Julie Oliver

04/09/2026

North Oaks Garden Club welcomed artist and author Mary Jo Hoffman to share highlights from her unique career journey—from her work as an aeronautical engineer to her creative evolution in nature-based art. She discussed techniques and insights she has developed while collecting natural objects from walks and on vacations, thoughts about how she makes arrangements, and ultimately photographing striking artistic compositions. Mary Jo published a beautiful book, 'Still: The Art of Noticing', a disciplined approach to observing nature. She is working on her next creations and a future book!

04/02/2026

If someone had told me a dozen years ago that my small business would grow enough to financially support community organizations and events I would have had doubts. I wrote a simple business plan to help me focus on priorities. Two years into becoming a professional freelance photographer, a couple goals rose to the top:
Invest in events that create incredible experiences. Sponsor organizations and activities that build positive awareness of my brand. Give cash from my photography income that aligns with my personal values.
For a decade my business has been productive, busy, rewarding far beyond financial gains and a consistent sponsor. I believed in my abilities to learn and grow while others trusted me to create great pictures.

I wonder what the next decade looks like......

03/18/2026

🥶in Minnesota.

03/17/2026

Kitten of the gorgeous green eyes was like, 'Hiding is my love language. None of you mentioned it's family picture day and it wouldn't matter if you had. Meow, bye.' 😂👀

03/08/2026

YOU ARE INVITED TO: A Conversation with Mary Jo Hoffman, Local Artist and Author of the Acclaimed Book "Still: The Art of Noticing".
Saturday, March 21, 2026.
Advanced Registration Required by Wednesday, March 17.

STILL: The Art of Noticing, presented by Shoreview resident, artist and author Mary Jo Hoffman. STILL is an astonishing culmination of the artist-author’s decade-plus long project to capture beauty, commemorate place, and see the world more fully. Hoffman, who is former aeronautical engineer, took on a daily ritual of photographing found nature. Her book shares a selection of the breathtaking photographs accompanied by perceptive, deeply felt and often times humorous essays.

Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026
Location: North Oaks Golf Club, 54 East Oaks Road, North Oaks
Register by March 17 at nogardenclub.com for either:
Breakfast followed by presentation: 10:00 am to 12:30 pm. Breakfast served from 10:00 to 11:00 (cost $36.00) with three menu options.
Presentation ONLY (Free): 11:00 am to 12:30 pm.

Book sales and signing to follow.
This event is sponsored by the North Oaks Garden Club.

02/19/2026

all heart

02/15/2026

01/05/2026

Without looking it up. Do you know the name of this flower and how tall it can grow?

01/03/2026

This was an enchanting afternoon of education, china table settings and fancy hats thanks to the Mahtomedi and North Oaks Garden Club Planning Committee.

An authentic British High Tea with 'Great Gardens of Britain' presentation by Emmy Award-winning Gail Hudson, Horticulturalist and Author. Ms. Hudson featured photos from several of her top travel destinations:
Sudeley Castle & Gardens
High Grove House
Royal Botanical Gardens; Kew Gardens
Great Dixter House & Gardens
Sissinghurst Castle & Gardens

12/31/2025

Twenty-five moments from thousands of pictures taken in 2025.

I distinctly recall where we were and if it was very cold, warm, gloomy or the last hours of sunlight. I witness other's joy, their shyness and connections to loved ones and community, and their deep love of animals and nature. It's really something to see. So it's not all that easy to narrow down to 25 but it is fun to reflect on the fulfilling year. I hope that you enjoy them too.

www.julieoliverphotography.com

12/16/2025

We walked into magic at Tangletown Holiday Night Market and did not want to leave. Winter woodland charm with local makers, the freshest evergreens and demonstrations, Cinnamon the Cow, fire logs and minimally a million lights!