In the last few years, the introduction of Instagram has not only created an entirely new and innovative platform for artistic expression, but it has helped bring together like-minded photographers and creators as well. Minneapolis-based photographer Rita Farmer is an exceptional example of how social media can transcend beyond the boundaries of a screen. Together with her friend Jill Emmer, Rita co-created @Minnstameets - a hub for building community and fostering creativity through photography. Through @Minnstameets, Rita and Jill have partnered with local organizations like the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, Explore Minnesota Tourism, and the Star Tribune to organize one-of-a-kind photography events.
Entranced by Rita's ability to present striking images that represent the people, places, style, and culture that make the Twin Cities (and greater Minnesota) truly unique, we were thrilled for her to share how she reimagines tradition during her family's annual trip to the North Shore of Lake Superior.
"In 1956, my grandparents began a tradition that my (entire extended) family still cherishes today: a week-long vacation on the North Shore of Lake Superior. And even though my grandparents are no longer with us, every July 4th, three generations of their offspring gather at a tiny family-owned resort (which is a also still a working, one-man, commercial fishing camp) for a week of yard games, card playing, hiking, tons of food, and classic cocktails. Of course the latter two have evolved since the days of my grandparents’ Sloppy Joe dinners and Bloody Marys made with nothing but vodka and tomato juice, but the spirit of the trip - spending time with family and enjoying the great outdoors - remains the same.
"I’ve been hiking the Superior Hiking Trail since I was in diapers. Now we explore this stunning stretch of land with our own kids in backpacks and on our shoulders. My favorite hikes are the ones that go along the many rivers that feed into Lake Superior which offer amazing waterfalls, swimming holes, and bridges at every turn.
"It may sound like an oxymoron, but my family takes recreation very seriously. Whether poker and cribbage inside or yard games out in the field, there is generous level of (mostly healthy) competition to everything we do. It is not uncommon for us to draw up double-elimination brackets for a bag toss tournament or to have epic afternoon-long croquet matches.
"Lake Superior - Minnesota’s very own inland ocean - is quite possibly my favorite place on earth. Perhaps because my time here is so steeped in family tradition, there’s almost something spiritual about the Big Lake. That first deep breath of lake air upon arriving is downright therapeutic. Watching the waves crashing on the shore is nothing short of mesmerizing. And throwing rocks in the icy waters is a perfect way to pass an afternoon. It’s incredibly meaningful to me to be able to pass this tradition along to my own children and watch as they develop their own appreciation for the beauty of this little slice of paradise.
"Even though our North Shore vacation falls during the 4th of July, it is much more about being outside and enjoying nature than it is about fireworks. We can hear the booms of fireworks from towns off in the distance, but our own tributes to America’s birthday are limited sparklers by the lake and chasing fireflies in the field."
