Local Art Scene: February Happenings and "Whew! We Survived a Cold One"

Savannah After Dark. Photo by the author.

If' you're reading these words, that means you survived the nasty cold weather we had this week. Most of my time here in Minnesota the weather folk called it an "Alberta Clipper" so I find he new lingo amusing. "Polar Vortex." I'm not sure if this sounds scarier than Albert Clipper because they both feel frosty. It is fun to try to guess how cold it is outside based on the various squeaking noises when we walk up the frozen driveway to the garage.

We received numerous phone calls and emails inquiring if we were OK. It's nice to know people care.

On these occasions when we experience extreme cold it frequently brings to mind Jack London's story "To Build A Fire," a classic man vs. nature epic. This week, however, the story that came to mind was about a cargo transporter in Alaska who was tasked with the assignment of delivering a frozen body of a dead man from some remote area to another because the ground was too frozen to busy him. I don't recall the details except that, if I recall correctly, he gets killed himself along the way and some other kind soul goes on to make the delivery, not knowing that he's transporting a dead body. London handles it with a lighter touch. It's not as gruesome as it sounds.

Anyways, the worst (of the cold weather) is behind us, so 

let's talk about art.

FIRST, BIG THANKS AGAIN to Esther Piszczek for assembling as much as she is aware of on her Twin Ports Art blog. Here is The Link. You will find art happenings, classes and more.

My blog posted here will only cover a part of the February list because I want to make sure you know about Two Events today. First Lakeside Gallery is hosting a opening reception for Sue Rauschenfels, the gallery's featured artist for February. This even is from 1-3 p.m. and you can READ ABOUT IT HERE.

Second, also from 1-3 p.m. this afternoon The Tweed Museum of Art is hosting a Family Day related to the Intersections exhibit featuring many of Minnesota's Native American artists. Alison Aune and Wendy Savage will be your hosts. "The Tweed Museum of Art invites families to meet and make art with Alison Aune and Wendy Savage, both seasoned art educators. This is the first Family Day developed in conjunction with Intersections, an exhibition of contemporary Native art by Minnesota-based artists. Families will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of art activities throughout the museum, which are all based on works by artists on display in the exhibition. For example, participants may be interested in creating recycled toy sculptures, practice quill straw weaving, create a watercolor and more. Light refreshments will be served after the event. The next Family Day is scheduled for July 13."

LAST NIGHT was the opening reception for Wild Paintings by Alexa Carson and photography by Riah Beth. If you missed it, the work will be on display all month at the Duluth Folk School, 1917 W. Superior Street. This collaborative exhibit shows two perspectives on the raw perfection of nature. 

Mondays, February 4, 11, 18, 25, 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, February 5, 12, 19, 26, 12:30-3 p.m.

Kris Nelson piece in the Great Hall of the Depot
Be sure to stop and see the Member Show,
Biennial and Vern Northrup's photography.

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, February 5, 6:30-8 p.m.
Tweevening: Out of the Shadows: Annie Traquair Lang & Helen M. Turner, Court Gallery, Tweed Museum of Art, 1201 Ordean Court
Dr. Jennifer Webb's Tweevening art talk will provide insights into a portion of the current exhibit upstairs titled Quiet Simplicity. Two women artists, Helen M. Turner and Annie Traquair Lang, will be the focus of Dr. Webb's remarks. These women were highly praised in their lifetimes but have since received little scholarly attention. Their contributions to American painting are overshadowed by their connection with their teacher, mentor, and travel companion, William Merritt Chase, a leader in American Impressionism. Free and open to the public."

Wednesday, February 6, 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Zentangle (R) & Wine with Esther Piszczek, CZT, 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.

Wednesday, February 6, 7-9 p.m.
Adam Swanson Opening Reception, Pizza Luce, 11 E. Superior Street
Popular and prolific, acrylic painter Adam Swanson presents 35 paintings, comprised of mostly new work.

Wednesday, February 6, 7:30-9 p.m.
Life House Youth Variety Show, Teatro Zuccone, 222 E. Superior Street
"An evening of entertainment celebrating the talents of young local artists, musicians, dancers, poets and much more. Free admission; donations accepted."

Thursday, February 7, 21, 4-7 p.m.
Winter Farmer's Market, Duluth Folk School, 1917 W. Superior Street
"Community Action Duluth’s Seeds of Success program is partnering with the Duluth Folk School to host the Lincoln Park Winter Farmer’s Market. Come down on the first and third Thursday of the month, from November through March!"

Saturday, February 9, 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."

Saturday, February 9, 2-4 p.m.
Valentine's Day Crafts for Kids, Green Room, Main Library, Duluth Public Library, 520 W. Superior Street "Get ready for Valentine's Day! Drop in anytime between 2 - 4 pm to create your own valentines! Make a valentine for a veteran or for a friend. For children in Kindergarten through 5th grade. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult."

Saturday, February 9, 5-9 p.m.
Selling Artwork Online Workshop, Zeitgeist Cafe, Private Board Dining Room, 222 E. Superior Street
A primer for anyone wanting to sell artwork online. ​In this workshop you will learn what it takes to start or improve your selling online. See link for a list of topics covered. Zeitgeist will validate 3 hours of your parking in the Sheraton Lot. Bring a sample your artwork, under 24". Cost: $200. Contact Tony Ferguson ASAP if you would like to attend. FB Page Sunday,

Sarah Brokke will open at
Duluth Pottery on the 10th

February 10, 4-6 p.m.
Sarah Brokke: Sacred Selves Exhibition Opening, Duluth Pottery, 1924 W. Superior Street "Painter Sarah M. Brokke shows her new work. On view: February 10-March 31."

Sunday, February 10, 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.

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STAY IN THE LOOP. 

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