May Arts Happenings -- Spring in Full Bloom Here in the Twin Ports

Print maker Joel Cooper will be at Red Mug at Friday's opening.

May is always a special month in the Twin Ports with far to much for anyone to humanly do it all. Homegrown Music Festival, now in full swing, opens a month that has Duluth Dylan Fest serving as a back end bookend, quickly followed by the DuSu Film Festival for dessert. In short, May is a month in which a year's worth of planning emerges to surprise us with ever new wonders. And can you believe it, even the Duluth Farmer's Market is opening this Saturday. April showers do bring May flowers.

As much as possible, dates are underlines, hotlinks are bold and in blue. Special shout-out to Esther Piszczek for doing most of the heavy lifting here, pulling most this info together on behalf of our community.

Thursdays through Memorial Day, the doors are open from 6 to 9 p.m. at Oldenburg House for the Magnolia Salon. Last week Woodblind performed. Tonight Tom Rauschenfels will share about print making. Check out and bookmark the new Oldenburg House website.

Friday, May 4, 4:30 p.m.-6 p.m
Joel Cooper Retrospective, Red Mug Coffehouse, 916 Hammond Avenue, Superior
A fine arts screen printer for over 28 years, with a portfolio of over 170 prints. Joel loves the screen print process...it is slow, contemplative and as the final vibrant colors are squeeged and the print comes to life, very exciting. Meet the artist and view his life's work.

Saturday, May 5, 1-3 p.m.
Let There Be Light, Opening Reception for Sue Chapin Brown at Lakeside Gallery, 4431 East Superior Street, Duluth
Chapin is a local watercolorist whose work will be on display through the end of May.

Saturday, May 5, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Art on Tap, Cedar Lounge- Earthrider Brewery, 1615 N. 3rd Street, Superior, WI (at the base of the high bridge)
If you've never been to the new Earthrider Brewery or Cedar Lounge, here's a good excuse to learn where it's located. They are inviting people to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo by exploring art from local makers. Kids craft tent. Music by Kyle Olah. Oasis del Norte food truck will be offering up the taste of Old Mexico.

Sunday, May 6, 3-4 p.m.
Coffee, Cake, and Chamber Music with the Knife River Ringers, Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum, 902 E. 1st Street
This Ensemble has been delighting audiences for years at the Knife River Lutheran Church and brings its chiming beauty to the Museum's magical acoustics.

Sunday, May 6, 7-9 p.m.
Gag Me With A Spoon - A Community Storyshare, Teatro Zuccone, 222 East Superior Street
Adeline Wright hosts this evening of storytelling and open mic journal sharing in the style of the Moth and Mortified podcasts. There will be four featured storytellers: Kate Horvath, Erin Naughton-Garrison, Ellen Vaagen, & Killy Kay and musical guest Sarah Krueger

Members of the audience are also welcome to sign-up on the night for an 8 minute open mic journal-sharing segment. This is an opportunity for anyone to read a journal entry, or other hilarious, serious or heart-wrenching writing from their youth or to simply share a story. Suggested Donation: $5 at the door. For more information contact Adeline Wright at: adelineofduluth@gmail.com.

Mondays, May 7, 14, 21, 28, 5:30 p.m.
Tangling Mondays, Mount Royal Library, 105 Mount Royal Shopping Circle
This group meets in the the old Yarn Harbor space, which was taken over by the library awhile back (on the left when you walk in). It is open to anyone, but primarily focused on pattern drawing. Bring your supplies and something you want to finish or start. No instruction, no fee, no organization. It's wonderful to tangle together, if schedules align, and lovely to tangle alone. If you find yourself alone, no worries, another Monday is right around the corner. Enjoy!

Mondays, May 7, 14, 21, 28, 6-8 p.m.
Duluth Song Circle, Beaner's Central, 324 N. Central Avenue (on Beaner's web site: scroll down to calendar for event listing)
"A free night to sing old-timey folk songs with new and old friends. Start your week off on a good note! Everyone welcome. No training needed!"

Tuesdays, May 8, 15, 22, 29, 12:30-3 p.m.
Open Studio at the Duluth Depot, 506 W. Michigan Street
The Duluth Art Institute offers a regular Tuesday open art-studio session at the Depot. People of all abilities practicing all artistic mediums are invited to bring their own supplies and join the weekly group. Cost: $5 plus a DAI membership (first session is free).

