As both an artist and former art educator, Kari Roslund has long explored the relationship between creativity, community, and place. After relocating to rural central Pennsylvania, she saw an opportunity to align her artistic vision with her lifestyle by launching Kari Roslund Studio & Gallery, a fiber art studio and gallery located in Mount Union, Huntingdon County. Living nearby in Mifflin County, Kari’s work draws deeply from her environment, using tactile materials such as fiber, paper, wood, and wire to create two and three-dimensional pieces that tell stories of the places and people that shape them.  

Despite a clear creative vision, starting a business in a rural area brought new challenges. Having recently returned to Pennsylvania, Kari was unfamiliar with local business regulations and procedures. It was her first time establishing a physical location, and she needed support with zoning, permitting, registration, and identifying credible local resources. 

Through online research, Kari found the Penn State Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and connected with a consultant for guidance. Over the course of a year, the SBDC helped her refine a business plan, navigate zoning and insurance requirements, understand local registration processes, and develop marketing strategies tailored to rural audiences. With the support of the Penn State Entrepreneur Assistance Clinic (EAC), she formally registered her LLC. As Kari prepared to sign her lease, the SBDC also assisted with insurance and grant information, ultimately guiding her to successfully apply for and receive a $2,000 CEAP Grant. Kari Roslund Studio & Gallery officially opened in May 2025. 

Since opening, the studio has introduced a new model of arts engagement in southern Huntingdon County. The space showcases Kari’s contemporary fiber art alongside works from other Pennsylvania and national artists, while also hosting hands-on workshops and community events. The CEAP Grant helped offset startup expenses and launch programming that resonates with both local residents and tourists.
 

Kari continues to work with the SBDC, most recently seeking marketing advice specific to rural outreach. Of consultant Elizabeth Fegert’s support, she shared: 

“You helped me navigate marketing in a challenging setting. I could look online to see the steps from A-Z, but you helped me figure out how to apply those steps to my specific area. You’ve made a huge difference in giving me the confidence to take the next step when I wasn’t sure which way to go.” 

The studio has provided Kari with a professional platform to share her work and teach others, starting with a class for the Pennsylvania Art Education Association on opening day. Today, it serves as a hub for creativity and meaningful dialogue. By offering event space to local groups and celebrating regional artistry, Kari hopes to increase cultural tourism to southern Huntingdon County, a region less traveled compared to its northern counterpart. Thanks to her dedication and the guidance of the Penn State SBDC, Kari is weaving lasting connections between art, entrepreneurship, and community.