Local Art Seen: Homegrown Illustration Show at The Prøve

This being the 20th Anniversary of Duluth's Homegrown Music Festival, the Prøve Collective assembled a special Illustration Show to commemorate the occasion. The show featured illustrations of 20 cultural lluminaries from the region dressed in the Homegrown Chicken mascot, as envisioned and created by 20 different local artists. It was a way of honoring individuals who have contributed to  making Homegrown a success and the regional arts scene vibrant.

The Prøve chose artists from a variety of sectors--teen, emergent, established--with an opening reception on Friday April 27 to kickoff the 2018 Homegrown. The show will remain on view through May 18. The Illustration Show is a first-time collaboration with the Duluth Art Institute. who also shares a common mission to engage the community through contemporary art.

There were 20 artists and thus 20 illustrations. Each was presented with a quality paper of the same size and instructed to produce a piece in any medium. The pieces were then affixed in idential displays with borders created to showcase the art.

The show took place the same evening as the 2018 Goin' Postal Spring Art Show in Superior, so I had to capture these images earlier in the evening. Here's some of what I saw.

Chris Monroe

Brian Ring

Eric Dubnicka

Jillian Dollars

by Erica Pauline

Nelson on Nelson

by Moira Villiard

And last but not least...

Illustration by Devon O'Shaunnessey
Maybe our former mayor can start a Homegrown in D.C.
and make America great again through art and music.

Stay current on all PROVE Shows at ProveGallery.com

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With Homegrown in the rear-view mirror, where objects are closer than they appear, it's time to look forward to the next big fest which includes still more music, art, poetry and all things Dylan. For more information visit BobDylanWay.com

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

2015: It's A Wrap

So, 2015 is in the books. Hopefully in addition to each of us being another year older we're also each a wee bit wiser. Here are just a few miscellaneous notations on the year just passed.

Let's start with the movies that moved us. The top grossing film of 2015 (so far) was Jurassic World from Universal Studios, released in June with nearly 78 million tickets sold. Star Wars Episode VII, which opened two weeks ago, is a close second with near 72 million tickets sold. The Force lives. Third on the list is another Disney flick, The Avengers. Fourth, again from Disney, is Inside Out. (You can fact check this paragraph and see the rest of the winners here.) 

When the Oscars are handed out later this winter, they will undoubtedly honor many of the famous folk who served in Hollywood during all or part of their careers. Here are some notables whom we lost in 2015, from Tinseltown to the Big Apple and the music world. Leonard Nimoy, the original Dr. Spock; Donna Douglas, whom we all loved as Ellie May Clampett; Yogi Berra, "Slump? I ain't in a slump. I just ain't hitting."; New York Governor Mario Cuomo; Lesley Gore, "It's my party and I'll cry if I want to..."; Percy Sledge, "When a Man Loves a Woman"; the one and only B.B. King; Jazz man Ornette Coleman; Omar Shariff, Dr. Zhivago; Frank Gifford; Hall of Famer and TV commentator; Anita Ekberg, Miss Sweden and La Dolce Vita; Meadow Lark Lemon of the Harlem Globetrotters; and George Barris, Hollywood's King of Kustomizers and creator of the original Batmobile.

It's also been a year for books. Carolyn Edlund, whose Artsy Shark eNewsletter appears in my inbox each morning, shared her top ten list of most read posts pertaining to business books in the art biz she serves. At the top of the list is a cleverly titled book by a body painter titled Promoting a Body of Work. If you're a serious artist serious about selling your work and making a living (if possible) through your creative endeavors, check out Carolyn's list here. 

I myself read quite a few good books this year. Unfortunately I do not keep a running list and January seems so very long ago. I found myself reading several books about the music culture I grew up with, including a few more titles about Dylan, as well as two about the Rolling Stones, the most insightful being Keith Richards' Life. A mentally stimulating read for me late in the year was a book titled 50 Philosophy Classics. Highly recommended. 

