Art Happenings in the Twin Ports, May 2 thru 12... Let's Spring Into It

Oil painting. Frank Holmes, Narrowsburg, NY

I just returned from the longest "road trip" of my life, visiting family and friends in several states, and seeing LOTS of art. Two things I especially noticed. ART is happening everywhere, and so is Spring. Naturally, it was less than heart-warming to see snow on the ground this morning. I suppose Duluth weather feels obligated to fulfill its role of helping people elsewhere to know there's a place you can escape Global Warming. (In case you missed the April 15 NYTimes story, check it out here.)

Experience has taught us that you can never predict anything here in the Northland as far as weather goes. We've seen winters with almost no snow, February weather in the 60s near 70, and eight inches of snow in mid-May.

Alas, it is time for May flowers, as soon as we can be finished with these showers. Meantime, we're near midweek for the 2019 Homegrown Music Fest. (Schedule here)

For your complete listing of up-to-date happenings, visit the Twin Ports Art blog curated by Esther Piszczek. What follows is a smattering of things to see and do this first segment of May. So much to see... Find a friend, get out and be part of it.

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Thursday, May 2, 5-7 p.m.
Opening Reception: What Mental Illness Feels Like: Images & Stories with Photographer Barb Kellog, Zeitgeist, 222 E. Superior Street
Fine Art Nature Photographer Barb Kellogg will be attending the Opening Reception.
Q&A starting at 6 p.m. Facebook Event Page On View: May 1 to May 15

Thursday, May 2, 6-8:30 p.m.
First Thursday Yoga and Creative Writing Workshop, It Takes A Village Healing Collective, 116 W. Superior Street "A donation-based yoga practice and guided free-form writing workshop, held the first Thursday of every month. This workshop is intended to be an opportunity to slow down in order to reflect and reconnect through the use of yoga and prompted journal-writing. Each month will have a different theme, with the goal of building self-awareness and appreciation.

Materials will be provided, but attendees are asked to bring a journal (if they have one) and anything else desired for their comfort. This workshop is taught by Alyssa Johnson, RYT500. E-mail Alyssa@BlindSpotCreatives.com with questions."

Friday, May 3, 5-7 p.m.
Free First Fridays, Duluth Children's Museum, 115 S. 29th Avenue W.
The Duluth Children’s Museum’s First Fridays are back from September through May. The museum is free from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. This is the last Free Friday until Fall!

Saturday, May 4, 2-4 p.m.
Authors Event: The Lost Forest, author Phyllis Root and illustrator Betsy Bowen, Zenith Bookstore, 318 N. Central Avenue

"It's Children's Book Week from April 29-May 5 and we're celebrating. Children's author Phyllis Root and illustrator Betsy Bowen will be at Zenith Bookstore with their new picture book The Lost Forest. The Lost Forest tells the story of a lucky error that preserved 144 acres of old-growth red and white pine in Minnesota. With gentle humor, Phyllis Root takes readers deep into a stand of virgin pine, one of the last and largest in the state, where U.S. history and natural history meet. With the help of Betsy Bowen’s finely observed and beautiful illustrations, she shows us all the life that can be found in The Lost Forest."

Martin Guitar Factory Museum, Nazareth, PA

Sunday, May 5, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Omnifarious Art and Craft Sale, Spring Edition!, Zeitgeist Arts, 222 E. Superior Street
"Just in time for Mother’s Day! A talented group of artists and crafters are gathering to sell you some pretty cool handmade stuff you can’t get at Target! Brunch at Zeitgeist is also delicious and the $5 mimosas might be just what you need after a week of Homegrown… stop down and check it out!"

Sunday, May 5, 1-3 p.m.
Sacred Symbols: The Folk Art of Norway, Nordic Center, 23 N. Lake Avenue
"Beads: Northern Traditions and Inspirations, the current exhibit at the Nordic Center focuses on commonalities among northern peoples, specifically between the Norwegian Hardanger tradition and the Anishinaabe traditional and contemporary beadwork here in Minnesota.

