Twin Ports Art Scene for the First Half of March

A Robert Rauschenberg wall design at the Allentown Art Museum

Well, golly it's sure been nice this week in the Twin Ports and the forecast looks brighter still. If you're looking for a nice way to enjoy a cheap date, there are plenty of art galleries in town as well as our staples, the Duluth Art Institute and the Tweed.

The visual arts has truly evolved to enable all forms of expression. Pigments and paints, feathers and fabrics, printmaking and stencils, cardboard and crayons--the creative spirit comes in all forms.

This is a partial summary of just a few of the places you can see and/or participate in events during the next two weeks. Special thanks to Esther Piszczek for her ongoing efforts to keep our community in the loop. You can fill the rest of your March schedule by visiting and bookmarking her Twin Ports Art blog.


Art in March

Marching toward Spring ... Welcome to March!

BUT FIRST, here's a quick peek at what Esther is doing and where she'll be this month:


Mondays, March 9-30, 6-8:30 p.m., Esther Piszczek, certified z e n t a n g l e (R) teacher
Zentangle (R) Pattern Drawing, Advanced, Ordean East Middle School, 2900 East 4th Street

Wednesday, March 11, 6:30-9:00 p.m.

Zentangle (R) & Wine with Esther Piszczek, CZT, Master Framing Gallery, 1431 London Road (RSVP required)

Friday, March 27, 5-8 p.m.
Downtown Duluth Arts Walk, Duluth Fine Pianos, 331 W. Superior Street (next to Starbucks!)
JAZZ@DFP, 6-8 p.m.: Ryan Frane, piano, & musicians to be decided

Details on all of these events, and more, below!

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All events, including Esther's classes, are listed in chronological order, click on colored text throughout to link to more information. Visit the Creative Education Opportunities page to find classes to explore and the Reoccurring Events page for events that happen routinely.

Tuesdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 12:30-3 p.m.

Open Studio at the Duluth Depot, 506 W. Michigan Street

"The Duluth Art Institute offers a regular Tuesday open art-studio session at the Depot. People of all abilities practicing all artistic mediums are invited to bring their own supplies and join the weekly group. Cost: $5 plus a DAI membership (first session is free)."

MY APOLOGIES for not getting this posted before the first activities of the week. This info wilil usually appear first at Twin Ports Art. (So go there and book mark it.)

Thursday, March 5, 2-6 p.m.

Painting by Tonja Sell

Opening Reception: Jury Exhibition, University of Wisconsin-Superior, Kruk Gallery, Holden Fine and Applied Arts Center, 2144 Catlin Ave. and 19th St., Superior, WI
"The annual juried exhibition showcases work from across medium from UWS students. This exhibition highlights the depth of talent on campus and offers a space for surprising new voices in the visual arts. This year’s juror is UWS alumni and nationally recognized encaustic artist, Natalie Salminen Rude. Working professionally in the arts since 2004, she maintains a studio, teaches encaustic workshops both locally and internationally, exhibits and facilitates discussions on spirituality and what it means to live as an artist within the context of commitment. Gallery Hours:  Monday-Thursday, 2-6:00 p.m.; Awards Reception: March 25, 12 noon; On View: March 5-26

Thursdays, March 5 & 19, 4 p.m.
Winter Farmer's Market, Duluth Folk School, 1917 Superior Street
"Community Action Duluth’s Seeds of Success program is partnering with the Duluth Folk School to host the Lincoln Park Winter Farmer’s Market. Come down on the first and third Thursday of the month, from November through March!"

Thursday, March 5, 4-6 p.m.

Write On!, Duluth Public Library, Gold Room, 520 W. Superior Street

"Calling all young writers! Poems! Songs! Graphic novels! Short stories! WHATEVER your genre, “Write On” is the place for you to launch your next writing piece. “Write On’ is a series of 4 workshops expressly designed for young writers, ages 10-18. Each workshop is a pop-up, stand-alone event. You can attend one, or all four! Your choice! You do not need to bring any completed writing to attend, but the option to share and receive feedback will be provided. There will also be brain food (pizza!) while supplies last. “Write On” is free-of-charge, but registration is required. Event Type(s): Author/Literary Event; Age Group(s): Tweens, Teen"

Thursday, March 5, 5:45-7:45 p.m.
Career Planning for Artists: Funding Your Art Beyond Grant Writing, Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, 424 W. Superior St., Suite 104
"The Arrowhead Regional Arts Council hosts a career planning class for artists. The class focuses on defining values, identifying key choices and developing a plan to achieve career goals. The curriculum is designed for visual, performing and literary artists. Classes are free, but participants must sign up via Facebook or email Info@aracouncil.org."