In the local scene one of the major events of 2015 was Mayor Don Ness' decision to not run for re-election. In the fall he released a book about his experiences these past many years titled Hillsider [Snapshots of a Curious Journey]. It's a beautiful volume, combining wit and wisdom, social and political commentary, and gobs of photos all assembled in a wonderfully accessible layout and design (courtesy Andrea Peterson). What makes the book such a good read is that the guy is so unpretentious. It's just Don being Don.

The election of Jesse Ventura in 1998 sent a message. Minnesotans were tired of politicians who talked and acted like politicians. They wanted a straight talker whose public dialogue came from the heart, not from the pollsters and handlers. Ventura's election as governor became a lightning rod for national media. How could this former WWF wrestler take up residence in the governor's mansion?

In no way would I compare the retiring Duluth mayor with former Governor Ventura other than to say neither one fits the mold of a politico. Don has become a perfect symbol of the spirit of our city, eclectic in interests, a supporter of the music and arts scene while advocating for business as well as the needs of the people. He's had a good run, and one wonders where he will go next. And he's got a clever sense of humor. Near the end of the book he jokingly announces a run for press-ident, "Because people who run for president sell more books."

I can't overlook a few of the darker clouds that passed across our skies this year. This list of ten tragedies reminds us of how fragile life is and that we shouldn't take our blessings for granted.

On that note, cherish what you have (friends, loved ones, memories)... and may your 2016 not only be a good one, but also a meaningful one. 

Homegrown Illustration Show at the Prøve

Mayor Don Ness by Adam Swanson

Andy Miller by Brian Ring

There's a reason nothing was happening at the Prøve during this past Second Friday Art Crawl. They were gearing up for next Friday's Hoomegrown Illustration Show. Flo Matamoros, curator of this show, was selected by the Homegrown Steering Committee to illustrate the 2015 Duluth/Superior Homegrown Music Festival T-Shirt. Way to go, Flo.

For those not in the region, this is the 17th year for this annual celebration of homegrown music. It's a week of celebration that in addition to eight days of music includes lots of pictures of chickens. Homegrown Music Fest is slated for April 26 thru May 3 this year, and the Prove Show will be its warm-up at, April 24, 7-11 p.m., a visual hall of fame in which Homegrown musicians, characters, and masters of the nightlife are illustrated as chickens by kids, teenagers, emerging and established artists. There will be some homegrown music, too, provided by DJ Nola and Jeremy Ehlert.

Alan Sparhawk by Chris Monroe

In keeping with the spirit of Homegrown they have incorporated multiple aspects of this community into this illustration show.

The Art Club at Harbor City International School and Duluth East High School's Art Club will be participating illustrating chickens who will be the attendees to this Hall of Fame and to the Show. Children & Teenager's whose parents have been participating Homegrown Musicians for several years will be illustrating their parents or step parents as chickens.

Emerging and established Artists from the area will be illustrating some of Prøve's favorite characters in the music, Homegrown and Duluth Entertainment scene. There will also be new artwork by Adam Swanson, Chris Monroe, David Moreira, Brian Ring, etc.

Well, here's the list of who's pictures you can expect to see chickenized: Don Ness, Walt Dizzo, Hung, Starfire, Sparhawk, Adam Guggemos, Andy Miller, Heiko, Charlie Parr, Chow Haul, Dave Hoops, Melissa LaTour, Trampled by Turtles, Brian Ring, Greg Conley, Tyler Scouton, Matt Mobley, & The Social Disaster.

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This transitional period from spring toward summer really is a busy season. Now that our snowmen have all melted, and our parkas parked for the summer, Northlanders are ready to get up and go. Homegrown is the first of several weeklong celebrations this time of year. The eight-day Duluth Dylan Fest begins the week before Memorial Day, and the Duluth-Superior Film Festival will be from June 3 - 7 this year. The film North Country, which starred Charlize Theron, Frances McDormand and Woody Harrelson, is one of several worthwhile films already confirmed.

