Local Arts Scene: Makers Make A Mark

At one time photography was not respected as an art form. Then, a group of modernist photographers--Arthur Stieglitz, Paul Strand, Edward Weston and others--showed the possibilities and broke through the wall. A similar thing happened with printmaking around the 1940s and the definition of what was an acceptable art form was broadened yet again. The world has been enriched by these ever widening horizons.

This past week I dropped in on an Open House for Creative Makers and Artisans at the Creative Folk School in Lincoln Park. The place was buzzing with activity and enthusiasm.

When I first heard of the Twin Ports Makers, the word "Maker" in mind was tied to recent discussions and reading I had done pertaining to 3-D printing, technology empowerment and a movement to grass roots tool-making. Last week's Maker even was no such thing. It was people from various creative disciplines who have banded together to show and share their work, from basket-making to quilting, rosemaling to Zentangle. It's the art of functional creation, an aesthetic that seems to permeate our various blended cultures here in the North Country.

One of the groups represented was the Duluth Fiber Handcrafters Guild (DFHG). Formed in 1973, the DFHG is under the wing of the DAI and now consists of 125 members. One benefit of banding together with others is that beginners can get connected to mentors, experts who have learned many lessons about their craft-and-art making the hard way, including the business side.

This particular event was not about selling goods. Rather, it was an invitation to the public to come discover the kinds of makers we have actively creating in our community. The event was sponsored by the Needle Art Guild of Duluth, Northern Lights Machine Quilters Guild, Duluth Fiber Handcrafters Guild, and the Duluth Folk School. According to the DFHG website, "Our mission is to strengthen the creative capacity of our regional community by facilitating and encouraging a robust network of makers, artists, and community supporters."

If your creative urges flow in alternative channels, one of these might be worth checking out. The Northern Printmakers Alliance and the Northern Prints Gallery provide the same kind of opportunities for connection, mentoring, personal nurturing and growth. (Shout-out to Cecilia Lieder.) The potters and ceramicists here in the Twin Ports and up the Shore likewise have a decades long thing going. As do our Lake Superior Writers.

Once you get down to the grass roots, you discover how much more is happening here in the Twin Ports than you might have initially realized. It's worth the extra effort to dig down and check it out. 

Reminders 

Ribbon Cutting @ the new Joseph Nease Gallery tomorrow at 3:30 p.m.
23 West 1st Street

Kathy McTavish's "Chance" Opening Reception at the Tweed, Thursday evening.

The 2017 Goin' Postal Fall Art Show, Friday 6-9 with afterparty at the Top Hat.

"Three States" Opening Reception at the new Joseph Nease Gallery, Saturday 2-5 p.m.

* * * *

So much to see, so little time. 

Will you join us?