Nice Girls of the North Second Saturday Marketplace: and Other Happenings This Week

Last month I began noticing the yard sale signs, one of the early signs of spring here. I also saw a few robins and even a hummingbird. The beginning of the baseball season is another annual event that happens every spring. I'm also noticing lots of joggers, which means Grandma's Marathon is just around the corner.

In the Twin Ports, the local arts and crafts markets are year-round affairs. Though they often ramp up preceding the Christmas holiday season, much of our art scene is as reliable as a clock. Just as the hour hand on the clock circles the dial in a ritualistic dance, so do our many arts activities up here in the Northland.

Susie's goose feather pens will be there, among other treasures. 

One of these is the Nice Girls of the North Second Saturday Marketplace at the Lakeside Lester Park Community Center at 106 N. 54th Ave. East in Duluth. They are open for business the second Saturday of every month from 10am- 3pm, which means this coming Saturday, June 8.

Nice Girls of the North is a collaborative effort that is set up like the antique malls downtown and in Canal Park where individual vendors have tables set up. Customers browse the displays, then make their purchases at a central checkout. The marketplace features unique gifts, clothing and home décor, bags, pottery, jewelry, photography, soaps, candles and baby items.

Coffee and snacks are available, and lots of friendly people will greet you if you go.

* * * *

OTHER ARTS EVENTS THIS WEEK 

DULUTH ART INSTITUTE 

June 4 Reception for three new shows featuring work by Allen Killian-Moore, Susanna Gault, Russell Prather, Natalie Salminen Rude, Juliana Shibata, and the DAI Interns Rachel Feigal, Megan Finegan, Chieze Kaip, and Sierra Lundmark.
FULL DETAILS HERE

Plus, this June 6 event at 

DULUTH POTTERY

AND THE RED HERRING GRAND CLOSING PARTY ON FRIDAY

Midweek Bonus: February Twin Ports Arts Happenings

From the Penny Perry exhibit.

Good news. The February Arts Calendar is here. I was worried Esther had the flu, but it turns out she was in the Southern Hemisphere enjoying a little summertime in India. Alas, here's a list of February happenings for Twin Ports Arts Enthusiasts beginning with tomorrow evening's Artist Talk in the Steffl Gallery at the DAI.

Before we get into it, though here's info on a Call for Art for Duluth Dylan Fest 2018.

* * * *

Thursday, February 8, 6-7 p.m., Artist Talk: Art & Craft-Penny Perry, DAI Steffl Gallery, The Depot, 506 W. Michigan Street

"Penny Perry is the youngest of four daughters that grew up on the family farm in Spooner, Wisconsin. Her life is blessed with creative, generous teachers and mentors, two- and four-legged. She graduated UW-Superior with a degree in Theater & Art and for the past thirty-seven years has owned/operated the family business Perry Framing & Stained Glass that still maintains its original location in Downtown Duluth. Perry works using a variety of mediums; ink on paper, acrylic paint on canvas, stained glass both painted and leaded, photography, and wood."

“I relish in details of texture, juxtaposition, layered depth of color. Refined shape of negative space. Tension and resonance between colors, notes, words...I trust my right hand-to-eye to draw what I see, and the left to paint what isn’t seen." On View: Jan. 11 - Feb. 25, 2018.

Saturday, February 10, 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 10, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Free Family Day, DAI Lincoln Building, 2229 W. 2nd Street
"The Duluth Art Institute hosts four Free Family Art Days each year at our Lincoln Park Building. Anyone and everyone is invited to drop-in for make-and-take art projects. The February session will be themed around Valentine's Day. We hope you'll join us!"

Saturday, February 10, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Art on Tap Pop-Up, Hoops Brewing, 325 S. Lake Avenue
"Come shop for your valentine while sipping on amazing craft beer!"

Saturday, February 10, 2-5 p.m., 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."

"The exhibition features work by these notable artists: 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."

