Local Arts Scene: Holiday Arts and Crafts Season Is Here

I'm fairly certain that you won't have to look too hard to find ways to Buy Local for the Holidays this year. There are events and opportunities on both sides of the bridge here in the Twin Ports, as well as in your own home town as well. Even though next Saturday is promoted as the Buy Local event of the year, you really don't have to wait till then to Think Local.

Benefits of buying local are many. You can actually meet the artisan, and build a relationship with a human being and not just a website. Yes, those A.I. "Assistants" seem to be getting pretty human these days, but there's nothing like a genuine smile with twinkling eyes. Neuroscience says the latter even provides a little dopamine rush.

When you buy local there's also a tax benefit. That is, these are folks who pay taxes locally and help support our community. Who knows where the money goes when you buy online?

Yesterday we visited the Duluth Farmer's Market at 14th Avenue East and Third Street. It was filled with crafters, cheese makers, potters, wreath-makers and all assortment of other creative expressions that would make a home cheerier or a Christmas stocking more delightful.

From there we crossed the bridge to Art on the Planet in Superior. Located on Tower Avenue within a half block of Belknap (park in the rear) it's got all kinds of cool things from wall art to goose quill pens, to Joe Carlson's 4-Leaf Clover pendants, to Kris Nelson Chair Art, and lots more.

I personally like to buy cards and keep them in a drawer where I can shuffle through to find just the right feeling to accompany a check I am sending someone or a birthday greeting. BUY LOCAL. Do as I do... And as I say.

If you do decide to get out and shop around next weekend, there will be the Outdoor Holiday Market on the corner of Hammond and Broadway, kitty-corner from the Red Mug there. Heike McDonald's spices, scarves, novelty items, and scenic gourds are just one booth to stop at. They will no doubt have a bonfire and other booths with friendly people. No robots. (Not yet, anyways.) If the cold is a bit much, grab a coffee at The Red Mug.

There will no doubt be bunches of places to find things in Duluth. Check out Karin Kraemer's Duluth Pottery, then grab another coffee across the street at the Folk School. Need a bite to eat? Tom Hansen has several places on that block now. What's your pleasure? And don't forget to check out the murals that have been added to the Lincoln Park "Craft District" these past couple years.

Now this is cool. A hollow gourd with a cresh inside, lit from within.
You can find these at the Holiday Market next weekend in Superior.
Look for Heike McDonald and say "Hi."

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Tree Table by Rachelle Kirk @ Art on the Planet

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Locally made.

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Hand-painted by Beverly Merritt

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And these boughs smell so fresh. All natural. No fake scents here.

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At the Farmer's Market yesterday.

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THIS JUST IN

Art on the Planet is pairing up with Wine Beginnings for a fun little giveaway leading up to Small Business Saturday! So, when you stop in to get your Small Business Saturday "Passport" stamped for the Superior Chamber of Commerce/Superior Business Improvement District prize drawings on Saturday November 30th, you can enter for a chance to win another fun basket filled with art, wine, and money saving coupons! Winner will be announced at the end of business Saturday, November 30th. 

Homestead by Britt Nicholas. (L) Art on the Planet

All day on Small Business Saturday, shoppers can enjoy free hot chocolate from Rachel's Rustic Decor, participate in her Make and Take Mini Shelf-sitter Sign Workshop for only $8.00 (walk-in's welcome!), browse beautiful and unique offerings from the 140+ artists and artisans represented at Art on the Planet, and take advantage of the special pricing on all Rachelle Kirk art at 25% off as well as deep discounts on Rebecca Couch paintings offered until 12-31-19!

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Lucky 4-Leaf Clovers @ Art on the Planet

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IF YOU ARE BUYING LOCAL, BUT SHIPPING TO FRIENDS OR FAMILY 

OUT OF TOWN, BRING YOUR PACKAGE TO GOIN' POSTAL 

at 816 Tower Avenue, just down the street. They pack and ship 

via USPS, Fedex and UPS. Whatever's your pleasure.

Local Arts Scene: November Happenings in the Twin Ports

Butterflies and Such by Jeanne Marie Reise

Let's start with Local Art Seen. Monday I missed the opening for The Thin Veil at Zeigeist Cafe, but managed to swing by Tuesday evening to  see the variety of works on display this month both upstairs and down. I was actually surprised at how many artists participated and the variety of works displayed, as you can see here. It was billed as poetry and art, and many of the artists included poems with their work. If you can find time, make your way to the Zeitgeist and leisurely stroll about till you've taken it in. All the images on this page are from the Cafe with the exception of the Zentangle design on the invitation at the bottom.

Last month Esther Piszczek created a website to serve as a calendar of sorts for local arts activities. If you are interested in what's happening in the visual arts or with regard to art fairs and other activities, I encourage you to bookmark her site, which can be found at https://twinportsart.blogspot.com. I myself didn't bookmark it last month because I simply keep the tab open at all times so I can quickly check to see what's happening the next few days. Between my calendar and hers, I always know where I'm going.

The Boatman at Twilight by Paulette A. Pashbin

We're closing in on the holidays here and it's a good time to start selecting the holiday sales you want to not miss. Buy local. We have so many talented regional artisans that are creating such a wide variety of items, I can't imagine not finding gifts and stocking stuffers at nearly every one you attend. There are several this coming Saturday alone including the annual Coppertop Craft & Bake Sale (9 a.m. till 2:30), the Rainbow Bazaar at the Rainbow Community Center (9 a.m. till 1:00), the Holiday Craft Sale at the Holy Rosary Church in Lincoln Park (9:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m.) and the Duluth Women's Club Bazaar on 2400 East Superior Street (also 9:00 a.m. till 3:00). Heck, maybe you can get half your Christmas shopping done three weeks before Black Friday!

The Grand Re-Opening at Duluth Fine Pianos promises to be a fun kickoff for their monthly Jazz Series Concerts. The Northland has a hankering for jazz, and its nice to see more venues popping up. Last night I wrote about Oldenburg House and the classy players and performers they've brought in from the Twin Cities and Chicago. Ryan Frane and Matt Mobley have both contributed to making that new venue come alive. Bruce Henry will be back next week at the O.

Tenants, an oil pastel by Chris Monroe.

A fascinating Eric Dubnicka wire design.

Through a Thin Veil by Kathryn E. Lenz

She Brings Down the Moon by Sarah M. Brokke

Two Heads are Better Than One by Penny Perry, who curated this show.

Empty Seat at Sandy Hook. A memorial by Kris Nelson

Messenger by Christie Carter Eliason

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