Local Art Seen: Sue Rauschenfels' Birches at the Zeitgeist Cafe

The wonderful world of color. "Between the Trees"

Monday evening was the opening for Sue Rauschenfels' For the Love of Trees art exhibition at the Zeitgeist Cafe. I missed, due to another commitment, but was able to drop in this afternoon for space in time. In addition to sharing some of the paintings I saw, I desired to share a couple of impressions I had regarding this particular show.

As any Northlander knows, we have an abundance of birch trees here in the Northland. And having a population rich in artists, it's not surprising that trees would be featured in many of our local artists' paintings. So it is that Sue Rauschenfels can be numbered among the tree-interpreters.

"Daylight"

"Birches On Parade"

Having followed her work for some time, I was unaware of just how many paintings of trees she has produced. What's intriguing, though, is the variety of approaches displayed as she addresses her subject.

Some of the paintings brought to mind two significant artists from that significant period preceding the modernist era. I'm thinking here of J.M.W. Turner and Paul Cezanne.

In earlier times artists were more representational. That is, the aim was reproduction of what the eye sees. But in the late 1800s forward we find an increasing love and appreciation for what was happening on the canvas, apart from the object of the painter's attention itself.

"Stand Tall"

"Stand Tall" (detail)

"Into the Woods"

Take for example some of the backgrounds and skies in some of the British artist J.M.W. Turner's works.

I'm also reminded of Cezanne in many of Rauschenfels paintings. Many of her paintings feel precise and others feel slightly unbound. So, too, there is a richness in the colors, and a muted quality in others. Note the greens and blues of Cezanne's landscapes and see how Rauschenfels sees with a similar pallet, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

I don't know if every artist feels this way, but coming up with titles can certainly be fun. Titles can also be revealing, and the occasionally whimsical nature of Rauschenfels' titles is certainly an added delight.

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"Dawn"

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"Summer Sky"

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"Just Breathe"

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Vivid colors that careen off Kandinsky and Chagall, muted like a Che watercolor.

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Related Links

Ten Minutes with Sue Rauschenfels, 2014

Sue Rauschenfels Open House, 2017

The Goin' Postal Fall Art Show 2019 (next week) will also feature some of Rauschenfels' work as part of North End Days in Superior.

Twin Ports Art--So MUCH to See and Do in October

Modified scene from Mad Men.

IT'S THAT TIME OF MONTH AGAIN. Time to lay out the calendar for this month's arts-related events. I will begin by drawing attention to two and then sharing the details Esther Piszczek has assembled and posted on her Twin Ports Art blog. Thank you, Esther, for al your hard work on behalf of our community.

First off, next week is the Catalyst Content Festival. Our region is already famous for its beauty, and for its history, which includes a legacy of mining and shipping. The vision of Catalyst is equally large in scale. The desire for storytelling in film and video has been proven to be an insatiable hunger, and this festival, now in its 14th year, exists to satisfy that hunger.

In short, its a pretty big story: Hollywood Meets The Northland, a love affair that will produce many offspring.

You'll find details about the Catalyst Festival here at CatalystContent.org.

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A Second event to place on your calendars is the North End Days Spooktacular on October 25 & 26. Art, Music, Events and more at multiple locations.

I will have a few new pieces at the Goin' Postal reception, and several new artists will also be represented.

Spooktacular ad is at the end of this blog post.

Here's a peek at the next 2 weeks...

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

Friday, October 4, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Design 02: Type and Color Workshop for Beginners, Prøve Gallery, 21 N. Lake Avenue
"Blackbird Revolt will be hosting its second community workshop building off of Design 01. This workshop is meant for beginners and folks looking to strengthen their graphic design knowledge. This will dive heavily into the use of typography and color to communicate effective messages. Participants will leave the workshop with a new understanding of type and color through the creation of their evocative type poster."