Friday, March 6, 5-7 p.m.Opening Reception: Nordic Folk Instruments Exhibit, The Nordic Center, 23 N. Lake Avenue
"Welcome to an exhibit of Nordic Folk Instruments, some rare with ancient traditions as well as the well known national instruments such as the Nyckelharpa of Sweden, Hardanger Fiddle of Norway and Kantele of Finland. Others include langeleik (Nordic dulcimer), zither, sallow flute, Juhikko, pump organ and more.

Related Events (click link for details):
Sunday, March 15, 1 p.m., Presentation with Arna Rennan, host of Nordic Roots Music
Saturday, March 21, 2 p.m., Concert
Saturday, April 4, 2-4 p.m., Nordic Jam Session

Friday, March 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Akinomaage: Vern Northrup Artist Talk and Book Signing, Dr. Robert Powless Cultural Center, 212 W. Second Street
"The American Indian Community Housing Organization hosts photographer Vern Northrup, a Fond du Lac Band of Ojibwe tribal member. More than 60 of his photographs will be on view from March 6 through May 29, 2020. Northrup uses photography as a tool to educate both himself and the viewer about the rhythm of nature, the preservation of tradition and the relationship between resilience and sustainability. $10 suggested donation."

Friday, March 6, 7-10 p.m.

What the Feminist! Community Art Exhibition, Prøve Gallery, 21 N. Lake Avenue

"Featuring works by local and regional artists, as well as artists from across the nation, WTF! is an exhibition of thought-provoking works of art that advocate for social justice, community action and civic engagement."

Saturday, March 7, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

The Abominable Snowman: Crafts and Movie, Green Room, Duluth Public Library, 520 W. Superior Street

"Snowman-themed crafts start art 10:30 a.m. and the movie “Abominable” starts at 11:30 a.m. Age Group: All Ages

Movie Synopsis:
"After discovering a Yeti on the roof of her apartment building, teenage Yi and her two friends embark on an epic quest to reunite the magical creature with his family. But to do so, they must stay one step ahead of a wealthy financier and a determined zoologist who want to capture the beast for their own gain. Rated PG and runs for 1 hour and 37 minutes."

Saturday, March 7, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Paper Bag Princess Day, Zenith Bookstore, 318 N. Central Avenue
"Zenith Bookstore is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Robert Munsch's classic, The Paper Bag Princess. This fantastic picture book is about a princess named Elizabeth who goes head to head with a fierce dragon in order to save a rather snooty prince. Join us for a special story time and activities!"

Mondays, March 9-30, 6-8:30 p.m., Esther Piszczek, certified z e n t a n g l e (R) teacher

Zentangle (R) Pattern Drawing, Advanced, Ordean East Middle School, 2900 East 4th Street
In this class we will further explore the Zentangle method of pattern drawing. This class is open to anyone who has taken Zentangle Pattern Drawing with me in the past. Minimum: 5 students; Maximum: 10 students; Class Cost: $45; Supply Cost: $30; Register online HERE or contact Julie Gandt, Coordinator, at 218-336-8760 x 1 or email: Julie.Gandt@isd709.org

Wednesday, March 11, 6:30-9 p.m.

Zentangle (R) & Wine with Esther Piszczek, CZT, Master Framing Gallery, 1431 London Road

Come experience the fun and relaxation of drawing simple, repetitive line patterns with pen and ink and pencil shading. No previous drawing experience necessary. Class Cost: $35; Supplies: $10 (or use supplies provided without additional cost). RSVP to episzczek@gmail.com. Seats are limited. [NOTE: this class has filled]

You can read about one student's experience here: Local Art Seen: First Lesson in Zentangle with Esther Piszczek, by Ed Newman, Ennyman's Territory, August 18, 2019.

