Almost Wordless Wednesday: Sue Rauschenfels @ The Lakeside Gallery

Sue Rauschenfels is the featured artist at Lakeside Gallery this month.

Related Links

Sue Rauschenfels' 2017 Open House

A 2014 Interview with the artist

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

Local Art Scene: February Happenings and "Whew! We Survived a Cold One"

Savannah After Dark. Photo by the author.

If' you're reading these words, that means you survived the nasty cold weather we had this week. Most of my time here in Minnesota the weather folk called it an "Alberta Clipper" so I find he new lingo amusing. "Polar Vortex." I'm not sure if this sounds scarier than Albert Clipper because they both feel frosty. It is fun to try to guess how cold it is outside based on the various squeaking noises when we walk up the frozen driveway to the garage.

We received numerous phone calls and emails inquiring if we were OK. It's nice to know people care.

On these occasions when we experience extreme cold it frequently brings to mind Jack London's story "To Build A Fire," a classic man vs. nature epic. This week, however, the story that came to mind was about a cargo transporter in Alaska who was tasked with the assignment of delivering a frozen body of a dead man from some remote area to another because the ground was too frozen to busy him. I don't recall the details except that, if I recall correctly, he gets killed himself along the way and some other kind soul goes on to make the delivery, not knowing that he's transporting a dead body. London handles it with a lighter touch. It's not as gruesome as it sounds.

Anyways, the worst (of the cold weather) is behind us, so 

let's talk about art.

FIRST, BIG THANKS AGAIN to Esther Piszczek for assembling as much as she is aware of on her Twin Ports Art blog. Here is The Link. You will find art happenings, classes and more.

My blog posted here will only cover a part of the February list because I want to make sure you know about Two Events today. First Lakeside Gallery is hosting a opening reception for Sue Rauschenfels, the gallery's featured artist for February. This even is from 1-3 p.m. and you can READ ABOUT IT HERE.

Second, also from 1-3 p.m. this afternoon The Tweed Museum of Art is hosting a Family Day related to the Intersections exhibit featuring many of Minnesota's Native American artists. Alison Aune and Wendy Savage will be your hosts. "The Tweed Museum of Art invites families to meet and make art with Alison Aune and Wendy Savage, both seasoned art educators. This is the first Family Day developed in conjunction with Intersections, an exhibition of contemporary Native art by Minnesota-based artists. Families will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of art activities throughout the museum, which are all based on works by artists on display in the exhibition. For example, participants may be interested in creating recycled toy sculptures, practice quill straw weaving, create a watercolor and more. Light refreshments will be served after the event. The next Family Day is scheduled for July 13."

LAST NIGHT was the opening reception for Wild Paintings by Alexa Carson and photography by Riah Beth. If you missed it, the work will be on display all month at the Duluth Folk School, 1917 W. Superior Street. This collaborative exhibit shows two perspectives on the raw perfection of nature. 

Mondays, February 4, 11, 18, 25, 5:30 p.m.
Tangling Mondays, Mount Royal Library, 105 Mount Royal Shopping Circle
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, February 5, 12, 19, 26, 12:30-3 p.m.

Kris Nelson piece in the Great Hall of the Depot
Be sure to stop and see the Member Show,
Biennial and Vern Northrup's photography.

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).

Tuesday, February 5, 6:30-8 p.m.
Tweevening: Out of the Shadows: Annie Traquair Lang & Helen M. Turner, Court Gallery, Tweed Museum of Art, 1201 Ordean Court
Dr. Jennifer Webb's Tweevening art talk will provide insights into a portion of the current exhibit upstairs titled Quiet Simplicity. Two women artists, Helen M. Turner and Annie Traquair Lang, will be the focus of Dr. Webb's remarks. These women were highly praised in their lifetimes but have since received little scholarly attention. Their contributions to American painting are overshadowed by their connection with their teacher, mentor, and travel companion, William Merritt Chase, a leader in American Impressionism. Free and open to the public."

Wednesday, February 6, 6:30-9:00 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.

Wednesday, February 6, 7-9 p.m.
Adam Swanson Opening Reception, Pizza Luce, 11 E. Superior Street
Popular and prolific, acrylic painter Adam Swanson presents 35 paintings, comprised of mostly new work.

Wednesday, February 6, 7:30-9 p.m.
Life House Youth Variety Show, Teatro Zuccone, 222 E. Superior Street
"An evening of entertainment celebrating the talents of young local artists, musicians, dancers, poets and much more. Free admission; donations accepted."

