just relocated to St. Paul in the last year, and I've been dying to get over to the Walker. Now I'm definitely going to have to go! Wonderful article!
fromoutofthecracks said 10 years ago
Fun read, the Twin Cites does support the arts, hello from Minneapolis!
sweetjane said 10 years ago
Great article, everything was picked out with thoughtful meaning behind it. Vey nice.
mydogandi said 10 years ago
I was so proud to see the Walker Art Center there- not only do I live near there, I am a member! So surprised to see it on etsy :) Love this article.
CustomDogBandanas said 10 years ago
Very neat vintage puzzle!
cayennepeppy said 10 years ago
Minnesota has a great artist community!!
ragsbysockmonkey said 10 years ago
MN pride! I don't currently live there but I miss it every day, even when it snows :). Thanks for showcasing all of these lovely MN artists. I know it's not the biggest city ever, but it's a city with a lot of heart and lots of love for the arts. I'll be back soon, Walker Arts Center!
MaryFosterCreative said 10 years ago
Welcome to Minnesota and thank you for this thoughtful article highlighting some of our talented artisans!
gretchenmist said 10 years ago
wow, such gorgeous finds ~ beautiful style :)
paintedfishstudio said 10 years ago
it's a huge honor to have my minneapolis polaroid magnets featured amongst all these great artists!
MysticLily said 10 years ago
I'm a Etsian from Minneapolis! What a nice surprise to find this article and collection from my hometown! Here's a tip - don't miss the 2010 British TV Advertising Awards film - at the Walker from 3 Dec to 2 Jan. It is an annual favorite of mine!
sighfoo said 10 years ago
wonderful picks! i love the tree line study. so quiet and beautiful.
rainydayyarnshop said 10 years ago
Great article. Thanks for highlighting the Walker and some wonderful MN artists!
rockfabricscissors said 10 years ago
Welcome back to MN! Lots of Etsians in MN and western Wisc. And I love listening to the Current 89.3, big mover in up to the minute music.
KMalinka said 10 years ago
Wonderful finds and design!
Steampunkitis said 10 years ago
Very nice.
Jusadreamin said 10 years ago
GREAT thanks for sharing, hope you much sucess
rozzie said 10 years ago
Already have some favourites in here. Thanks for sharing yours.
ReDFindz said 10 years ago
Very nice. Art is a wonderful Freedom
LavenderField said 10 years ago
Fantastic collection, and congratulations on your new career!!
frenchtoastfriday said 10 years ago
Love the canvas print.
Tiques said 10 years ago
What an amazing and very thoughtful collection. My boyfriend and I were able to visit the Walker this past June and it was absolutely stunning. The architecture, work and store were fun, thought provoking and exciting all rolled into one!
pasinwedding said 10 years ago
Gorgeous work
ArcSquare said 10 years ago
Block Bot makes me smile:))). Thanks for this article.
blueroompottery said 10 years ago
I loved the Walker from the moment I moved here almost 16 years ago from Greece. It was a breath of fresh air and reminded me of Europe. Congratulations on your new position, and welcome back home! It's such a nice place to call home!
audreytolove said 10 years ago
very nice. good collection!
redemptionart said 10 years ago
Man alive! Great post, artsy and emotional, I can so identify coming home again, yet treasuring the journey. Love the cuff. Thanks for this tour.
cruz55 said 10 years ago
Hello friends,this is alex.......i m new to this site. ========= Rhinestone Iron
andrea0503 said 10 years ago
WOW! these are some best picks so far!
2007musarra said 10 years ago
Home, it is where the heart is. That's why I never left. Congrats to you and your new post. Thanks so much for sharing the great mix of craftists
puddlecraft said 10 years ago
Beautiful collection of items. Poor Block bot, he looks so sad.
ByronMorrisArt said 10 years ago
You Old Romantic You!
kimmchi said 10 years ago
wow great selections!
ObeliskFiberArts said 10 years ago
What a delightful surprise to see the Walker on Etsy!
PipingHotPapers said 10 years ago
Very cool article!
TulleMeAboutIt said 10 years ago
Great picks! I love the Block Bot.
zaperoco said 10 years ago
the robot is so cute.