Tuesday, May 8, 5-8 p.m. 

Clare Cooley's cranes. See the whole flock at Karpeles.

Artist Reception, Sentinels of Serenity: 15 Species of Cranes, Paintings & Drawings by Clare Cooley, Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum, 902 E. 1st Street, FB Event Link

Wednesday, May 9, 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Zentangle (R) & Wine, Master Framing Gallery, 1431 London Road
Come experience the fun and relaxation of drawing simple, repetitive line patterns with pen and ink and pencil shading. No previous drawing experience necessary. Class Cost: $35; Supplies: $10 (or use supplies provided without additional cost). RSVP to episzczek@gmail.com. Seats are limited.

Thursday, May 10, 6-9 p.m.
Artist Reception, Querida Presencia: new works by Jonathan Herrera, Duluth Art Institute at the Depot, John Steffl Gallery, 506 W. Michigan Street
"Querida Presencia explores various relationships between collective memory and historical instances of state-sponsored violence and trauma inflicted on politicized bodies. Within a Latin American historical framework, Herrera constructs print-based objects, installations and environments that echo lived experiences of those who are no longer with us." On view through July 1, 2018.

Thursday, May 10, 6-9 p.m. 

Artist Reception, Boreal Ornament: new works by Tara Austin, Duluth Art Institute at the Depot, George Morrison Gallery, 506 W. Michigan Street
"Tara Austin's paintings are inspired by rosemaling, a traditional form of decorative folk art that originated in the rural valleys of Norway. Incorporating techniques from faux painting and reverse painting on glass, Tara hybridizes traditional techniques with a contemporary perspective. These customary processes became a means for developing a personal aesthetic focused on traditions of geometry, harmony, and craftsmanship." On view through July 1, 2018.

Saturday, May 12, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Nice Girls of the North 2nd Saturday Marketplace, Lakeside Lester Park Community Center (the former Lakeside Library), 106 N. 54th Ave. East
"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."

Monday, May 14, RSVP Deadline* for ...

Mondays, June 4-25, 5:30-8 p.m., Zentangle (R) Pattern Drawing, Advanced, Peace Church, 1111 N. 11th Avenue E. This class is open to anyone who has taken Zentangle (R) Pattern Drawing with me in the past. Cost: $75 (includes supplies); Minimum: 5 students; Maximum: 10 students. RSVP* due by Monday, May 14: episzczek@gmail.com *If you'd like to take this class, but are not able to commit by 5/14, please email me!

Wednesday, May 16, 6-8 p.m.
Creative Expression Evening with Janice, Yoga North, 4628 Pitt Street, Suite 208 This two-hour class includes a brief discussion on the creative process, one hour of gentle yoga with guided imagery followed by an inspirational art project to take home. It takes place on the third Wednesday of every month. Class cost: $35

Thursday, May 17, Friday, May 18 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, May 19, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.,
Minnesota Charms Quilt Show 2018, AAD Shrine Auditorium, 5152 Miller Trunk Highway
"Creations Quilt Shop of Duluth, Quilted Dog Quilt Shop of Cloquet and Hingeley Road Quilting of Floodwood present the return of the Minnesota Charms Quilt Show, featuring vendors, speakers, demos, quilts on display and quilts for sale, along with a sewing machine giveaway. For more information contact Melissa at 218-476-3139, Pam at 218-628-1687, or Mary at 218-879-3577."

Friday, May 18, 4-7 p.m.
Kathryn Derbis Artist Reception, Blue Cross/Blue Shield Duluth Retail Center, 425 W. Superior Street, Suite 1060
The exhibition features select works form Kathryn's collection focusing on her time spent in Southeast Alaska, and the landscapes around Juneau, Skagway, and Haines.

Saturday, May 19, 6:30 p.m.-1 a.m.
Spirit of the Times Fundraiser and Party, Zeitgeist Arts, 222 E. Superior Street
"For one night only we shut down the Zeitgeist Arts Building and throw an incredible party to support our nonprofit work. You’ll enjoy delicious food, delightful drinks, live music, improv comedy, unique silent and live auction items, and an unforgettable dance party.

Your attendance directly supports the work of building a connected, creative, thriving community. You can be a part of investing in local artists & independent film, empowering residents to have a voice in their community, and creatively addressing disparities in health, income, access to fresh and healthy food, and transportation." Tickets: $100 [Author note: event included because Zeitgeist has been so very good to me as an artist and to so many others, as well.]

