Twin Ports Art Scene: January Calendar of Arts Events Courtesy Esther Piszczek

THE DAYS ARE GETTING LONGER
Let the sunshine in!

Here's a portion of what's happening in January here in the Twin Ports, beginning with...

Monday, January 13, 5-7 p.m.
"The Transformative Power of Public Television" Opening Reception at the Zeitgeist Arts Cafe.
WDSE•WRPT continues to celebrate our 55 years of connecting community. As part of the celebration, we turn our attention to the local arts scene! Please join us January 13th at Zeitgeist’s Café and Arts Center for the WDSE•WRPT art show: The Transformative Power of Public Television.

Several local artists will have artwork on display. Their inspiration drawn from any of WDSE•WRPT’s four channels: PBS North, Explore, Create and MN Channel, and from any of the programs that have been featured throughout the history of the station, including national shows such as Mister Rogers Neighborhood, Nature, Nova, Masterpiece, Antiques Roadshow, or local shows like Almanac North, Native Report, Making It Up North, Doctors on Call, Great Gardening and so many more. 

The evening will also highlight the work of local philanthropist and visual artist Julia Marshall. Julia was a major supporter of WDSE•WRPT. We are fortunate to have her beautiful body of work displayed in the atrium. In addition, for one night only, you will find our own Bob Ross painting on display! Facebook Link Here.

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, January 14, 21, 28, 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).

Tuesdays, January 14, 21, 28, 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, January 15, 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.

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, January 16, 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"

Thursdays, January 16, 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!"

Friday, January 17, 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. ($10 suggested donation to pay the musicians) I would love to see you at this event!
Musicians: Ryan Frane, Piano, Joey Pettit, Bass, Jennifer Parker, Vocalist

Friday, January 17, 7-10 p.m.
Art Opening: Metamorphose, 
Prøve Gallery, 21 N. Lake Avenue

"Local painter Sarah Brokke presents Metamorphose, her exhibition of new painting that extrude the sacred from dreams and everyday existence." On View: through February 21

Saturday, January 18, 7 p.m.

Short Shorts Film Festival 2020, 
The Underground, 506 W. Michigan Street

"The 15th annual Short Shorts Film Festival showcases videos that are less than five minutes in duration, with cash prizes awarded to the top three productions. It’s northern Minnesota’s only short film festival.

"This festival is open to local, national and international submissions from professional and amateur artists working in all genres. A panel of judges selects the top 15 finalists and a live audience picks the top three winners at the event. The night’s top three winners are awarded cash prizes: First place: $300, second place $200, third place $100. Tickets: $20"

Monday, January 20, 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."

Wednesday, January 22, 6-7:30 p.m.
Soap-making Demo, Mount Royal Branch, Duluth Public Library, 105 Mount Royal Shopping Circle
"Leane Rhoads leads a soap-making workshop in the Blue Room of the Mount Royal Branch of the Duluth Public Library. Rhoads will demonstrate how to properly handle and store lye, test for trace, add essential oils for fragrance and follow recipes. Rhoads already has a lot of soap, so someone will be going home with some soap as a door prize."

Friday, January 24, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, January 26, 3 p.m.

Amahl and the Night Visitors By Gian Carlo Menotti, Masonic Temple, 4 W. 2nd Street

"LOON’s family-friendly favorite returns by popular demand! A vivid and accessible story originally created for television, Amahl and the Night Visitors features beautiful melodies, engaging characters and a heartwarming message that resonates with the themes of generosity and hope. Appropriate for all ages, and parents are encouraged to bring children.Tickets: General Seating $32, Premium Seating $42, Children and Students with valid student ID $12. Sung in English. Approximately 50 minutes long with no intermission." 

Saturday, January 25, 2 p.m.

