Follow CraftSanity on Twitter
CraftSanity Episode 102: Meet the Beerhorst Family
On this episode you’re going to meet the inspiring Beerhorst family headed up by Rick and Brenda Beerhorst, the artist parents of six creative kids ranging in age from 5 to 17. Rick is an oil panter. Brenda is a fiber artist. And the kids, well, they’re all artistic, too.
The Beerhorsts spend their days making art to sell in a creative house in Grand Rapids, Michigan where Rick and Brenda “unschool” their children, opting to educate them at home and include them in the family art business. The Beerhorsts do most things together as a family including foraging for fruits and berries growing around the city and taking their art and crafts to the weekly art market located a short walk from their home.
The Beerhorsts make their sole income off their art. They traded their car for a dining room table and turned the entire backyard into a small farm complete with chickens.
They don’t compromise when it comes to living off their art. They’re artists. It’s what they do. Tune in to hear how this family lives a rich and authentic life without a TV or 2.5 cars. Their story has the power to challenge and inspire the way you live.
Read my story on the Beerhorst family and my column about Rose and Pearl their friend Rose. Rick also is competing in the $449,000 ArtPrize contest in Grand Rapids. Here’s his project.
Special thanks episode 102 sponsors Rina Ward and MaryAnne LoVerme
Rina Ward of Nostalgems is giving away this cameo pendant kit to 10 lucky CraftSanity listeners! To enter, visit Nostalgems’ Facebook page and add yourself as a fan and leave a comment on what you think about this pendant kit. Rina will randomly choose 10 entrants. Deadline to enter is August 28. Please also check out Nostalgems’ etsy shop and homepage.
For decoupage penny earrings and more, visit the Wabisabi Brooklyn Etsy shop. MaryAnne LoVerme of Wabisabi Brooklyn turns humble elements into elegant jewelry. The current collection combines vintage jewelry, recycled paper, coins and other ephemera in unexpected ways to create true statement pieces.
Review us on iTunes
If you haven’t already, review the show on iTunes to help get the word out about the show.
Support the show!
Buy a CraftSanity T-shirt or button or sponsor an episode.
Taking Names
Who do you want to hear from next? Send your comments, guest and show topic suggestions to jennifer@craftsanity.com
- Download the show (you may need to right-click the link)
- Subscribe to CraftSanity on iTunes
- RSS feed for podcast
Posted: August 15th, 2009 under Podcasts.
Comments: 18
Comments
Comment from Catherine
Time: August 15, 2009, 9:38 am
Wow. I nodded throughout this inspirational podcast and feel a change happening in myself just for hearing the Beerhorst Family’s passion for how they live and what they believe. I feel a real connection and admiration for their thought process and lifestyle. Beautiful!
Comment from Lydia
Time: August 15, 2009, 11:47 pm
Another wonderful podcast. After listening, I have come away with hope and inspiration for my life. I am leaving my “real” job next week, and after listening to the Beerhorst Family’s journey, I am excited and looking forward to the future.
Comment from Tora Consolo
Time: August 16, 2009, 10:45 am
Loved the podcast – so inspirational…..my house needs a colon cleanse.
Comment from claire
Time: August 16, 2009, 8:57 pm
this was a great podcast. inspirational in so many ways, and always funny to find some things are universal – going to buy supplies and not doing the project!
Pingback from The Beerhorst Family « claribell
Time: August 17, 2009, 2:22 pm
[...] on August 18, 2009 by claribell I’m listening to Jennifer’s latest podcast today. Episode 102: Meet the Beerhorst Family. These guys are a family, yep a whole family, of artists. Mum, Dad and 6 kids living off their [...]
Comment from EL
Time: August 18, 2009, 12:23 pm
FYI It’s taking a reeeeeeeeally long time to download.
Comment from Rita
Time: August 19, 2009, 4:07 pm
Amazing podcast. Thanks for sharing the Beerhorst Family’s story. It’s quite inspiring and motivational. Thanks to Brenda and Rick and their children for sharing their wonderful life.
Comment from Michele at A House Called Nut
Time: August 20, 2009, 2:04 am
Thanks so much for this inspiring interview! I’m sure we can all learn from their positive, resourceful approach to life.
Comment from Joseph A.
Time: August 21, 2009, 1:58 pm
They are so resourceful and clever. It’s great to see even in such harsh times, that there are people who are keeping their heads high with a positive outlook
Comment from AllyB
Time: August 23, 2009, 9:48 am
Hey Jennifer! Just finished listening to your interview with the Beerhorst family and wanted to say thank you so much. It was truly an eye and mind opening experience for me. And the personal interview format is definitely your forte. Best podcast I’ve listened to, ever.
Comment from kristen
Time: August 24, 2009, 6:34 pm
i loved this episode, it left me feeling really hopeful and happy. as a crafter and mom and someone who tries to live as simply as possible, i connected with it in a bunch of ways, and it really touched me. probably my favorite episode of c.s. so far. thanks so much!
and, jennifer, congratulations on taking the leap to freelance, and best of luck with everything!
Comment from regina
Time: August 25, 2009, 5:11 pm
Truly amazing and very fascinating interview. I found the Beerhorst’s through flickr a few weeks ago when I was looking for breastfeeding art. As I looked through their photos, I was really amazed by all of the artistic talent. The Beerhorsts are an inspiration is so many different ways. Thanks for this great interview.
Pingback from Friday Distractions « Kirsty Hall
Time: August 28, 2009, 11:07 am
[...] at Craftsanity interviews the Beerhorst Family and discovers how they live a creative lifestyle with very little money. This interview with X got [...]
Comment from L. Reyes
Time: September 9, 2009, 2:24 pm
Wonderful Podcast! but…………maybe I am wrong but who pays when one of the children get really sick and need medical care??? Us???
Comment from T2
Time: September 15, 2009, 7:48 pm
I think I had more reaction to this interview than I’ve had in a long time. I laughed (the whole colon analogy), I whole heartedly agreed (spending the creative energy on shopping, the importance of just jumping in and doing what you dream of) and at times I exclaimed “What!” Thanks for the roller coaster ride.
Pingback from CraftSanity » Beerhorst Family Wonder Wagon ArtPrize Entry Lands On The Bank of The Grand River
Time: September 23, 2009, 10:32 pm
[...] Knitter Sally MelvilleCraftSanity Episode 103: A Conversation with ‘KnitKid,’ Trond AnfinnsenCraftSanity Episode 102: Meet the Beerhorst Family Latest columns in The Grand Rapids PressEnter for a chance to win a clip-on pouchMaking a living [...]
Comment from Megan Zupancic
Time: November 10, 2009, 3:04 pm
Hi Jennifer-
I got this episode as a link, and I’d never listened to your podcast before. I love what you’re doing-thank you for doing it.
Megan
Pingback from A Handmade Life | Social interaction, creative marketing, making dreams happen & craftiness. | Lisa Ashby
Time: December 7, 2009, 10:24 pm
[...] I listened to two CraftSanity episodes regarding urban homesteading, one with the Beerhorst family (which was phenomenal) and one with Jenna Woginrich regarding her new book Made From Scratch: [...]
Write a comment