Twin Ports Arts Scene: August Happenings... Hot Times, Summer in the City

Holy moly, can you believe it? Esther sent me nine pages of Arts Happenings for your August calendars. I'll see what we can get posted today.

But first, let's note the definition of August. The word means respected and impressive. I would suggest that this applies to the Twin Ports Arts Scene. Synonyms include distinguished, respected, eminent, venerable, hallowed, illustrious, prestigious, renowned, celebrated, honored, acclaimed, esteemed, and exalted.

O.K., maybe that's a bit much. Minnesota's bachelor farmers would be staring down at the ground, kicking the dirt, shuffling a bit and scratching their heads wondering why all the fancy talk. "We're just doing our thing."

Well, let's get on with it. No question there's a lot going on. Here's a chronological listing to whet your apps.

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Wednesday, August 1, 7-9 p.m.  Artist Reception: Jamie Harper, Pizza Luce, 11 E. Superior Street
"Artist Jamie Harper of Winona, MN, uses salvaged latex house paint on reused hollow-core interior doors. The exhibit consists of more then 30 large, colorful paintings depicting the scenes and species of the north shore and north woods. Harper has also painted Duluth-based folk/blues musician Charlie Parr’s album cover for Barnswallow." FB Page

Wednesday, August 1, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Rooftop Wednesdays with Sean and Ian Okamoto, Pier B Resort, 800 Railroad Street (FREE)
"Sean and Ian Okamoto are a father/son duo based out of Hayward, Wisconsin, featuring Sean on guitar, Ian on piano, and both on vocals. Sean has been working as a musician for over four decades, and during that time he has been a figure in the music scene in both Indiana and Wisconsin. Ian has been playing piano and singing all his life, and started performing with his dad in the summer of 2012." FB Page [Note from Esther: I've seen them perform and they are super fun to watch and listen to. My husband has been tuning Ian's piano for years. He is super talented and this is a musical duo worth hearing!]

Thursday, August 2, 1-4 p.m., First Thursdays Open Studio, Duluth Art Institute Lincoln Park Building, 2229 W. 2nd Street
"Bring your supplies and artistic spirit to the beautiful and inspiring historic Lincoln Building. Connect with other creative people, spending time experimenting with your medium of choice. Each session will include time to create and optional end-of-session group critiques." $5/session + DAI Membership, no registration required, just drop in.

Friday, August 3, 3-10 p.m., Saturday, August 4, 3-10 p.m., Honey Bee Folk Festival, Oldenburg House, 604 Chestnut Avenue, Carlton The inaugural two-day Honeybee Folk Festival will feature music by Northern Shoveler, Gossamer Strings, Lowland Lakers, Black River Revue and more, along with information and pollinator-friendly activities, including: poetry, stories, and artists/potters who feature bees in their work. Admission: One Day Pass $20; Two Day Pass $30.

Friday, August 3, 8:45 p.m., Greater Downtown Council's Movies in the Park: Wonder (PG), Leif Erikson Park

Saturday, August 4, 1:00-3:00 p.m., Linda Naughton's Poppies at Lakeside Gallery, 4431 East Superior Street in Lakeside.

Mondays, August 6, 613, 20, 27, 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!

Tuesdays, August 7, 14, 21, 28, 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, August 7, 3-5 p.m., Crafternoons for Adults, Green Room, Duluth Public Library, 520 W. Superior Street
The past six months I've been visiting the library more than ever, and there seems to be more going on than you can imagine. Esther sent this note about the 7th: "Join us for a variety of creative projects including coloring, dot-to-dot, painting, Zentangle (R) squares, and card making. Fun and relaxing. We have something for every adult to enjoy! No registration or experience necessary."

Thursday, August 9, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, August 10, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, August 11, 10 a.m.-7:15 p.m. Sunday, August 12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m, Lake Superior Chainsaw Sculpture Championship, Barkers Island, 15 Marina Drive, Superior, WI
[EdNote: web site not yet updated for 2018 as of this posting, but schedule of events is likely similar to 2017 event]
"Chainsaw artists from around the world turn simple logs into stunning works of wildlife themed art. Master and guest carvers compete each day in “quick carve” events. The sculptures will be on the auction block at the end of the day’s competition on both Friday and Saturday evening. The four-day event ends with an official judging of the wildlife themed sculptures created by master carvers over the course of the Lake Superior Chainsaw Sculpture Championship. Those works will be available to the highest bidder at Sunday’s auction following the award presentations." FB Page; Perfect Duluth Day Calendar Event Listing
Admission: One Day Pass: $7; Four Day Pass: $12; Kids 12 and under free with ticketed adult.

