Lake Superior Abstract Interest Group Art Exhibit at the Zeitgeist Atrium

"Summer Along the River" -- Acrylic. Virginia Alexander.

In case you haven't heard, the Zeitgeist has opened up again. The restaurant/cafe is open for dinner several days a week, and there's a new art exhibit in the Atrium. The art show features work by the Lake Superior Abstract Interest Group and its theme is Art Exhibit “C*A*R*E”.  16 artists have work on display. A unique feature of the exhibition is that a portion of all sales proceeds will be given to charity. An opening reception is currently scheduled for January 20, 2022.

Here are some of the paintings you'll see if you are able to visit.

"Crazy for Patsy" -- Acrylic. Margie Helstrom.

"The Beat Goes On" -- Watercolor/Mixed Media. Mary Azmitia.

"Stardust" -- Acrylic. Wood, Fabric. Kris Nelson

"Living the Life" -- Acrylic, Mixed Media. Sue Rauschenfels

"Flora Friends" -- Watercolor/Mixed Media.Avita Gille. NFS

"Autumn Mysteries"--Watercolor. Edna Stromquist.

"What Do You Say to a Man with. Two Black Eyes"-- Mixed Media. Ed Newman

"November" -- Watercolor on Giclee. Kay Bloom. NFS

"Gathering" -- Watercolor/Acrylic. Linda Gerga.

"2020" -- Acrylic/Mixed Media. Rosemary Guttormsson.

The photos don't do justice to some of the artwork. 

Unless otherwise noted, all work displayed here is for sale. If you are from outside the area and see something you would like to own, send me an email I will put you in touch with the artist. ennyman3 >at< gmail.com 

"Diversified Rainbows Dancing in the Moonlight"--Canned Latex Enamels. 
Doris Sampson

"Oh, That's Chlorophyll For You"-- Acrylic. Molly Ovenden.

"Compasionata of the A.S.P.C.A."--Acrylic. Claudia Faith.

"Anchored"-- Acrylic. Cynthia Matthews.

A Quick Peek at the Duluth Art Institute's 63rd Arrowhead Regional Biennial

Modern Times--Jonathan Thunder. First Place.

Yesterday afternoon I visited the Duluth Art Institute to check out the Arrowhead Regional Biennial, one of the longest-running biennials in the country. The exhibition features a wide range of artwork produced within the last five years from artists residing in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Michigan, and Ontario, Canada. 

133  artists submitted work to this 63rd Biennial. Kayla Aubid served as judge for the show. 27 artists' works were selected, showcasing work that examines community, the environment, heritage and current events. As usual, this is a special show with much to appreciate. Here are some of the photographs I took today along with links to some of the artists I have interviewed here over the years. (For best viewing, click to enlarge 

Clarion Whisper--Gary Carlson

Detail from Clarion Whisper

LaVentana--Carmen Gutierrez-Bolger

Empty Inside--Rachel Bruya

Contingent--Susanna Gaunt

Under Pressure--S. Catrin Magnusson

The Good Doc Poler--Chimakwa Nibawii Stone

Falling in a Forest--Adam Swanson

Painting 85--Scott Helmes

Painting 85 (Detail)

Reaching for Health--Loretta Bebeau

Reaching for Health (Detail)

Disclaimer: All the works you see here are more impressive in person. There were others I would like to have highlighted but the photos were not suitably sharp. 

The Duluth Art Institute is located on the fourth floor of Duluth's Historic Depot on Michigan Street. In addition to the Biennial, there are also exhibitions in the Corridor Gallery and the John Steffl Gallery.  

Local Art Seen: Tara Austin @ the Joseph Nease Gallery's "A Warm Reset"

I first saw Tara Lynn Austin's work at a Duluth Art Institute show in My 2018, the year she finished her MFA at Madison. The show, Boreal Ornament, featured wonderfully intricate imagery and memorably vivid patterns and designs. 

Having grown up in Grand Marais, it's not surprising she did her undergraduate studies at UMD where she discovered Professor Ryuta Nakajima, who amplified her interest in the intersection between science and art. "I became interested in Victorian botanical illustrations while I was at UMD, especially those of Ernst Haeckel, and I spent a lot of time in the greenhouse," she said of that time. "I started reading about the mathematics found in nature, like golden spiral, Fibonacci sequence, and fractals."

