Grand Marais Art Colony moves to buy Ella’s Inn for artist lodging
The Grand Marais Art Colony (GMAC) is adding a new property to its campus. Ruth Pszwaro, the executive director of the organization, told WTIP that they have signed a purchase agreement for Ella’s Inn. She said they expect to close on the property in May 2026.
The GMAC has been based out of Founder’s Hall, formerly St. John’s Catholic Church, on West Third Avenue in Grand Marais since 1963. Over the years the organization has built additional studio space on the property. Ella’s Inn is located immediately next door to Founder’s Hall. Pszwaro said that the house was originally built as a rectory for the church.
For the past several decades the building has operated as an inn. It has six guest rooms and a basement apartment space.
Pszwaro said that the GMAC has long had an interest in Ella’s Inn. When the current owners, Lori and Terry Backlund, decided to sell, Pszwaro said they reached out to explore the options.
The art colony has expanded within the city since 2019, opening Studio 17 and Studio 21 on Highway 61, but this venture would mark a new milestone for the organization. Pszwaro said, “It’s never been an option for us to extend lodging to students, to increase artist lodging options instructors.”
Beyond the option of providing housing for students and instructors, the Pszwaro said that the property was attractive to the Art Colony for more than just the house. “There’s a pretty large green space that’s directly adjacent to our studio building and ceramic studio,” she said. “Some of those future projects may mean expansion or just using that space as an outdoor space.”
A press release from the GMAC specified that those associated with the organization would get priority for renting rooms in the lodging, but there still could be an option for general rentals.
WTIP’s CJ Heithoff spoke with GMAC Executive Director Ruth Pszwaro on North Shore Morning. Listen to the audio of the interview about the plan to purchase Ella’s Inn, and other art colony updates below.
Kirsten Wisniewski December 7, 2025
