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| Sue Rauschenfels, from White Birches series |
There's another proverbial saying on Wall Street that states, "In presidential election years, the market usually goes up." It's an election year. The first proverb is true, the second wrong. Or at least, this is the likelihood from where I sit. With six million more unemployed last week, there's going to be hard times for some.
For part-time artists, the current transition to quarantine may prove to be a gift, since it is not so easy to find enough time for one's art while also working full time. Next year's Duluth Art Institute Member Show may be brimming with new work no one expected.
As most everyone knows, all non-essential group activities are postponed for now. Homegrown was first in a long list of events that have been falling like dominoes. Duluth Dylan Fest was canceled March 26, and the next week Grandma's Marathon was canceled.
Social media use has exploded, especially the virtual live meeting providers like Zoom, which has seen a 500% increase in users. (Along with problems. A new word has been added to the national vocabulary: Zoom-Bombing. Don't know what it is? Go ask Google.)
Meantime here are some virtual art activities to be aware of in lieu of art openings with wine and brie. The source for this list is the Twin Port Art blog, assembled by Esther Piszczek. Bookmark this site so you can return to it now and again. Esther will be updating it as she learns of more happenings to inhale.
Wednesday, April 8, 7 p.m.
Virtual Artist Talk with Sue Rauschenfels: Sisterhood on Instagram @duluthart
Corridor Gallery*, Duluth Art Institute, 506 W. Michigan Street
"Powerful female figures dominate Sue
Rauschenfels Sisterhood series. Raised in a household with six sisters, Rauschenfels grew to understand the bond between women as well as barriers that can prevent strong supportive relationships. In Sisterhood she challenges women to connect, 'I paint my sister figures side by side, and they are often intertwined and overlapped. This reflects the everyday world for women as we journey to create pathways and opportunities for our sisters from all cultures to achieve gender equality - economically, politically, and socially.'
"Working in watercolor and acrylic, Rauschenfels builds forms from organic shapes, vivid colors, and rich textures. The forward-facing figures interact with viewers while standing together in solid compositions reflective of their communities."
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| Sue Rauschenfels |
Corridor Gallery*, Duluth Art Institute, 506 W. Michigan Street
"Powerful female figures dominate Sue
Rauschenfels Sisterhood series. Raised in a household with six sisters, Rauschenfels grew to understand the bond between women as well as barriers that can prevent strong supportive relationships. In Sisterhood she challenges women to connect, 'I paint my sister figures side by side, and they are often intertwined and overlapped. This reflects the everyday world for women as we journey to create pathways and opportunities for our sisters from all cultures to achieve gender equality - economically, politically, and socially.'
"Working in watercolor and acrylic, Rauschenfels builds forms from organic shapes, vivid colors, and rich textures. The forward-facing figures interact with viewers while standing together in solid compositions reflective of their communities."
*The Duluth Art Institute is closed until further notice.
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| Shaun Chosa. Image from War Paint |
Virtual Artist Talk with Shaun Chosa: War Paint on Instagram @duluthart
John Steffl Gallery, Duluth Art Institute, 506 W. Michigan Street
"Pulling from popular culture, nature and his Ojibwe heritage, Shaun Chosa creates detailed pen and ink work that is evocative and at times whimsical. In War Paint, Chosa translates his ideas onto large canvas with acrylic, 'War Paint is a social commentary on popular culture and its intersection in Indian country. Some blatant, some coded in ways only those people growing up on the Red road would understand.'"
Duluth Playhouse Virtual Classes (click link for specific dates/times)
"Our full-time staff remains healthy and upbeat while working remotely and are eagerly sharing their skills and talents by creating digital content for our community." Classes include movement for kids and adults.
Duluth Virtual Tours
"We are offering virtual tours of various spots in the City of Duluth. Duluth boasts incredible natural beauty, and for our initial release we are showcasing fifteen city parks and scenic areas throughout the city. Take a look at each one and enjoy the view, and check back often as in the future we will be adding more areas to explore and enjoy."
Glensheen in 360º
"The University of Minnesota museum has gone digital. In line with the MuseumFromHome movement and many museums across the globe, Glensheen is finding innovative ways to bring the century-old historic home to you on your couch."
Northshore Scenic Railroad Video Tours
"While the museum is closed, we are running a daily series of video tours in the museum, which can be found on the museum's Facebook page or on the Youtube channel."
Streaming Movies from Zeitgeist Arts Cinema (click link for specific dates/times)
"Tired of the choices on Netflix and Amazon? Zeitgeist and Zinema and doing some innovative programming, you can buy a pass and they will email you a link to see a streaming movie. View it with or without the comments of other viewers," says Brian Barber of Perfect Duluth Day in his Selective Focus Feature, Virtual Cinema from the Zinema. Tickets are $5."
