Twin Ports Art Happenings for September

Scene at the Great Lakes Academy of Fine Art this week.

I saw a tree with red leaves this week, and another with a branch of orange leaves. You can feel it in the air, autumn has begun to bring a new palette of colors to our Northland landscapes. A new school year is also begun, and our local art galleries will be transitioning to new featured exhibitions this month.

Here's a listing, courtesy Esther Piszczek, of what September will be bringing us in the Twin Ports. I've sprinkled a few additional items into the list that you will want to be aware of as well.

EdNote: FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH, whenever there are Hotlinks on my blog, they will be Bright Blue in color and usually, though not always, BOLD. Occasionally I am short on time and will not provide HotLinks, though as time permits I will return to add the links. If you wish to receive the monthly updates from Esther by email, send a note with the words ADD ME in the Subject line to episzczek@gmail.com. Be sure to say "Thank You" for her contributions to our vibrant Twin Ports arts community.

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Tuesday, September 5th, 5-7 p.m., Kip Praslowicz, Fine Art Photographer, Atrium Art Opening Reception: Watershed: Wild Humans, Zeitgeist Arts, 222 East Superior Street

Friday, September 8, 5 - 7 p.m., Wendy Red StarReception: Reservation Pop, Duluth Art Institute, AI Morrison Gallery, 506 West Michigan Street
Friday, September 8, 7 - 8 p.m., The Artist as Culture Producer Lecture & Book Signing with Sharon Louden & Red Star, The Underground, 506 West Michigan Street
Saturday, September 9, 10 a.m., Artist Professional Development Workshop with Louden: The Artist as Culture Producer, DAI Lincoln Center, 2229 W. 2nd Street

"The Duluth Art Institute presents a multi-tiered program this fall led by two nationally renowned artists: Sharon Louden and Wendy Red Star. The program is presented on the occasion of Louden’s book tour for her new publication, “The Artist as Cultural Producer,” which features 40 artists including Red Star. As part of the program, Red Star’s solo exhibit, “Reservation Pop,” will debut in Duluth with an opening reception Friday, Sept. 8, from 5 – 7 p.m. in DAI Galleries. Directly following, the two artists will present a lecture downstairs in the Underground from 7 – 8 p.m., addressing harmful stereotypes about artists and discussing the ways that artists contribute to communities. The next day, Saturday, Sept. 9, Louden will lead an artist professional development workshop at the Duluth Art Institute’s Lincoln Park location (time TBA), concentrating on the ways that artists can expand their practices beyond their studios. The workshop is free but registration is required. Show On View: September 7 - November 12.

"This series is generously supported by the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation’s Anishinaabe Fund and John T. & Elizabeth C. Adams Arts Fund; as well as the University of Minnesota-Duluth’s Department of American Indian Studies."

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Saturday, September 9, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Hermantown Harvest Fest
Hermantown History Center, 5255 Maple Grove Road, Hermantown
Featuring vintage tractors, over 100 vendors including food, craft, and produce, face painting, hay wagon rides, and baby pumpkin painting.

Entrance Fees: $1 for children 6-18, $2 for adults, and $5 for families
Music: 9:15-11:15 a.m. Beaconaires; 11:30-12:15 p.m. Ripple Effect; 12:30-3:30 p.m. Pinewood Landing

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Saturday, September 9, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Harvest Festival, Bayfront Park, 350 Harbor Drive
Featuring a farmer's market, educational and family activities, food vendors, music, and more.

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Saturday, September 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."

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Tuesday, September 12, 5:30-7:30, Opening Reception at the Red Mug featuring new work by Moira Villiard and Steveboyyi. Join us!

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Wednesday, September 13, 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.

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Saturday, September 16, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., 33rd Annual Fall Fest, Chester Bowl.

"Music, food, crafts, locally grown fresh produce, vendors, and informational booths about local programs. The annual event has grown over the years and will host over 130 vendors, a great line up of music, 8 food vendors, face painting, and activities for children and families.