Monday, February 12, 6:30-9 p.m., Zentangle ® Pattern Drawing with Esther Piszczek, CZT, Duluth Community Education, Ordean East Middle School, 2900 E. 4th Street. In this introductory class, we will create beautiful art on a 3.5" x 3.5" paper tile using pen and ink and pencil shading. No previous drawing experience necessary. Relaxation is a common side effect. Class Cost: $20; Supplies: $10.

Brochure available online through Duluth Community Education; Register at 218-336-8760.

Monday, February 12, 7:30 p.m., Zenith City Cabaret: A Broadway Love Story - A musical romance and love story told through classic and contemporary songs of Broadway!, Zeitgeist Arts Café Atrium, 222 E. Superior Street Featuring: Adam Sippola, Ali Littrell Finstrom, and David Packa

Free Admission ($10 suggested donation); Contact Adam Sippola for more information: 218-590-8670; adam.sippola@yahoo.com

Tuesday, February 13, 5:30 p.m., Loon Opera: Valentine's Day Soiree 2018, Greysolon Ballroom, 231 E. Superior Street "Lyric Opera of the North cordially invites you to its annual Valentine’s Day Soiree, this year with a Mardi Gras twist! The party begins at 5:30 p.m.with hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. Dinner is served at 6:30. Fundraising opportunities throughout the evening, and of course there will be singing, too!

"Money raised at this event will help Lyric Opera of the North bring opera to elementary schools throughout the North this winter, and will help bring Mozart’s Don Giovanni to the NorShor stage this June! Thank you for your support. We’ll see you at the Soiree!"

Please reserve your tickets by February 8! Tickets are $100 per person ($50 of each ticket is tax deductible.)

Tuesdays, February 13, 27 and March 6, 6-8 p.m., Lessons in Bowl Making, DAI Lincoln Building, 2229 W. 2nd Street
Lack experience with clay but still want to contribute to the cause? Schedule a one-night lesson with our instructors. All bowls will be contributed to Empty Bowl. $35 fee includes one ticket to Empty Bowl plus instruction and supplies.

Friday, February 16, 7-10 p.m., Waking Dreams: A solo exhibition by Jane Wunrow, Prøve Collective, 21 N. Lake Avenue

Wunrow’s works are directly influenced by specific dreams or migraine aura she experiences, particularly those that surface subconscious fears, pains, or perceptions. While creating, Wunrow puts herself back into that mental head space and taps into the emotions that she felt in that dream state, imbuing her works with raw feeling. The artist believes that viewers are perceptive to these contributions, and that the work would be ingenuine without this process, which she also cites as a method of working through the myriad of sensations that dreams create. FB Event Page

Sunday, February 18, 1-4 p.m., Lake Superior Ragtime Society's February Concert, Concordia Lutheran Church ECLA, 1708 John Avenue, Superior, WI

Fun family event with rollicking ragtime piano music from musicians of all ages and abilities. Event is free to the public, however donations are appreciated.
Facebook Event Page

Wednesday, February 21, 6:30-9:00 p.m., Zentangle (R) & Wine, 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.

Mondays, February 26-March 19, 6:30-9 p.m., Zentangle (R) Pattern Drawing, Peace Church, 1111 N. 11th Avenue E.
This class is open to anyone interested in learning the Zentangle Method of pattern drawing.
Cost: $85 (includes tiles) ($75 if you've previously purchased a Zentangle (R) Drawing Kit); Minimum: 5 students;
Maximum: 12 students. RSVP and payment due by Monday, February 19: episzczek@gmail.com

October 2017-March 2018: Window to the West Art Display, 2001 West Superior Street
"Photographer Nik Nerburn and painter Brad Tollefson are creating a collaborative art exhibit on the streets of West Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, titled “Window to the West.” A selection of Tollefson’s paintings and Nerburn’s photographs will be on display in the storefront windows of 2001 West Superior Street for six months, through a partnership between the Duluth Art Institute and the Duluth Housing and Redevelopment Agency, which owns the Seaway Hotel building."

Plan Ahead for March!