Thursday, March 12, 1-2 p.m.

Social Knitting Group, Mount Royal Library, Blue Room, 105 Mount Royal Shopping Circle

"This group is open to all who love to knit or crochet. All skill levels are welcome."

Thursday, March 12, 4:30-8:30 p.m.

Hot Glass Cold Beer Pop-up, Ursa Minor Brewing Company, 2415 W. Superior Street

"Lake Superior Art Glass teams up with Ursa Minor for a pop-up event featuring blown glassware made in their “hot shop.” Guests can buy a pint glass at the event and fill it with a free pint from Ursa Minor’s taps. Live music at the event is performed by Kevin Buck."

Thursday, March 12, 6-8 p.m.
The Great Fairlawn Puzzle Derby, Fairlawn Mansion, 906 E. 2nd Street, Superior, WI
"Teams of 3-4 people will battle to be the first to complete a 500-piece puzzle. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Open to all ages. Light refreshments will be served. $40 per team (8 teams max). For reservations or more information, call 715-394-5712."

Thursday, March 12, 7-9 p.m.

Fly Fishing Film Tour 2020, Clyde Iron Works, 2920 W. Michigan Street"

The 14th annual Fly Fishing Film Tour is features exclusive shorts in both fresh and saltwater that tell the stories of everything from fishing guide fairytales to serial steelhead semantics, canyon conservation in Colorado, mountain biking for marlin, jumping jaguars and jungle fish in whitewater rapids, and the audacious Aussies who explore the largest coastline in the world. Discounted tickets can be bought from Great Lakes Fly Shop or Superior Fly Angler. Regular-priced tickets can be bought online."

Thursday, March 12, 7-11 p.m.
Choice Unlimited's Rock & Roll Heaven Masquerade Ball, Greysolon Ballroom, "More then 400 donors, supporters and party goers can enjoy hors d’oeuvres, festive drinks, live music by Midwest Mayhem, dance performances, and a curated silent auction at Choice Unlimited’s annual masquerade ball. This is an adult event (18+). All funds raised will support the Artists Revealing Talents and Skills programming at Choice Unlimited, including Bold-choice Theatre Company.

"Ron Houk of Kool 101.7 will serve as master of ceremonies. Diamond M.C. Entertainment will provide DJ services. Alan Johnson Photography’s photo booth will be set up. Tickets: $30 in advance; $40 at the door."

Saturday, March 14, 8 a.m.-10 a.m.

Sip & Stitch*, Dovetail Cafe, Duluth Folk School, 1917 W. Superior Street

"Do you love fiber? Would you like to join a community with similar interests? Bring a project to work on – knit, crochet, embroidery, or whatever tickles your fiber fancy. A fiber ringleader will be on hand to answer questions and oooo and ahhh over your handiwork. Before settling in, grab a glass or a bite to satisfy your sipping and noshing needs and meet us in the back half of the main hall at the Dovetail Cafe. Let’s enjoy a cozy morning, sipping and stitching. *If you are brand new to stitching and looking for detailed instruction, keep an eye on the Duluth Folk School calendar for relevant upcoming introductory classes."

Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Niiwin Indigenous Foods Market, 102 E. 4th Street
"Purchase affordable goods from local and indigenous food producers. Fresh breads, manoomin (wild rice), syrup, canned veggies, hazelnut flour, a variety of teas, hominy, eggs and more."

Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Nice Girls of the North 2nd Saturday Marketplace, Lakeside Lester Park Community Center (the former Lakeside Library), 106 N. 54th Ave. East 

"Free coffee, cookies, and a friendly atmosphere await while you browse a collection of handcrafted clothing and bags, pottery, jewelry, stained glass, photography, personal care products, baby items and much more. One central checkout, most major credit cards accepted." Guest Artist: Cindy Hale from Clover Valley Vinegar

Saturday, March 14, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Paper Crafternoon, Gold Room, Duluth Public Library, 520 W. Superior Street
"Join us in the Gold Room for a Paper Crafternoon. We’ll be making fun and easy paper crafts. Great for all ages! Event Type(s): Arts & Crafts; Age Group(s): Preschool, Kids"