Suggested donations of $5 per person or $10 per family will be accepted at the entrance to support Chester winter program scholarships for kids in need who want to participate in winter sports. Rain Date: Sunday, September 17, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Visit the website (blue link above) to get information on Fall Fest's free shuttle service.

Music Lineup: 10-11:30 a.m., Woodblind (Northwoods Ska duo Jason Wussow and Veikko Lepisto), 12-1:30 p.m., Ingeborg von Agassiz ("mixes electronic landscapes with folk undertones), 2-3:30 p.m., Mama’s Stolen Horses (Americana Folk)

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Saturday, September 16, 1-4 p.m., Zenith Book Store Grand Opening, Zenith Book Store, 318 N. Central Avenue Readings, talks and book signings with Minnesota authors and publishers plus food, and live music from Teague Alexy. For more information call 218-606-1777.

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Saturday, September 23, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Artist in the Courtyard, Fitger's Courtyard, 600 E. Superior Street

"Come to Fitger's Courtyard to see local artist Sally Cavallaro and others at work. Learn about the artists' favorite medium. 10-11 artists will be present." (If it is raining, the show will be moved inside Fitger's.)

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Monday, September 25-Saturday, September 30, One Week Live, Beaner's Central Concert Coffeehouse, 324 N. Central Avenue

A whole week of live bands, including a song writer's competition. Visit their website above for a list of bands, times, and dates.

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Friday, September 29, 6-8:30 p.m., Rags to Riches Ragtime Concert, College of St. Scholastica, Tower Recital Hall, Room 3625, 1200 Kenwood Avenue

Performers of all ages will play ragtime favorites at this lively concert, which is free and open to the public. Afterglow at Sir Benedict's Tavern, 805 E. Superior Street following the performance. For more information, contact Sandy at 218-724-7696.

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September 29, 30, and October 1, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Lake Superior 20/20 Studio Art Tour, Larsmont Schoolhouse, Scenic Highway 21 and other locations in Two Harbors.

I was honored to be asked to participate in this wonderful, high quality art tour again this year. I will once again be at the Larsmont Schoolhouse on Scenic Highway 21 with my Zentangle (R) inspired art along with 3 other talented, local artists.

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ZENTANGLE TRACKS

This lovely tangle, Zenjellies, created by Jenna Black, is fun an easy to draw in a few simple steps. Use it to decorate envelopes, dry erase boards, or a grocery list. You can read about Jenna's inspiration for this tangle and 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

Places to See art by Ennyman in the Twin Ports:
Goin' Postal, 816 Tower Avenue, Superior
Art on the Planet, 1413 Tower Avenue, Superior
The Break Room, 501 East 4th Street, Duluth

BONUS TRACKS

Chris Dillon

New original watercolors by Chris Dillon will be on display at Lakeside Gallery in September. Opening reception for Canvas: It's For the Birds will be next Saturday from 1-3:00 p.m., September 9.

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Tweed Museum of Art has been exhibiting a thought-provoking photography show called A Thousand Words since May which will run to the end of December. There wil be an Opening Reception on September 22 from 5-7:00 p.m.

This Tweed opening reception will also feature the launch of a new exhibition titled America's Industrial Landscape, with works by the Plain Air Painters of America, exploring the influences of industry on the environment.

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There's plenty more happening than what you see here, too. Follow the local arts on Facebook at Twin Ports Arts Align and all your other favorite venues for seeing the work of our local painters, printers and creatives.

OF SPECIAL NOTE TO ARTISTS: If you are an artist seeking to reproduce your work for re-sale, CPL Imaging is the premiere resource in our back yard, selected by many of our region's most significant internationally renowned artists including John Salminen and Che.

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

A Room With Views: Plein Air Duluth on Display at Blacklist

Question: What happens when you unleash 40 artists on a city that was voted #1 nationwide for its outdoor natural beauty?
Answer: See for yourself at the new Blacklist Artisan Ales, 120 East Superior Street.

The third annual Paint du Nord plein air festival took place in Duluth this week. Organized by the Duluth Art Institute and sponsored by St. Luke's Hospital (thank you) the event brings painters from around the country to the Northland for a week of outdoor painting experiences.

