The 2023 Art Along the Lakes Fall Studio Tour is underway and has highlighted many artists around Cook County, including the father and son duo Billy and Barry Larsen. Billy and Barry in the Backyard (as they're known) have supplied local Grand Marais store Joy & Company with many of their rocks and minerals for the last 4-5 years, as well as selling their jewelry in-store. Sentiments from the store about the two include "They mean the world to us", and "they are so much fun."

Billy is a self-taught silversmith of over 20 years, and by learning these skills, has been able to turn his jewelry-making dream into a reality. Not only do these Duluthians spend their free time rock hunting; but they will travel throughout the United States mining and attending rock and mineral shows to bring the community beautiful and unique pieces. 

During this visit, Billy and Barry helped over 40 people design their own pendant or ring at the store, and 100 people came in just to see them. 

According to Rachel Rae Klesser, Joy & Company's General Manager and COO, "They are a huge draw for us at Joy - as all of the days they visit, we pull our biggest sales days of the year. This year we received a micro grant from Visit Cook County which helps us bring them up more often." 

And more often is the plan moving forward.  In previous years, they came to town only once a year during the Grand Marais Art Festival in July, but now they are committed to at least visiting in July and September. Therefore, if you did not catch them this weekend, keep an eye out next summer.