Saturday, March 14, 7 p.m.
Duluth Playhouse's Mardi Gras Bash!, Underground Theater, 506 W. Michigan Street
"Join us for a magnificent masquerade fundraiser and prepare to be whisked away as we parade from one engaging and immersive entertainment to the next at our second annual Mardi Gras Bash! Feel free to dress up, dress down, or come in costume. Tickets: $35 (includes beverages, good eats, amazing entertainment and fundraising fun like you've never experienced)

Saturday, March 14, 7-9 p.m.
Climate Emergency Poetry, Wussow's Concert Cafe, 324 N. Central Avenue
"18 poets, including past Duluth poets laureate, share poetry presenting life in the time of climate change. Folk reggae band Woodblind will provide music.

Featured Poets: Deanna Erickson; Julie Gard; Tina Marie Higgins Wussow; Shelley Sakry Getten; Ellie Schoenfeld; Sheila Packa; Brady Kamphenkle; Cal Benson; Yvonne Rutford: Liz Minett; Penny Perry; John Herold; Phil Fitzpatrick"

Tuesday, March 17, 5-7 p.m.
Artist Talk: Shaun Chosa: War Paint, 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.'" 

Tuesday, March 17, 5-7 p.m.
Artist Talk: Andy Messerschmidt, Corridor Gallery, Duluth Art Institute, 506 W. Michigan Street

"Andy Messerschmidt’s work reflects popular culture’s consumption and hoarding of images. Individuals are massing collections of photos online, images representing a life we wish to be living, maintaining facades that can bring personal conflict and stress. His kaleidoscopic realms layer assorted objects with backdrops of wrapping paper, hand drawn mazes and elaborate patterns. Messerschmidt likens the gallery to a temple, reasoning that artwork is elevated simply by appearing in the space. His paintings therefore become the alter, “Shrines to ornamental multiphrenia.” On View: February 14- April 12

Tuesday, March 17, 5-7 p.m.

Artist Talk: Emerging Photographers, St. Louis County Depot Great Hall, 506 W. Michigan Street
"This year DAI hosts 10 University of Minnesota-Duluth photography students in the Saint Louis County Depot Great Hall. Selections made by Exhibitions Director Amy Varsek include digital prints and collages that represent passionate emerging voices. 'The artists in the 2020 Emerging Photographers exhibition are developing meaningful personal relationships with their subjects and therefore producing authentic, thought provoking work.' Students are led by Art + Design professor Gloria DeFilipps Brush whose own work merges literature and photography, embracing and encouraging differences in the observer’s perceptions." On View: March 9-29

Tuesday, March 17, 7-9 p.m.

Duluth-Superior Camera Club Meeting, UWS Yellow Jacket Union, 1605 Catlin Drive, Superior, WI

"The Duluth-Superior Camera Club offers opportunities to improve photographic skills and knowledge, a venue to challenge those skills, and a forum to share that experience with others who have a passion for photography. It also offers educational opportunities, photography meetups, and local and regional photo competitions. Yearly memberships are $30, prorated depending on membership month."

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DO YOU STILL NEED A COOL CALENDAR FOR 2020? 

Ryan Tischer's is sale-priced and the images are awesome.
(He will be releasing his newest images at the March 27 Art Walk.

Do you like B&W Fine Art photography?

Follow Tim White on Instagram @ timwhite_dlh

In fact, there are. LOT of local artists sharing their work on Instagram.

joseph_nease_gallery, margiehelstromstudio, artontheplanet_, tweedmuseum

and adamswansong are just a few who can give you a lift when you need it.

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

April Arts Happenings -- Spring Is Definitely in the Air

It's April in the Twin Ports and a lot of art is already flowering. Even though it's snowing today, we know from experience there are sunnier days coming. Big events and small are cited here. In a separate post I will try to list a all the galleries and restaurants where you can see art by locals. So much is out there that I doubt anyone has a comprehensive calendar of events or list of spaces and places, but a good starting point will be the Gallery Hop later this month.

