Homestead Artisans opens century-old barn to 40 artists

ST. CLOUD — Inside a quaint, secluded barn near County Road 120, you’ll find arts and crafts from nearly 40 artisans.

Husband-and-wife duo Duane and Loyola Gaida started Homestead Artisans inside the century-old barn that was once home to cows and horses. The building, last home to Sauk River Books, contains a little bit of everything from candles and soaps to artwork, embroidery, stationery, woodwork, books and more.

“We knew so many people that were doing stuff, and then they were just kind of selling it themselves on Etsy, eBay, and whatever,” said Duane Gaida. “We thought, well, you can bring some of your stuff to our place, and we’ll just have these pop-up sales.”

The two artisans launched the business in 2023, with a spring sale and a grand opening in September 2023.

Along with the arts and crafts inside the barn, some lucky visitors might be greeted by Pumpkin, the feral orange and white cat who wandered onto the Gaidas’ property two years ago.

Pumpkin makes the occasional appearance on sale days, welcoming the first few guests before slipping away, only to return near the end of the day.

“He comes back around 4:30 (p.m.). I have no idea where he goes,” Loyola Gaida said. Their furry friend has become a familiar face on the business’ social media pages.

Homestead Artisans will have events in September, October, November and December. Artwork from Central Minnesota artisans will be featured, as will demonstrations for those looking to learn a new craft.

“That brings people in,” Loyola Gaida said, adding that she would be demonstrating how to make pressed flower cards at the upcoming fall sale.

Duane Gaida will demonstrate how he creates unique charcuterie boards, a skill he picked up as a carpenter. Duane also creates live-edge furniture using the wood’s natural grain, such as tables and chairs.

“I just kind of try to make it different, not your IKEA stuff, basically,” Duane Gaida said.

The three-day fall festival will be Sept. 13 through 15, and include local art, make-and-takes, daily giveaways, art demos, live music, food trucks, family-friendly games, art projects and more.

Homestead Artisans is at 136 County Road 120 in St. Cloud, next to Sauk River Regional Park. The fall festival is Sept. 13-15. Artists do not have to pay to display their work or goods, but a percentage of sales is given to the Homestead Artisans. For more information, visit

homesteadartisansllc.com.

Friday, Sept. 13

Saturday, Sept. 14

• Food:

  Heavenly Hog,

  10 a.m.-4 p.m. 

• Demos: Audrey from the

  Odd Stitcher,

  hand embroidery, 10 a.m.-noon

• Live music:

  Nate Ness,

  10 a.m.-noon 

• Demos: Jessica from

  Lump of Clay Studios,

  hand-building clay monsters and minis, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 

• Live music: Paul Drinkwine, noon-3 p.m. 
• Demos: Javier from

  The Office Woodcrafts,

  custom engraving with a CNC machine, noon-2 p.m. 

• Demos: Jennifer from

  The LayZee Farmer,

  weaving, 2-4 p.m.

• Demos: Dee from

  Princess and Main,

  rope bowl baking, 2-4 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 15

Trent Abrego is a business reporter for St. Cloud LIVE and can be reached at trent@stcloudlive.com.