Artist Spotlight: Betsy Bowen

Betsy Bowen is more than an artist—she is a storyteller of the North Woods, carving the spirit of northern Minnesota into wood, ink, and page. From her home near Grand Marais, Bowen has spent decades creating vibrant woodcuts and books that celebrate the forests, wildlife, seasons, and quiet beauty of Lake Superior’s North Shore. Her work carries a deep sense of place, inviting readers and viewers into a world shaped by curiosity, craftsmanship, and wonder.

Working from a lovingly restored church studio, Bowen has built a life where art and community meet. Her books and prints reflect not only her skill as a woodblock artist, but also her affection for the natural world and the people who share it. Whether she is illustrating the tracks of wild animals, the rhythm of the seasons, or the simple magic of the northern landscape, Bowen’s art feels both timeless and welcoming—like an open door into the heart of the North.  

Betsy has brought wonder to countless young readers through her illustrations that spark curiosity and celebrate the beauty of nature. That’s why we’re especially excited to sprinkle a little Betsy magic throughout Minnesota Lights! You’ll find her work featured at the event, along with a special prize on the show floor at Booth 615, where attendees can get a closer look and experience her art firsthand.  

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To help us get to know Betsy more, we asked her a few questions:

When did you first know you wanted to be an illustrator?

From an early age, I had a strong interest in art. Crayons were my first love. My parents encouraged my art. They even saved, dated, and filed my drawings along with important documents. That made me feel that what I was creating mattered.  

Later in the 1980s, I got the chance to spend a summer on Isle Royale, surrounded by the wild beauty of Lake Superior. While I was there, I illustrated a newsletter, and somewhere along the way I began to find my way toward woodcut art.

I first started illustrating children’s books through a family friend who worked as a children’s book editor. I didn’t exactly map it all out ahead of time—illustration just sort of became my thing. And truth be told, if I had dreamed up a perfect niche for myself, it would have looked a lot like this.

What do you like about woodblock prints?

Woodblock printing is both physical and meditative for me. I love carving into the wood and watching the image slowly emerge, detail by detail. It takes time, patience, and a willingness to work through a process that can be tedious and even a little frustrating at times. Because the image is carved in reverse, there’s always a kind of puzzle to solve—an act of figuring things out, almost like engineering with your hands. I’ve always loved puzzles, and woodblock printing gives me that same satisfaction.

What I also love is the element of surprise. No matter how carefully I plan, there is always some unpredictability in the final print. The grain of the wood, the ink, and the pressure all have a say in how the image turns out. That balance between intention and mystery is part of what keeps the process so engaging. Each print feels handmade, alive, and deeply connected to the materials—and the work itself can feel peaceful, even therapeutic.

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What brought you to Minnesota?

I was first drawn to Grand Marais through my dance teacher. My sister and I took dance lessons from her, and she had a connection to Grand Marais and taught there in the summer. Between the lessons, the recitals, and the family trips, I just got caught up in it all—and in the place itself.

Eventually, my family bought a simple summer getaway there, an old farmstead. What started as a summer getaway became something much deeper for me, and it’s where I still live today.

What is the best part about living in Grand Marais?

I love the sense of community and the closeness to nature. It’s a small town where people really do support one another. I love the flow of those seasons—the beauty of watching the trees grow, change, and settle again. Living near Lake Superior and the surrounding wilderness keeps me grounded and endlessly inspired.

Since our Minnesota Lights event is for librarians, how have libraries impacted your life?

Libraries have always meant a great deal to me. My sisters and I went to the library often as children, and those visits became part of how I first experienced the world through books. I was also very sick as a child with breathing issues, so I spent a lot of time under a tent built over my bed. It felt like I was living in a white world with all my white sheets.  Library books brought color to my world.

As an adult, I still love libraries. I’m excited by books on paper, and I’m so happy to see librarians creating spaces with such a wide range of experiences for people. I love seeing bouncy little kids busy in the library, and I love seeing sullen teenagers line up for a good book—bring it on. Libraries are one of the few places where stories continue to meet readers of every age.

What message of encouragement do you want to share with librarians?

Librarians are stewards of curiosity. The work you do—connecting people with ideas, stories, and knowledge—has a lasting impact, often far beyond what you see day to day. Keep smiling for the kids, because that encouragement matters more than you may ever know. Libraries offer such a powerful range of books and literature, and for some children, librarians may be among the most impactful adults they encounter outside their own families. You help create welcoming spaces for discovery, conversation, and imagination, and that work matters deeply.

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We couldn’t be more excited to feature Betsy Bowen’s art at Minnesota Lights. The first 100 attendees will receive a signed copy of Betsy’s favorite work: Antler, Bear, Canoe: A Northwoods Alphabet Year. This book has been in print for 35 years and perfectly captures the northern woods of Minnesota. We also have several of her original woodcut prints featured as raffle prizes. In our booth 615, one of the top tier locker prizes is a signed hardcopy of Plant a Pocket of Prairie, written by Phyllis Root and illustrated by Betsy.  

We’re honored to share Betsy’s art with PLA attendees. We believe her illustrations bring a little extra magic to the event and leave attendees feeling inspired long after Minnesota Lights is over.

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