Virtual Downtown Duluth Arts Walk
"Each week DDAW will be sharing a post to look back at some of our favorite ART from around downtown over the past two years – you know, shows that you might have missed or would like to see again! These posts will be up either Thursday or Friday of each week, so check back or follow us!"
Virtual Duluth
"VirtualDuluth.com is intended to showcase the amazing attractions of the area through aerial photographs and videos. This site is created and operated by Dennis O’Hara."
Virtual Duluth on Facebook (click link for a list of daily offerings)
"Created by Matt Dressler, Virtual Duluth is a place to post all the upcoming virtual events happening in Duluth by so many talented community members. Featuring music, movement, stories, and art."
Duluth Virtual Tours
"We are offering virtual tours of various spots in the City of Duluth. Duluth boasts incredible natural beauty, and for our initial release we are showcasing fifteen city parks and scenic areas throughout the city. Take a look at each one and enjoy the view, and check back often as in the future we will be adding more areas to explore and enjoy."
Glensheen in 360º
"The University of Minnesota museum has gone digital. In line with the MuseumFromHome movement and many museums across the globe, Glensheen is finding innovative ways to bring the century-old historic home to you on your couch."
Northshore Scenic Railroad Video Tours
"While the museum is closed, we are running a daily series of video tours in the museum, which can be found on the museum's Facebook page or on the Youtube channel."
Streaming Movies from Zeitgeist Arts Cinema (click link for specific dates/times)
"Tired of the choices on Netflix and Amazon? Zeitgeist and Zinema and doing some innovative programming, you can buy a pass and they will email you a link to see a streaming movie. View it with or without the comments of other viewers," says Brian Barber of Perfect Duluth Day in his Selective Focus Feature, Virtual Cinema from the Zinema. Tickets are $5."
Virtual Downtown Duluth Arts Walk
"Each week DDAW will be sharing a post to look back at some of our favorite ART from around downtown over the past two years – you know, shows that you might have missed or would like to see again! These posts will be up either Thursday or Friday of each week, so check back or follow us!"
Virtual Duluth
"VirtualDuluth.com is intended to showcase the amazing attractions of the area through aerial photographs and videos. This site is created and operated by Dennis O’Hara."
Virtual Duluth on Facebook (click link for a list of daily offerings)
"Created by Matt Dressler, Virtual Duluth is a place to post all the upcoming virtual events happening in Duluth by so many talented community members. Featuring music, movement, stories, and art."
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| "Starlet" by Ed Newman |
LitBee, by Taiwan CZT YuRu Chen, is a beautiful, organic grid tangle with just enough challenge to find drawing it very satisfying. Click the link to learn how to draw this tangle line-by-line. Add some simple shading or a touch of color and use it to decorate envelopes, birthday cards, and bills. You can learn how to draw this tangle and many more on Linda Farmer's, CZT, blog at tanglepatterns.com.
Book & Film
Book & Film
Patterned Peace, by Esther Piszczek, CZT, published by Whole Person Associates, Duluth. Available on Amazon.com and Duluth Fine Pianos. Original, hand-drawn artwork ready to color. Includes full pattern index.
Life & Art Entangled, a 17 minute art documentary created by Lola Visuals featuring Zentangle (R) inspired artwork on a piano created by fine-line pattern artist Esther Piszczek, CZT, and the improvisational jazz piano music of Peter Brown. Life & Art Entangled debuted at the 2016 Duluth Superior Film Festival. Watch at YouTube.com.
Places to find my art in the Twin Ports:
Duluth Fine Pianos, 331 W. Superior Street (next to Starbucks)
Master Framing Gallery, 1431 London Road, Duluth
And, a huge thank you to Brian Barber of Perfect Duluth Day for his spotlight on local artists. Esther was featured in January 2019: Perfect Duluth Day Selective Focus: Esther Piszczek and myself in May 2018.
And, a huge thank you to Brian Barber of Perfect Duluth Day for his spotlight on local artists. Esther was featured in January 2019: Perfect Duluth Day Selective Focus: Esther Piszczek and myself in May 2018.
Zenith News, E.P. Designs, is a semi-regular Zentangle® inspired art feature that appeared in this newspaper and is now available online.
A Virtual Art Hop Like No Other
Connect with Esther on Facebook and stay updated on her classes/events, HERE
Connect with Esther on Facebook and stay updated on her classes/events, HERE
