Featured Artist
Mike Cherry
Q: What is your favorite piece of work that you have created?
A: The first steam locomotive I created, an oldtime 4-4-0, will always be my favorite.
Q: What are your goals for the future, both artistically and in life?
A: I would like to continue producing well thought-out, complex models that are unique and self-fulfilling. As a runner, I try to live a healthy lifestyle. I hope to retire in a few years and devote more time to my art.
Q: What are you currently working on?
A: I'm currently finishing a very complex road grader that will on display when the new store opens. I plan to start a new model soon and will also be making Christmas ornaments, magic wands, and other smaller items.
Q: Do you have any other interesting hobbies or maybe a fun story about an experience involving your artwork?
A: I love to read, play guitar, snowmobile and waterski. My locomotives have won awards at both the Aitkin County Fair, and the Minnesota State Fair, bringing home the purple ribbon.
Q: What is your strongest memory of your childhood?
A: Fracturing my wrist after falling off a skateboard being pulled down the street by my homemade 'chug'.
Q: What jobs other than being an artist have you done?
A: Maintenance director, technical analyst, painter, carpenter, factory worker, bus mechanic.
Q: What’s the one thing you can’t live without?
A: My wife.
Q: What would people be surprised to learn about you?
A: Most people are surprised to learn how much time and effort I'm willing to spend on my artistic projects.
Q: Do you have any tips or inspiring words for others?
A: Don't give up, especially at the beginning of something new, when it seems impossible.
Q: Where do you gather most of your inspiration for your artwork?
A: From my childhood experiences and memories of fantastical machines that enthralled me.
What is your favorite…
Color: Burnt orange
Pet and/or animal: Dog
Season: Fall
Movie: The Matrix
Board game: Monopoly
Holiday: Christmas
Ice Cream: Vanilla with chocolate sauce!
Q: What are some of your favorite books?
A: Isaac Isamov's Foundation Series, Stephen Donaldson's The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever.
Q: Do you have a favorite recipe you’d like to share?
A: I make a mean bowl of cereal.