Hope from Soap

The lack of opportunities after high school for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and unhealthy skincare products are two issues close to sammysoap managing member Karen Copeland’s heart. The unexpected solution to both issues was soap.


Art of Glass

Artist Wanda Tyner creates colorful, textural art with glass. Her work, from functional platters and bowls to conversation-piece wall hangings, always evokes Wanda’s love of nature, travel, and music. Follow her journey from art lover to artist.


Her Beaded Art Blooms with Color

Artist and retired teacher Laura Richardson uses fabric and beads to create blooming beautiful 3D art that adds a touch of summertime color to any season. Learn about the women who inspired her to pursue the dream she never let wilt away.


An Artist Who Didn’t Know It

Glass artist Peggy King from Columbia creates many different items. Each is stunning in its own way. Read about her journey into the creation of art from glass and her commitment to Best of Missouri Hands.


The Ozarks Inspire Metal Artist Virginia Fisher

Virginia Fisher, a metalsmith from Bucyrus, Missouri, creates art pieces and jewelry inspired by Missouri’s rivers and flora. Copper is her go-to medium and she transforms the versatile metal into stunning pieces that are useful and beautiful.


Santa Maker’s Magic

Columbia, MO artist Kevin Begley makes the most incredible wooden Santas you have ever seen. Stop my Missouri Life Mercantile in Rocheport to see them in person. You will want to start a family tradition with these noteworthy beards.


The Top Pewtersmiths in Missouri

Nationally known for their craftsmanship, Tom and Pat Hooper at Ste. Genevieve make both historically accurate and contemporary pewter kitchenware and more. Perhaps one of their beautiful and functional pieces will be your family’s next heirloom.


Explore the Space Museum in Bonne Terre

The Bonne Terre Space Museum and Grissom Center opened 20 years ago as a tiny museum with great potential. Two decades later, museum president Earl Mullins and a group of enthusiastic volunteers have worked hard to grow the museum’s collections and inspire the next generation.


A Fresh Take on Roadside Markets

Missouri Life’s inaugural year was 1973. We wrote an article on roadside stands back then and we revisited them again in the September 2023 issue. Roadside stands are seeing a comeback. Find out where these stands are and visit one near you.


Grow Green with pure air native plants

Pure Air Natives has been supplying Missouri and adjacent states with high-quality native seed and plant material for more than 25 years. The Pure Air Natives team has worked with farmers, recreational landowners, developers, architects, engineers, landscape architects, owners and enthusiasts on projects across the Midwest.