Golden Valley Tradition Continues for Another Year

You may not have heard of the artist Kathy Glasnap, but thanks to a Golden Valley-based program, you can see her work on greeting cards being sold across Minnesota. She has a trademark symbol on those cards: Fred, the red cardinal.

"Fred's been in my paintings for a long time now," said Glasnap; who has been painting for more than 40 years. "He's not in all my paintings, but most of the time he's there."

Glasnap's wintry images can only be found on certain cards this time of the year — Courage Cards, which are part of a Golden Valley tradition.

Two words were all that it took in 1958 to start the half-century old tradition: "Thank You." Those words were sent out in letters during the holiday season to individuals and businesses for their contributions toward Courage Center, a non-profit Minnesota-based rehabilitation and resource center.

Thank you letters soon turned into cards, and that's how Courage Cards were born. Artwork comes from artists within the Twin Cities and across the nation, some of whom have disabilities. As long as the artwork is original and matches a Courage Center holiday theme, artists of all ages and abilities can try to get their work featured on Courage Cards. Artists have until next Tuesday, Nov. 30 to submit their entries for next year. 

Lunds was the first local store to sell the cards, followed a couple of years later by Byerly's. Today, stores such as Hy-Vee, Bachman's and Gertens make the cards available to their customers. All these stores have generously agreed to give 100 percent of the proceeds back to Courage Center.

Eventually Courage Cards also became available at Courage Center locations. But simply saying "cards" would be a misnomer. Options for customers now include items such as ornaments, gloves and handbags. People such as Diane McKucik, who has volunteered her time at the Golden Valley Courage Cards and Gift Shop since the store opened more than 17 years ago, have witnessed firsthand just how much the program has grown.

"It [the store] used to be just the cards over there," said McKucik as she pointed to a now empty wall space to the right of the gift shop. "And then we added more and more things."

For the convenience of shoppers who may be confined to wheelchairs, display tables are set at a lower height.

"It's not something most people think about, but it makes the world of a difference" said Courage Cards Retail Manager Ruth Ann Carlson. "We are also trying to focus on selling products from local artists and unique items you can't find anywhere else."

It's because of that fact Courage Center employees are optimistic despite the recent economic downturn.

"Just like everyone else, last year we got less orders and in smaller amounts. But we're hanging on," Courage Cards Production Manager Laura Brooks said. "Courage Cards' goal is to surpass $1 million this holiday season and we are on our way. We have a ways to go, but the big demand for holiday cards will be in the next few weeks."

For directions or more information about the Courage Center, Courage Cards or the Gift Shop visit www.couragecenter.org.