Local Art Seen: Twin Ports Water Color Artists at Duluth Pottery

Last night was the opening reception for the Lake Superior Water Color Society show at Duluth Pottery. With the late afternoon sun beaming in, the colorful works of local painters and Karin Kraemer's ceramics were especially vivid.

Several artists whom I have written about over the years had work on display here, and it was a special treat to meet Mary Beth Downs who has been teaching watercolor painting now for 24 years at the Art Cellar. She currently teaches six classes and has 40 regular students.

It's been exciting to see the contribution Karin Kraemer has made to the Lincoln Park District. For years her studio had been adjacent to the Red Mug Coffeehouse in Superior so that it was always convenient to bop in when I had lunch meetings there. Kraemer's upbeat spirit always makes people feel welcome.

Begonias, onions and nature were among the subjects painted.

The move to Duluth provided Kraemer with more room and enabled her to develop a retail presence. Moving is always a hassle and disruption for any business, but the net gain in visibility trumped that. These shows have been a blessing for other artists as well, who have been given an opportunity to show their work with the side effect that more friends of the arts have found their way into her store. It's a win-win-win. (The third win is for the community itself, which has one less abandoned building to remodel.)

The images on this page are from last night's event.

Biancha's Onions by Kelli Lien (detail)

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Canoe Country by Karl Everett

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Formal Arrangement by Mary Beth Downs

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Everybody is a Star by Margie Helstrom

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We are Held by Holy Angels, Margie Helstrom

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Moonscape by Linda Gerga

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Group shows give emerging and experienced artists an opportunity to share.

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Sunlit Ruby Red Begonias by Kelli Lien

Related Links
ArtCellarDuluth.com
Duluth Pottery

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