Upcoming Events in the Local Arts Scene

Now that the cold is beginning to break it seems the inevitable snow will return. Forecast is minimal compared to December's multiple blankets. From our earliest days here in the Northland we're told to dress in layers, and that is what December did, dressing our houses and yards and countrysides with blankets of snow. ''Tis deliciousness to the eyes, though, when the sun sends its arrows of brilliance cascading off all that snow-white purity.

All that to say that whatever the weather we won't be stopped for this week's events.

Friday evening there will be Valentine's Day openings at the PROVE and the Washington Galleries.

My Funny Valentine at the Washington Galleries

When the call went out for this show, they said they were looking for "funny, silly, sappy, quirky, corny, odd, goofy, and peculiar musings on love and romance in the form of visual, written, or fine art for a show opening February 14th entitled "My Funny Valentine." I had a couple pieces I wished to submit but circumstances interfered and I will attend only as a fan of the gallery and spectator.

The theme for this show is inspired by a popular jazz standard written by Rodgers & Hart in 1937 for the musical Babes in Arms: 'My funny valentine/ My sweet comic valentine/ You make me smile with my heart/ Your looks are laughable/ Unphotographable/ Yet you're my favorite work of art . . . '

Babes in Arms happens to be a film about two struggling artists trying to make their way in show biz. Northlander Judy Garland also starred in The Wizard of Oz that same year. Born Frances Gumm, Ms. Garland learned that show biz can be a rough and tumble world whether you're struggling to make it or have it made.

Speaking of show biz, another princess of that same period passed away this week, that li'l darlin' of the silver screen, Miss Shirley Temple. She sang and danced her way into American hearts during a very rough period in our nation, when unemployment numbers hovered around 25%. (Moment of silence, both for Ms. Temple and for hard times.)
Hours: 6-9 p.m.

Quaintrelle at the PRØVE
Quaintrelle (n): A woman who emphasizes a life of passion, expressed through personal style, leisurely pastimes, charm, and cultivation of life's pleasures.

According to their Facebook announcement, From Cleopatra to 'Mrs. Dalloway' to Beyoncé, women have been creating and enjoying the finer things for countless generations. This Valentine's Day, ditch your dates (unless they're cool, then they can come) and celebrate sassy ladies, exciting art, a multimedia project (45 minutes, 7 videos, 5 spoken world pieces, 4 live songs), and poetry readings.

The lineup of artists looks impressive: Justin Edberg and Brittany Kruger, Tonja Sell, Brent W. Kustermann Art, Sarah Riley, Alison Price, Sarita Zaleha, Aphtin Rapp, Tim Byrns, Arte de Moira, Marissa Murdy, Susanna Gaunt, Gena Sophia Triefenbach, and Taylor Berman. There will also be a multimedia project by Kate Harrison and friends. Plus poetry by Alethea Tusher, and, for your enjoyment they're promising a surprise (because everyone likes those on Valentine's Day, right?).

In Other News 
Big "Shout Out" to my daughter Christina whose birthday it is today. Are you really only 25? Seems like you have seen and done so much! Happy Birthday!

Two book signings have been slated for Unremembered Histories, my first volume of short stories. Tuesday March 4 I will be donating two copies of the book to the Superior Public Library and sharing a few words before about things I've learned as a writer and publisher. The afternoon of Sunday March 30 I'll be signing books in Tampa, Florida. Can't make it? Tell your local library to purchase one for your own community and maybe you can read it for free? It's been available on Kindle since 2011, but we learned that most folks still love the feel of a book in hand. I'm personally very pleased with the way the cover feels, and the black text on cream-colored pages looks nice, too.

And finally, the North Country Dylan Fest is just around the corner with its various events both in Hibbing and the Twin Ports. One of these events will be a Dylan-themed art show at the Red Mug (Superior) during the month of May. An official call for art will go out any time soon now. I will keep you posted.

Meantime, art goes on all around you. Get into it.