Sivertson Gallery

Betsy Bowen

Betsy Bowen makes woodblock prints from her studio in a former Grand Marais, Minnesota, Lutheran church. Her art shows us a glimpse of life in the north woods, and her prints illustrate many books for children and adults. Originally from Chicago, Betsy discovered woodcuts as a young art student in Sarasota, Florida. The vigor of wood carving was appealing: “Cutting an image into wood is a commitment…it’s a bold act to cut for hours with sharp tools, making a backwards picture onto a slab of wood—and believe it will be pleasing, or meaningful, when finally printed.” Bowen still lives on the Grand Marais family homestead where she raised her three boys.