Caricature artist creates joy and laughter

If you have attended our annual Family Day Picnic (held in September), you’ve likely noticed one of the most popular attractions are the caricature drawings. People make a beeline to sit for their likeness to be drawn by artist Cindy Berglund.

Cindy and Ryan

Cindy was introduced to Hammer & NER by Ryan, who lives at our Stone Creek apartment program in Plymouth. They first met 20 years ago when Ryan worked at a law firm in Minneapolis. The company hired Cindy to draw caricatures at their holiday party. A few years later, Ryan happened to stop by Cindy’s booth (Caricatures by Cindy) at the Minnesota State Fair, where she has been a vendor for 46 years.

“Ryan is a good customer of mine,” says Cindy. “I have many people who come back every year. Ryan is one of those people. He’s like a super fan. He’ll come up with different ideas for drawings. I’ve sketched him with his nieces and nephews, other family members, even local celebrities. This past year he created an opportunity for me to draw him with KSTP Minnesota Live anchors Megan Newquist and Chris Egert at my booth. Ryan is a good people connector.”

Ryan and Cindy are old friends

In fact, Ryan was excited to connect Cindy with the Hammer & NER community at the Family Day Picnic in 2023. She returned in 2024. “I’ve learned there is a caring and compassionate community supporting some extraordinary individuals and helping their caring families to give them joyful and special experiences,” Cindy says. “In addition to this Picnic, Ryan has shared amazing stories of his travels and experiences that (I believe) are a result of his caring and supportive community. It’s wonderful to hear about his adventures and to know he gets these great opportunities.”

Ryan speaks highly of Cindy and their long friendship. “I think she is very fun and creative and a kind and caring person,” he says. “She’s drawn me about 10 times. She’ll talk to you and ask you questions. She’ll ask what kind of theme and background (you want) and how you want it done and how many people you want in it. I always tell my friends and coworkers to get drawings done by her.”

Because of the popularity of the caricature drawings at the Family Day Picnic, Cindy brings other caricaturists with her to attend to as many guests as possible. “There are a lot of folks who want their caricatures done and we need enough hands on board to make it happen,” Cindy says. “I love getting to create happy moments and artwork that give my guests joy and laughter. I’m so delighted to be included in the Family Day Picnic.”

To learn more about Cindy Berglund, please visit:
http:/www.cindyberglund.com 
http:/www.facebook.com/CindyBerglundPortraitArt