Susie's Art Classes 2 Go Now Available at Art on the Planet

What is it that is so rewarding about expressing our inner creative self? I've always believed that the creative urge was something innate that needed to be exercised, like our physical muscles, almost an essential part of being human.

This is not to say we must all make fine art, write poetry or become concert pianists. It does, however, seem like the world is more vibrant and life is greatly enriched when we create.

For the the past four decades of our marriage I have enjoyed the multitude of ways that Susie has expressed her creativity. What is evident to me is how the creative process always gets her invigorated, while at the same time becomes a blessing for others.

Susie's Art Classes 2 Go were designed to provide materials and instructions so that others can have this experience of guided creation. Her aim was to provide the tools and materials which, when combined with your own creativity, will produce results that you will enjoy sharing with others. And give you ideas for your own future creative projects.

EN: What are Art Classes 2 Go?

Susie Newman: During the pandemic, art classes such as though Community ed. or Art on the Planet "Wine Beginnings" classes are on hold, but people more than ever need a creative outlet! I've worked on coming up with a couple of projects where you can take the packet with all materials and instructions home and create something fun as well as usable. On a nice day a group could still do them together, social distancing in a backyard maybe.

EN: You've been doing creative projects for decades, but this is something different. What prompted you to make these kits?

My daughter turned her goose egg shell into a cactus.

SN: Earlier in the pandemic I did a fun project with a group of friends. Everyone got a goose egg shell, (compliments of my five goose girls) and made something creative using the egg. One of my friends then said it was so fun she wished I would come up with another project. That got me thinking! I had just begun to get involved with teaching community ed classes in Proctor when Covid came along and brought my plans to a screeching halt.

Around this time also an organization in Duluth called Age Well Arrowhead was calling for home made greeting cards to give elderly people to bring cheer and encouragement during this difficult time for many. I sent them some of my cards that I make. Then I noticed that Art on the Planet was offering an art class to go, so I contacted them and they were all for my two project ideas, one of them making greeting cards, and the other art paper that could be used as wrapping paper.

Art paper samples for wrapping paper.

EN: A lot of people, when they think of art think of fine art and paintings for the wall. Can you talk a little about why functional art is so rewarding to make?

Paper for card making. These are part of
the Greeting Cards with Artvelopes set.

SN: I've always especially enjoyed making things that are usable. There's only so much room on the walls for paintings or other framed art. There is something especially fun to me to make products that become part of everyday life and I can share with others. When it gets used up, then I have the pleasure of making more!

EN: Can you describe what each kit will produce?

SN: One of these kits makes 6 greeting cards with "artvelopes." You will cut out and make the envelope out of designed paper using a template provided. The envelope is decorative and becomes part of the art of the card. There are some very cool papers out there, as well as some full photo pages from thrift store books. Each kit includes most of the following themes, Africa, Down Under, Retro 60's, Sea life, Tie dye, and Woodland or Barnyard.

The other kit makes 6 pieces of artsy tie dye style paper. When I sold these at art/craft sales the people who bought them said they didn't want to use it as wrapping paper, they planned to put it on a wall or on a table as decoration. That will be up to the artist who makes them.

I have more ideas for Art Classes to Go including some kid's projects.

EN: Where can we find your Art Classes 2 Go?  

SN: Art on the Planet is located at 1413 Tower Avenue in Superior. You can order the kits on the Art Classes 2 Go page on their website. These two kits are located at the bottom of the page so you'll have to scroll down. You can also click on the Art on the Planet logo in the right hand column here. Art on the Planet represents a wide swath of local artists. If you prefer to order an art kit online, they also do Curbside Delivery.

* * * * 

CLICK HERE to see a full list of local artists
whose work can be found at Art on the Planet.

Rooster card with Artvelope.

Breaking News: Fun Has Not Been Canceled at Art on the Planet

Watercolors with Anthony Sclavi

Though Cancel Culture has done a lot of steamrolling this year, and Covid-19 has cancelled a multitude of events and activities, there are pockets of our community where Art and Creativity remain a central part of our lives and have not been cancelled. One of these pockets is Art on the Planet in Superior.