Recommended: Pick up the 98-page guide to the Duluth Homegrown Festival at all the great locations where you get streetwise local information... I got mine at Beaners, but I'm sure there at Luce and all the other places where you find Readers and Transistors. Be sure to note the Dylan Fest information on page 29. And Don Ness's book on page 19.

For those unfamiliar with Homegrown's roots, you can read Paul Lundren's History of Homegrown here. And for all the DuSu Homegrown details visit duluthhomegrown.org

Meantime, life goes on all around you. Listen to the music. It's happening.

Local Art Seen: Heroes and Villains at the Zeitgeist Atrium

Uncle Jim Will Fight For Your Freedom, by Tara Stone

Where does one begin? Last night I slipped into town for the opening of "Hero/Villain/Savior/Scoundrel: Images of Jim Carlson & Don Ness" at the Zeitgeist. I believe it was the first joint show between the Duluth Art Institute and the Zeitgeist and the vibrant energy ricocheted in every direction. I'm not sure where the seed idea for this show germinated but it was mid-January when Annie Dugan began putting out feelers to see how many artists would be interested in contributing. The response was rich and varied.

Joe Kander's cartoons garnered media attention in advance of the show, the most popular image being an illustration of Don Ness and Jim Carlson as boxers. Ness is baring his chest, spreading his shirt front as Carlson looks on, standing with a flag with a marijuana emblem on it, an amused or confused expression on his face.

Kander, it turns out, is a local ophthalmologist by trade, and also a professional wrestler who has frequently performed in Japan. The latter experience is what led him to have Mayor Ness dressed in a Hulk Hogan costume. Another of Kander's numerous pieces was titled Raiders of the Last Place On Earth, an obvious take-off on the popular Harrison Ford film.

If there were to be a Best In Show, one would be hard-pressed to give it, though Tara Stone's two portraits would be on the short list. Uncle Jim Will Fight for Your Freedom is an oil painting on metal leaf.

It's practically a given that Adam Swanson's paintings will impress you. His treatment of the mayor and rival demonstrated a sensitive, non-judgmental approach that viewed them as human beings, not caricatures or symbols. The portrait of Carlson is probably the best in existence anywhere. The painting of Mayor Ness shows him as just a guy with a glass of beer in his hand. Swanson, whose trademark symbols include penguins and wind turbines, said, "I decided to not put a wind turbine in the background."

At the opposite end of the spectrum there were a pair of pictures that I contributed featuring the mayor and Jim Carlson as Batdon and The Joker. Oil pastels and colored pencils.

Bridget Riversmiths Zoetrope (left) of was another treat. She designed a set of images which enabled you to visually observe Mayor Ness morph into Jim Carlson. Other artists worthy of mention include Dann Matthews, Whitney Saurer, Tyler Scouton, Jack Bratrud and more. The show will be on display through May 10.

"Hero/Villain" touched a nerve for a lot of people inasmuch as the high profile nature of the battle between city hall and Last Place. I listened in on one discussion between some women who noted how they felt safer walking to the show last night than any time in recent memory. One said she always had a hard time trying to decide which side of the street to walk on because of the kind of people loitering there in front of Last Place or across in front of the casino. The passing of Carlson's business made a palpable difference in terms of the uneasiness caused by being harassed if you were a woman.

The city is safer now.

As we head into the weekend, don't forget tonight's two major openings at The PROVE and at Trepanier Hall. Wendy Savage-Blue's Landscapes of Northern Minnesota will be at the latter, 5-7 p.m.  The origin of birds opening is from 7-11. See you there.

Upcoming Visual Arts Events in the Twin Ports

"It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child." ~Pablo Picasso

Picasso passed away 41 years ago this past Tuesday, but his influence remains, one of the three or four most influential artists of the twentieth century. A painter, sculptor, ceramicist, printmaker, poet and playwright -- he did it all, and always with his unique fingerprint. He was always trying new things and never settled permanently on a singular trademarked style. The quote above really does say it all. In the beginning he learned the techniques of the Masters. Then took that knowledge in new, innovative directions, opening new possibilities for art in the most fluid century in history up to his point in time, an era of change.

