Northern Minnesota – Art With A Point

Ely is Open!

July 27, 2026/in AwenInk, Behind the Scenes, Ely MN, Events at Art With a Point, Hey Tattoo Collectors!, MN, Natural World, Northern Minnesota, Scheduling Information, Seasonal/by Beth Backen

Greetings! As many of your know, the last few weeks have been challenging in the Northland. Due to extreme heat, higher than average winds and the resulting extreme dryness, resulting in a series of lightning strikes igniting a series of wildfires across the BWCA and the unprecedented closure of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The great news is the fires are stable and last night our “Ready” for evacuation notice here at the studio was lifted.

The city of Ely is open!

Ely, MN

Ely is a community of small businesses, most of whom rely on revenue from seasonal visitors – with the average highest visitor numbers in July and August – to support business overhead throughout the rest of the year. When the BWCA is closed, many businesses experience canceled bookings, which trickles down rapidly through the community. Outfitters and Lodges have had innumerable cancellations, resulting in no work for guides and staff as well as significantly less business for hotels, restaurants, gift stores, coffee shops, museums, art galleries and more. Ely businesses are reporting a reduction in revenue of 40-90%.

Ely is Open!

If you’re looking for a nice escape from the daily grind consider a roadtrip North! Specific areas of the BWCAW will reopen today 7/27 for Day Permits and barring any new fire activity specific entry points will reopen for Overnight Permits on 7/31. The air quality is excellent, and I’m looking at blue skies, golden sunlight, leaves rustling in the breeze and moderate temperatures as I write this post. Things are much quieter here than typical in late July so if you love the North but don’t love the traffic, wait lines in restaurants, meeting lots of people on the trail or having to plan bookings in advance (hit me up for a hotel discount), this is a fantastic time for a quiet, relaxing getaway!

Please check out this link to local Ely businesses and things to do while you’re here! And keep an eye on IG @artwithapoint for local businesses I’ll be highlighting. Thanks so much for your support! ~Awen

July 23, 2025/in Animals, AwenInk, Black and Gray, Black Ink Tattoo, Celtic, Natural World, Norse Tattoo, Northern Minnesota, Scheduling Information, Viking Art/by Beth Backen

Hello Potential Client!

Thank you for your interest in my work! I know you may have a quick question, or are wondering about pricing and availability – I’ll be able to provide you more accurate and complete information when you fill in the form below. I understand it takes time to complete this form, and it requires time to answer your questions and create your tattoo, so it is worth the effort for all of us.

Please note that I am based in Ely, Minnesota – within Superior National Forest.

I select pieces based on 3 factors that energize Creativity:

Concepts that compliment my artistic style
Ideas that peak my creative interest
The positive energy of the client with an openness to the Creative Process.

I only tattoo my own artwork and creations. I welcome inspiration and ideas, without copying the works of others.

I handle communication personally; due to the number of inquiries received, I’m unable to respond to all requests. If you don’t hear back from me it may be that while your piece indeed peaks my creative interest, devoting the time needed for each tattoo limits the number of new pieces I’m able to commit to each year. Submitting an inquiry does not guarantee a booking or hold a place on a wait list; if you don’t hear back from me please continue your search for the right artist for you. Inquiries are kept on file and I reach out to book new pieces as I complete current pieces in progress.

I work primarily from my private home studio in Ely, MN – a beautiful and easy four hour drive north of the Twin Cities in Superior National Forest. The view from the tattoo chair includes pine, birch and aspen forest, the call of ravens, visiting hummingbirds, snowshoe hare, deer, grouse and occasional fox, bear and other wildlife that cohabitate with us on this land we steward. The timeframe for an appointment with me in Ely is generally 3-6 months. Again, thank you for your interest in my work. Submit a booking inquiry and Read our FAQ’s for more information

~ Awen

Fresh Cover Up!

April 26, 2023/in Black and Gray, Black Ink Tattoo, Cover Ups, Geometric, Geometric Tattoo, Natural World, Northern Minnesota, The Story Behind the Tattoo/by admin

Check out this fresh Cover Up by Awen! Cover ups are one of my favorite styles to work with – from an artistic perspective they’re technical and challenging… and from a heart/mind/spirit perspective, there’s nothing like seeing the smile on a clients face when the feel the freedom of a fresh beginning. Send me an inquiry if you’re interested in a cover up!

Coverup After

Coverup Before

Studio Update

March 18, 2020/in Behind the Scenes, Events at Art With a Point, Hey Tattoo Collectors!, Matt Reiners, Minneapolis, Northern Minnesota, Scheduling Information, Tattoo News, Twin Cities/by admin

In light of recent updates from the MN Department of Health and City of Minneapolis, we’ve made the tough decision to proactively close the studio from 3/17 to 4/5.

Our three priorities are – and will always be – creating fantastic art, stewarding a welcoming environment and prioritizing strict health protocols. This is tough decision for two independent artists – and – we’re committed to prioritizing the health and safety of our community as a whole and to doing our part to slow, and prevent, transmission of the virus.

If you have an appointment during this time and haven’t heard from your artist – check your email.

In the meantime, thank you for your patience, understanding and support during this difficult time. We wish you and your loved ones health and peace of heart and mind.

Awen and Matt

Black Deer Skull and Floral

November 7, 2019/in Black and Gray, Extensive, Floral, Fresh Ink, Minneapolis, Natural World, Northern Minnesota, Textures, Twin Cities/by admin

Had a great time creating this custom bone and floral black line work chestpiece!

Minnesota Tattoo

September 12, 2019/in color, Fan Art, Minneapolis, Natural World, Northern Minnesota, TBT Images, Twin Cities/by admin

TBT! This piece packs a lot of personal meaning for the wearer -and – one aspect resonates with many of us this week as Paisley Park celebrates the 32nd anniversary of its grand opening. Prince was and continues to be a creative and personal inspiration. He created Paisley Park as a place intended for everyone, where the ceiling was painted as the sky to remind us there are no limits. “Paisley Park is in our hearts.”

February 25, 2019/in Animals, Black and Gray, Evolution of a Tattoo, Extensive, Fresh Ink, Geometric, Minneapolis, Natural World, Northern Minnesota, Twin Cities/by admin

Progress on this honeycomb honeybee tribute! Tattoo by Awen.

Ely is Open!

Hello Potential Client!

Fresh Cover Up!

Studio Update

Black Deer Skull and Floral

Minnesota Tattoo

Map and Compass Half Sleeve

Deer and Floral Panel

Rosmaling CoverUp