Debra Wiitanen is an Iron Range native who grew up on Finnish homesteads in and around Embarrass, MN. Deb is an industrious homesteader, and she is well-versed in a number of homecrafts needed for surviving out on the Range. She also does a number of decorative country arts, like making collages out of natural and found materials. Wiitanen used to be a pioneer re-enactor at a local museum, and currently runs Ethnic Creations, her home shop and studio, where she sells her crafts and also gives lessons. Wiitanen is featured in Sallie Anna Steiner’s book chapter, “‘A Growing Art’: Traditional Arts and Heritage Rediscovery in Northern Minnesota Scandinavian Communities,” in Culture Work: Folklore for the Public Good published by University of Wisconsin Press in 2022.
Fieldwork conducted by Sallie Anna Pisera with support from the Minnesota State Arts Board.