Yesterday I received an email from AotP that began in this vein:

The last time we talked we promised that we would find a way for us all to get back to the "FUN" Art to be found in our classroom.... and we are thrilled to announce that art classes are absolutely available for private groups of 6 or less!!!

It appears that they have all the sanitization and social distancing figured out, so all you have to do is call to get set up. Contact Wine Beginnings* (715-392-8466) or message Art On The Planet (artontheplanet@yahoo.com) to schedule any of these private classes:
Paint Pour Peel Jewelry ClassPaint a masterpiece with Checkalski Fine Art
Watercolors with Anthony Sclavi
Liquid Acrylic Paint Pouring
Rachel's Rustic Decor Sign-Making
Customize a Wine Glass Set with Checkalski Fine Art & Wine Beginnings
Color-Wash Cork Trivet Projects with Framing by Stengl
(*Art on the Planet shares building space with Wine Beginnings.)

Artists and artisans whose work is available 
at Art on the Planet:

Julie Abraham, Dennis Aho, Rebecca Aitken, Shelley Alvin, Jill Anderson, Lynn Anderson, Richard Anscomb, John Autrey, Kimberlene Ball, Pete Barnett, Kelly Beaster, Debra Berg, Chelsea Branley, Bridgette's Cadillac, Dave Brochu, Sue Brown-Chapin, Craig Bruce, John Buczynski, Reba Buczynski, Sabrina Bunnell, Valarie Burke, Joseph Carlson, Kyle Carlson, Deb Carroll, Scott Checkalski, Richard Chilton, Jan Chronister, Joleen Clendenning, Rebecca Couch-Iatonna, Denise Denu, Frank Doran Associates, Rachel Eisenmann, Barb Engelking, Ann Esala, Susan Fabini, Elizabeth Fedorowicz, Becky Foster, Mike Fudally, Jeff Fujan, Charlene Galazen, Jack Gergen, Cindy Gilbert, Shawna Gilmore, Jamie Goodiel, Anne Marie Gorham, Jack Green, Mary Gregg, Mary Lou Harris, Paula Hegg, Margie Helstrom, Joan Hendershot, Stanley Hendrickson, Laurie Hernandez, Cameo Hilliard, Celia Hintsala, David Hoad, Susan Holley, Thomas Holmstrand, Joan Holmstrand, Theresa Hornstein, Jan Jenson, Ronalee Johannsen, Dawn Karlon, Marge Kehoe, Lindsey Kilgore, Rachelle Kirk, Denise Kitchak,

Aaron Kloss, Jayson Knutson, Lashana Koivisto, Jessica Krueger, Cari Larson, Patricia Lenz, David Lesczynski, Ki Lindgren, Gretchen Lisdahl, Susan Litehiser, Don Little, Devin Lowney, Bill Lyth, Lee Makinen, Lauren Marmorine, Michelle Marquart, Steve Matheson, Donald Mattson, Sue Matuszak, Sarah Mayne, Martha Miller-Powell, Mary McMahan, Ryan Murphy, Kris Nelson , Janet Nelson, Rachel Nelson, Ed Newman, Susie Newman, Amanda Nindorf, Lydia Noble, Sheila Oak, Rebecca Olson, Kathie Otterino, Kathleen Patchen, Bruce Pauc, Sue Pavlatos, Emily Peterson, Holly Phillips, Laurie Pinther, Esther Piszczek, John Poldoski, Joe Polecheck Tom Postudensek, Michelle Purvis, William Ralph, Sue Rauschenfels, Cari Reder, Kathleen Rehm, Jamey Ritter, Pat Roberts, Gloria Roy, Madison Rupp, Dan Savoye, Patty Schafter, Dani Schmidt, Nancy Senn, Kat Senn, Margee Senn, Rachel Senn, Pat Shehan, Similar Dogs, Betty Steeg, Kristen Stetzer, Richard Stirling, Cassandra Stovern, Caroline Strezishar, Edna Stromquist, Kenneth Swensen, Michelle Swanson, Phaedra Torres, Judy Webb, Jamie Welch, Mary Jo Wiseman, Sandra Wojtoff, Dellwin Wright, Joseph Zastrow, Karen Zeisler

Zentangle design by Esther Piszczek

Paint Pour Peel Jewelry Class. You can do this.

