Aug. 21, 2024

Lifelong artist Alex Lunstra has turned her hobby into a business.

She launched A.L. Art & Prints, an acrylic painting business, four years ago and will sell her work at Saturday’s 605 Made Night Market.

“I used to work at Wells Fargo. A co-worker noticed me doodling at a meeting once and really liked it,” Lunstra said. “I ended up doing a big painting for him. Then, I made a few more paintings that sold, and it kept rolling from there.”

Lunstra also does guided painting classes, including paint and sips.

“I also work at Sunny’s (Pizzeria) as a manager, and that job ended up dovetailing with my interests,” Lunstra said. “They were some of the first places to let me use their space for paint and sips.”

Lunstra said she has coloring books and other artwork for sale at Zandbroz Variety, Rose & Eugene Presents, Serendipity Studio and Child’s Play Toys.

“A lot of my work is very whimsical, bright, nature-based and abstracted,” Lunstra said. “My latest coloring book is my new big item. I have a spooky one, a Sioux Falls one, pets and a nostalgic summer-themed one.”

Lunstra said she has expanded through private events, teaches a variety of classes and also goes to Mitchell to teach at LifeQuest.

“I also have a couple of new pieces based on Glacier National Park,” Lunstra said. “They’re bright and funky, and I have a fairy with mushrooms and festival-themed piece that will be at 605 Made night.”

Lunstra has started framing prints and will have smaller options available for sale at the 605 Made Night Market, which runs from 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday in the Raven parking lot at Sixth Street and Phillips Avenue. More than three dozen vendors and food trucks will be at the free event, which includes entertainment throughout.

“I also do a monthly email newsletter to keep folks updated on what’s going on,” Lunstra said. “With summer coming to an end, I am gearing back up and will be getting my September classes booked soon.”

Follow the 605 Made Night Market on Facebook here.

605 Made is co-organized by Knotty Gnome Variety & Salvage and SiouxFalls.Business. It’s sponsored by The First National Bank in Sioux Falls and Dakota Business Finance.

To find more of Lunstra’s art, visit her Facbeook page.