If you kept your eye out you may have come across an artist here or there, painting Glensheen flower gardens or a fountain, industrial architecture or horse stable. Everything is fair game. We even had surfers, which you do not normally associate with inland lakes, but when the weather kicked up mid-week there were some major breakers, and our North Country surfers no how to get into it.

Most painted, but some worked in pastels and other media.

The culmination of this event took place downtown at Blacklist Ales, located in the vicinity of the now departed Last Place On Earth. The stone walls of the narrow, deep corridor that houses the alehouse is dotted with more than a hundred small paintings, framed, unframed, mounted in various configurations, snapshots of the city, lake, countryside, rivers and cityscapes. Like the Red Herring, the street-facing frontage opens to the sidewalk. An ice cream stand was there with home-made ice creams in a variety of flavors.

The room was crowded with artists and friends of the arts. Juror Matt Kania was present to announce the cash prize winners. "It's not easy," he said, referring to the challenge of selecting winners in the presence of so much talent. Artists were able to showcase up to three paintings each.

The liveliness of the occasion was lifted to another level by the presence a jazz trio, and a beautiful sunny day. Here are some photos, the caliber of which is diminished by the low light in portions of the space. Again, visit in person, and take your time.

Waterfalls at the Zoo by Lee Englund

Summer Afternoon on Lester River by Sandi Pillsbury Gredzens

Tourist Attraction by Stacie Remee

Off the Dock by Karen Savage-Blue

Knife River Relic by Stephen Wysocki

This I-35 exit has special meaning for Allison Eklund of Minneapolis
who painted this scene from the grassy knoll at Fitgers.
"My favorite I-35 exit," she said. "Exit 256B."

Artists bring fresh eyes to bear upon what we take for granted. Check it out if you're able to get downtown. The works will be on display until Aug. 27.

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STRANGE BEDFELLOWS
A little trivia quiz... just because.

True or False
1. Tom Jones played chimes on Roy Orbison's "In Dreams."
2. Bob Dylan played harmonica on a Harry Belafonte record.
3. Jimmy Page filled in on bass for two concerts during Rod Stewart's first North American tour.
4. Flo & Eddie snorted lines of coke in the Lincoln Bedroom of the White House when the Turtles played for Richard Nixon's daughter's wedding.
5. John Lennon's last concert performance was in Madison Square Garden with Elton John.
6. This trivia quiz and this blog post.

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


Strange Bedfellows Answers: 1. False  2. True  3. False  4. True  5. True  6. True

Local Artist Eric Dubnicka's New Directions

The cig is a prop. Eric doesn't smoke.

I first noticed Eric Dubnicka's work in 2012, I believe, at a joint show called Cahoots. I've been following his work ever since.

When Russ Gran passed away recently, it was Dubnicka and a friend who stepped up to curate a show of Gran's paintings at an event designed to honor the long-time resident of Washington Studios on the Hillside. Having crossed paths a few times recently made me wish to share more of Eric's story as well as some of the new work he has been doing.

EN: How did you come to take up art as a career?

Eric Dubnicka: I followed the cliched Robert Frost-ian path less traveled. From a small town in NW Wisconsin, being an artist was never a career option and frankly I made attempts to avoid it so as to not muddy up my options... that is until I began failing out of the local college due to the lack of structure. Attempting to avoid a life at the local farm implement business where I worked, I took art classes because I knew I could get A's in attempts to raise my GPA above the 0.81 and 1.80, respectively, of my first two semesters. Don Ruedy was the long time art professor there and he immediately took me under his wing. I was young, untrained, and as is the case with most young male artists, I used my painting substrates as a punching bag for my angst.