Artist Talk: count. map. pulse. breathe., Joseph Nease Gallery, 23 W. 1st Street

"A solo exhibition of new work by Kathy McTavish. “A frayed thread”: Whether the split wires of a computer circuit board; a single line of code from a spooling cacophony of code-driven conversation; a thread of cello or wind in a digital fugue; one out of hundreds of layers of digital shapes - scrolling on monitors and through projections (grey, then black, then blue, red, yellow); a circle stitched into fabric and batting and pooled chording; the tied ends of a loom-woven shawl/covering/scroll – this is the metaphor that unites and runs through the body of Kathy McTavish’s multi-layered trans/media installations." On View: through February 29, 2020

Sunday, January 26, 5 p.m.

Beer & Hymns, Sir Benedict's Tavern, 805 E. Superior Street

"A gathering for beer drinking and hymn singing on the last Sunday of every month."

Sunday, January 26, 6 p.m.

Armory Dance Party, The Sports Garden, 425 S. Lake Avenue

"An evening of music and memories to celebrate the ongoing revitalization of the historic Duluth Armory, benefit its Music Resource Center program for teen musicians and relive the energy of that cold night in 1959 when Buddy Holly and his band graced the stage of the Duluth Armory during the ill-fated Winter Dance Party tour.
(EdNote: Read yesterday's blog post to learn more about the significance of Buddy Holly and his visit to the Duluth Armory.)

"Todd Eckart and His Band performs. Other activities: a silent auction, a dance contest and a 50’s costume contest. Doors open at 5 p.m., show at 6. Food and drinks available for purchase. Tickets are $15 online at Eventbrite and are also available at the Electric Fetus or Globe News. $20 at the door."

Monday, January 27, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Recycle, Repurpose, and Restyle with Mary Mulari, Mount Royal Branch, Duluth Public Library, 105 Mount Royal Shopping Circle

"People interested in reusing household textiles and vintage linens, including Grandma’s doilies, are encouraged to attend this event in the Mount Royal Branch Library’s Blue Room. Turn tablecloths, T-shirts, and thrift shop treasures into contemporary heirlooms and useful accessories. Learn Mary’s laundering/whitening tips and how to create gifts with basic sewing skills or fabric glue."

Mondays, January 27-February 24 (no class February 17), 6-8:30 p.m.
z e n t a n g l e (R) Pattern Drawing, with Esther Piszczek, certified z e n t a n g l e (R) teacher, Ordean East Middle School, 2900 East 4th Street
Anyone can create beautiful, intricate line patterns “one stroke at a time” using the Zentangle method of pattern drawing. New patterns will be taught each class as we create beautiful art on 3.5" x 3.5" paper tiles using pen and ink. No previous drawing experience necessary. Relaxation is a common side effect. See www.zentangle.com for more information.

Class Cost: $45; Supply Cost: $20; Register online HERE or contact Julie Gandt, Coordinator, at 218-336-8760 x 1 or email: Julie.Gandt@isd709.org

Wednesday, January 29, 5-7:30 p.m.Save the Show! A Theatrical Escape Room, Mount Royal Branch, Duluth Public Library, 105 Mount Royal Shopping Circle
The Mount Royal Branch Library’s Blue Room is transformed into an escape room for this event. Synopsis: You, dear avid supporter of the arts, won a behind-the-scene ticket to the Royal Mount Theatre Company’s Annual Fundraiser Spectacular! However, when you arrived, no one greets you (strange). No one seems to be in the building at all (very weird). And apparently the entire cast and crew is dramatically trapped in the prop room (triple odd). Can you free the cast and crew before the audience arrives to an empty stage? Can you solve the zany antics of thespians? Can the show actually go on? This event is free!"

Thursday, January 30, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Teacher/Student Art Reception, UW-Superior's Holden Fine Arts Building, Room 2144, Catlin Avenue and 19th Street, Superior
"Students and faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Superior celebrate art teachers and their students with an exhibition that features both sides of the creative classroom." On View: through February 21

Friday, January 31, 5-9 p.m.