A year ago, Austin was slated to be a featured artist at the Joseph Nease Gallery here in Duluth. Unfortunately, the pandemic and subsequent lockdown closed the doors at JNG until this past weekend when their new show launched titled A Warm Reset. Tara Austin is one of the artists who has work on display this spring through June 26. 

The more you engage, the more you see... much like life itself.

Tara Austin, Liz James and Tim White will be featured April 10 at a JNG artists talk. The JNG is located at 23 West 1st Street here in Duluth.

To learn more about exhibitions, represented artists and gallery hours

visit the Joseph Nease Gallery website at

http://www.josephneasegallery.com/

Several Local Artists Whose Work You'll Find at Lizzard's

Silver Laced Dreams. Shawna Gilmore

There are a lot of people doing really wonderful things in the arts here locally. Here are some more paintings and images by people whose work I admire. 

I will be brief and let the pictures speak their thousand words. Essentially, I want to apologize in advance to the artists because I've dropped my iPhone a few too many times over the years and their art may not be as sharp as it out to be.

Be sure to stop in at Lizzard's sometime if interested in getting a painting, pottery or some other special items for that special someone.

Shawna Gilmore

White Tailed Buck on Hill. Alexa Carson

Elk. Alexa Carson

Common Original III-Color Space Refraction--Martin DeWitt

Fairhaven Cafe--Lloyd Backus

Perfect Day Duluth--Scott Murphy

They Never Hunter Sober--Scott Murphy

Ballon Boy--Scott Murphy

This is one by Jeffrey. Oh, the hillside.

A display near the front of the store.

Most of the photos here are up on the second floor landing. 

Do be sure to stop, look around and take your time. There's plenty to see.
Lizzard's Art Gallery and Framing

11 West Superior Street

Twin Ports Art: Here's What's Happening This Week in the Arts

"Mingus" Kicking off Black History Month with a little jazz.
Painting by Ed Newman. 24"x 36" @ Goin' Postal.

What follows has been lifted from Esther Piszczek's wonderful contribution to the local arts scene: TWIN PORTS ART on Blogger. What I am sharing here is a summary of the first 12 days of February. Follow THIS LINK if you want to fill in your calendar through the end of the month.

She's also introducing a new feature there called Artist Spotlight where she will shine a light on a local artist. This month, you will find a link to Brian Barber's interview of metalsmith and jeweler Elizabeth Pawlik published in his Perfect Duluth Day's Selective Focus feature. Scroll down past the Art on View section to find the link!

Welcome to February!

Here's a quick peek at what Esther is doing and where she'll be this month:

Wednesday, February 12, 6:30-9:00 p.m.

Zentangle (R) & Wine with Esther Piszczek, CZT, Master Framing Gallery, 1431 London Road (RSVP required) [NOTE: this class has filled]

Friday, February 21, 6-8 p.m.
Jazz@DFP, Duluth Fine Pianos, 331 W. Superior Street
Musicians: Ryan Frane, Piano, Joey Pettit, Bass, C.J. Kocher on Saxophone!

Save the Date!
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

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

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All events, including my 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.

Friday, January 31, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Sammy Zimmerman last night at AICHO. More complete
account will be featured soon.

Opening Reception: The Journey Home – Chapter 2, Paintings by Samuel J. Zimmerman, American Indian Community Housing Organization, 202 W. Second Street

This free exhibit features paintings by Samuel J. Zimmerman. During the opening last night, Samuel created a live painting of a shawl dancer. His work is created from his inspiration, his Ojibwe heritage, the strength and spirit of the traditional jingle dress and shawl dancers, and the beauty of Gitchi-Gami. Refreshments were served.

Saturday, February 1, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
What’s Your Wunderkammer? Experimenting in 3D with Paper and Collage, Duluth Art Institute at Lincoln Park, 2229 W. Second St.
"Duluth artist Susanna Gaunt introduces techniques in collage and shaping paper to create two-and three-dimensional pieces in this workshop. Susanna’s work is inspired from observations of the natural world, natural history museums and their 17th century precursors, the Wunderkammer; as private collections of art and rare specimens, these curiosity cabinets strove to reveal the wonders of our world.

"The class will discuss what they collect and observe and how it can inspire the creative process. From there, they will use collage and shaping paper. Both 2-and 3-dimensional techniques will be introduced and demonstrated to allow for a variety of forms of expression. Time will be given for participants to generate ideas and experiment with collage to create their own artworks based on what they collect and what inspires them.