Twilight at Ålesund Harbor, Peer Guldbrandson. Vesterheim Museum

Laurann Gilbertson, curator of the Vesterheim Museum in Decorah, IA, will give a presentation about some of the symbols that have come down from ancient times and how they were used in Norway in the nineteenth century. Many of the symbols, created with beads and other materials, were used for one of the following functions: good luck, fertility, protection, and linking the human and spiritual worlds. It is our hope that this exhibit encourages dialogue, inclusiveness and greater understanding of our similarities as northern people."

Sunday, May 5, 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. Cost: $5 at the door."

Mondays, May 6, 13, 20, 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!

Monday, May 6, 6-7:30 p.m.
Book Launch: Emma Bee, author Pamela Fish Carlson and illustrator Tessa Carlson, Zenith Bookstore, 318 N. Central Avenue "Emma Bee is a story that helps teach young children the essential role of bees and other pollinators in our natural world and how unhealthy garden practices and misunderstanding can be a threat to plant and animal life.

After the book launch at Zenith Bookstore, Pam and Tessa will have a reception at Beaner's Central Coffeeshop next door, where Tessa will present drawings and images from the book. For more information about the book, and the bees, see emmabeebook.com."

Tuesdays, May 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).

Wednesday, May 8, 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.

Saturday, May 11, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Douglas County Historical Craft Fair, Douglas County Historical Society, 1101 John Avenue, Superior, WI
"New Monthly Event at DCHS! Visit the fair and receive free admission to our museum that day. For more information email dchs@douglashistory.org."

Esther's Zentangle Designs can be found at many local galleries and fairs.

Saturday, May 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."
Guest Artists: Elizabeth Egge of Little Bitz and Shari Johnson with hats/fingerless gloves

Sunday, May 12, 1-4 p.m.
imagineAday Creativity Retreat, The Duluth Women's Club, 2400 E. Superior Street
"Led by Artist Creativity Coach Clare Cooley, each retreat includes a creative presentation, 'Flowga' gentle movement & breath awareness for all levels, & examples of the retreat's creative project. Cost: $25 covers materials, tools, instructions, & light refreshments. Participants take their creations home with them. For questions contact ClareCooleyCollection@gmail.com."
Future Retreat Date: June 9

The annual Smelt Run Parade is one of our more unusual annual traditions.

Sunday, May 12, 3:30-6 p.m.
Run, Smelt, Run! Parade and Party 2019
3:30 p.m. Presentation of the Smelt Queen - Aerial Lift Bridge behind the Lake Superior Maritime Visitors Center in Canal Park
5:00 p.m. Smelt Fry and Dance Party - Zeitgeist Arts Cafe, 222 E. Superior Street
"Magic Smelt Puppet Troupe presents its eighth annual community costume-and-puppet parade, assembling at the Aerial Lift Bridge behind the Lake Superior Maritime Visitors Center in Canal Park. Festivities begin at 3:30 p.m. with the presentation of the Smelt Queen.The non-motorized parade follows the Lakewalk to a smelt fry and dance party at the Zeitgeist Arts Cafe at 5 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to dress-up in silver on black or blue. Music by the Brass Messengers. Click for information on FREE 2019 Magic Smelt Parade Workshops. Call 218-370-8980 to get involved."

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Once again, there is much more than I have included here, including venues to view art and a variety of other activities. You can find these and more listed at Twin Ports Art.

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OF SPECIAL NOTE

Michael Shannon, captured by archival glimpses of rock 'n roll history.

Our annual Duluth Dylan Fest is rapidly approaching (May 18-26) and it will be another exciting event with 8 days of music, poetry, art and other events. You'll find the full schedule here, though I want to especially draw attention to the unique items from the Bill Pagel Archive that will be on display at Karpeles Manuscript Museum. Original handwritten lyrics to several familiar and rare songs by Bob Dylan will be on display along with several items seldom scene along with rare photos and more. This year's exhibition is titled "Which One Is The Real Bob Dylan?"  You won't want to miss it.