Technically my first exhibit was in 1994, but still believing it was not a career option, I ended up in a Wildlife Biology program and subsequently moved to Juneau, AK to run a crew of data collectors on week-long data collecting missions for the Forestry Sciences Lab, a branch of the Forest Service. A close friend and mentor there eventually encouraged me to take a couple of art classes at the local college and he and my two instructors heavily pushed me to attend an art school. Defiant, I did a stint at a brown bear sanctuary in remote SE Alaska before a serendipitous series of events landed me at the College of Visual Arts in St. Paul, MN. It was there I knew I was on the right path and with my kind of people. After graduating I chased a gal to Duluth in 2002 and began making and showing paintings, sculpture and photography and through a long and winding path am still here making and exhibiting, being mentored and mentoring, and curating the occasional show or two. Is that a career? I dunno, but it's my life and I love it. I'm an artist and maker, love other artists and makers and if I don't make a dime doing it, I'm content with that. Making and creating is my lifelong marathon.

EN: You spent ten years at the Tweed. What were the highlights of that experience?

"untitled(connected/grounded series)", acrylic
and latex paint, ink on paper, 22x30"

ED: My time at the Tweed was a remarkable learning experience and critical to my development as an artist. I began there naive, uneducated and driven and though I still could be accused of that, I learned process, materials, teamwork and the business of art. It was like a ten year long masters program. I was allowed to use my ability to visualize space to design unique and creative exhibitions as well as the opportunity to research and curate many exhibitions. The greatest highlight of my tenure there was meeting an incredibly wide spectrum of artists, art enthusiasts and art geeks, many which I'm still in contact with.

EN: Tell us about the Tweed collection and what makes it so special?

"The Moment Two Opposing Views Meet in Understanding"
birch, 28x6x4"

ED: The collection of the Tweed Museum of Art is a real regional gem. The George Tweed's collecting practices of buying works they enjoyed as well as being part of a subscription-like art dealing service in the early 20th century created a unique base of Barbizon and other late 19th century artworks to start the collection from. With time, shifting influences and the generosity of many patrons, the collection has grown to well over 13,000 objects ranging from Glen Nelson ceramics to contemporary South American photography to the late Dick Nelson's gift of Native American baskets to name a few. As a collecting institution it is uniquely positioned to capture a sense of Twin Ports visual artistry on a chronological level, as well as the ability to offer nationally known artworks to our local audience.

EN: There is a lot of talent here in the Twin Ports and a lot of really fine work being produced. How is it that there are so many artists here?

"untitled", plaster, metal strap, aluminum wire, 8x8x12"

ED: It's the perfect storm of the right people, circumstance and all with a bit of a chip on the shoulder. In a nutshell, the Twin Ports art scene is a unique phenomenon driven by a long history of arts patronage originally driven by early 20th century wealth, supported by a robust art and visiting artists program at UMD in the 60s and 70s, and has a new found renaissance in the transition of Duluth's economy from the ending of the blue collar age to an economy driven by the beautiful natural resources surrounding us. Through it all there has been an influx of motivated individuals, diverse pool of talent, an eager and open-minded audience and fortunately venues that offer the opportunity to display a wide variety of artwork. I call us all one big dysfunctional family, although it has or quickly will outgrow that moniker with all the new talent moving to or developing in this area. The greatest strength the community has is artists supporting artists.

EN: What's missing that might help the arts move to yet a higher level?

ED: Expanded patronage and broader community support. We're slowly moving culturally to understanding the impact that artists have on the economy; progress is slow but steady. There are large areas of untapped patronage, grants and business opportunities that could greatly benefit artists, the communities and the overall region if properly done. I site two examples, look at the impact one small motivated group did to create the Lincoln Park arts district. The energy there is amazing and it's just begun. And secondly, the mountain bike group COGGS has raised hundreds of thousands through fundraising and grants, now with city tax money support to create the Traverse Trail and others. A small motivated group can make big changes in this area, and as artists we're actually a very large contingent of business owners and nonprofits, and as that coalesces so too I'm hoping that momentum carries into long term broad support of the Duluth Art Institute as well as local galleries and public arts programming.

EN: What are you working on now?