Thursday, February 7, 21, 4-7 p.m.
Winter Farmer's Market, Duluth Folk School, 1917 W. 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!"

Saturday, February 9, 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."

Saturday, February 9, 2-4 p.m.
Valentine's Day Crafts for Kids, Green Room, Main Library, Duluth Public Library, 520 W. Superior Street "Get ready for Valentine's Day! Drop in anytime between 2 - 4 pm to create your own valentines! Make a valentine for a veteran or for a friend. For children in Kindergarten through 5th grade. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult."

Saturday, February 9, 5-9 p.m.
Selling Artwork Online Workshop, Zeitgeist Cafe, Private Board Dining Room, 222 E. Superior Street
A primer for anyone wanting to sell artwork online. ​In this workshop you will learn what it takes to start or improve your selling online. See link for a list of topics covered. Zeitgeist will validate 3 hours of your parking in the Sheraton Lot. Bring a sample your artwork, under 24". Cost: $200. Contact Tony Ferguson ASAP if you would like to attend. FB Page Sunday,

Sarah Brokke will open at
Duluth Pottery on the 10th

February 10, 4-6 p.m.
Sarah Brokke: Sacred Selves Exhibition Opening, Duluth Pottery, 1924 W. Superior Street "Painter Sarah M. Brokke shows her new work. On view: February 10-March 31."

Sunday, February 10, 7-9 p.m.
Gag Me With A Spoon - A Community Storyshare, Teatro Zuccone, 222 East Superior Street Adeline Wright hosts this evening of storytelling and open mic journal sharing in the style of the Moth and Mortified podcasts. There will be featured storytellers and a musical guest. Member of the audience are also welcome to sign-up on the night for an 8 minute open mic journal-sharing segment. Suggested Donation: $5 at the door.

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STAY IN THE LOOP. 

Bookmark TWIN PORTS ART: https://twinportsart.blogspot.com/

Local Art Seen: Roosters and Chickens at Lakeside

The call went out for artwork featuring roosters, and 20 local artists answered the call. Who hasn't enjoyed seeing the varieties of chickens and roosters reproduced as art? Even I painted a rooster once, which I had seen tethered to a crate in a marketplace in Mexico, so I submitted it to Aaron's show at Lakeside Gallery. The opening reception Yesterday afternoon was comfortably crowded and the chatter constant as artists and friends mingled, enjoying the featured works and exploring each others' visual delights.

The barnyard theme included works by many familiar names including Adam Swanson, Sue Rauschenfels, Aaron Kloss, Don Delvin, Chris Dillon and others, as well as a notable rooster painted by the late John Peyton. The names were as fun as the images sometimes, like Sue McDonald's watercolor titled The Chicken Whisperer and Linda Naughton's Rise and Shine.

Recommended: If you are heading up to Brighton Beach, or Scenic Cafe, take a brief diversion Superior Street at 45th and drop in to Lakeside Gallery for an aesthetic lift. Then cap it off with your favorite flavor of java next door. Just sayin'.

Here are some of the pieces I saw yesterday.

Linda Naughton's collage, "Rise and Shine" 

Sue Rauschenfels' contribution.

Aaaron Kloss offered up several smaller canvases on the theme.

Reflections often prove to be a challenge for photographers, though
frequently I think they add a degree of interest. 

Here's an interesting pair of "Unusual Chickens" by Kris Trembley

"Cluck" by Chris Dillon

Don Delvin's spoof on the palace guards at Buckingham Coop.

REMINDERS

This afternoon there will be a short film about Milton's Hell at Karpeles Manuscript Museum Library (across the street from the emergency entrance to St. Luke's). Kathryn Lenz's paintings are featured this month, a good excuse to visit if you have never been. The opening reception was Tuesday April 3, but several other events are scheduled. In addition to the video, Sam Black & Friends will be serving up Music of Rebellion and Divine Creation beginning at 3:00.

NOTE TO ARTISTS: Duluth Dylan Fest will again be featuring an art event in the Zeitgeist Atrium the week before Memorial Day. If interested and able, here is a link to the CALL FOR ART. The theme this year is Visions of Duluth, featuring the Northland inspiration that permeates Dylan's art and career.

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

Local Art Seen: Naomi Christenson @ Lakeside Gallery

You don't need a degree in psychology or rocket science to understand where Naomi Christenson's passions lie. The opening reception was the previous weekend, but her small paintings of fungi, lichens and other repeating patterns in nature will be on display throughout the month of March at Lakeside Gallery on 45th and Superior.

While at the gallery you'll find more than enough other things to see including an assortment of Shawna Gilmore paintings in both the gallery and on the walls of the java joint next door. Need a wake up brew? Check in here and check out the art, too.

