Local Art Seen: AICHO Galleries Hosts Winter Good Life Art Market

Black Friday is over, finished and done. Turn the page. Today it's Small Business Saturday.

I didn't pay much attention to the ads in Thursday's massive newspaper, yet I did notice that SiiVii's in Canal Park and Art in the Alley were listed in one of the notices for Small Biz Saturday here in Duluth. Another happening today is the two day celebration at the AICHO Galleries at 202 West 2nd Street. The event is called Biiboon Bimaadizimin -- Winter Good Life Art Market!

If you are out and about, the former YWCA downtown is one of the places you'll want to stop into today. If you're buying gifts for friends or family, local artists and artisans are producing all manner of things that you won't find anywhere else. Buy local. I found a few things and will probably covet a few more.

They also had some refreshments yesterday, slightly underpriced, and overly delicious. I was unable to restrain myself and scarfed down some yummy chili and fry bread. Spoiled my appetite, but it felt good anyways.

Here are some images from my visit to the AICHO Galleries yesterday afternoon.

Joyce LaPorte's dolls, Kay Archer's jewelry and textiles, Leah Yellowbird's exquisite paintings (her work goes for thousands, but she has produced a number of bite-sized pieces that are affordable and suitable for any home), Katie Rider's Fiber Arts, Jonathan Thunder, Karen and Wendy Savage, and many others whose work has become familiar to me. Slats Fairbanks, from the Chippewa Tribe in RedLake, had a nice selection of drawings and pictures in the far end of the room. A wide variety of functional art can also be purchased.

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

Twin Ports Arts Scene: Openings and Events This Coming Weekend

"He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree." ~Roy L. Smith

Christmas is closing in fast, and with it the last three performances of The Nutcracker by the Duluth Symphony at the DECC, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Here's a rundown of other things to consider for the weekend ahead as alternatives to the mall.

Grand Opening of Studio 15

Friday December 12, 7:00 p.m.
Billed as "Food, Drinks, Art, and Fun", Studio 15 is celebrating its opening just in time for friends to find locally made arts and gifts. The gallery, located at part-way up the block on 3rd Avenue West, features work by Lydia Walker, Nina Holz, Richard Rosvall, Todd Olson, Joseph Thoennes, Steven R. Mangan, Janet Billig, Heidi LeWren, Joanna Hanson, Kathy Holz, Robert Adams, Sean MacManus, Heather Leopold, Lisa KC, and Terri Spenser.

AICHO's Second Annual Biiboon Bimaadizimin 
This is the second year for this event, which starts Friday from 3-6 p.m. and continues Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.. This event is organized to help support Native and Local Artists and Entrepreneurs. You can shop, eat or just simply visit.

"Support" at The PROVE

This student curated show also serves as a fund-raiser.
UMD graduating seniors of Jen Deitrich’s senior seminar course have collaborated with Prøve Gallery to open the exhibition “Support.” They have spent the semester working hands on with Prøve to develop concepts, learn the daily operations of running the gallery, and the process of developing an art exhibition in a professional setting. Opening reception is this Friday from 7 till 11 p.m.

A Remarkable Tale Book Signing

Saturday December 13, 2:00 p.m.
The Red Mug Coffeehouse in the Historic Board of Trade Building in Superior will be hosting a book signing with a reading by Ed Newman (that's me) from his newly published children’s picture book, A Remarkable Tale from the Land of Podd. Here's your chance to meet illustrator and UMD graduate Ian Welshons of Stillwater who will also be present.

A Remarkable Tale from the Land of Podd uses wry Seussian humor, rhyme, and captivating illustrations to teach an important lesson about self-awareness and self-worth. No matter how we perceive ourselves, we can make the most of what we’ve got—and others probably won’t even notice what we don’t like about ourselves anyway.

Holiday Celebration at the Armory Annex
Saturday December 13, 2:00-8:00 p.m.

The Armory Annex is located at 1325 London Road in the former Perkins Restaurant building.
This Holiday Celebration is hosted by the Armory Arts & Music Center, Snoodle Ceramic Studio & Gallery, and our local Forging Community. There will be music, games, art for sale by multiple artists, demonstrations and information on how you can become involved in everything happening there. This is a Free, family-friendly event. Artists include-Aurora Baer/ performing music, Tonya Borgeson, Kitty Jacquot, Mike Joens, Ed Newman, Esther Piszczek, Brian Rauvola, Sharon Rogers, Richard Rosvall, Melanie Sternberg, Adam Swanson, Claire Witt, Unicornucopia’s Handmade Ornaments, Pierce & Piszczek Fine Pianos, and Forging Community blacksmiths.

At 5:00 p.m. Ian and I will be on hand to sign copies of A Remarkable Tale from the Land of Podd

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Meantime, art goes on all around you. Celebrate it.