We’ve gotten the privilege of getting to work with Dan & Alyssa Sharbono of Couple of Artists from Minot, ND for the past few years! They’ve been involved with the Craft Fests, our Sioux Falls shop, kids camps, and more! Together and with some friends they started 62 Doors gallery in Minot, too. Get to know them better below:
Tell us a bit about yourself (beyond your business:
Dan is from Fairview, MT and Alyssa is from tiny Ray, ND, but we both moved to Minot to attend MSU, which is where we met! Alyssa taught art for 11 years before “retiring” and now we do art stuff together full time. We’ve been married for 15 years and have three dogs, Madeline, Hank and Crash!
Describe your handmade business:
Art is our full time job. We work together as “Couple of Artists” to make a variety of hand-bound journals. Dan is also a painter/assemblage artist and a jack-of-all-trades who makes sculpture, furniture and lamps/lights with found materials, like small kitchen appliances and old power tools. Additionally, we work together as owners/co-managers of 62 Doors Gallery and Studios in downtown Minot.
What is one of your most favorite items you have made?
We recently made a custom journal that was full of hand-picked photographs and mementos. The client was so happy when she saw the finished product that she teared up…it felt wonderful to have a hand in creating that moment of joy.
What are your most essential tools?
Our hands are without question our most essential tools. However, Dan also has a tool collection (obsession!), so we have a plethora of power tools, hand tools, etc. He also really loves to make his own franken-tools to help us out in our various processes.
How has your business evolved over the years since beginning?
Over the years we’ve learned a lot about what works for us and what doesn’t, what we like making and what we don’t, and how to do those things more efficiently. That has allowed us to streamline and enjoy the making process a lot more.
What is a word that best describes you?
Coupleofartists…!
What advice would you have given yourself 5 years ago?
“Don’t let the bastards grind you down.”
Tell us about 62 Doors:
We started 62 Doors Gallery and Studios with a small group of friends in 2005 as a way to foster a sense of creative community that we felt was missing. The walls of our space were created using salvaged doors, which is where the name “62 Doors” originated. We currently have 8 studio spaces, a printmaking/art facilities studio, a gallery, and a common area. We work collaboratively to highlight art and music from local and regional artists with events that are open to the public.
Any super random tidbit about yourselves?!
You can totally fit 2 adult humans and 3 dogs on one couch for a super snuggly nap!
Website/etsy we can find you guys at:
Thank you, Alyssa & Dan, for hanging out with us! Seriously if you are headed to Minot you definitely need to stop by 62 Doors and give them and their artists a high five!