Here are some noteworthy art happenings in the Twin Ports the next few days.

TONIGHT

Girls Night Out..... SHOP AND PARTY featuring Art in the Alley and Black Water Lounge.
5-7 p.m.  Details HERE.

Zeitgeist Arts and The Duluth Art Institute present "Hero/Villain/Savior/Scoundrel: Images of Jim Carlson & Don Ness" April 5-May 10
Mayor Ness said he may avoid the opening, but he's undoubtedly curious. Since the two events are across the street from each other, you might as well just stay downtown. The appetizers are wonderful at Blackwater, as well as Zeitgeist. My mouth is already watering.
7-9 p.m. Details HERE

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FRIDAY

Landscapes of Northern Minnesota featuring the art of Wendy Savage-Blue
This one was postponed due to one of our recent weather events. I was glad they did not reschedule while I was out of town. Looking forward to this show at Trepanier Hall
5-7 p.m. Details HERE

the ørigin of birds
A show featuring Kathy McTavish's multimedia installation at the PROVE Gallery.
Opening Reception 7-11 p.m. with live music by the cosmic pit orchestra.
There will be a Saturday workshop as well.
Details HERE

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SUNDAY

The Lori and Teresa Spring Studio Sale
2-7 p.m. at their Purple Sun Studio
Details HERE

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And if you haven't seen Ken Marunowski's latest work, it's worth going out of your way to see. Head to Beaners sometime during the month of April, grab a cup of java and enjoy.

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

PS: One more reminder about our Call for Art for Red Mug Show in May featuring art inspired by Bob Dylan. Details HERE

'Tis the Season for Openings: Stuff to See, Hear and Do

Our birthday boy.

For starters, Happy Birthday, Don. Duluth's Mayor Ness turned forty this morning. The word on the street (and on Facebook) is that he will be celebrating the occasion in The Lyric Room at Porter's downtown.

He's probably aware, though you may not be, that Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin fame is also celebrating his birthday today. Born in 1944, Page today is 69. I remember well when Led Zeppelin exploded on the scene. I had friends who practiced as a band when we were in high school. We were in Scott Homan's basement and someone said, "I have something you will want to hear." It was that first album with the bluesy Good Times, Bad Times, and the soulful rendition of Babe, I'm Gonna Leave you.

Speaking of Lyrics... Today at the Lyric Center in Virginia, MN is the opening of the January Abstractions show featuring new work by Colin Wiita, Heidi Mae Niska, Daryn Lowman and Pam Skinner.

Tonight in downtown Duluth, Pizza Luce is hosting the opening of Adam Swanson's new show titled My Wicked Secret. Don't know what he intends to share but I do know the establishment is a popular family restaurant and whatever Adam is putting on the walls will not be too wicked. He's just too nice a guy. So it must be a clever title, and I am very much looking forward to seeing his colorful new show.

Tomorrow evening is Second Friday Art Crawl, and at least a couple places you'll want to visit are these: Cracked at Washington Galleries and Polarize at the Prove. The Cracked opening is from 6-9 and Polarize from 7-11. Music starts at 8.

If you're in the Twin Cities, you'll have the good fortune of being able to attend Anne Labovitz's opening at the Burnet Gallery on Hennepin. The show is titled Layers and you'll get a chance to meet the artist, who's charisma is as compelling as her work.

Maybe you're not in the Midwest today and you happen to be stuck in crosstown traffic, mid-town Manhattan. There are a few things to catch in the Big Apple while you're there. Neil Young is at Carnegie Hall tonight and tomorrow. Yep, he's still alive an well, having released 2 albums with Crazy Horse in 2012 and kickin' it out in concert. Young won many of our hearts when Everybody Knows this Is Nowhere, his first solo album with Crazy Horse, hit the scene. I'm still listening to that one.

Meantime, life goes on. Catch a show or make something happen. Jack Frost is backing off for a spell and the weather should be downright balmy. Have a good one.