Local Art Seen: Sirpa Särkijärvi's Transcriptions Comes Down Today

Last night the Downtown Duluth Art Walk had a number of things happening. I made it to a few, including one last visit to Sirpa Särkijärvi's exhibition at Joseph Nease Gallery. Särkijärvi is a Finnish painter whose striking images offer a visual smorgasbord of freedom within form. Her painterliness is inspirational and served as a prod to get back in the studio.

A new feature of the gallery, now in its third year, is a small reading room with comfortable chairs and a growing collection of art books. Each artist who has been featured at JNG is being asked to suggest three books which the gallery will purchase and add to their library. The gallery is already a quiet space to get away. This added inspirational accompaniment will benefit all who take advantage of it. (The Tweed has a great library of art books as well, far more comprehensive, but less convenient for a lunch hour getaway--unless you work on campus.)

Here are photos I took last night in order to share here in the event you failed to get downtown for this show.

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detail from another piece.

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detail from the above

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What art books would you recommend?

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A nice little getaway where you can make yourself at home.

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For more information on Sirpa Särkijärvi, visit the artist’s website sirpasarkijarvi.com.

For more information on Joseph Nease Gallery, visit josephneasegallery.com.

Thursday Miscellaneous -- Art at the Encore, Treasures of the Earth JNG and Document Spring

Equinox. Today the sun is crossing the equator into the Northern Hemisphere. WooHoo! It is officially spring. It's nice to see the snow melting and temps rising. If you get out and about there's the Treasures of the Earth arts and crafts event at Peace Church here in Duluth Saturday. Friday night's opening for Transcriptions at the Joseph Nease Gallery will be exciting.

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Even though Spring begins today, the Oldenburg House is once again pursuing their Document Spring Project from April 15-May 31. To be part of this project guided by expert phenologists and photographers, you will want to Register before April 1.

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Kris Nelson sent out a Call for Art for an upcoming show at the Encore! Performing Art Center and Gallery. (Located at 2035 S. Hwy 33, Cloquet.)

Photo by Alex Knight on Unsplash

Their next play is MYNX &SAVAGE by Rebecca Gorman Oneill. A tri-level story of a comic book writer, the characters of his superhero story, and the creatures of his “serious” work.

Your artwork should reflect the theme of the play. Suggestions would be fantasy, superheroes, caricatures, etc. Any new original work will be accepted. (This means no art that has been shown before at the Encore. Also, no prints) Please limit to three pieces. Each piece should be labeled with title, price, medium, artist and ready for display. If your piece sells, the buyer will make out the entire check to you. The theater doesn't take a commission, but donations are accepted.

Work should be delivered Tuesday, May 28 between 9am and 5pm. Work may not be accepted if after this date.

Thursday, May 30, 2019 is the ART OPENING from 6 to 7pm. You're invited to stay and watch the final dress rehearsal as a thank you for displaying your work in the gallery (no ticket required.) Please bring a treat to share. You can "get in character" by dressing up as your favorite superhero or cartoon character (not required) Encourage guests to come and join in the fun.

You will want to pick up your work from June 10 – 17, 2019. 9am-5pm

Creatively Yours, Kris Nelson - 218-348-7619 – art curator Joel Soukkala – 218-451-0715 - Manager

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On Saturday April 6

THE ENCORE is hosting an art show by the
Arrowhead Art Club. Details below.

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Of course there is more to see and do than this. 

Just get out and get around.

For an interesting read related to fantasy and imagination
check out this story posted today on Medium:
Gone Too Far? Says Who?