Something's Happening Here

(to the tune of) For What It's Worth

Something's happening here
What it is ain't exactly clear
There's a Norshor Theater over there
That it appears will finally be spared
You better stop, people, what's that sound?
Lotta cool art scene comin' 'round.

On the other side of the bridge
That Souptown scene's already got the itch
It start with a meeting or two
Then explodes with public art for me and you
You better stop, people, what's that sound?
Lotta cool art scene comin' round.

The Armory of Duluth is now in view
Restoration is the aim, it is true,
Buddy Holly passed his torch on, they say,
And then Dylan lit the world up night and day...
You better stop, people, what's that sound?
Lotta cool art scene comin' round.

There's a lot happening this week. Here are few items of note.

Icons and Dreams
An art opening at UWS will feature new art and collaborative work by Jeredt Runions and Chelsey Miller. The reception will be Thursday March 8, 2012 from 6-8 pm. Food and Music provided. The exhibit was installed this past weekend in the 3rd Floor Gallery at UW-Superior's Holden Fine Arts Center. Parking is free after 4:30 pm.


Nos. 1-5: New Work By Whitney Sauer
On Friday, March 9th local artist Whitney Saurer will be showing a collection of large oil paintings. Whitney is an artist and illustrator living and working here in Duluth. Here watercolor and oil paintings are inspired by a combination of her Northland upbringing and her odd, innate attraction to Gothic horror. With a mixture of creepiness, comedy, and whimsy, her paintings are entertaining and fun for both children and adults. The opening reception will be Friday evening from 6-10 p.m. at the Ochre Ghost Gallery, 22 North 2nd Avenue East.

Rock Out Autism
Call for Artists. Rock out Autism is looking for artists to show work at their annual benefit concert at Clyde Iron on April 14th, 2012. Last year was a great event with one of Alan Sparhawk's bands taking it to the limit. According to the promoter, "You can help us fight autism with your Art! Photography, Sculpture, Painting... all types of art are welcome."

Deadline for submissions is April 4th. Please submit art to longoverdue at gmail.com with "autism art" in the subject.

Superior Hosts Artists Listening Session
Here's a very progressive idea that I hope continues to spread to other places and spaces. The city of Superior, Wisconsin, is doing a community assessment in order to get a broad overview of the challenges and opportunities here in Douglas County.

Community assessments are nothing new, but what does appear new and significant is the scope of the meetings to include voices from the arts community. The assessment team has invited artists to a meeting at the Superior Library at 3:30 p.m. to give artists an opportunity to let their thoughts be heard.

According to Executive Director Michelle Hostetler, "We invite you to be a part of this exciting process. I am especially excited that you will be represented in the assessment process because of the importance of the arts to economic and community development."

And there's still much more to say about things like The Reader launch party 5-8 p.m. at Tycoons and Caitlin Robertson's new CD If It Takes All Winter and the Duluth Art Institute happenings... and did I mention that Scarlet Rivera will be performing here with Gene LaFond and the Wild Unknown. May 18. Put it on your calendar.

Somethin's happening here, what it is is becoming more clear. Have a great, great day.