FWIW the Tweed has a website that lists current and upcoming exhibitions. Also, here is a page that shows the Duluth Art Institute has some new exhibitions, including a special show in conjunction with Homegrown. Most of the rest of what you find here is provided courtesy Esther Piszczek, Zentagle-inspired and officially sanctioned local Zentangle® artist.

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Thursdays Thru Memorial Day Week, 6-9 p.m. 

Magnolia Salon with nature photographer Dudley Edmondson.
Oldenburg House, 604 Chestnut Avenue, Carlton
-->Last night nature photographer Dudley Edmondson discussed his new project "Document Spring," a collaboration with area high school students to capture the annual rebirth of beauty at Jay Cooke State Park, the Munger Trail and the Oldenburg House. Magnolia Salon is an evening of drinks, light food fare and entertainment ranging from speakers to artists, musicians and beyond. Inspired by the Salon gatherings in the home of Gertrude Stein & Alice B. Toklas. (The French word "Salon" means "living room" in English.)

Upcoming gatherings include Poco Baroquo (April 12), Cynthia Lapp (April 19), WoodBlind (April 26) and Tom Rauschenfels (May 3). Big shout-out to Emily, Glenn and Yvette for creating these events.

Friday, April 6, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Zentangle® as a Contemplative Practice, Center for Spirituality & Enrichment, St. Scholastica Monastery, 1001 Kenwood Avenue
A note from Esther Piszczek: -->Join us for a retreat where 'art meets meditation'. Anyone can create beautiful, intricate line patterns 'one stroke at a time' using the Zentangle method. Various centering techniques will be taught throughout the day to help us enter a quiet, creative space. By the end of the day, you will have spent time in meditation and learned multiple patterns. No previous drawing experience necessary. Facilitated by Esther Piszczek, CZT, and Rev. Cindy Peterson-Wlosinski, an Episcopal priest, spiritual director, and retreat leader. Cost: $70 (includes snacks, beverages, and take-home materials. Please bring your own lunch. There are still seats available in this class!

Friday, April 6, 6-8 p.m.
Arts for Activism, UMD Kirby Ballroom, 1120 Kirby Drive
"Minnesota Public Interest Research Group" is hosting Arts for Activism at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Artists from the community and the University of Minnesota-Duluth show-off their artwork 'that is inspired by an issue that is affecting our society.' Art of all mediums, spoken word and song submissions will be presented. Donated pieces are available for sale at the event. Any proceeds raised go to MPIRG, a grassroots activism group that focuses on making lasting change in the state of Minnesota. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the event. FB event page.

Saturday, April 7, 1-3 p.m.
Opening Reception for The Rooster, a rooster and chicken themed show at the Lakeside Gallery, 4431 East Superior Street
See paintings and drawings by 20 local artists, including one by ennyman. The show will be on display thru end of April.

Sunday, April 8, 7-9 p.m.
Gag Me With A Spoon - A Community Storyshare, Teatro Zuccone, 222 East Superior Street Adeline Wright of Adeline Inc. hosts this evening of storytelling and open mic journal sharing in the style of the Moth and Mortified podcasts. There will be four featured storytellers: Meredith Wynn Cornett, Parnell Thill and Kelly Harth and musical guest Toby Thomas Churchill. Member of the audience are also welcome to sign-up on the night for an open mic journal-sharing segment. This is an opportunity for anyone to read a journal entry, or other hilarious, serious or heart-wrenching writing from their youth or to simply share a story. This event is free and open to the public - all are welcome! Donations to Zeitgeist are appreciated. For more information please contact Adeline Wright at: adelineofduluth@gmail.com.

Sunday, April 8, 2:30ff

During April Karpeles Manuscript Museum Library is hosting an interesting set of events with historical roots in John Milton and William Blake, along with a series of paintings by local artist Kathryn Lenz, Milton's Hell: A Prequel to Genesis. The opening reception was Tuesday April 3, but several other events are scheduled. Sunday the 8th they will be showing the Milton's Hell video followed by a concert by Sam Black & Friends featuring Music of Rebellion and Divine Creation.

Mondays, April 9, 16, 23, 30, 6-8 p.m.
Duluth Song Circle, Beaner's Central, 324 N. Central Avenue (on Beaner's web site: scroll down to calendar for event listing) "A free night to sing old-timey folk songs with new and old friends. Start your week off on a good note! Everyone welcome. No training needed!"

