Tonight, Tomorrow and Beyond

Essentially, I wanted to mention a few art-related happenings coming up in the Twin Ports tonight, tomorrow and beyond, but with the president giving his acceptance speech this evening in Charlotte, it would not be out of order to make a few comments here about the conventions.

First, though social media was part of the last presidential election, it has really stepped up from back of the stage to near center stage as a player in the election. I was surprised how few television networks carried the Clinton nomination speech, choosing to air NFL football and other programming instead. Only public television carried convention coverage... but you could follow along endlessly on your mobile devices, whatever else you were doing.

Last week, for example, Clint Eastwood received over 16,000 comments a minute (not all positive) during his speech in Tampa. Mitt Romney received over 17,000 comments a minute. I don't know the numbers for former president Clinton yet, but the speech was a stream of one-liners that made for manifold tweets and re-tweets. I'm sure his numbers were superb. Certainly his content hit the mark as regards setting up the Dem response to last week's salvo from the GOP.

But enough of that. There are a couple art events here in Duluth tonight that I hope to see some of you at. If you have a smart phone or iPad with you, I'm sure you can catch as much of the convention as you need to. The tube (do they call TVs that any more since most are flat panel displays) will not be necessary.

Picture Flood Relief 

Tonight at JJ Astor, the restaurant atop the Radisson, 505 W. Superior Street, John Heino and Crystal Taylor are dishing up a feast for the eyes in a Silent Auction to help raise money for flood relief. The retail value of Heino's 30 mounted, matted and framed prints ranges from $150 to $375 each. But real deals are possible, and fifty percent of the proceeds go to the Twin Ports Region Long Term Flood Relief Fund.

Time: 5:00 till 7:00 p.m.


Awesome Autumn Art Show Reception at Beaner's

For artists the waiting list to put work on display at Beaner's is just under a half mile long, but proprietor Jason Wussow knows how to pick 'em and this month's featured artist is painter Aaron Kloss.

Come to Beaner's in Duluth for a evening of art and live music. The show is titled Awesome Autumn. The reception will feature a live jazz band and music from local singer/songwriter Greg Tiburzi. The event is free and best of all they'll have plenty of their irresistible chocolate truffles.

Time: 6:00 till 9:00 p.m.


Ochre Ghost Gallery
Big Iris in a Tiny Room and Pictures from Other People Public Event

Tomorrow night, September 7, Ochre Ghost Gallery will be displaying a 7 foot tall, 300 pound sculpture that they want to cram into our gallery before artist Travis DeVere Stejskal hauls it to Michigan to try and win $100,000. Amy Kozak will be gracing the walls with her cut-ups and collages of found materials, photo heavy. She's got slides and negatives and old magazine photos for days. Since the show will be up only for a couple days, so you will want to be there Friday night to check it all out.

Time: 6:00pm until 10:00pm in CDT


~WUNDERLAND~

Opening Reception Saturday, September 8, 2012

As if all this weren't enough already, the Zeitgeist Arts Café will be hosting an opening reception for WUNDERLAND, a collaborative art show between Erin Sayer (Cult Status Gallery-Cult Sisters) and Eris Vafias (Limbo Gallery).

The show will feature art by Sarah Heimer, Whitney Saurer, Louisa Greenstock, Gina Louise, Erin Sayer, Eris Vafias, Patty Mahnke, Lydia Walker, Kristin Martin and Joanie Tony, female artists from the Twin Cities and the Twin Ports. Saturday night there will be music via Venus DeMars. Though everyone is welcome, to get the most out of this show you're invited to come dressed as your favorite character from Wunderland.

Time: 5:00-8:30pm Saturday

And to think we're only scratching the surface. For more regional happenings, check out today's Wave or this week's Reader Weekly. Will I see you tonight? I hope so. Have a great day.