Tuesday, March 6, 4-6:30 p.m., Zentangle (R) Pattern Drawing for Youth (ages 9-18), Proctor Hermantown Community Education, A.I. Jedlicka Middle School, 131 N. 9th Avenue, Proctor

Wednesday, March 7, 4-6:30 p.m., Zentangle (R) Pattern Drawing for Youth (ages 9-18), Proctor Hermantown Community Education, Hermantown Middle School, 4335 Hawk Circle Drive, Hermantown

Do you like to draw? Come learn how to turn your lines into beautiful, intricate patterns “one stroke at a time” using the zentangle (R) method of pattern drawing while creating beautiful art on 3.5" x 3.5" paper tiles using pen and ink. No previous drawing experience is necessary.These classes are open to youth ages 9-18. Relaxation is a common side effect. See www.zentangle.com for more information about this beautiful art form. Class size limited to 20. Class Cost: $10. Register online or by calling (218) 626-6075.

* Creative Education Class Opportunities in the Twin Ports!
* Art on the Planet (painting)
* Duluth Community Education (Arts, Crafts, Hobbies section)
* Duluth Folk School (rag rug making, newspaper weaving, holiday tags and bags)
* Duluth Maker Space (wire wrap jewelry, pottery, stone engraving, industrial sewing)
* Great Lakes Aquarium (photography, drawing, watercolor, smelt making)
* Historic Armory Annex (Forge Community)
* Lake Superior Art Glasses (glass blowing: flamework and hotshop classes)
* On the Rocks Art Studio and Gallery (painting)
* Otlak Felt Studio (Feltmaker Mary Reichert) (Private and small group classes available)
* Pineapple Arts (art therapy classes)

Learn a Tangle!

Mi created by certified Zentangle (R) teacher Mina Hsiao, is a grid tangle that incorporates hearts for this Valentine's Day celebration. Use it to decorate envelopes, dry erase boards, or a grocery list. You can read about Mina's inspiration for this tangle and learn how to draw it on Linda Farmer's, CZT, blog at tanglepatterns.com

Book & Film!
Patterned Peace, by Esther Piszczek, CZT, published by Whole Person Associates, Duluth. Available on Amazon.com, at The Bookstore at Fitger's, Zenith Bookstore (next to Beaner's Central in West Duluth), 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 on YouTube.com.

Places to find Esther's art in the Twin Ports:
Art on the Planet, 1413 Tower Avenue, Superior
Duluth Fine Pianos, 405 E. Superior Street, Duluth
Master Framing Gallery, 1431 London Road, Duluth
Zenith City News, E.P. Designs, a regular Zentangle(R)-inspired art feature in this newspaper, which can be found at various public locations around the Twin Ports and online.

Special Thanks to Esther Piszczek for gathering this batch of dates, people and places.

* * * *

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.

* * * *

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.

* * * * 

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.

Twin Ports Arts Activities for November

Alison Aune piece at 4North

As we approach Thanksgiving, with Halloween in the rearview mirror, we're well aware that Christmas is just around the next bend in the road. That means it's not too early to begin picking up gifts, cards and hand-made wrapping paper as you circulate through local galleries, art shops and events.

Here are a few activities to consider for the month ahead, many of them courtesy Esther Piszczek, our embedded Zentangle (R) evangelist.

Thursday, November 10 is a fairly substantial date on the Duluth Art Institute schedule. From 5-7 there is an opening reception for two significant shows, the 61st Arrowhead Biennial and the 4North exhibition featuring new work by Alison Aune, Kirsten Aune, Ann Klefstad, and Arna Rennan.

Of the Biennial, it's noteworthy that this is the longest running Biennial in the Midwest. It's held every other years and features some of the best artwork coming out of the region. This year's distinguished guest juror is artist Dyani White Hawk. Nearly $2,000 will be awarded in cash prizes at the opening reception. Thirty-three works on display will including an audio installation, prints, paintings, photographs, mixed media installations, a moleskin book, video, weaving, a tunic, colored pencil, and pastel. A full-color catalog will be be available.

You can learn more about the 4North show by reading my interview with Ann Klefstad and then looking at some of the work of Alison Aune.