Recommended Materials: sketchbook and pencil
Required Materials: iPad/Tablet (with Adobe Draw, Photoshop Express, Procreate, Canva, or related apps) OR laptop computer (with Adobe CC programs, Canva access, or related programs)

Registration is $25 for the general public and $15 for Blackbird Revolt Members. If you do not want to purchase workshop tickets online, you can register here and pay at the door. 

"This event is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a 2018 Arts Learning Grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage funds."

Friday, October 4, 5:30-7 p.m.
Art Opening: Overstories: Tales of Trees, Duluth Folk School, 1917 W. Superior StreetExhibit by artist Kristen Anderson and "tree tales" by retired U.S. Forest Service Member John Zasada. Followed by live music by Sprig of That. On View: October-November 

Friday-Saturday, October 4-5, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Agate Bay Crafters Craft Show, Larsmont Historical Schoolhouse, 701 Larsmont Road, Larsmont (up highway 61)
"Quilting, pottery,mittens, clothing, candles, lotions, accessories, bake goods, photography, jewelry and more."

Friday-Sunday, October 4-6, all day
Bayfield Apple Festival, Bayfield, WI

"A celebration of the autumn harvest and Bayfield’s agricultural heritage, tour the orchards and wineries, peruse fine arts and crafts while sampling local foods at more than 60 food booths. Live music by the Blue Canvas Orchestra of Big Top Chautauqua and a carnival round out the offerings. Schedule of Events

"Special events include the crowning of the Apple Queen, and apple peeling contest and a Saturday evening fish fry at the historic Bayfield Lakeside Pavilion. The festival culminates with the Grand Parade, featuring a mass band with 400 participants playing On Wisconsin, marching down historic Rittenhouse Avenue, to Lake Superior." View map

Friday-Sunday, October 4-6, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Cooter Tonder & Friends Art Sale, 2 locations, see below!
Blue Skies Glassworks, 4360 Thomas Lake Road, Two Harbors

Featuring artists:
Jody Freij-Tonder and Michael Tonder – Recycled glass jewelry and kiln formed glass
Ken Dumdie – Fine leathers
Brenna Klassen-Glanzer – Contemporary silver and copper jewelry
Doug Becker – Blown glass
Karin Kraemer – Majolica pottery and wall tiles
Alice Strand – Miniature fabric sculpture

Cooter Pottery and Handweaving, 2046 Fors Road, Two Harbors
Featuring Artists:
Dick and Debbie Cooter – wood-fired stoneware, handwoven rugs, blankets and clothing
Jim Grittner – Stoneware pottery
Tim Lloyd – Vessels and jewelry in silver, gold and copper
Peter Jadoonath – functional stoneware pottery
Jim Lorio – Functional pottery
Marcie Mclntire – beadwork, leatherwork and clothing

"The pottery, jewelry, leathers, clothing and other pieces of functional artwork are handmade by full-time artists."

Saturday-Sunday, October 5-6, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

FalconFire Pottery Open Studio, 2320 Drexel Road

"In addition to work by FalconFire’s owner Sharon Moen, functional and decorative pottery produced by Anne Sterbenz-Duus (Nodding Trillium), Sara Haugen, Ron Benson, Debbie James and Rita Morris and Barry Sands (Burdock Pottery) will be exhibited and for sale."

Saturday, October 5, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Get It Write! Panel, Superior Public Library, 1530 Tower Avenue, Superior, WI
"Lake Superior Writers presents a free panel discussion for writers of all levels. The panel will discuss what writers often get wrong about the day-to-day of their characters’ professions. The panel brings in professionals from across the area to discuss how they and their professions are misrepresented in literature today. The panel includes a news reporter, librarian, IT security expert, judge and a local entrepreneur."

Sunday, October 6, 6:30-8:30 a.m.
Fall Sunrise PhotoMeet/InstaMeet, Glensheen Mansion, 3300 London Road
"All are welcome! There will be plenty of Duluth Coffee Company coffee on hand to fuel our fall color sunrise experience. Sunrise is at 7:14 am. If you want to show up a bit later, that's fine too! Even if the sunrise is lack-luster, we encourage you to roam the estate and explore all 12 acres. There's plenty of subject matter to shoot.The event is free and family-friendly!"

