Mary Shideler - Kayak Lady - author

2014 Fiscal Year Funding Amount

$6,076

Project of

Arrowhead Library System Legacy Grant SFY 2014 - SFY 2015

Fund Source

Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund

Recipient

Recipient Type

Libraries

Status

Completed

Start Date

September 2014

End Date

September 2014

Activity Type

Education/Outreach/Engagement

Counties Affected

Carlton

Cook

Itasca

Koochiching

Lake

St. Louis

Project Overview

This quest became the basis of a book she wrote—The Kayak Lady: One Woman, One Kayak, 1007 Lakes, and published in 2010. Mary offers a variety of different components to include in the program including two different video-taped shorts, photographs, and dozens of stories, factual information, personal reflections and observations about pursuing a personal goal, wildlife, kayaking, water quality studies and more

Project Details

132 attended

Project Details: 2014 Fiscal Year

Legal Citation / Subdivision

Laws of Minnesota for 2013 Chapter 137, Article 4, Section 2, Subdivision 4

2014 Fiscal Year Funding Amount

$6,076

Other Funds Leveraged

$781

Direct expenses

$6,858

Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

The intended outcome is to inspire attendees to read, express themselves creatively, and or /explore parts of Minnesota.

Measurable Outcome(s)

Surveys were distributed to participants at all programs. 93% strongly agreed that this was an enjoyable experience and that they would attend a similar event. Participants liked the personal reflections, videos, photos, and maps documenting Mary's kayaking trips through Itasca county. Participants learned the importance of marking your trail as you travel through Minnesota wilderness and the practicalities of living a dream. One participant noted they were "inspired to continue my own experiences exploring the outdoors in any way we can."

Source of Additional Funds

The following public libraries provided space, staff, and additional promotion for the programs: Aurora, Buhl, Calumet, Cloquet, Eveleth, Hibbing , International Falls, Marble, Mt. Iron, Nashwauk, Silver bay, Two Harbors, and Virginia libraries and approximately 10 regional newspapers.