Resonance: Tribute to John Steffl Reveals the Extent of His Impact on the Northland Arts Scene

Anne Dugan, arts curator, shared remarks about John Steffl's life and work.

Wednesday, September 19, the North Shore Bank of Commerce held an opening reception for a retrospective featuring artwork by the late John Steffl. Titled Resonance, the event turned out to be a virtual "who's who" of nearly everyone important in the local arts as well as attendees from out of town like an extended family paying tribute to someone whose life has been a fountain of influence.

It's well-known that the former UMD instructor, DAI director, North Shore Bank curator and artist has been at war with cancer for many years. Early this summer he passed away at home at age 69. The exhibition, which will be on display through December 7, is a tribute to a man whose work and life inspired many others.

One of his ceramic pieces, probably worth its weight in gold.

His creative expression flew in a variety of directions, and the work displayed captures several of these wings. He initially came to Duluth to get a Masters degree under the tutelage of Glenn Nelson, one of the most well-known teachers of ceramics in the country. Several examples of Steffl's ceramic work are on display at the bank.

No one would have criticized him for remaining a ceramicist. His creative explorations led to large-scale paintings that searched for the boundaries of design and liberation. If you visit the bank you'll see many of these large canvases that seem at times to be an expression of what Picasso once said, that “every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”

I remember being impressed with his large canvases
when I first arrived in Duluth in 1986.

When John Steffl was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2004, ceramics and painting were no longer viable for him due to the debilitating nature of his treatment. This did not stop him from curating some fabulous shows at the NSB. His new fascination as an artist became flowers, and much of his flower-themed digital photography can be seen in the bank's hallways this fall.

The reception ran from 5:00 till 7:00 p.m., punctuated by a some remarks by three speakers. Larry Johnson, retired CEO who had been with the bank 55 years, welcomed us and then introduced Annie Dugan, who has now taken on the mantle left behind by John as curator for the North Shore Bank. Annie, as always, brings an exceptional brightness and knowledge to events like these, noting John's influence and highlighting features of the work on display.

She then introduced Neil Cuthbert, former VP of Programs for the McKnight Foundation. Neil began by describing how he'd hit it off with John when the met 30 years ago. This was, of course, a problem, because it is somewhat understood that foundations must remain somewhat immune to personal influence or favoritism and keep a professional distance. John was director of the Duluth Art Institute at the time and Neil admitted he was impressed with what John was doing there when their friendship began. According to Neil it was through John's leadership that the DAI became a "community." Because of Neil's statewide reach he could see that what was germinating here was unique in Minnesota, opening peoples' minds to the arts. He stated his conviction that the vibrancy of the arts here in the Northland could be traced to John's influence.

The cross-section of artists of all stripes present here last night would certainly seem to affirm that there was a measure of truth in these remarks.

If you are able, find a way to visit the North Shore Bank sometime this fall. It's located at 131 West Superior Street, a section of downtown not plundered in the first phase of the Superior Street renovation. And if you go, be sure to pick up the handout, which includes not only pricing but also Ann Klefstad's excellent distillation of Steffl's life and career.

It goes without saying, the spread from Duluth Grill was exceptional as alway.
A special thank you to Tom Hanson and crew.

Related Links

Community Remembers Artist, Curator John Steffl
"Sick" -- About the Tweed Acquisition of a recent Steffl work.

Meantime art goes on all around us. Get into it.