DalkullanJewelry said 10 years ago
The necklace with the embroidered flower is so pretty!
thestapeliacompany said 10 years ago
I love these. That Frida piece is really nice.
Mochaware said 10 years ago
Very, very nice collection.
SylviaJanssen said 10 years ago
Great art!
jstephens13 said 10 years ago
You'll soon be swapping the Illinois pin for a MInnesota one. There's nothing like the Twin Cities, possibly the largest small town. I've spent my life trying to leave them behind while always getting sucked back in and further intrigued in the local art culture. Must be something in the water. Thanks for representing the Walker, the first museum to really inspire me! Jen Saint Paul, MN
WilliamDohman said 10 years ago
I sure love me some typography!
mbaune55 said 10 years ago
HOME. Thanks for pointing out all these great MPS pieces. Great gifts, but I want them all for myself!
katrinshine said 10 years ago
Great colection! Love the embroidered pendant! So romantic
rebeccasanchez said 10 years ago
Such cool stuff! Love the Frida!
cholulajewelry said 10 years ago
MN represent! <3 Minne & its artists. Welcome home!
LittleWrenPottery said 10 years ago
Some adorable picks here love the wooden robot. Hope you settle into your new home quickly!
RamshackleStudio said 10 years ago
There is no place quite like the land of 10,000 lakes...and the Walker is one of my favorite things there! LOVE the bridge illustration! Thanks for taking me on a stroll through my home state - I live in Nebraska now, but will always consider myself a Minnesotan. Amber
WalterSilva said 10 years ago
Rhode Island will miss you! Best of luck to you on your new adventures... Great eye and taste!
julessabjewelry said 10 years ago
I love this article... design should have been my major!
bodicegoddess said 10 years ago
Wonderful. I was going to jump on the comments and say that I'd bursting with local pride right now, but I burst even more when I saw all the Etsians from the area who got to the commenting before me! I'm a huge fan of the embroidered pendant - I'll have to keep an eye out for those.
pollysyardart said 10 years ago
very nice, some great ideas!
mishmishmarket said 10 years ago
I just saw painted fish studio magnets in the twin cities and loved them! Great post. and great collection of goodies.
deepfried said 10 years ago
Very cool. Will have to see the Walker one day! That ring is amazing.
odiliafu said 10 years ago
Very nice selection!
maverickjune said 10 years ago
Wow...SO proud to be part of this Minnesota-based collection! Such fun stuff- living jewelry? How fun is that?! Also love that canvas print and Block Bot. Minnesota you never fail to inspire! Best of luck with the new gig Matthew (and Bernie!)!
empressjade said 10 years ago
thoughtful and unconventional choices. thank-you
ohbuckets said 10 years ago
lovely assortment of featured items, Matthew! welcome back to Minnesota!
sbmathieu said 10 years ago
Great job Matt! Good Luck in MN!
recycledwares said 10 years ago
Yeah for MN. You have picked some lovely items. Makes me miss my home up north, Michigan, especially the Tree Line Study.
GalleonGal said 10 years ago
lots of interesting artwork nice article
wynzia said 10 years ago
So fun seeing the works of fellow Minnesotans (come-heres and been-heres...adore you all). Makes me thankful to my mom for taking me to the Walker as a kiddo in the 70's. Such a wonderful place.
charcoaldesigns said 10 years ago
Yay! I was Cleopatra two years ago on my wedding night (Halloween '08) and Liz Taylor was my inspiration then! Luv her!
charcoaldesigns said 10 years ago
oopps commented on the wrong thread. teehee. :]
regansbrain said 10 years ago
yea mpls! I love this city. What a great collection!
robertglieden said 10 years ago
Thank you for your kind words and the mention. Very glad to be a part of this. Upmost appreciation, Robert Glieden
DevineCollectible said 10 years ago
Real nice, totally enjoyable vision for my eyes! Wow peace
arsniccandy said 10 years ago
Me want a cute terrarium!!:)
NaomiBroudo said 10 years ago
I really like the idea of a gallery taking interest in etsy.
agatsijoias said 10 years ago
Living jewelry, how remarkable is that!?!http://www.agatsijoias.etsy.com
KiwiStudioJewelry said 10 years ago
Makes me homesick - thank you for doing this!