854 west fifth

As individuals we each look out in our own direction - seeing a slightly different world around us, giving import to different issues, finding strength and beauty in a variety of inspirations, greeting the world in our own special ways.

As a group - a "family"- we look towards the center of things together - recognizing the inherent worth of each other, seeing past the everyday, recognizing and embracing the transcendent.

What follows then, is that we are better able to see the worth of all peoples, to recognize the effect of our actions, and to work for change in a significant manner.

The webpages listed below give voice to the inhabitants of the house at 854 west fifth.
Some of us are artists, some musicians, some historians, some students.
Some of us are all of these. All of us are more than these things...

monta may
artist

wesley miller
sociologist
artist
beekeeper
musician: banjo, dulcimer, keyboards, guitar, hammered dulcimer, psaltery, bulbul tarang, harp

eli hulsing
historian (medieval & ancient)
photographer
student
musician: bass guitar

emerald hulsing
artist
costume designer
student
musician: banjo, violin, keyboards, guitar

robert orlikowski
artist
photographer
musician: pan pipes

House

In the fall of 2003 we (Wes & Monta) purchased a large brick home located at 854 W 5th, in Winona.

The original intent was to live in the upstairs portion of the house and use the majority of the first floor as a gallery/public art space.

What really happened was that our (nearly) adult children came back to live with us while in school. They ended up bringing friends and partners with them.

Now the household is made up of an extended family of creative and energetic individuals flowing in and out of the house. The house is a place where everyone is welcome. Residents come and go, as fortune and fate guide them.