"A selection of vintage boxes will be available for $10, paid directly to the artist. Participants are also welcome to bring their own small boxes or containers (about the size of a shoe box). The cost of this workshop is $25 for Duluth Art Institute members and $30 for nonmembers."

Saturday, February 1, 2-4 p.m.
Opening Reception: Illuminations, Zeitgeist Atrium, 222 E. Superior Street
"Come view all new work by Mary Plaster, mixed media artist, featuring large-as-life Minnesota wildlife as whimsical lanterns in symbolic mid-winter darkness as she unveils her newest show, Illuminations. Richie Townsend will provide his electric guitar musical stylings for the afternoon festivities. Short clips and photos of Mary's larger-than-life puppetry-in-action will also be shown, as edited by filmmaker, Kirk Eckstine. Cookies, cocoa & coffee with be served symbolically in lieu of pancakes traditionally marking preLenten Christian time." On View: through February 27

Saturday, February 1, 2-4 p.m.
Lake Superior Writers: Obtaining Writing Feedback and Forming Editing Groups, Duluth Public Library, Green Room, 520 W. Superior Street
"Lake Superior Writers hosts local writers to discuss the feedback process and sifting through the feedback to strengthen one’s writing. Independent publisher Jim Perlman speaks about the editing process, writer Felicia Schneiderhan talks about structuring writing groups, and representatives from local writing groups share how their own writing groups are structured."

Sunday, February 2, 1-3 p.m.

SunFUNday! Art for Children of All Ages: Nordic Hearts for All, The Nordic Center, 23 N. Lake Avenue

"Join art professor Alison Aune, her UMD art education students, and special guests. Create a Nordic Heart-inspired Valentine with felt, paper, thread and beads. Pre-Registration is encouraged! Admission: $5 suggested donation; Contact: Alison Aune, aaune@d.umn.edu, with questions and pre-registration information.

Mondays, February 3, 10, 6-8:30 p.m.

Printmaking Club, Duluth Art Institute, Lincoln Park Building, 

"The Duluth Art Institute hosts a print-making club in their printmaking studio in Lincoln Park for its members. The club meets the first and third Monday of the month through March. All levels of experience are welcome. Attendees should bring their own supplies and reference materials including drawings, sketches and photos for ideas and inspiration. A $10 donation per session is suggested. This group meets on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month, through March."

Tuesdays, February 4, 11, 18, 25, 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).

Tuesday, February 4, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Crafternoons for Kids @ WEST, West Duluth Branch Library, Senior Center Meeting Room, 5830 Grand Avenue

"Crafternoons includes make-and-take craft projects. No experience or sign-up required."

Tuesday, February 4, 5:30 p.m. (hors d'oeuvres) 7 p.m. (Documentary Screening)

Rabbett Before Horses, Tweed Museum of Art, 

"Rabbett Before Horses is a special one-hour PBS WI documentary presenting an in-depth portrait of the Northern Wisconsin-based artist from his rock band days on the Fillmore stage in San Francisco, to his return to his ancestral home on the Red Cliff Reservation, through the advanced mathematical theories scrolling through his mind, to the belief among his fellow Ojibwe that his intricate paintings come from his dreams.

"Free and open to the public, however seating is limited and RSVP is required. Let us know you plan to attend either event (hors d'oeuvres / film screening) or both. Alternate snow date is February 11."

Tuesdays, February 4, 11, 18, 25, 6-8 p.m.

Celtic Song Circle, Wussow's Concert Cafe, 324 N. Central Avenue

"Musicians of all ages are invited to bring their instruments and voices to perform in a song circle, playing Celtic tunes and other classics."

Wednesday, February 5, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Youth Film Photography Club for ages 12+, The Depot Darkroom, Duluth Art Institute, 506 W. Michigan Street
"Spend time at the historic Depot exploring the art of film photography. Learn how to use the elements of photography to take better shots and learn how to develop film and make your own prints in the darkroom. We will provide film cameras, lenses and other photography equipment to use while at the Depot. A limited amount of film, paper and chemicals will be provided with the registration fee. Feel free to bring your own cameras and any additional supplies, as needed. Cost: $20 per session"

Thursdays, February 6 & 20, 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, February 6, 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, February 6, 5-8 p.m.

