Today we’d like to introduce you to Bonnie Mohr
Hi Bonnie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Meet Bonnie…the woman behind the easel with a paintbrush in hand. I’m also the wife of a dairy farmer, mom of 5 and grandma of 5. I love early mornings, fresh coffee, sweet red wine, everything pumpkin, farm life, winning a good game of Pfeffer, and am passionate about my work! I established Bonnie Mohr Studio in 1985.
If someone would’ve told me that I’d grow up to become an artist someday, I probably would’ve laughed! Becoming an artist was not on the radar for me – or something I set out to become. Though, looking back, I LOVED art and was fascinated by color, design, and paintings as a little person. Don’t ask me why, but I craved to learn more and was drawn to the world of art and the impact I felt it could have.
Growing up on a dairy farm in southern Minnesota, the second oldest of 8 children, I had plenty of opportunities to learn how to work and figure things out for myself. Here, my roots grew and a deep love of Rural America was fostered. After attending college at the U of M – Waseca for Dairy Production & Communications, and migrating through a few jobs, I made the courageous and scary decision to follow my heart and with my supporting husband by my side, I began my career as an artist!
My art journey of 35+ years, has been loaded with an abundance of opportunities, trials, surprises and adventure. My days are varied and vibrant…from herding cows to making salsa, embracing the joys and drills of a good full life and painting it as I go. Life as an artist continues to unfold and I am thankful for this amazing journey.
Today, Bonnie Mohr Studio continues to grow, as does my artwork, producing and selling paintings, print & canvas reproductions and a card line that reflect both inspirational and agricultural art. Our showroom is located on our dairy farm, just 6 miles north of Glencoe, MN and is open to the public Monday through Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
I am thankful that God chose me to be an advocate for all the beauty He put in this world. Through my paintings and verses, I hope that my artwork will touch lives, bring joy and serve others. I feel blessed to use the skills I have been given, to bring celebration and honor to the simple and good things in life. Thank you for sharing in this journey with me. You bring purpose and meaning to my work… you give me incredible joy and a reason to paint!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Filled with a fervent desire to spend my life doing something I loved, and a desire to add something of value and make a difference in the world, the echoing voice in my head kept repeating “I don’t want to wake up someday and think ‘why didn’t I even try?’”. I decided to leave my day job and follow my heart; with a backpack of little knowledge and zero experience for the adventure I was about to embark on, I set out! With no clue of if or how I would make it as an artist, I took a leap of faith, pursued my dream, and Bonnie Mohr Studio was born.
My journey was slow and humbling, but steadfast and exciting! I was a true pioneer of the “learn as you go” method. The first 10 years of my journey took place in our small but sweet white farmhouse, located on our dairy farm just north of Glencoe, Minnesota. In 1997 the showroom gallery and business office was built, just 100 feet from the house, right on our farm – a dream come true!
In 2017 I awoke with a new aspiration: to do a full renovation of Bonnie Mohr Studio. I wanted the look and feel of our showroom to align with my evolving art and growing business; my desire was for a more classic and updated look that would inspire all who came to visit. We expanded the showroom space, added a dream ‘originals gallery’ and created an elevated space that now reflects all that Bonnie Mohr Studio stands for: joyful art and timeless design, in an inspirational and inviting atmosphere. Here, you may browse, enjoy and purchase art prints, canvas giclees, note cards and shop an eclectic splattering of beautiful giftware.
We welcome you to stop by, and large groups as well (be sure to call ahead if you’d like us to put on a pot of coffee)! The studio is open 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Monday through Friday. Of course, be sure to keep an eye on our Events page for open houses and special celebrations! Please make plans to come see us soon! (Bring the kids too, they’ll love seeing the cows and baby calves!)
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I paint in oil and reproduce my art on paper, canvas, and wood. Most of my art is offered in cars, mini prints, litho paper prints, canvas, and wood.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success in a way that emphasizes personal fulfillment, happiness, and meaningful living. “Success is not measured by the position one has in life, but rather by the obstacles they have overcome while trying to succeed.”
My perspective on success often aligns with values of hard work, perseverance, and gratitude, reflecting the themes in my artwork, which celebrate rural farm life, family, and simple joys.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bonniemohr.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonniemohrstudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BonnieMohrStudio
Image Credits
Amanda Sherping – Dreaming Tree Photography – MN