"bird series", cedar and rock

ED: After a number of years of deadline after exhibition deadline, personally and at the Museum, I've refocused my efforts on painting and drawing and reestablishing a tempo in life that's sustainable, while also attempting to broaden my reach regionally. Currently my artworks are focused on the energy that exists and interacts between two people, which has been a fun challenge to conceptualize. One current piece examines the space within a hollow core door that was kicked in during a domestic dispute. A series I currently exhibited are paintings of ephemeral core bodies with a carved sculptural element demonstrating the connection between them. I'm fascinated by that energy flow and impact we have on each other, knowingly or otherwise. Beyond that I've been working on similar concepts but in wood and other sculptural materials as well has having a little fun carving abstracted birds and developing public art proposals.

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You can see why Eric Dubnicka is one of our local artists whose work I follow, and enjoy sharing. Thanks, Eric, for taking time to share yourself here.

See more of Eric's work at www.ericdubnicka.com/

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Tonight at 5:00 p.m. is the opening reception for the Plein Air Duluth festival that has been taking place this week around the region. The work will be on display at Blacklist Artisan Ales downtown and remain on view through August.

Meantime, art goes on all around us. Engage it. And have a great weekend.

Local Art Seen: Sinew and A Thousand Words at the Tweed

Last weekend I made two visits to the Tweed Museum of Art on the UMD campus with the aim of taking in the two new summer exhibits, Sinew and A Thousand Words. The latter is a photography exhibit, and Sinew is a mixed media ensemble featuring works by Native women artists from the Twin Cities. Here are some images from the Sinew exhibit. As I've often noted regarding poetry, you can't just rush through it. The same applies to a good art show. In the case of this particular event I wouldn't mind talking about it in more depth, though as the Stones famously sang, "You can't always get what you want."

Disillusion/Dissolution #1 by Carolyn Anderson (Navajo, b. 1982)

Fortunately, this fall I may get a chance to participate in a discussion group consisting of writers whose focus will be on themes related to art. This is something I very much look forward to.

In the meantime, if you want to see some interesting work, check out these two shows. Admission is free and so if you are looking for something to do with someone you enjoy being with, here's a good place to begin.

Below are a few images from A Thousand Words 

(photography from the Tweed collection.)

The title says it all... or rather, you get the picture.

There are words that accompany each image so you 

have a greater understanding of what you're seeing.

Ivy Vainio's distinctive work is always rewarding to run into.

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Of Note:
PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL BEGINS NEXT WEEK

Plein Air Duluth: Paint du Nord Schedule:
 • Festival: July 9 – 14, 2017
 • Group Paint: Mon., July 10, Lincoln Park neighborhood
 • Quick Paint: Tues., July 11, 6 – 7:30 p.m. at Lake Superior Zoo
 • Group Paint: Wed., July 12, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. at Glensheen
 • Opening Reception: Fri., July 14, 5 – 7 p.m. at Blacklist Beer.
Prizes awarded by juror Matt Kania; live jazz performed by Randy Lee Trio 
 • Exhibition: July 15 – Aug. 27, 2017, Blacklist Beer

Meantime, art goes on all around you... but especially next week as 34 painters will be out and about striving to capture the magic of the Northland. I am confident the results will be amazing.

Local Art Scene: Springing into Summer at the Tweed and the DAI

"This Way to the Tennis Court" by Neil Sherman

The weather here in the Twin Ports is a lot like the roulette wheel in Las Vegas. If we call sunny days red and rainy days black, then when betters see four red spins in a row they start betting on black because it seems like the odds of black being next are increasing, when in reality the odds on every single spin are identical. So it is here with the weather.

I note this because when I saw the forecast for a lot of rain this coming week, my first thought was, "That's O.K., let's get it out of the way so when the Plein Air Festival arrives in a couple weeks, we will have nice weather. In point of fact, it will be what it will be. But that's not all bad. The artists coming have strategies for accomplishing their work outdoors... and it's going to produce some great work no matter how tomorrow's weather unfolds.

Besides, we have some great places to go (the rest of us) to get out of the stormiest. Here are a few highlights of shows you will want to take in sometime this summer, at the Tweed and the Duluth Art Institute. The price of admission can't be beat. Make it a date night, with a special friend, or any friend. Or, just take it in while your in the neighborhood...

