Local Arts Scene: Tonight, This Weekend and the Week Ahead

"Orange Paradise" by John Heino

There's a lot of money changing hands in the global art market right now. Even though profits declined some this past quarter, Sotheby's alone has generated more than a billion dollars in sales this past year. It would be nice to see a trickle down to the local community, but it doesn't work that way.

What does work locally, if you're an artist, is to get out an show your work. Make people aware of what you're doing. That is, if you're doing it for revenue. For many of us, though, selling art is something akin to playing in a bar band. This market has plenty of locations where you can get a gig, but the only way to really make it is to keep your day job.

If you're looking to purchase art, for for walls where you work or in your home, there are a lot of ways to go. One of them is to visit the local art galleries such as Lizzard's downtown (Duluth), SiVi's or Waters of Superior (the latter two being in Canal Park.) Another way is to check out the occasional art fair.

The Park Point Art Fair is held in June. Art in Bayfront Park has become an annual event in August, and it's this weekend the 16th and 17th. It's a beautiful setting and I'm crossing my finger for a beautiful day. I can't recall if you will get nicked for parking, but I do know it draws a lot of artists in a variety of medium, some from a pretty good distance.

Another way to go is to follow a few favorite artists on Facebook or through other social media. John Heino is a local photographer who has a stunning portfolio. Ryan Tischer is another. But there are plenty, many of them affliliated with the Duluth Photography Institute. Tonight at the DPI Hanna Newman (no relation) is hosting a show title Black and White with an Area of Gray. The gallery is located on Superior Street and 4th Avenue East, upper side of the street. 5-7 p.m.

Next Tuesday there are a couple other events to note. Episodes 7 & 8 of the radio soap opera "Twin Ports" (a riff on Twin Peaks) will be performed live at the Belknap Lounge in Superior, at 6 p.m. It's fun, and free.

Also Tuesday, the Prove Gallery will play host to Amy Lynn's book release party. Her Remnants of the Disappeared has been nine years in the making. Time: 7-9 p.m. The author will be giving a reading.

There's plenty of live music around town as well as beaches to stroll along. The Duluth Art Institute always has something going on, and the Tweed will never turn you away.

Meantime, art goes on all around you. Dig it.