Twin Ports Art Classes, Tweevenings, Studio 15 and More

One reason some people aren't drawn to art galleries and art shows is that they feel a little intimidated by it all. They aren't sure what to expect, including whether they're expected to like everything they see. (Don't worry, you don't have to like everything, even if the critics are going gaga over it.)

If you're someone who wishes they had a broader background in the arts, there are ways to overcome this lack. One of these is to borrow books from the library. It's free and a relatively endless resource. Another, is to go back to college. For most this is not really practical at all. For this reason the Great Courses company was created. The founder knew that there were a lot of folks like him who wished they'd paid more attention in college, or taken other classes that didn't fit their interests at the time. He assembled series of great lectures in every conceivable discipline to help give the opportunity to continue one's learning when he or she has matured a bit and could appreciate it more.

Here's a link to a whole set of lectures related to the arts, from Art of the Ancient World to How to Look At and Understand Great Art. It's a great way to advance one's learning, and always stimulating.

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I can't recall if I've made many references to art classes over the years but there are actually quite a few opportunities in the Twin Ports to harness your creative energy in productive ways. Art classes are a great way to add new skills to your tool kit. Exposure to new techniques also helps you understand and better appreciate the art that you sometimes see in galleries. Here's a short list for consideration.

The Duluth Art Institute has classes and workshops for folk of all ages. The DAI has been a great resource in our community. Here's a list of current offerings for adults. They also have art classes for youth. In point of fact, I got my start as an "artist" when I was enrolled in classes at the Cleveland Art Institute, which was part of the Cleveland Museum of Art. I was five at the time, and not too young to make some memories that I still carry.

Here are a few other places to look that may not be on your radar.

Studio 15 

Instructor Lydia Walker will be holding a class on Paper Dying and Marbling this coming Saturday, December 6 from 3:00 p.m. till 6:00 p.m.  You'll learn how to dye and marble paper using household products. Studio 15 is located at 15 North 3rd Avenue East. Cool stuff for Christmas can be found there as well.
Cost for the class: $15, materials provided

The Armory Arts & Music Center and Snoodle Ceramic Studio & Gallery - Holiday Celebration 

This event is Saturday December 13 from 2:00 pm. till 8:00 p.m. and it promises to be a lively, family friendly affair. Tonya Borgeson and the AAMC have assembled whole range of events including music, games, art for sale by multiple artists, demonstrations and information on how you can become involved.

Artists include Aurora Baer/ performing music, Tonya Borgeson, Kitty Jacquot, Mike Joens, Ed Newman, Esther Piszczek, Brian Rauvola, Sharon Rogers, Richard Rosvall, Melanie Sternberg, Adam Swanson, Unicornucopia’s Handmade Ornaments, Pierce & Piszczek Fine Pianos & Duluth’s Forging Community of Blacksmiths. At 5:00 illustrator Ian Welshons and I will be signing copies of our new children's book A Remarkable Tale from the Land of Podd.

Location: The Armory Annex 1325 London Road Duluth, MN 55805

A quick plug for Tonya Borgeson. She's been owner of the Snoodle Ceramic Studio & Gallery for many years and a ceramics instructor at Lake Superior College near 15 years. She's very community minded and is worth contacting if you have young ones interested in the arts.

This Afternoon and Tonight at the Tweed
There's a lot happening at the Tweed Museum of Art today. At 2:00 p.m. there's Tea at Tweed with coffee, tea, cookies and music; Docent Training with Alison Aune at 4:00 p.m.; a Senior show opening with Desiree Harper also at 4:00 p.m.; and a Tweevening with Karin Kraemer at 6:30 p.m. Karin will talk about the Art of Majolica.

Get It Local
This Saturday December 6, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. is another place to find creative gifts and items for your home. Get It Local is at Peace Church, 1111 N. 11th Ave. E.  If you're looking to learn how to transform your doodles into art, look for Esther Piszczek and ask about her classes on Zentangle. Sure we like supporting our local artists but why not make art yourself?

Benchmark Tattoo 
For the month of December the art gallery at Benchmark Tattoo will feature the work of a variety of artists who have participated in the previous months since their opening this summer. Friday evening they will be having an opening reception and everyone is welcome. This is the high end of low art, and a very nice space. They're located across from Sara's Table on 8th Street not far from the UMD campus.

Superior Council for the Arts
This just in. Friday the 5th is the annual open reception for Step Up On Broadway Show and Sell, 5:00 till 7:00 p.m. in the North End Arts Gallery. The gallery will be open 11-6 Monday thru Saturday for the duration of the season. (Holiday season, not winter season.)

All right. This is enough for now. Peruse the Transistor, the Reader and the Trib to see what else is happening. There's a lot.

Meantime art goes on all around you. Celebrate it.