Opening Reception: Laura Andrews & Paula Gudmundson: Integrated Vision, George Morrison Gallery, Duluth Art Institute, 506 W. Michigan Street
"Digital landscapes and meditative harmonies invite viewers to find respite and connect with the surrounding world in Integrated Vision, a collaborative exhibition by Laura Andrews and Paula Gudmundson. Large scale images of nature float on the walls of the Morrison Gallery, documenting the ever-changing state of our environment. Slow, thoughtful music projects a state of fluidity, transcending reality." On View: December 2019-March 2020

Thursday, February 6, 5-8 p.m.
Opening Reception: 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." Artist Talk: March 17, 5-7 p.m.; On View: December 2019-March 2020

Thursday, February 6, 5-8 p.m.

Opening Reception: Tommy Kronquist: Medium Control, Corridor Gallery, Duluth Art Institute, 506 W. Michigan Street"Local artist and business owner Tommy Kronquist began his design career on the winter slopes of Minnesota. Merging his passion for snowboarding with his interest in art, a company was born: Medium Control. Long before designing however, Kronquist joined a competitive winter sports circuit that included traveling with his snowboarding sponsors. Through them he was exposed to a market heavy with design fads. During this time, Kronquist gravitated towards working with sales representatives to present his design work. Eventually, the ebb and flow of multiple seasons brought with it the desire to create timeless designs, work that would be relevant for more than a season, or a year, or even a decade. Kronquist’s work presented in the DAI Corridor Gallery embodies his classic minimal designs." On View: through February 9

Friday, February 7, 5:30-8 p.m.

Love Your Local Artist, Superior Public Library, 1530 Tower Avenue, Superior, WI
"The 10th annual Love Your Local Artist event celebrates Superior’s artists while supporting the public library. Local artists will have their artwork available for purchase. There will be live music, wine and refreshments. There will also be a silent auction. Attendees can help expand the library’s collection by “adopting” materials on behalf of the library at the “Adopt-a-Book” sale."

Friday, February 7, 6-8 p.m.

Opening Reception: Improvisational Compositions: Not Our Grandmothers’ Quilts, Duluth Folk School, 1917 W. Superior Street
"Featuring works by Esther Derby and Mary Mathews. All quilts involve design. In 2018 and 2019 Mary Mathews and Esther Derby studied with renowned quilt artist Nancy Crow. You’ll notice that some of the quilts in this exhibit bear a resemblance. That’s because they were based on the same design prompt: Use a simple motif and reversals, with one flat color and one glowing color. Other quilts emerged from different prompts. The artist may be more or less constrained given the prompt. In either case, the artist applies principle of design within those constraints. Through repeated use of the same prompt, the artist’s voice develops. As you look at the quilts in this exhibit, see if you can deduce the design prompts behind the quilt." On View: through April 2

Saturday, February 8, 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, February 8, 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: Sally Cavallero Designs, handmade recycled sterling silver jewelry
[Note: I own a pair of her earrings and they are beautifully designed and hand crafted.]

Tuesdays, February 11-25, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Oil Painting: Harps Alla Prima with Matt Kania, Duluth Art Institute at Lincoln Park, 2229 W. Second Street"Local artist Matt Kania teaches an alla prima painting class with a live model playing the harp. The class runs on three consecutive Tuesdays. The first class features the live model while the class focuses on capturing the shapes and movements through oil sketches and photographs. In the remaining two sessions the class will work from the oil sketches and photographs to complete a large oil painting. Painting alla prima is an Italian term which means “at first” and is also known as “direct painting” or “wet on wet” oil painting. Using this technique, painters will complete a painting without waiting for the paint layers to dry completely, focusing on shapes, color value, paint applications and brush strokes. Class Cost: $125 for DAI members and $150 for nonmembers. Visit HERE to register and to see the materials list."

Wednesdays, February 12-March 11, 1-4 p.m.

Face and Figure Drawing for Beginners, Duluth Art Insitute at Lincoln Park, 2229 W. Second Street

"Artist William Wise teaches a five-session face and figure drawing course for beginners. Students will learn observation and detail skills needed to accurately lay out and draw faces and figures on paper. The course covers classic formulas for drawing the human figure and face through the instruction of gestural techniques, using observation and detail to get accurate drawings on paper. The class focuses on getting the features where they belong and building the likeness of many images. The course runs every Wednesday from Feb. 12 through Mar. 11. Class Cost: $120 for DAI members and $145 for nonmembers. For more information, visit www.williamwiseart.com."

Wednesday, February 12, 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, August 18, 2019.

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THERE ARE COUNTLESS MUSIC & THEATER EVENTS NOT MENTIONED HERE. Check out the ads and info in The Reader Weekly to catch what's happening now. There are so many great venues.