I like the way Aaron Kloss, owner of the gallery space, has an open doorway into the coffee shop, as if to say "we're neighbors and also friends." Or as they say south o' the border, "Mi casa es su casa."

Here are some of the affordable pieces you will find here this month on the featured artist wall.

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I read something about a rooster-themed art show that Lakeside is hosting, but I do not know details. As soon as I learn something I will share.

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

Local Art Seen: Karen Anderson's "Winter Woods" at Lakeside Gallery

Sign outside Lakeside Gallery on Saturday.

"When the weather outside is frightful..."

The warmth of an art gallery is so delightful, 

with refreshments and friends you know

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Yes, the roads may have been a little slick, but sand trucks and snow plows were out so you really could get around. Karen Anderson's opening at the Lakeside Gallery made for a nice destination, and as is often the case the place was abuzz. Anderson is a watercolorist who does nature scenes. Birch trees seems to be a favorite of many artists that painter/proprietor Aaron Kloss represents, and Anderson is no exception. They abundance of birch is an exhilarating part of living here in the Northland, and like the Great Lake many artists draw inspiration from this. 

The walls are awash with local art here. 

Like many artists, their reproduced pictures make great gift cards.

The guests on the right stand admiringly in front of Anderson's work.

The natural beauty of the region is compelling in any season.

The gallery has a wide range of gift items, locally made.

The title of Anderson's show is "Winter Woods."

Lakeside Gallery is located on Superior Street at 45th Avenue East. The door to the adjacent coffee shop is always open. Grab a cup of pick-me-up and enjoy the gallery. Anderson's show will be featured through the month of February.

Meantime, art goes all around you. Engage it.

Local Arts Happenings: This Month @ Lakeside, Tonight @ the Depot and Waking Dream @ the Prove

"The Cutest Little Berry" by Michelle Wegler

While in Lakeside the other day I took a few minutes to visit the Lakeside Gallery, which features a variety of works by local artists. Here are a few excerpts of what I saw. Owner Aaron Kloss has done a nice job of creating a friendly space, with direct access to the coffee shoppe next door, which is also staffed by friendly people. And there's always a place to park.

The arts district downtown has been an exciting development with but one drawback. Parking is not always convenient, though compared to big cities it's still a breeze. (As any New York regular knows, it's best if you can leave you car at home.)

Sue Rauschenfels has work her. Her show with Tom Tauschenfels is
still on display for a few more days in the Zeitgeist Atrium.

Watercolorist Rosemary Gottormsson is the featured artist this month. Rosemary returned from a trip abroad with a bundle of new watercolors in her luggage. Makes a person wonder, "Why bring a camera when you can bring an artist?" Interesting scenes from Old Europe, captured the old fashioned way.

Don't wait till next Xmas to check out these gift ideas.

TONIGHT 

IS THE DAI MEMBER SHOW 

IN THE GREAT HALL 

at the Depot.

See what Duluth Art Institute members 

have been up to this past year.

And tomorrow evening is the opening reception 

for St. Paul artist Jane Wunrow's "Waking Dream." 

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

And if you see me, say hello. 

Artist Shawna Gilmore's Woodlandia

Two years ago when I saw Shawna Gilmore's show at the Kruk Gallery in Superior I was swept away by the personality and vim she put in her paintings. This month Gilmore has an exhibition of new works on display at the Lakeside Gallery, and it's equally fun, her spunk and spirit continuing to run amok. If you get a chance, drop by during the month of August and acquaint yourself with Gilmore's work. I'm sure we'll be seeing more of her paintings around town over the coming years.

EN: Where do your ideas come from?

Shawna Gilmore: I think it wouldn't be a surprise to know I have a very active imagination and vivid dream life. I find a healthy dose of escapism through my work which gives me fortitude to walk through the challenges of life. I read a lot. I laugh a lot. I enjoy playfulness and the bizarre. I love to learn and observe. I enjoy a sense of wonder and perpetual curiosity. All of these things feed into ideas for paintings. I don't really limit myself to reality when I think of images for paintings. There are a lot of what ifs in my world which makes for limitless possibilities and scenarios.

EN: Your colors are vibrant and uplifting. Is this a reflection of your own spirit?

SG: I used to be so afraid of color. My focus in college was drawing and printmaking, color seemed scary. But color is so emotive that it became increasingly difficult to avoid my fear for much longer. So instead of running from it, I decided to try it. I've really learned a lot about color in the few years. I try to use colors I'm drawn to that have a sort of timelessness to them. I don't think I'll ever be a color expert. So much of life is facing your fears and putting aside your insecurities, for me it builds my faith and brings me much joy to overcome even something as common as using color.