Sunday, October 6, 2-3 p.m.

Artist Talk: Woven –Traditional Swedish Hair Jewelry, The Nordic Center, 23 North Lake Avenue

"‘Woven’ Human hair, a renewable resource for most, forms the core of a new exhibit of old-world folk artistry in Woven – Traditional Swedish Hair Jewelry. Local artist Karen Keenan curates the exhibit, which features techniques she learned in Våmhus, Sweden, steward of the 200-year tradition of using human hair to weave intricate jewelry. Bracelets, earrings and more, including artifacts from the St. Louis County Historical Society’s collection and from community members, will be on display.

"Learn how to make your own hair bracelets in a hair jewelry course for 5 students from 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, October 10, 17, 24 & 31. $50 donation to The Nordic Center. Registrations taken through October 8. Contact Karen at hemslojdpottery@gmail.com

"Keenan’s travel to Sweden and the exhibit and classes she’s leading in Duluth were funded in part by a Folk Arts Fellowship from the American-Scandinavian Foundation. On View: October 5, 6,1-4 p.m."

Monday, October 7, 5-7 p.m.

A Sue Rauschenfels piece.

Art Opening: Rights of the Child, Zeitgeist Arts Atrium, 222 E. Superior Street

"Zeitgeist hosts an opening reception for Moira Villiard’s new exhibit Rights of the Child. Through paintings and digitally designed posters, Villiard explores the essence of childhood and children’s rights in modern times. Her work also aims to call attention to individual cognitive dissonance – the “double think” that occurs when people hold two contradictory beliefs about a particular issue or situation."

Mondays, October 7, 14, 21, 28, 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, October 8, 15, 22, 29, 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).

Wednesday, October 9, 3:30 p.m.
Weaving Demo, Blue Room, Mount Royal Branch Library, 105 Mount Royal Shopping Circle
"Curious about weaving? Join the Duluth Fiber Handcrafters Guild as they talk about weaving and have a hands-on loom available for you to try. Event Type(s): Arts & Crafts
Age Group(s): Teen, Adults, Seniors"

Wednesday, October 9, 6-7:30 p.m.

Writing for Rent: Busting the Myths of a Career in the Arts, UMD Humanities Building, Rm 480, 1201 Ordean Court

"Comic book writer Terrance Griep, playwright Roy C. Booth and journalist and author Michael Fedo lead a discussion about making a living in their fields."

Thursday, October 10, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

UMD Sustainability Fair, UMD Kirby Ballroom, 1208 Kirby Drive

"The University of Minnesota Duluth Sustainability Fair features local sustainable businesses and campus departments, short films and art, Winter Free Store Pop-Up and free food. Click the link above for a list of exhibitors."

Thursday, October 10, 2-4 p.m.

Veterans Art Workshop, Kruk Gallery, UWS Holden Fine Arts Building, 1805 Catlin Avenue 

"The University of Wisconsin-Superior Visual Arts Department hosts an art workshop geared specifically toward area veterans. Artists John Sebelius and Chris King will be on hand to guide participants."

Sue Rauschenfels

Friday, October 11: Artist Talk, 12-1 p.m.; Artist Reception, 5-7 p.m.

Artist Exhibit: Born to Kill, Kruk Gallery, UWS Holden Fine Arts Building, 1805 Catlin Avenue 

"Visiting artists John Sebelius and Chris King will transform the Kruk Gallery into a space exploring the cross section of humor and the visual arts. The two multimedia artists have been nationally recognized and their work exhibited across the country. This exhibition if made possible through generous funding from the Wisconsin State Arts Board." On View: November 9

Friday, October 11, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Art Opening: Mniidoos and Wiigaas, Dr. Robert Powless Cultural Center, AICHO Galleries, 202 W. 2nd Street

"The exhibit features two visual art forms – paintings by Indigenous Artist Rabbett Before Horses Strickland and birch-bark creations by Indigenous Artist Pat Kruse. Each artist brings forth their cultural heritage in unique and contemporary ways: Kruse through his use of traditional media and Strickland with his depictions of the Anishinaabe hero/trickster Nanabozho. Light refreshments will be served." On View: October 31

Kelly Schamberger has completed 3 years at the Great Lakes
Academy of Fine Art with Jeffrey T & Brock Larson.

