Local Art Scene: May Shows and Events in the Twin Ports

They say that April showers bring May flowers, and with the month of May we get much more than that here in the Twin Ports. Though it is drizzling as I etch this in digital ink, the forecast is for more sun today, a welcome guest here in the Northland. Homegrown has been blessed with a very nice week of blue skies and the accompanying good cheer.

The other night I wrote about the opening reception for Karpeles Manuscript Museum Library opening of Bill Pagel's Dylan Memorabilia exhibition. Here's a cool story by Christa Lawler that appeared in yesterday's Duluth News Tribune. Nearly everyone in Duluth has driven by Karpeles at one time or another and most of us probably asked ourselves, "I wonder what's in there?" It is across the street from St. Luke's Hospital and I strongly encourage you to visit sometime. This Dylan exhibition might be just the excuse to check it out.

There's another Dylan themed event running the duration of May over in Superior. Busy Being Born at the Red Mug Coffeehouse features work by Chicago artist Daniel Botkin, a winner of the 2012 Dylan Days Art Competition in Hibbing. Later this month, on Monday, May 23, Botkin will be giving an artist talk during Dylan Fest. Red Mug is located at 916 Hammond Avenue, Superior. (I will be sharing more about Botkin's show soon.)

ARTS EVENTS AROUND TOWN

Beaner's Central hosts the Lincoln Park Middle School Art Opening tonight, May 5, 4-7 p.m.; 324 N. Central Avenue.

Duluth Art Institute's year-long Design Duluth Series, will culminate in a Design Duluth Panel Discussion, Thursday, May 12, 5:30 p.m. at the Depot along with a three day Design DLH Exhibition from May 12-14. This program is FREE and open to the public, but seating is limited. RSVPs are required. To RSVP, email info@duluthartinstitute.org with the session title in the subject line and your name in the email body.

Studio 15, Gena Sophia Triefenbach, Senior MFA Exhibit (UWS), May, 13, 7 p.m., 15 N. 3rd Avenue W. Studio 15 hosts a wide variety of events and Lydia Walker posts them in the Twin Ports Arts Align section of Facebook.

This month through June Zeitgeist Arts Atrium features work by Jonathan Thunder, painter and digital media artist, "Underwater Dreaming Bunnies" with a reception Monday, May 16, 5-7 p.m., 222 E. Superior Street

Benchmark Tattoo & Gallery, Garry Couch's Working Watercraft of Lake Superior - featuring hand built half hulled boat builds; 1831 E. Eighth Street. A surprisingly fascinating exhibition.

A new spot for public local art has appeared, Denfeld Whole Foods Co-op. This month Student Art Show is on display, ending May 25. The new store can be found at 4426 Grand Avenue in West Duluth.

Great Lakes Aquarium Merrill Lynch Fine Arts Gallery, is featuring work by Maury Aaseng, watercolor illustrator, "Saturated Life", 353 Harbor Drive; Show ends May 27; Drawing and Illustration books by Maury Aaseng, et. al.

Zeitgeist Arts Café: Henry Roberts, "Venice Carnival" 222 E. Superior Street; Photography Exhibit. Roberts traveled to Venice, Italy to experience the colorful Carnival pageantry in 2015; this show features photographs depicting his experience of the event. Show runs through May.

Fairs, Music and Film
Spirit of the Lake 5th Annual May Faire Outdoor Festival, Saturday, May 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Peace Church, 1111 North 11th Avenue E., Duluth, FREE! Tickets sold for food and booth activities. Fun family event!

48 Hour Dylan Film Fest Contest, Tuesday May 24, 7 p.m., Zinema @ Zeitgeist Arts, 222 E. Superior Street On May 24th. On Bob Dylan's 75th Birthday this culmination of the 48 Hour Dylan Fest Film Event will take place at the Zinema Theatres. Contestants have 48 Hours to make a music video inspired by a Bob Dylan song. Don't miss this artistic event showcasing local filmmakers. For more information on the contest follow this link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1051631468235299/

Armory Arts & Music Center presents Basement Tapes White Wonder Concert, Saturday, May 28, 7:00-10:30 p.m., Sacred Heart Music Center, 201 W. 4th Street, Duluth; Advance Tickets $30; $35 at the door, click here to purchase tickets online. ( I will be performing again this year, in tandem with Lee "Colorblind" Johnson.)

THE Z'S 

Upcoming Classes with Esther Piszczek, CZT! Zentangle (R) & Wine, Tuesday, May 10, 6-8:30 p.m. at Master Framing Gallery, 1431 London Road. Please let me know if you'd like to join us ($35 for the class + $10 for drawing supplies).

Zentangle (R) Pattern Drawing Saturday, May 14, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.; Vaughn Public Library, 502 W. Main Street, Ashland, WI; Free!, limited to 15 students, call 715-682-7060 to register. Zentangle (R) kits will be available for sale, $10.

Zeitgeist Center for Arts & Community, 2016 Spirit of the Times Fundraiser and Party, Saturday, May 21, 7 p.m., Zeitgeist Arts, 222 E. Superior Street, to purchase tickets ($100): www.zeitgeistarts.com/spiritofthetimes

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