NOT INTERESTED IN MAKING ART BUT YOU'D LIKE TO BUY

SOMETHING FOR A BLANK SPOT ON YOUR WALL OR FOR

SOMEONE YOU LOVE? VISIT THE WEBSITE AND SHOP ONLINE

FOR CURBSIDE PICKUP. Click on the Art2Go tab.

WEBSITE:
https://artontheplanet.weebly.com/

1413 Tower Avenue, Superior, WI 54880 

Gallery Hours - Wednesday - Friday: 11:30 - 6:30 / Saturday: 10:00 - 4:00

My Lucky Day

Joe Carlson's 4-Leaf Clover Pendants can be found at Art on the Planet

So, I'm checking my mail, and guess what? Everyone is giving me money.

First I got this notice.
We wanted to remind you of the settlement payment that may have came in for you from a class action lawsuit. Hit your link below to recover what is reserved in your name.

Then I got this one:
Member, this is our second attempt to reach out to you! We think that you may be the WINNER of $50,000! Please click below to discover if you've won.

Then I got this big break:
Congratulations! After careful consideration, you’ve been hired to work part-time, online. This opening pays $5,700/month, so rush to your link to verify your new salary.
Sincerely, Your Employment Specialist | Lonna

This was next:
We've done all the work to hook you up with this $1,000 BANK OF AMERICA Visa Card. It's now up to you to VERIFY IT using the requests attached!

Followed by this:
I've been attempting to contact you. I think you are going to LOVE the Amazon Order that's been ready for you! Please use your link to finalize the details to have it headed your way.

Finally, one more:
Member, this is our 2nd attempt to reach out to you. A large relief payout from 2016 may still be OWED to YOU. Hit your link to discover just how much you have coming your way and claim your check!

* * * *

To be honest, if things come together regarding the Nigerian matter (Someone important is dropping 53 million dollars into my account.  I sent him my bank account numbers and it will be discreetly deposited $100K a week.) then I will probably not follow up on these other offers. I'll have more than I know what to do with right soon, I believe.

How's your day going? Nothing like a windfall to put a little spring in your step.

Related Links
Oh Lucky Man! 4-Leaf Clovers Galore
In Plain Sight

Local Art Seen: Art on the Planet

Art on the Planet is a small gallery space packed with a large quantity of items from a wide variety of local and regional artists and artisans. It's located in Superior at 1413 Tower Avenue on the block between Belknap and 14th. The gallery/art store shares front and rear entrances with Wine Beginnings.

Owned and operated  by Kat and Nancy Senn, Art on the Planet represents a lot familiar names here  including Sue Chapin Brown, Kris Nelson, Esther Piszczek and yours truly.

There's nothing mass-produced. It's original and local, and before you order anything online you would do well to check it out.

ART ON THE PLANET
Website: https://artontheplanet.weebly.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artontheplanet/

CALL FOR ART 

DULUTH DYLAN FEST 2019

The theme for this year's DDF Art Show is
NORTH COUNTRY INSPIRATION.
I am confident that nearly every one of us who paints or makes art in this region has produced something inspired by the hills, the lake, the forests or weather of our region. Please consider participating in this year's Duluth Dylan Fest Art Show at the Zeitgeist.
Details Here: 2019 Call for Art

Superior North End Days Kicks Off With Art & Music: Continues Today With Parade, Street Dance & More

Sterling Rathsack @ The Spirit Room

Superior's North End community is celebrating this weekend. Today will feature a parade, a car show, activities for kids and a street dance. Here's a link so you can see the details as regards what and where and when today. The Superior Spooktacular Parade starts at 2:00. Just so you know.

