Coolest Art Studio in Duluth? A Few Snapshots from Friday's Downtown Art Walk

#1 Studio Space in Duluth?

Friday night was the last Downtown Art Walk before Christmas. I made it to several places, caught some jazz piano by Sam Chandler at Duluth Fine Pianos (next to Starbucks on Superior Street) and had a host of interesting conversations with interesting people. Plenty of photos were taken, among them these shots from Alison Aune's studio and the HQ workspace of Jon Hinkel's Tight Squeek Press. A visit to Joseph Nease Gallery down the street is always an imperative.

A note regarding Sam Chandler: The high school senior is one of the students participating in the Duluth Armory's Music Resource Center at Sacred Heart. I was introduced to his music via a CD titled First Steps featuring the Sam Chandler Trio. Sam was playing serious music at age five and got turned on to jazz piano at age 14. I believe he was 15 when he produced the CD, and my expectations were low when I was gifted the CD. From the first track I was won over. In point of fact, this is a first class production, and you can find it here on CD Baby.

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Here are some scenes from DowntownArt Walk starting with Alison Aune's space. I love visiting artists' studio spaces. Wouldn't you love it if this were your office?

Alison Aune's studio is vibrant, alive with light and color.

It was the shortest day of the year, but the colors were still radiant.

Jon Hinkel shares bookbinding secrets with Dmitri & Ellen Sandbeck.

A few tools of the trade.

Duluth Fine Pianos has a new spacious home next door to Starbuck.

Sam Chandler had an opportunity to demonstrate his noteworthy skills.

There was more to see than this, and I wish I had.

As for the arts in Duluth... Visual Artists: be sure to renew your Duluth Art Institute membership and get you selection ready for the annual member show Jan 24. To submit work you must be a member and drop off your piece January 14-16. The exciting part of this show is that all work is new, created within the past year. 

Meantime, art goes on all around you. Engage it.