EdNote: Saturday, May 19 is also kickoff for Duluth Dylan Fest with the opening reception of the William Pagel archives at Karpeles in conjunction with the first of two talks as part of the John Bushey Memorial Lecture Series, this one featuring David Pichaske, author of Song of the North Country.

Monday, May 21, 5-7 p.m.

Duluth Dylan Fest Art Show, Zeitgeist Atrium, 222 E. Superior Street
Opening reception for this collaborative art show celebrating the work and music of Bob Dylan. Tom O’Keefe and Friends will perform. The art show will be on display May 20–27. There will be some fabulous new work on display. Theme: Visions of Duluth, featuring early influences on Bob Dylan.

Wednesday, May 23, 5-6 p.m.
Shakespeare's in the Alley, Opening Reception and Artist Talk, The Depot, 506 W. Michigan Street
Duluth Dylan Fest hosts a large text-based art installation by Skye, owner and operator of Bazyli Studio Wearable Art Gallery in Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin, along with an opening reception and artist talk to be followed by Poets of the Northland reading in the Playhouse. This display by artist Skye in the Great Hall is noteworthy and not to be missed.

Wednesday, May 30 through Sunday, June 3
Duluth Superior Film Festival at multiple locations.
The ninth annual Duluth Superior Film Festival runs May 30 to June 3 at venues such as the Zeitgeist Arts Building, Clyde Iron Works and other settings along the shores of Lake Superior. The five days of events include numerous film screenings — some with visiting filmmakers to introduce and discuss their works. The array of supporting events include panels, discussions, parties and live music. The opening reception and film will take place on Wednesday, May 30 at Clyde Iron Works. As the festival nears, details can be found at ds-ff.com.

Art Exhibits

Ends May 18, 2018, Celebrating 20 Years of Music, A Homegrown Illustration Show, Prove Gallery, 21 N. Lake Avenue The 20th Anniversary Homegrown Illustration Show will feature twenty different artist-rendered caricatures, depicting the region’s cultural luminaries dressed as the Homegrown Chicken mascot. The individuals were chosen for being instrumental in the success and growth of the Homegrown Music Festival and overall commitment to the regional arts scene.

May 2018
Leah Yellowbird: Dimensions, Dr. Robert Powless Cultural Center, 212 W. 2nd Street
Leah Yellowbird’s richly rewarding new art exhibition, Dimensions, features artwork that is cross-dimensional, with 3-D painted animal busts, a 9-foot bear sculpture constituted by pom-poms, a collection of black velvet beadwork designs, and a selection of her signature pointillist paintings. The event is free, though there is a suggested $10 donation. For more information contact Moira Villiard at moira.aicho@gmail.com.

May 2018
Sweep, Art Exhibition, Joseph Nease Gallery, 23 W. 1st Street
“Sweep", is the latest work of a group of experienced painters at a high point in their craft, “Sweep” is a regional and national survey of more than 20 contemporary painters: Alison Aune, Kirsten Aune, Robert Bingaman, James Brinsfield, Marcus Cain, Peter Granados, Christopher Harrison, Rachel Hayes, Matthew Kluber, Don Kottmann, Kay Kurt, Adam McCauley, Karen Owsley Nease, Heidi Pollard, Warren Rosser, Eric Sall, Rabbett before Horses Strickland, Jonathan Thunder, Mimi Chen Ting and Leah Yellowbird." Exhibit runs through May 31, 2018.

May 2018
Allen Killian-Moore and Tim White, Joseph Nease Gallery, 23 W. 1st Street "The photography exhibition, showing in Gallery A, represents an emergence of new work by local photographer Tim White after a period of reflection following the completion of several large projects including the NEMBA award winning book and exhibition In and Out of Context.

"In Gallery B, the installation film Permanent State of Exception by Allen Killian-Moore, “captures images of the present, on a medium from the past, in order to contemplate a possible future.” The film is composed of original footage, gathered over a period of four years in Pittsburgh, Minneapolis, Duluth, rural Wisconsin, and along the north shore of Lake Superior." Both exhibits run through June 2, 2018.

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There's much more  to say, but this is a good start. Let's close with a couple posters.

Buy Tickets HERE at Eventbrite

Meantime, art goes on all around you.

Get into it.