Last night there was art and music in seven venues around the North End. Here are some photos from my own walkabout. If you live on the Superior side of the bridge, most of the art in these venues will be up for a while. You missed the music, however.

A couple items of note. Superior has had quite a bit of public art produced on many outdoor surfaces. If you drive on Banks, Ogden or in the alleys off Tower, you will see some of what was created during the Tower Avenue road project. This summer there was an extensive effort to help the community become aware of the storm drainage systems here. Artists were commissioned to produce sidewalk art around storm drains in various parts of the city. You can find photos of the drains at Framing By Stengl at 1720 Tower Avenue.

The Spirit Room has a variety of artists featured (Thank you, Linz) and Goin' Postal as well, as usual. VIP Vintage Pizza featured photographers, and Thirsty Pagan has photos by John Heino along with vintage signage. Art on the Planet had their doors open with music by Similar Dogs. Here are more photos from last night.

Steel Wool Spinning: Amber's Impressions Photography 

Meantime art goes on all around you.

Get into it.

Twin Ports Arts Happenings: Second Half of September

There's some very cool new work @ Art on the Planet, Tower Ave, Superior

Autumn is in the air. We had frost on the roof of our garage a couple days back. In a few weeks the rich glory of the season will be bursting through the trees.

For events tonight and the first half of the month check THIS LINK. What follows are listing for art happenings for the second half of the month.

But first, let's start with Thursday's Earth Rider Fest
Thursday-Saturday, Sept. 13-15.
1617 North 3rd Street
Superior, WI 54880

Three evenings of music under a Big Top Tent, with some of the Twin Ports hottest performers including Teague Alexy, Woodblind, Feeding Leroy, Black River Revue, Ingeborg von Agassiz, Black-Eyed Snakes and more. The event celebrates an inaugural year of achievements including mashing its first batch of Superior Pale Ale in September of 2017. Since that day, Earth Rider was voted Best Brewery at the Gitchee Gummee Brewfest, North Tower Stout won a bronze at the World Beer Cup in the oatmeal stout category, and the readers of Lake Superior Magazine voted to give Earth Rider a Best of the Lake award. Full details here.

Saturday, September 15, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
34th Annual Fall Fest, Chester Bowl 
We used to go to this every year when our kids were young. Great event then and probably even moreso today. "Music, food, crafts, locally grown fresh produce, vendors, and informational booths about local programs. The annual event has grown over the years and will host over 130 vendors, a great line up of music, 8 food vendors, face painting, and activities for children and families. Music Lineup: 10-11:30 a.m., Emily & the 35's, 12-1:30 p.m., Black River Revue, 2-3:30 p.m., Superior Siren (solo show)

Suggested donations of $5 per person or $10 per family will be accepted at the entrance to support Chester winter program scholarships for kids in need who want to participate in winter sports. Rain Date: Sunday, September 16, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Visit the website (blue link above) to get information on Fall Fest's free shuttle service.

Tuesday, September 18, 6-8:30 p.m.
Wine & Weave with Sue Brown, Duluth Fiber Handcrafters Guild Studio at the Depot, 506 Michigan Street
"The looms are warped and ready to weave. Enjoy the fun of weaving without all the prep work…and with a glass of wine. Complete a rag rug place mat and get a taste of what weaving on a floor loom is all about." Cost: $35 ($40 non-members)

Wednesday, September 19, 5-7 p.m.
Resonance: A Celebration of the Art of John Steffl
North Shore Bank is hosting an exhibition of the work of the late John Steffl, whose immense contribution to the local arts has been immeasurable. A true artist he also influenced countless students while teach ceramics at UMD. An active promoter of public art he curated shows at the North Shore Bank for many years. Another hat he wore for a season was as Executive Director of the Duluth Art Institute, for which the balcony gallery there was named in his honor.

