An artistic way to help three small Duluth Businesses

The support keeps rolling in for the three businesses on Superior Street that are going to have their building demolished.

And it’s a partnership between Hucklebeary’s Emily Ekstrom and artist Sam Nielsen that has inspired Sam to create a new way to help the local businesses.

Owner Emily Ekstrom says Sam came prepared saying, "She came into the store she saw me and said ‘Emily I have a plan.’"

Sam Nielsen is offering her talents as an artist by creating a print of the building. Selling it with all the proceeds going to three businesses: Chinese Dragon, Hucklebeary and Old Town Antiques & books.

"This is kind of her thing, she is so talented. She used to teach art full time and she left that to become an artist herself”, says Emily.

Sam has been selling her prints with Hucklebeary for 4 years and we ready to help the business in whatever way she could.

Emily says, "She came with ‘Here’s the artwork. What I’d like to do is give 100% of the profit right back to the three businesses.’”

And with their long partnership Emily says she was surprised at how well she was able to put together a design so fast. "Her prints are amazing I think it’s been great to see her grow as an artist.”

Each print costs $15 dollars and preorder sales end Tuesday the 28th. They also have other ways you can help which are included on their website.

The prints won’t be sold anymore after Tuesday, meaning the designs will be special to everyone who buys them.

For Emily, having the support of her friend Sam makes the stressful situation a little less stressful. She says, "It’s more than just art, it’s true beauty from a person that is very giving and I feel blessed to have her in my life."