Twin Ports Arts Activities for November

Alison Aune piece at 4North

As we approach Thanksgiving, with Halloween in the rearview mirror, we're well aware that Christmas is just around the next bend in the road. That means it's not too early to begin picking up gifts, cards and hand-made wrapping paper as you circulate through local galleries, art shops and events.

Here are a few activities to consider for the month ahead, many of them courtesy Esther Piszczek, our embedded Zentangle (R) evangelist.

Thursday, November 10 is a fairly substantial date on the Duluth Art Institute schedule. From 5-7 there is an opening reception for two significant shows, the 61st Arrowhead Biennial and the 4North exhibition featuring new work by Alison Aune, Kirsten Aune, Ann Klefstad, and Arna Rennan.

Of the Biennial, it's noteworthy that this is the longest running Biennial in the Midwest. It's held every other years and features some of the best artwork coming out of the region. This year's distinguished guest juror is artist Dyani White Hawk. Nearly $2,000 will be awarded in cash prizes at the opening reception. Thirty-three works on display will including an audio installation, prints, paintings, photographs, mixed media installations, a moleskin book, video, weaving, a tunic, colored pencil, and pastel. A full-color catalog will be be available.

You can learn more about the 4North show by reading my interview with Ann Klefstad and then looking at some of the work of Alison Aune.

This same evening from 6-8:30 p.m. there will also be an Expressive Evenings @ The Duluth Art Institute: Zentangle (R) Pattern Drawing with Esther Piszczek, CZT
$35/session ($40 non-member) Share a beer with local artists while creating unique works of art. Guided instruction provides structure for the beginning artist yet room to experiment for the more experienced. All supplies and one beverage included.
EdNote: This event is at the DAI's Lincoln Building in West End.

Saturday, November 12, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Nice Girls of the North 2nd Saturday Marketplace
"Free coffee, cookies, and a friendly atmosphere await while you browse a collection of handcrafted clothing and bags, pottery, jewelry, stained glass, photography, personal care products, baby items and much more. One central checkout, most major credit cards accepted."

Saturday, November 12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, November 13, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Festival of the Trees at the DECC, Lake Superior Ballroom (Ruth Anderson and her beautiful jewelry, along with many other talented artists will be at this fair.)

Thursday, November 17, 6:00 - 8:00pm
Opening reception for UN-TYPING CASTA in the Balcony Gallery, Tweed Museum of Art.

Maria Cristina Tavera is a Latina artist, curator, and activist who lives and works in Minneapolis. Her work is influenced by her transnational upbringing split between Minnesota and Mexico. This installation explores the past concepts of "Casta", a term coined by the Spanish in the 17th and early 18th centuries to refer to people of mixed ethno-racial heritage and the contemporary typological concepts of racial identity in the Latin American diaspora.

The Tweed is always worth visiting, with a truly rich permanent collection. They also have a gift shop where you might find something special for your artsy friends.

Saturday, November 19, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Get Great Stuff Local Art & Gift Fair, Duluth Congregational Church, 3383 E. Superior Street; a Wendy Up North production.

Wednesday, November 30, 6-8:30 p.m.
Topsy Turvy Tangling, Master Framing Gallery, 1431 London Road.
This class is for anyone who has taken at least 4 Zentangle (R) Pattern Drawing classes with Esther. "I will begin by teaching 4 tangle step-outs and one string. Students will then create a tile using the tangles and string, or not. I will demonstrate as a visual aid, only," she stated. Class cost: $35; please bring your supplies, a tile will be provided. Email to register, episzczek at gmail dot com.
Space is limited. RSVP by 11/28 required.