One of the coolest stories in our evolving Duluth saga has been the renovation of the West End. The transformation that has taken place is quite impressive as rundown abandoned buildings have one-by-one been renovated to become contributions to the community instead of eyesores here.
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| Lee Johnson entertaining at the Duluth Art School. |
The renovated Clyde Iron Works became an anchor, joined by Tom Hanson's investment in the restaurant businesses here. The craft brewers that have sprung up and a variety of other new faces that were not here three decades ago made their contributions. These once-neglected spaces have begun to shine in unexpected ways, striving together to produce a vital and lively part of town, the Lincoln Park Business District.
One of the newer businesses here--and it seems like there's a new one every time I turn around--is the Duluth Folk School, across the street from Karin Kraemer's Duluth Pottery and next door neighbor to the OMC Smokehouse.
When I learned that long time DTA bus driver Lee Johnson, a super-talented, multi-dexterous jug band performer, would be performing at the Folk School from 3 to 5 this past Sunday, I made my way there to be part of it. I brought my harmonicas and joined for a couple songs as other brought their various instruments to be shared on Lee’s generous stage with other friends.
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| Painting by Adam Swanson |
After a short while I began to notice a theme in the artwork that spread across the walls. Then I noticed the bicycles suspended from the rafters. At least 21 of these vintage bikes were donated by people who know and love bicycles. Old Schwinns were abundant, but many other unusual bikes as well. A Monarch Silver King Rocket owned by Mark Lavalier is one example. And a 1908 Lea Francis owned by Paul McLeete is quite striking, this latter having been built in Coventry, England.
Bicycle paintings by Adam Swanson are accompanied by handlebar-bike seat compositions that look like the heads of steer. Add
Rolf Hagberg’s Motivity photographs, and you have an excellent tribute to biking here.
If you get the chance, stop in a grab a bite to eat, or sup some java. If nothing else this ought to be a place to check out soon, just for the bike art show and the art of vintage bicycles.
Here are more photos of Bike Art that will be on display throughout the month ahead. It’s much more interesting in person though. If you’ve not yet been there, use this exhibition as an excuse to go check out a new space in town.
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| Rolf Hagberg’s Motivity. |
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| Pretty cool, eh? Creation by Matt Postier. |
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| Unless I’m mistaken, this is a print by Adam Turman. |
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| While there, don’t forget to look up… and reflect on your own bike history. |
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| This isn;t something you see every day. |
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| To each his or her own… |
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