Twin Ports Arts Scene Gears Up for the Holidays

"One thing I have begun to notice around here is that starving artists are not an endangered species."

Last night after hours I was able to attend two events involving art as a nice kick-off to a busy weekend of opportunities for gallery hoppers here in the Twin Ports. Immediately after work I slid over to the Blackwater Lounge where another Enger Tower Calendar Release Party was in progress. Blackwater is a chic establishment with live jazz many nights of the week. Calendar buyers are eligible to win the painting of Enger Tower which was on display again here. The drawing will be January 1. Details at the end of this blog post.

From there I slipped up around the corner to the first of several holiday related art openings this week. This one was called “the amazing Crystal Pelkey and the Ochre Ghost Gallery present their Holiday Art Sale Extravaganza." I got the text message reminder an hour before and was glad I did. Featuring art of Adam Swanson, Crystal Pelkey, Dick Rosvall, Emily Ostos, Jessica Liszewski, Jodi Wittkopf, Mary Bishop and Samantha Goodall… the space was jam-packed with friends of the artists and people who dropped in for a peek. The opening gala last night ran from 6-10 p.m. The gallery, located at 22 North 2nd Avenue East, will be open through December 9.

Friday evening Zeitgeist Arts Café is hosting "An Evening of Art and Awareness" from 7-10 p.m. Also, Friday and Saturday evening the Play Ground is hosting the Avalon Dance Troupe in a show titled Radiance, featuring dance, martial arts and poetry . The show is based on colors and emotions, beginning with black and white, eventually unfolding into a full-spectrum finale. Beforehand the lobby will showcase artwork by John Heino, Melanie Sternberg and Ed Newman.

Then there is the Artist Kamikaze Reunion event which is on display for the duration of December at Jitters on Superior Street downtown. Not to be outdone, Beaners Central, Jason Wussow's primo java joint, is hosting a Unique Art Sale on Saturday featuring Green Blacksmith Demonstrations, Glasswork, Mosaics, Pottery, Textile Flowers, Elegant candles, Jewelry, Photography, Ceramics, Hand-made Soap & Lotion... all from local artists. Plus a "Kids Corner" with games, activities, & wreath making!

On Saturday, December 3 there will be the Annual Holiday Gallery Shop & Stroll. Participating galleries include Blue Lake, Just for the Season, Lizzard’s, Sivertson’s & Waters of Superior, from 11 a.m. till 4 in the afternoon.

Then from 6-8 p.m. you can visit the opening for Gage Salyards’ The World Through My Eyes, a photography opening at the Zeitgeist Arts Building. The show will feature past and present work from all around the Northland, the country and the world. States Salyards in his invitation, “Every day we choose to see the world in our own way. This is the world through my eyes.” This show is sponsored by Zeitgeist Arts, Dubrue and Lizzards.

And let’s not leave off from mentioning next weekend’s event at Goin’ Postal in Superior. Mark your calendar for the evening of the tenth for the December Art Show featuring works by Jeredt Runions, Tara Stone, Andrew Perfetti, Gustave Campanini, myself and perhaps two dozen more, with live music and lots of warm hearts. If you’re seeking stocking stuffer ideas, I will try to bring my Art Cards, Editions and Orginals. 816 Tower Avenue, Superior. 6-9 pm.

As for this weekend’s shows, I half wish I could do everything but there are still weekend chores to do… so we’ll have to see what time permits.


To order your Enger Tower calendar featuring photography of John Heino, please go to http://www.engertowerduluth.com. The link to donate for the tower is on left side of the page. Or locally, visit any of these great businesses: Fitger's Book Store, Happy Space, Douglas County Historical Society, Utopia Salon & Spa, Duluth Playhouse, Thirsty Pagan, Jitters: a Lake Superior Coffee & Tea House, Lake Superior Magazine gift store, Takk for Maten, Evolve Duluth, and Larsmont Cottages.

EdNote: Photos on this page are from the Ochre Ghost.