This same evening from 6-8:30 p.m. there will also be an Expressive Evenings @ The Duluth Art Institute: Zentangle (R) Pattern Drawing with Esther Piszczek, CZT
$35/session ($40 non-member) Share a beer with local artists while creating unique works of art. Guided instruction provides structure for the beginning artist yet room to experiment for the more experienced. All supplies and one beverage included.
EdNote: This event is at the DAI's Lincoln Building in West End.

Saturday, November 12, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Nice Girls of the North 2nd Saturday Marketplace
"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, November 12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, November 13, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Festival of the Trees at the DECC, Lake Superior Ballroom (Ruth Anderson and her beautiful jewelry, along with many other talented artists will be at this fair.)

Thursday, November 17, 6:00 - 8:00pm
Opening reception for UN-TYPING CASTA in the Balcony Gallery, Tweed Museum of Art.

Maria Cristina Tavera is a Latina artist, curator, and activist who lives and works in Minneapolis. Her work is influenced by her transnational upbringing split between Minnesota and Mexico. This installation explores the past concepts of "Casta", a term coined by the Spanish in the 17th and early 18th centuries to refer to people of mixed ethno-racial heritage and the contemporary typological concepts of racial identity in the Latin American diaspora.

The Tweed is always worth visiting, with a truly rich permanent collection. They also have a gift shop where you might find something special for your artsy friends.

Saturday, November 19, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Get Great Stuff Local Art & Gift Fair, Duluth Congregational Church, 3383 E. Superior Street; a Wendy Up North production.

Wednesday, November 30, 6-8:30 p.m.
Topsy Turvy Tangling, Master Framing Gallery, 1431 London Road.
This class is for anyone who has taken at least 4 Zentangle (R) Pattern Drawing classes with Esther. "I will begin by teaching 4 tangle step-outs and one string. Students will then create a tile using the tangles and string, or not. I will demonstrate as a visual aid, only," she stated. Class cost: $35; please bring your supplies, a tile will be provided. Email to register, episzczek at gmail dot com.
Space is limited. RSVP by 11/28 required.

This Week in the Twin Ports Art Scene

The warm weather has certainly been delicious this week. Looks like a fine weekend is shaping up as well. Kudos to Esther Piszczek for assembling a Duluth 2nd Friday Art Crawl website where we can check in to see what's happening around town in the visual arts.

Here are a few of the activities you may wish to make note of.

Friday
The PROVE Gallery in Duluth is hosting its 3rd Annual Minerva Zine Party. Hard to believe its been 8 years since the birth of the Minerva zine. The will be original zine artwork, readings, beverages and a limited number of their newest edition, in color. There will also be music by Israel Malachi starting around 6 pm and Black Diary around 8:15 pm. Readings start around 7:30 pm featuring Jeanne Jewell, Kym Young, AF Bat, Palabrazo, Allen for SeatBeltHands, and Jill Woman.

There will be art and music at Pierce & Piszczek Fine Pianos, 405 E. Superior Street from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
It's a wonderful setting to hear music by Wendy Grethen on her Mountain Dulcimer.
Free Will Donations accepted at the door. 100% of donations benefit the musician.


Saturday

Nice Girls of the North are calling their event at the Lakeside Lester Park Community Center a Spring Fling. 10am- 3pm at 106 N 54th Ave East.

Browse a collection of handcrafted clothing and bags, original artwork, pottery, jewelry, stained glass, photography cards & prints, personal care products, locally made candles and soap, delicious jams, knit, felted & crocheted work, baby items & much more. Artists are on hand to help you select just the right one-of a kind gift for every occasion. One central checkout adds convenience and major credit cards are accepted.
Visit us at www.nicegirlsofthenorth.com
Facebook: Second Saturday Marketplace
As always, thanks for shopping local!

Guest Artists this month:
Kathleen Cargill: Decorative hand sewn pillow cases in fabulous prints with decorative stitching. Kathy Frick: A whimsical variety of crocheted animal hats, crocheted stuffed animals (amigurumi), fingerless gloves, cowls and hats.