Thursday, August 9, 5-9 p.m., Artist Reception: Clare Cooley's Warblers & Wildflowers,
The Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum, 902 E. 1st Street "Cooley’s 26 unique pieces each depict a different species of regional bird and bloom. The exhibit runs from August 10 until October 1. Open hours: Tue.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m." FB Page

Thursday, August 9, 5:30-8 p.m., Art on the Planet, 1413 Tower Avenue "It's okay if you've never painted anything but your walls, there's no experience necessary and fun is our only requirement! Your $30.00 registration fee includes: Class lessons with step by step instructions and pointers, furnished canvas, panel, or pallet, easels, paint, clean-up supplies, and refreshments. Please wear your "painting" clothing...because accidents happen! (Must be 21 to register)
        Stop in to Art on the Planet to make your reservation or visit the "shop" page (here: https://www.facebook.com/artontheplanet/shop/ ) to register for this fun night! Or call: (715) 969-8213 for more information.

Papercut tiger by Ellen Sandbeck.

Friday, August 10, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Artist Reception: Ellen Sandbeck and Moira Villard: Endangered: Lives & Ways of Living, Dr. Robert Powless Cultural Center, AICHO, 212 W. Second Street
"Papercut artist Ellen Sandbeck and painter Moira Villiard’s art exhibit explores the human impact on the environment through two lenses: on one side of the gallery, endangered species line the wall in the form of intricate paper-cut images illuminating a broad spectrum of vulnerable biodiversity, while on the other side, illustrations depicting the history of wild ricing delve into what’s at stake for a way of life in the face of sulfide mining."
On View through August 31. Admission: FREE - $10 suggested donation at the door

Friday, August 10, 8:35 p.m., Greater Downtown Council's Movies in the Park: Footloose (PG 13), Leif Erikson Park

Saturday, August 11, 10 a.m., Duluth Youth Creative Challenge Reception, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Retail Center, 425 W. Superior Street, #1060
DYCC participants will be submitting a unique piece of art within one of the six themes: Fairy Tales, Great Outdoors, Heroes, Out of Place, Being Healthy, and Through a Window. Cash prizes. Top picks will be displayed August 6th-31st.

Saturday, August 11, 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."

Sunday, August 12, 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 featured storytellers and a musical guest. Member of the audience are also welcome to sign-up on the night for an 8 minute open mic journal-sharing segment. Suggested Donation: $5 at the door. [EdNote: Esther P. will be a featured teller at this event]

Tuesday, August 14, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Loon Summer Sparkler, Northland Country Club, 3901 E. Superior Street 5:30 p.m. - Burgers, brats and beverages available for purchase 7 p.m. - Concert featuring the Twin Ports Tenors: William Bastian, Marcus McConico, Calland Metts, John Pierce; Beth Sobszak, piano

Lyric Opera of the North’s annual summer fundraising event features the Twin Ports Tenors and a raffle to bring opera to elementary school students. The event will take place rain or shine. Tickets: $25 general admission purchased on line or by phone, 218-464-0922.

Tuesday, August 14, 6 p.m., Film: From the Top: A Choice Unlimited Class Presentation, Zinema 2, Zeitgeist Arts, 222 E. Superior Street "A grant from Arrowhead Regional Arts Council made it possible to offer a short video/film class that began this past fall. Students from Choice Unlimited ARTS Program contributed to the writing, acting, directing and editing of original short films." FREE

Thursday, August 16, 2:30-4 p.m., Crafternoons for Kids, Blue Room, Mount Royal Branch Library, 105 Mount Royal Shopping Circle "Kids are invited to drop into the Blue Room for a make-and-take craft project. No experience or sign up required."

Thursday, August 16, music and painting at Art on the Planet & Wine Beginnings, 1413 Tower Avenue, Superior, WI
5 p.m., Painting & Wine! "We will create a four Wine Glass Set painted with the "It's All About the Beach!" theme! $35.00 registration fee includes: Class lesson with step-by-step instructions; Glasses, Brushes and Paint, Prep supplies, Food and Drink Clean up by us! Please bring clothing that you don’t care to get paint on, because accidents happen ;) Must be 21 to register. Register @ Wine Beginnings during business hours or on Facebook!
6:30 p.m. Music by Similar Dogs: "Joe Lindzius and Sarah Jane Hale, play a diverse repertoire grounded by acoustic guitar." "Check it out! You can stop in and browse the artisan offerings at Art on the Planet, taste some special samples of selected flavors at Wine Beginnings and enjoy the sweet serenade of Similar Dogs! Music starts at 6:30.... but the FUN is available all day!"

Saturday, August 18, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Art on Tap, Fitgers, 600 E. Superior Street
Fitgers will be hosting a pop-up art fair with artists representing multiple disciplines. A wonderful place to find a unique wedding or graduation gift.

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Saturday, August 18 and Sunday August 19. The 2018 Herbster Studio Art Tour.
A chance to see national and regionally acclaimed artists as they open their studios on Superior's South Shore. Herbster is a little West of Cornucopia....  Details here.

Saturday, August 18, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, August 19, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Art in Bayfront Park, Bayfront Festival Park
"Art in Bayfront Park is a two-day art fair offering an opportunity to purchase works from more than 100 regional artists, including jewelry, paintings, photography, ceramics, metalwork, glass and more. There will also be food vendors, craft beer samples in the Bernick’s Tent from 2 to 4 p.m., live music and a car show."