Mondays, April 9, 16, 23, 30

Tangle by Linda Farmer

Tangling Mondays, 5:30 p.m., Mount Royal Library, 105 Mount Royal Shopping Circle
Organized by Esther P., this group meets in the the old Yarn Harbor space, which was taken over by the library awhile back (on the left when you walk in). It is open to anyone, but primarily focused on pattern drawing. Bring your supplies and something you want to finish or start. No instruction, no fee, no organization. It's wonderful to tangle together, if schedules align, and lovely to tangle alone. If you find yourself alone, no worries, another Monday is right around the corner. Enjoy!

Tuesdays, April 10, 17, 24, 12:30-3 p.m.
Open Studio at the Duluth Depot, 506 W. Michigan Street
The Duluth Art Institute offers a regular Tuesday open art-studio session at the Depot. People of all abilities practicing all artistic mediums are invited to bring their own supplies and join the weekly group. Cost: $5 plus a DAI membership (first session is free).

Saturday, April 14, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Nice Girls of the North 2nd Saturday Marketplace, Lakeside Lester Park Community Center (the former Lakeside Library), 106 N. 54th Ave. East
"Free coffee, cookies, and a friendly atmosphere await while you browse a collection of handcrafted clothing and bags, pottery, jewelry, stained glass, photography, personal care products, baby items and much more. One central checkout, most major credit cards accepted."

Monday, April 16, 5-7 p.m.
Empty Bowl Preview Night: Sea of Bowls, The Depot, 506 West Michigan Street
Choose a fine-art bowl at this gallery-style showing complete with wine and cheese reception. This event is FREE. Bowls range in price from $25—$100. This event features beautiful bowls made and decorated with love by local artists, accomplished and amateur. They are truly unique treasures as so many hands went into creating the final product.

Tuesday, April 17, 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

25th Annual Empty Bowl, The Depot, 506 West Michigan Street
Empty Bowl benefits Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank, providing food for more than 4.7 million meals annually to people in need throughout northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. Enjoy a delicious soup meal FREE of charge. Buy beautiful handmade bowls for just $20 each.

Wednesday, April 18, 6-8 p.m.
Creative Expression Evening, Yoga North, 4628 Pitt Street, Suite 208
This two-hour class includes a brief discussion on the creative process, one hour of gentle yoga with guided imagery followed by an inspirational art project to take home. It takes place on the third Wednesday of every month. Class cost: $35

Wednesday, April 18, 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Zentangle® & Wine, Master Framing Gallery, 1431 London Road
Experience the fun and relaxation of drawing simple, repetitive line patterns with pen and ink and pencil shading. No previous drawing experience necessary. Class Cost: $35; Supplies: $10 (or use supplies provided without additional cost). RSVP to episzczek@gmail.com. Seats are limited.

Friday, April 20, 7-10 p.m.
Opening Reception: Ojibway & Nordic Flowers, Vines, & Leaves: Honoring Mother Earth, Nordic Center, 23 N. Lake Avenue
Artists: Alison Aune, Wendy Savage, Rosemary Guttormsson, Karen Savage-Blue, Carolyn Olson, Tashia Hart, Julian Curry, Karen Keenan & Arna Rennan will show work inspired by nature with a focus on Northern Minnesota. Open for the Earth Day Gallery Hop on April 21, 10 am-5 pm. FB event page.

Saturday, April 21, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Art for Earth Day Gallery Hop, Multiple Locations, see website for parking details and to download brochure.
"In honor of the 48th Anniversary of Earth Day several downtown Duluth galleries, Armory Arts & Music Center, Tweed Museum of Art and UMD Department of Art & Design will be hosting free receptions and open studios. Also participating: Art Dock, Duluth Pottery, Joseph Nease Gallery, Lake Superior Art Glass, Lizzards Art Gallery and Framing, McTavish Quilting Studio, Siiviis of Sivertson, Studio 101, Tischer Photographic Gallery, Washington Gallery, and Waters of Superior. Tour local galleries, visit with studio artists and watch demonstrations at this fun event. For more information, call (218) 722-1451." FB event page.