Friday, October 11, 6-7:30 p.m.

Artist Reception: Glimpse, Vineyard Church, 1533 W. Arrowhead Road

"Artist Kelly Schamberger exhibits her newest collection of plein air oil paintings. Her paintings depict North Shore landscapes, with special attention paid to momentary views of light, time and place." On View: November 24

Saturday, October 12, 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." 

Sunday, October 13, 1-3 p.m.
SunFUNday! Art for Children of All Ages: Kurbits (fantasy flowers painting) for kids and adults, The Nordic Center, 23 N. Lake Avenue

"Join art professor Alison Aune, her UMD art education students, and special guests. Pre-Registration is encouraged! Admission: $5 suggested donation; Contact: Alison Aune, aaune@d.umn.edu, with questions and pre-registration information.

Sunday, October 13, 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. Cost: $5 at the door."
Listen to previous Gag Me With A Spoon podcasts.

Monday, October 14, 5 p.m.

Rauschenfels. For the Love of Tress.

Art Opening: For the Love of Trees, Zeitgeist Arts Cafe, 222 E. Superior Street
Join painter and local artist Sue Rauschenfels as she shares her love of trees through artistic expression. "We have all heard the science as to why trees are life. But beyond that, trees have the power to impact people positively socially and mentally. Trees calm and rejuvenate our senses and refresh our souls in healing ways. I’ve painted a series of trees I hope will stir these senses when viewing."  

Tuesday, October 15, 6:30–8 p.m.
Tweevening Presentation with Marcia Anderson: The History of the Bandolier Bag, UMD Tweed Museum of Art, 1201 Ordean Court
"The Tweed Museum of Art is offering a Tweevening Art Talk event with guest speaker, Marcia Anderson, who released her book A Bag Worth a Pony: The Art of the Ojibwe Bandolier Bag published by the Minnesota Historical Society Press, in 2017. Anderson will join us to share the history of the bandolier bag, a beautiful beaded accessory that is becoming ubiquitous at powwows and other gatherings.

"This program is offered in conjunction with the exhibition Gashkibidaaganag: A Selection of Bandolier Bags that opened this past summer, with bandolier bags from the Tweed Museum and the Duluth Children’s Museum. Dr. Karissa White Isaacs curated the exhibition, and it is on view in the Nelson Display Case, upper level. This event is free and open to the public, however space is limited to approximately 70 attendees and this promises to be a well attended event. Q&A will follow the presentation."

Wednesday, October 16, 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.You can read about one student's experience here: Local Art Seen: First Lesson in Zentangle with Esther Piszczek, by Ed Newman, Ennyman's Territory, August 18, 2019.

Thursday, October 17, 3-4 p.m.
Crafternoons for Kids, Blue Room, Mount Royal Branch Library, 105 Mount Royal Shopping Circle
"Drop in for a fun make-and-take craft project. No experience or sign-up required. Age Group(s): Preschool, Kids, Tweens"

Friday, October 18, 6-8 p.m.
Jazz@DFP, Duluth Fine Pianos, 331 W. Superior Street
A night of jazz surrounded by pianos and the Zentangle (R) inspired artwork of Esther Piszczek, CZT. 
Musicians: Ryan Frane, Piano, Matt Mobley, Bass, Jefferson Campbell, Tenor Saxaphone

Friday, October 18, 7 p.m.