Friday, August 17, 8:25 p.m., Greater Downtown Council's Movies in the Park: Jumanji (PG), Leif Erikson Park

Wednesday, August 18, 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.

Friday, August 24, 8:10 p.m., Greater Downtown Council's Movies in the Park: La La Land (PG 13), Leif Erikson Park

Saturday, August 25, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Art in the Neighborhood, 4419 London Road; 2-3 p.m.: Kiara Didier will be playing classical Viola
"A unique Art Event located at the Home of Barb and Jim Collette: Stained Glass by Collette. Open stained glass studio with local artisans inside and outside. Featuring Stained Glass, Hand Crafted Jewelry, Photography, Water Colors, Mixed Media, Textile Art, Paintings, Local Vendors, and Duluth Inspired works. Any questions call: 217-590-6055. And see photos at Instagram Collette_stainedglass

Monday, August 27, 3-5 p.m., Crafternoons for Adults, Blue Room, Mount Royal Branch Library, 105 Mount Royal Shopping Circle Drop in for a variety of creative projects No experience or sign-up required.

Friday, August 31, 4-9 p.m., Downtown Duluth Arts Walk, multiple locations.
"The Downtown Duluth Arts Collective presents this night of art and entertainment, featuring Downtown Duluth art galleries, eateries, bars and performance venues. The Downtown Arts Walk is a multi-location, walkable, year-round event held on the final Friday of each month. Posters and flags bearing the logo are up at each location. The Downtown Duluth Arts Collective is a group of colleagues representing more than 25 arts businesses and groups, individual artist studios and cultural centers." Look for the DDAC Flag/logo at participating venues (attached). Email manager @ josephneasegallery.com or call 218-461-8380 for more information.

Friday, August 31, 8:00 p.m., Greater Downtown Council's Movies in the Park: Despicable Me 3 (PG), Leif Erikson Park

ART on VIEW 
Chholing Taha: Every Spirit Tells a Story, Duluth Art Institute Morrison Gallery, The Depot, 506 Michigan Street
"Chholing Taha is a CreeFirst Nations artist based in Anoka, MN who uses Native imagery to express both contemporary issues and indigenous stories. Solitude and wilderness have been a loyal companion throughout her lifetime." On View: July 12-September 2.

Sonic Divide: States, The Duluth Art Institute, John Steffl Gallery, The Depot, 506 Michigan Street "The Sonic Divide: States film features 30 commissioned scores from 30 different composers performed during MacDonald’s mountain bike journey along the Great Divide. Four paintings, by Duluth painter Kenneth D. Johnson, accompany the film." Film Screening: Thursday, July 12, 7:30-9 p.m., The Duluth Playhouse On View: July 12-September 2.

Jonathan Thunder: Suspension of Disbelief, The Duluth Art Institute, Corridor Gallery, The Depot, 506 Michigan Street "The term suspension of disbelief has been defined as a willingness to suspend one’s critical faculties and believe something surreal. Thunder’s project will feature sound and what he calls ‘animated canvases’, a hybrid of hand painting and animation. The space will serve as an area for the artist to experiment with a variety of media and modes of installation in working towards a large-scale exhibition. There will be an artist talk at the close of the exhibition." On View: July 12-September 2.

DAI BIENNIAL
The Call for Art has gone out for the 62nd Arrowhead Regional Biennial. Deadline to submit is September 14, 2018. It's a $20 entrance fee. For more information contact Jason Pearson at the DAI, jpearson@duluthartinstitute.org.

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Book & Film

Patterned Peace, by Esther Piszczek, CZT, published by Whole Person Associates, Duluth. Available on Amazon.com, at The Bookstore at Fitger's, Zenith Bookstore (next to Beaner's Central in West Duluth), and Duluth Fine Pianos. Original, hand-drawn artwork ready to color. Includes full pattern index.
Life & Art Entangled, a 17 minute art documentary created by Lola Visuals featuring Zentangle (R) inspired artwork on a piano created by fine-line pattern artist Esther Piszczek, CZT, and the improvisational jazz piano music of Peter Brown. Life & Art Entangled debuted at the 2016 Duluth Superior Film Festival. Watch on YouTube.com.

Ed's Books: http://www.ennyman.com/books/books.html

Places to find my art in the Twin Ports:
Art on the Planet, 1413 Tower Avenue, Superior
Goin’ Postal, 814 Tower Avenue, Superior
The Break Room, 5th Avenue East & 4th Street, Duluth
The Armory Annex, 1325 London Road

Places to find Esther’s art in the Twin Ports:
Art on the Planet, 1413 Tower Avenue, Superior
Duluth Fine Pianos, 331 W. Superior Street, next to Starbucks
Master Framing Gallery, 1431 London Road, Duluth
Zenith City News, E.P. Designs, a regular Zentangle (R) inspired art feature in this newspaper, which can be found at various public locations around the Twin Ports and online.

CLOSING NOTE: IF YOU ARE AN ARTISAN OR CRAFTSPERSON LOOKING FOR A STUDIO SPACE with plenty of light, check out the Armory Annex. They are clearing an area with a beautiful window view of Leif Erickson Park and the great lake.