I suppose the colors I use reflect my own spirit, I guess I never thought too hard about that. But I can lean towards the optimistic side of life so that makes sense. It's hard to feel glum when you recognize all the blessings you have. I want to enjoy life. I want to find the hidden treasures in it and be filled with gratitude not languish in a pit of despair. When I paint, I want to enjoy what I paint. I want to look at it for years to come and still like it. I want to paint pictures that bring joy, hope, amusement, or wonder.

EN: The word whimsical comes to mind when I look at your work. Is that a fair description of your subject matter? Or are their hidden political messages in your paintings?

SG: Hahaha, no hidden politics in my work, I think you might call me apolitical. I have enough drama and chaos in my own personal life that gives me little margin for the intense emotions of politics. My paintings are for the weary of heart, those who need a moment to breathe, dream or escape the weight of the day.

EN: For example, is that a poisonous snake you have decorated with daisies? 

SG: Well, I do enjoy a little mischief, danger and unknown outcomes in my work. Those more politically passionate might be able to draw conclusions in my work that connect with them and to me that is ok. I'm most interested in providing part of a narrative for the viewer to enter and make their own. I'm not especially fond of snakes, but one with friendly daisy flowers seemed a little less creepy.

EN: I see you have begun painting on panel substrates. Care to comment on this new direction? 

SG:  I've always preferred painting on wood. I've dabbled on plywood, hardboard, paper, never canvas, but I continually return to wood. There is something about the solid, smoothness that makes me happy. Once I discovered deep cradled wood panels, I never turned back. Framing has always been a hang up for me and cradled wood eliminates the need for a frame.

EN: Do you have any local artists whose work has inspired you? 

SG: There are so many excellent creatives in our area, but I am particularly fond of the work of Wendy Rouse, Adam Swanson and Jonathan Thunder.

* * * *
Thanks for sharing, Shawna.

EdNote: You can see more of Shawna Gilmore's paintings next door to Lakeside Gallery at the Amity Coffee Shop (have some java while you're there) and at Art on the Planet on Tower Avenue in Superior, as well as at her website.

Wendy Rouse frequently has work on display at Lizzards Gallery in Downtown Duluth, and Adam Swanson's work will be found there as well.

EdNote: TONIGHT Jonathan Thunder will be giving an Artist Talk at the Duluth Art Institute at 5:30 in conjunction with a book signing. Will I see you there?

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

Local Art Seen: Linda Naughton at Lakeside Gallery and the Nice Girls of the North

"Omigosh, it's beautiful," a woman exclaimed. The enthusiasm and chatter struck me as something akin to a baby shower. I'm referring too the oohs and ahhs I heard from the friends and fans of Linda Naughton at her show opening this past Saturday afternoon. The weather could not have been kinder, pouring generous sunshine in through the South-facing windows into her wall of poppies paintings at Lakeside Gallery at 45th Avenue East and Superior Street.

Linda Naughton worked 25 years in the print shop at UMD before shucking it for the pleasures of retirement. A member of the Watercolor Society, she now has the time to pursue her passion with greater ease.

When she shares the "how" of painting poppies, you can feel her excitement about the process as she shares how she creates the various effects using water colors, india ink and alcohol ink. The subject matter is the same but the outcome in each is different, which makes it especially thrilling.

Watercolor paper varies by finish and weight. Her paintings are done on Arches watercolor 300 lb Hot Press and 140 lb. Cold Press paper. The show will be on display through the month of July. There's a welcoming coffee shop next door if you need one more excuse to pull over while passing through the Lakeside neighborhood.

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A few blocks further East, just a tad before the Lester River and Seven Bridges Road, I located the building where Nice Girls of the North share a space and sell arts, crafts and other creative goods. I've been mentioning this group for quite some time in my monthly round-up but never made it over before. Saturday I had the opportunity to check out this second Saturday marketplace.

The sign out front is bright pink, so you shan't miss it. The building is on 54th Avenue East just a few blocks up from Superior Street. If you are committed to buying local, it's a good place to find certain kinds of original gifts, including jewelry, cards, pottery, clothing, decorative embellishments and lots of warm hearts. For more information on this women's arts collective, visit www.nicegirlsofthenorth.com.

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DID YOU KNOW that the total economic impact by artists and arts organizations 

in the Arrowhead is more than 83 million dollars? (Source: CreativeMN.org) 

It's impressive.

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