Friday, April 27, 6-9ff
Goin' Postal 2018 Spring Art Show
Another fine show is slated. This is one not to miss. OK, it is my "home gallery" so I am biased--though based on head counts each year this has become a go to event. 15-20 local artists, food and music with an after-party featuring Laura Velvet & the Bookhouse Boys.

Friday, April 27, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Leah Yellowbird: Dimensions, Dr. Robert Powless Cultural Center, 212 W. 2nd Street
Leah Yellowbird’s new art exhibition, Dimensions, will feature artwork that is cross-dimensional, with 3-D painted animal busts, a 9-foot bear sculpture constituted by pom-poms, a collection of black velvet bead work designs, and a selection of her signature pointillist paintings. The event is free, though there is a suggested $10 donation. For more information contact Moira Villiard at moira.aicho@gmail.com.


Art Exhibits
April 2018
Transmutation: Art of Growth and Love
New Works by sculptor/painter/photographer Eric Dubnicka, Zeitgeist Atrium, 222 E. Superior Street.
Eric Dubnicka was raised in a small-town in NW Wisconsin. After a number of years with the Forestry Sciences Lab in Juneau, AK as a “destructive data collector”, he returned to the Midwest and attended the College of Visual Arts in St. Paul, MN where he received his BFA in 2002. For sixteen years he has called Duluth, MN home and has exhibited photography, paintings and sculptures regionally, received numerous grants and awards and has been collected widely.

April 2018
New Drawings & Paintings by Stephanie Wilcox
Amazing Grace Bakery & Cafe, 394 S. Lake Avenue (DeWitt Seitz, downstairs)
Colorful pattern artist Stephanie Wilcox debuts new work sure to tantalize the eye and inspire creativity.

April 2018
The Illusion of Control
Paintings and sculpture by Robb Quisling's Hermantown High School art class at Beaners Central. Thought-provoking imagery on a relevant theme. Whether you drop in at Beaners for coffee or lunch, be sure to take in the student art this month.

April/May 2018
Sweep

Art Exhibition Opening, Joseph Nease Gallery, 23 W. 1st Street
"Joseph Nease Gallery is excited to announce its second exhibition, “Sweep," presenting the latest work of a group of experienced painters at a high point in their craft, “Sweep” is a regional and national survey of more than 20 contemporary painters: Alison Aune, Kirsten Aune, Robert Bingaman, James Brinsfield, Marcus Cain, Peter Granados, Christopher Harrison, Rachel Hayes, Matthew Kluber, Don Kottmann, Kay Kurt, Adam McCauley, Karen Owsley Nease, Heidi Pollard, Warren Rosser, Eric Sall, Rabbett before Horses Strickland, Jonathan Thunder, Mimi Chen Ting and Leah Yellowbird." Exhibit runs through May 31, 2018.
See my interview with Joseph Nease upon the opening of this new gallery.

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TWO ADDITIONAL EVENTS related to Milton's Hell
Wednesday April 18 at 7 pm. Peter Spooner will give a presentation on William Blake's art, especially his "Paradise Lost" illustrations, and his influence on visual art. After his presentation we will again show the Milton's Hell video.

Friday April 20 at 7 pm. Professor Kevin Quarmby, Saint Scholastica English Department, will give a presentation on Milton, Shakespeare and the Origin of the Specious in Paradise Lost. After his presentation we will show the Milton's Hell video.

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Meantime art goes on all around you. Engage it.

Nease News: Two Openings In Two States

When Karen and Joseph Nease moved to the Northland a couple years ago you knew right off that they would become a welcome addition to the Twin Ports art scene. Artist/painter Karen Nease, finding inspiration in the natural beauty that ebbs and flows around us, was quickly at work on her first Northland show. Husband Joe, meanwhile didn't waste any time doing the essential footwork necessary to locate the ideal space for a new gallery. The Joseph Nease Gallery in Kansas City had gained the attention of national art magazines and in a relatively short time established itself as a serious player in the region.

Well, the Neases are in the Northland now, and it is with pleasure that I share this blog post announcing Karen's new show at the Kruk Gallery in Superior, and the premiere show in the new Joseph Nease Gallery in Downtown Duluth. Anticipation is running high for both these events.

