Sally grew up in the area, graduated from Chisago Lakes High School and always loved art and design. She earned an A.A.S degree in Commercial Art & Graphic Design at No. Hennepin Jr. College and a B.A. degree in Marketing Communications and Advertising at Metro State University. Sally enjoyed watercolors, outdoor signs, graphic design and business logo design and marketing, through her business BAROTT Communications.
Sally’s quilt square inspiration was from an old quilt at “The Country Charm Mercantile” antique store in Harris, next to the Kaffe Stuga restaurant. It’s red, white and blue, to honor her Swedish relatives who came to the new land, “Amerika”. Sally was a local expert in Swedish History/Heritage Tourism. In 1996, she coordinated the Swedish Immigration Jubilee celebration, bringing 8 cities together for a royal visit from the King & Queen of Sweden. Two members from the Swedish group ABBA brought their Swedish musical “Kristina frän Duvemäla” to the PAC at Chisago Lakes High School as part of the festivities. Sally was honored to spend a day as tour guide for these dignitaries. The following year she launched the Swedish Circle Tour, a self-guided tour brochure and website. Sally operated Country Bed & Breakfast in Shafer, and had guests from all over the world.