COLUMBIA — After a monthslong search, Bluestem Missouri Crafts has found a new owner to carry on its 42-year legacy of Missouri-made art in downtown Columbia.

The current owners, Paula McFarling and Sandy Litecky, have been looking to pass on the local landmark since January.

"It's been an emotional rollercoaster," McFarling said. "There was a time when we were worried. We didn't know what was going to happen."

Bluestem's story began with five women, a love for art, and an idea in 1983.

“We were founded on my side porch on Ingleside Drive in 1983 and have been here ever since in this location," Litecky said. She is the only remaining original owner still involved with the business.

"Most of us knew each other through doing art fairs or helping there," Litecky said. "We wanted to have

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