Sparkle 2019, Lincoln Park Middle School, 3215 W. 3rd Street

"A ballroom dance show featuring several local ballroom dance professionals and amateurs. The variety of numbers showcase choreography by world-renowned artist Mariusz Olsczewski and Nathan Daniels, as well as works by local artist Darren Franco. Tickets are available online at superiorballroomdance.com. General admission is $20; student tickets with valid ID are $10."

Friday-Saturday, October 18-19, 7-9 p.m.
Carnival of the Animals and Other Dances, UMD Marshall Performing Arts Center, 1215 Ordean Court
"This two-night show kicks off the Minnesota Ballet’s 2019-20 season, featuring in dance the Ogden Nash poem which celebrates creatures from ponderous elephants to manic kangaroos to plodding tortoises. Choreographed by Robert Gardner with animal costuming by Mary Plaster, the work is set to the Camille Saint-Saëns score. New and revived works, plus live accompaniment round out this evening of dance. Tickets/info: 218-529-3742."

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

Wednesday, October 16, 6:30-9 p.m.

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

Friday, October 25, 5-8 p.m.

Downtown Duluth Arts Walk, Duluth Fine Pianos, 331 W. Superior Street (next to Starbucks!) Downtown Duluth Arts Walk Google Maps

Art only tonight! Jazz will happen on Friday, October 18!

Mondays, October 28-November 25, 6-8:30 p.m. (4 weeks; No class Monday, November 4)
Advanced Zentangle (R) Pattern Drawing with Esther Piszczek, CZT, Lincoln Park Middle School, 3215 West Third Street 

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MEET ARTIST. SUPPORT THE DAI. November 2. Details Here 

Now unveiled at The Tweed

FULL SCHEDULE @ TWIN PORTS ART

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 Seen: Chromascope at the Prøve

Rotten Light by Dane Pedersen. Photography.

Last Friday evening I visited the Prøve Gallery for the opening reception of Chromascope, a show featuring 13 local and regional artists. The call for art restricted artists in their color selection to essentially the basic color wheel.

An unusual feature of the show was the manner in which it was laid out. Rather than having the works displayed sequentially about the gallery, the curators mounted the 19 pieces in a holistic, relational manner as if a collaborative installation. The aim is to create a greater visual resonance amongst the pieces within the white cube of the space. Furniture by Loll Designs had been installed to encourage viewers to sit facing the exhibit in order to more or less relax, contemplate the whole.

Kirsten Aune's large Textile On Cotton provided a focal starting point.
dispersing color in all directions.

Here is a listing of the featured artists: Ray Allard, Kirsten Aune, Billy Flynn, Susanna Gaunt, Linda Glisson, Margie Helstrom, Isaac James, Tom Moriarty, Lance Mountain, Philip Noyed, Dane Pedersen, Sue Rauschenfels and Pat Sharrow. The show will run through July 7.

Isaac Watamaniuk's Blue 65. Acrylic on canvas.

CE-5 by Lance Mountain. Latex on canvas.

Turquoise Light Wave by Phillip Noyed.
Lambda photographic print, Acrylic, LED

Totem Poles and Birch Trees, Sue Rauschenfels.
Mixed media.

The weather Friday was tumultuous. For hours that morning and afternoon the rain fell in buckets. Many had a foreboding that Grandma's Marathon might even be cancelled for the first time. But then, the sky opened and the sun shone in. Driving into town from the South one could see that the William Irving 5K run went off well, people returning to their cars or hotels, standing at intersections in clusters with runners in running gear accompanied by friends who came to cheer them on. Parties followed. The weather and the race may have contributed to the thin turnout at the opening. I couldn't help but recall to mind the many Prøve openings in which there were so many present one could hardly navigate the room.

"Chromascope" has been made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage funds. Support from Prøve Gallery is also possible through the private donations by Prøve Gallery Members and Collective.

Prøve Gallery is an contemporary and experimental art gallery in downtown Duluth.

Margie Helstrom provides a sense of scale for the work. Her piece, above
and over her left shoulder: Silly Rabbit, Trix Are For Kids. Acrylic on canvas.

BAM, by Kirsten Aune.