Artist Peter Hanson and Amazing Grace co-owner Marcie Stoyke have been friends for over 15 years during their pre-Duluth life in southern Minnesota. Peter has been a cafe aesthetics consultant ever since Marcie and Chip were married, when Marcie became active with the business four years ago. A new counter and sound console are Peter's newest contributions to the cafe. It includes a deck-like floor that he calls the "mini-DECC". It is an area of natural wood at the window with soft overhead lights. It's a great place for someone to work on their laptop or to read the paper and sip coffee. When praised for the attractive new area Peter modestly states that he is happy with the construction, "I'm curious to see how it holds up to the demands of this place."

Peter's home is in rural Blue Earth, Minnesota where his parents still reside. But Peter says he has three homes. During the summer months he lives near Rhodedendron, Oregon where he works as a gardener and lives in a yurt. He considers Duluth a home as well. He sometimes considers settling down where long term relationships can become more solid. It is likely that will happen in Duluth.

People who are familiar with the Grace are familiar with several cafe features that are Peter's creations. A garden nook is framed with trellises and trailing ivy. It is a private comfortable place to study, to meet a special friend or have a one-on-one business meeting over lunch.

The living room area is another favorite of cafe guests. Peter set the area with a wall and a room divider made of driftwood that complements the theme invoked by the large aquarium.

Peter's eyes are constantly trained upon the details of the cafe. He tidies up worn painted areas of the walls and tables, hides the wires for speakers and phone lines and makes sure that merchandise displays are attractive.

One of the unique features of the Grace is the coffee cup painting of the sandwich counter. Peter is often credited with the painting, but he is quick to say that he is only one of the people who contribute to the looks of the place. The painting is a creation of Crystal Meisinger.

Many of the tables are decorated with Peter's themed photo collages. Peter says, "a young pair of friends always choose the World Records table. Each time they discover new odd facts and photos." Other table tops give tribute to women, locals and comics.  A number of the table tops have been worn out and discarded. Peter has ideas for more of these in the future. Some themes he's considering including local maritime history and local history of gays, American Indians and blacks. As he completes the mini-DECC, he ponders his next projects; perhaps improving the garden corner nook or adding a backstage equipment closet, he is not yet sure when or what it will be. Some overhead pipes are being removed. That will be a new look that allows for new developments.