As Above, So Below.
Karen Nease Opening at the Kruk

Superior, Wisconsin - The Kruk Gallery, University of Wisconsin – Superior presents As Above, So Below. The exhibition features a new body of artwork from Karen Owsley Nease’s wave portrait series. Exquisitely painted, and dramatic, these oil paintings portray the waves as powerful, elemental forces. They are monochromatic in palette, ranging in size from small studies to the full size of a wave. The breaking multi-faceted waves create strong patterns of light and dark drawing the viewer closer. As Ann Landi describes, “ … this artist builds up her pictures in glazes until the surface reaches a seductive luminosity. “

Karen Owsley Nease is a contemporary landscape painter whose “…seascape painting draws from the traditions of Western landscape painting, and subverts those traditions as firmly as it refers to them. By doing so it encourages us to retune our way of perceiving the non-human world which surrounds and supports us,” states Ruth Henriquez. Throughout her career, Nease’s artwork has sought to extend the meaning of landscape beyond the Western European tradition. She achieves this by presenting the power of the waters with no reference to humans whatsoever except for the viewer’s own reaction. Her paintings present the forces of nature as entities in their own right, inviting the viewer to see the subject in new ways.

Nease's artwork has reference points in her own efforts toward habitat restoration, American transcendentalist landscape painting and the work of more recent artists such as Neil Welliver, April Gornik and Vija Celmins who are similarly engaged with both the landscape and its use as subject matter for formalist experimentation. Almost photo-realistic when viewed from afar, the paintings become more painterly and abstract as one approaches. From the catalog essay by Ann Landi, “the wave series keeps viewer pleasurably off balance, flirting with abstraction…”

Karen Owsley Nease, artist, states, “I am thrilled at the opportunity to introduce this new and ongoing series of artwork to the Northland. The Kruk Gallery is an ideal space to present my large scale wave paintings and it is important to me that this work can be seen at such a lovely space at the University of Wisconsin – Superior, whose programs play an important role in the protection of Lake Superior which is so nearby.”

OPENING RECEPTION: Thursday, October 5, 2017, 5-7pm
Exhibition dates: October 4 – October 26, 2017.
Gallery Hours:
Monday - Wednesday 12:00 - 6:00 pm,
Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm,
Friday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Three States
Joseph Nease Gallery Opening in Duluth

It is a little less than a month before Joseph Nease Gallery opens with its inaugural exhibition Three States on October 21, 2017 with Matthew Kluber, Kathy McTavish, and James Woodfill. If you are unable to make the opening the show will run through January 6, 2017.

So what is Three States?

Art critic, Dave Hickey once suggested “that all an artist needs is to decide where to live, how to live and what they want their art to look like.” Similarly, as a gallery, all you need to know is where you want it to be, how you want it run, and what you want the work you show to look like. Thus, we are in Duluth, Minnesota, with a thoughtfully run gallery showing artwork that we want (you) to see.

In our inaugural exhibition titled Three States, we feature artists from three states with work that is related by motion, technology and finally formed by the space it occupies. Each of these artists, Matthew Kluber (Iowa), Kathy McTavish (Minnesota), and James Woodfill (Missouri) share these commonalities, but through painting, projection, motion, and vantage point options give distinctly different viewer experiences. Matthew Kluber is an artist whose “painting (projection)” work investigates the intersection of painting and digital technology. Kathy McTavish is a media composer, cellist and installation artist whose work blends data, text, code, sound, and abstract, layered moving images. And James Woodfill, an interdisciplinary artist whose work is focused on direct experience through the composition of objects, occurrences and site.

In order to fully introduce the gallery during this inaugural exhibition, we also will be showing at least one recent artwork of each of the artists with whom we are currently working, including work by James Brinsfield, Marcus Cain, Cary Esser, Peter Granados, Rachel Hayes, Don Kottmann, Heidi Pollard, Warren Rosser, Eric Sall, and Tim White.

For more information, Follow the New Joseph Nease Gallery on Facebook.

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TONIGHT
Don't miss tonight's Opening Reception for IN SITU in the John Steffl Gallery at the Duluth Art Institute, on the fourth floor in The Depot.

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