An Opening Reception at the Duluth Art Institute

Tomorrow evening, Thurs., June 29 from 5 - 7 p.m. there's an opening reception to celebrate two new exhibitions and an artist-designed game of croquet. See the art, enjoy some refreshments, and listen to jazz guitar by Briand Morrison. New on view:

Jonathan Thunder

“Peripheral Vignettes: Jonathan Thunder ” will be in the George Morrison Gallery. Thunder is a painter and digital media artist whose solo exhibit will reveal a new body of paintings of Ojibwe deities placed in a contemporary context, as well as showcase the artists animations. A catalog with color images accompanies the display. See his films show on the big screen Thurs., July 20, 7 p.m. at Teatro Zuccone, and hear him speak about his work and sign books on Tues., Aug. 15 at 5:30 p.m. at DAI Galleries.

“Play: Robert Dewitt Adams, Elizabeth LaPensee, & Christopher Selleck” will be on view in the John Steffl Gallery. The three featured artists explore games, gaming and game mechanics in their work. See a fascinating installation of Great Lakes map sculptures constructed from Battleship games; check out “Honour Water,” an Anishinaabe singing game for healing the water, and “Invaders,” a remix of the arcade classic “Space Invaders”; and explore issues of masculinity, identity and sexuality through interrogations of hyper-masculine sports. Tie-in events are offered throughout the run of show, including a game night with Dungeon's End Fri., July 7; an artist talk Thurs., Aug. 10; Kids' Games Tues., Aug. 15; and a lecture, “What Games Tell us About Human Nature,” Wed., Aug. 23.

Croquet Designed by Artist Robb Quisling will be available to play in the Corridor. Yes, you read correctly. You can actually play this game! Both exhibits and the game are on view through Sept. 4, 2017.


Plein Air: Paint du Nord Returns to Duluth

Wendy Lacksa's "Duluth Nocturne" from 2016 Plein Air Duluth

• Festival: July 9 – 14, 2017

• Group Paint: Mon., July 10, Lincoln Park neighborhood

• Quick Paint: Tues., July 11, 6 – 7:30 p.m. at Lake Superior Zoo

• Group Paint: Wed., July 12, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. at Glensheen

• Opening Reception: Fri., July 14, 5 – 7 p.m. at Blacklist Beer. Prizes awarded by juror Matt Kania; live jazz performed by Randy Lee Trio

• Exhibition: July 15 – Aug. 27, 2017, Blacklist Beer

Thirty-four outstanding artists from Minnesota and beyond have been selected to participate in the Duluth Art Institute’s third annual outdoor painting festival, Plein Air Duluth: Paint du Nord, from July 9 – 14, 2017. Duluth offers wonderful inspiration for painters with postindustrial buildings nestled on a hill leading down to the greatest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior, and surrounded by pristine wilderness. En Plein Air means “in the open air,” and artists will work outdoors to quickly capture the landscape in shifting, natural light, immortalizing Duluth scenes. Many will post their painting locations on social media, using the hashtag #DuluthPleinAir17, so that the public can watch them transform canvases from blank slates to completed works. In a new twist, resultant works will go on view at Blacklist Beer downtown. For details and a list of participating artists please see the attached news release.

Two Important Shows at the Tweed

Linda Naughton Watercolors @ the Lakeside Gallery

Featured artist for July at Lakeside Gallery will be Linda Naughton. The opening reception is slated for Saturday, July 8. Looks like another good show, directly on the heels of Sue Brown Chapin's "Woods and Water."

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

Almost Wordless Wednesday: Sarah Brokke at The Red Herring

Two seriously talented local painters: Sarah Brokke (L) with Elizabeth Kuth

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This week, the Duluth Art Institute has been hosting a major even called Plein Air Duluth. 35 painters from across the country are spending a week here to do "open air" painting in the Northland. You can read details here and see their work at the DAI from July 17 till the first week in September. You may also follow along and see some of the amazing paintings being produced each day by means of the Facebook page that has been created for to document this week's activities.

Meantime, art goes on all around you. Cool, huh?