Art Around Town
Public places where local artists are featured throughout the month.

Zeitgeist Arts
The Café: Ann Klefstad and Bridget Riversmith
The Atrium: student art from The Marshall School in conjunction with Youth Art Month
The Teatro Lobby: student art from Laura MacArthur Elementary School

Lizzard's

A painting by Wendy Rouse

An Evening with Paintings by Wendy Rouse
Thursday March 11, 5-7 p.m.
Paintings donated by Wendy to support Spirit of the Lake Community School.
This is one of the two places I get my artwork framed. If you're looking for a good eye with attention to detail, Jeff is your guy. The artwork on display is always top-notch, too.
11 West Superior Street

Pizza Luce
11 East Superior Street
Paintings by Jeredt Runions are featured this month.

Benchmark Tattoo
1831 E. Eighth Street, Duluth
Mike Joens Ceramics is on display in March, along with numerous pieces from previous shows, including a few of mine. April will feature artwork by Dan Hansen. Not to be missed.

Beaner's Central Coffeehouse
324 N. Central Avenue
For the month of March Beaners is featuring a Cloquet High School Collaborative Art Exhibit
Great place pick up your java on the way to work... nice atmosphere for a breakfast, lunch or dinner. Free wi-fi.

Red Mug Coffee House
916 Hammond Avenue, Superior
Stop to see landscape paintings by Aaron Kloss.


COMING SOON 

Chee's Duluth Depot

The Way of Cheng-Khee Chee: Paintings 1974-2014
May 12 - September 20, 2015
Special Exhibition Gallery & Special Events Gallery
This is a solo exhibition featuring paintings by the internationally celebrated watercolorist Cheng-Khee Chee. This exhibition brings together 40 paintings created over the past 40 years (1974 - 2014), including this Duluth Depot of 1974, the first painting Chee exhibited with the American Watercolor Society, and the monumental 100 Koi, which he finished in late 2014. More information coming soon.
Credits:
Cheng-Khee Chee (American, born China 1934) Duluth Depot, 1974
watercolor on Strathmore Aquarius paper, 21 x 25”
Collection of Cheng-Khee and Sing-Bee Chee
L2015.1.10 

Meantime, art goes on all around you. And if I see you, say hello. 

Stuff Goin' On 'Round Town

Thursday and Friday I attended a few events that I look forward to sharing about. In the meantime, here are some things happening this weekend plus something to look forward to.

Rubber Chicken Theater is putting on Chicken Hat Plays #12 tonight. See if you can find out where by reading this informational Facebook announcement.

Looking for new ways to make beautiful things? Studio 15 is holding a workshop tomorrow afternoon called Art Relaxation Techniques through Paper Marbling. The recently opened Studio 15 is utilizing a space on 3rd Avenue West, halfway up the block on the left. They also have a Kids Art workshop at 2:00-4:00 p.m. tomorrow in which kids will learn Paper Dying. Don't kid yourself. Art can be fun.

And finally, for something completely different, Studio 15 is doing "Life Casting" next week. I do not know how they accomplish it in the scheduled two hours, but it looks interesting. You can read about it and sign up on Facebook.

Finally, mark your calendars for January 31st. The Armory Arts and Music Center is hosting a Winter Dance Party, celebrating the 56th anniversary of the Winter Dance Party with Buddy Holly at the historic Duluth Armory. The music will be top notch, featuring a number of the musicians who were here last spring for the Salute to the Music of Bob Dylan. They call themselves The Travelons - Lonnie Knight, Stan Kipper, Gary Lopac, Gene LaFond, Jim Steinworth and Amy Grillo.

If you can find something to wear, dress in your best 50's garb and you may win the Best Dressed Award. Put on your dancing shoes and compete in the 2015 Winter Dance Party dance contest. The evening will also include a silent auction and cash bar.

Finally, the Nice Girls of the North Second Saturday Marketplace is open today. Heat up your car, go for a drive up to Lakeside... and see cool stuff. Skip the mall. Buy local.

Meantime... art goes on all around you.