Steffl once wrote: “...transubstantiation is transforming pain and fear into a universal resonance... one of the gifts my upbringing left me with was the ability to see beauty and sacredness in the world."
For more details about the show and the venue, check out this Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/255869075065669/

Thursday, September 20, 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

Chelsea Branley @ Art on the Planet

Third Thursdays in Superior, Art on the Planet & Wine Beginnings, 1413 Tower Avenue, Superior, WI
Art on the Planet and Wine Beginnings, as well as other Superior businesses are offering special events or incentives (sidewalk sales, street performers, special sales or samples during extended hours, etc...) Third Thursday of each month through October! Watch the social media hashtag #thirdthursday for updates!

Saturday, September 22, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
ART on Tap, Bent Paddle's New Taproom, 1832 W. Michigan Street
Join many local talented artists in this relaxed setting as they share their creative talents and ... maybe, have a beer!

Monday, September 24, 7-9:30 p.m.,
Art, Naturally: Karen Savage Blue, Painting under the full moon, Hartley Nature Center, 3001 Woodland Avenue
Karen Savage Blue grew up roaming the fields of Hartley and is excited to share this natural sanctuary with participants of all levels. Paint with an award-winning artist whilst sipping a beverage under the full moon. All supplies and one beverage included. Cost: $40/session

About the Art, Naturally monthly series: Immerse yourself in nature to connect with your creative side. Local artists lead one evening painting, felting, and sketching classes at Hartley Nature Center. All materials and one beverage included. Class tuition includes a non-refundable $5 registration fee. Made possible by Hartley Nature Center, the Duluth Art Institute and Western Bank.

Sunday, September 23-Saturday, September 29, 7-10 p.m.
One Week Live, Beaner's Central Concert Coffeehouse, 324 N. Central Avenue
Another whole week of live bands, including a song writer's competition. Click on the website above for a list of bands, times, and dates. Nightly Admission: $7.
Acts include: David Dondero, Plucked up String Band, Band Called Truman, Rich Mattson and the North Stars, Drew Peterson, Jacob Mahon, and many more.
Visit THIS LINK for full slate of bands and dates.

Friday, September 28, 4-9 p.m.

Downtown Duluth Arts Walk, multiple locations
"The Downtown Duluth Arts Collective presents this night of art and entertainment, featuring Downtown Duluth art galleries, eateries, bars and performance venues. The Downtown Arts Walk is a multi-location, walkable, year-round event held on the final Friday of each month. Posters and flags bearing the logo are up at each location. The Downtown Duluth Arts Collective is a group of colleagues representing more than 25 arts businesses and groups, individual artist studios and cultural centers." Look for the DDAC Flag/logo at participating venues (attached). Email manager @ josephneasegallery.com or call 218-461-8380 for more information. FB Page

September 28, 29, 30, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Lake Superior 20/20 Studio Art Tour 
Larsmont Schoolhouse, Scenic Highway 21 and other locations in Two Harbors.

This weekend was selected because 99 times out of a hundred it is the most beautiful weekend of the year to be traveling about on the Scenic North Shore, one of the most beautiful drives in North America. The open studios is simply icing on the cake. Full details of the art spaces you can visit are here on the Studio Art Tour website.

"The Lake Superior 20/20 Studio Art Tour offers visitors a variety of artistic talent to peruse while enjoying the autumn splendor of Minnesota's North Shore. Glass, ceramics, woodwork, painting, printmaking, jewelry, sculpture, and photography, will be exhibited, demonstrated, and offered for sale on this tour. Many sites are providing hands on activities.The tour is well-marked along Highway 61 and the many adventurous side roads between Two Harbors and Duluth.

"Look for the bright neon green signs and balloons with the tour’s logo. Included in the website above (click blue text to link to site) is a downloadable map, addresses, and contact info for your GPS convenience." [Author Note: Although I enjoyed the last two years of exhibiting at this fair, I am not a vendor this year, however, I will enjoy visiting all of my talented LS 20/20 artist friends as they share their talent during this wonderful 3 day tour.]

We'll see you on the scene.