Backstage Experience with the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra, multiple venues
"This experience provides guests with an exclusive perspective and insight into the creative dynamic between orchestra and conductor. Start out the night with a craft-beer tasting at Hoops Brewing before sitting down for a gourmet dinner at Lake Avenue Restaurant. Then, it’s off to Symphony Hall, where guests can experience a backstage tour during the symphony’s dress rehearsal and an onstage interaction with the musicians and conductor Dirk Meyer. Tickets: $79"

For the Love of Trees, Zeitgeist Arts Cafe, 222 E. Superior Street

View painter and local artist Sue Rauschenfels' solo show as she honors 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." Sue Rauschenfels

The Journey Home--Chapter 2 

AICHO 5:30-7:30 pm, 202 W. 2nd Street, Duluth, MN
Indigenous First Art & Gifts Shop to Host First-Ever Art Opening Indigenous First Art and Gift Shop will host its first-ever art opening featuring Samuel J. Zimmerman's paintings. 
This exhibit is free and open to the public and refreshments will be served. The artist will also be doing a LIVE PAINTING of a traditional shawl dancer. Samuel’s work is created from his inspiration from his Ojibwe heritage, the strength and spirit of traditional jingle dress dancers and shawl dancers and the beauty of Gitchi-Gami. The Journey Home – Chapter 2 will be displayed at Indigenous First Art and Gift Shop through mid-February. 
Visit their Journey Home Facebook Event Page.


November 2019-mid-January 2020

Through Our Eyes: A collaboration with AICHO, various artists, Duluth Public Library, 2nd Floor, Computer Center, 520 W. Superior Street
"The exhibit consists of ten photographs created by Native American youth and is part of the Seven Teachings series representing the Anishinaabe Seven Grandfather Teachings: Wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility, and truth. AICHO hosted a five-day photography and digital storytelling workshop for Native American youth which allowed the kids to access traditional culture through a modern medium, resulting in the vibrant exhibit which is on display through mid-January."

December 18-January 

Dan Edmunds, Blue Cross Blue Shield Duluth Retail Center, 425 West Superior Street

Multi-disciplined local artist Dan Edmunds said, "I have always had a passion for creating, if it’s making pottery, working with wood with my father as a child, or being inspired by my grandmother who was a painter. Recently on my trips to New Mexico, I was inspired by the landscape of the desert. I like the simple division between sky and land that the desert has. This current body of work reflects that simple use of color seen in the desert southwest." 

December 6-February 2
Snow and Ice, Duluth Folk School, 1917 W. Superior Street
"Through painting, photographs, and other media, we will be exploring the world of snow and ice. Art by Jordan Sundberg, Michael Anderson, Alison Aune, Bryan French, LeAnn Oman, and Tara Austin."

December 20- February 9

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." Opening Reception: Thursday, February 6, 5-8 p.m.

January 17-February 21

Metamorphose, Prøve Gallery, 21 N. Lake Avenue

"Local painter Sarah Brokke presents Metamorphose, her exhibition of new paintings that extrude the sacred from dreams and everyday existence."

January 30-February 21 

Teacher/Student Art Exhibit, UW-Superior's Holden Fine Arts Building, Room 2144, Catlin Avenue and 19th Street, Superior

"Students and faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Superior celebrate art teachers and their students with an exhibition that features both sides of the creative classroom." 

December 13-February 29
count. map. pulse. breathe., Joseph Nease Gallery, 23 W. 1st Street
"A solo exhibition of new work by Kathy McTavish. “A frayed thread”: Whether the split wires of a computer circuit board; a single line of code from a spooling cacophony of code-driven conversation; a thread of cello or wind in a digital fugue; one out of hundreds of layers of digital shapes - scrolling on monitors and through projections (grey, then black, then blue, red, yellow); a circle stitched into fabric and batting and pooled chording; the tied ends of a loom-woven shawl/covering/scroll – this is the metaphor that unites and runs through the body of Kathy McTavish’s multi-layered trans/media installations."
Artist Talk: Saturday, January 25, 2020, 2 p.m.

December-March
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." Opening Reception: Thursday, February 6, 5-8 p.m.

January-March

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

January-March

Sharon Dawson, City Hall Mayor's Reception Room, 411 W. 1st Street

"Sharon Dawson’s work invites viewers to investigate with emotion, the forms encouraging viewers to linger and emerge with a connection outside of oneself. Pulling us in with depth, color and texture, the images reflect Dawson’s practice, “While creating art draws the internal world outward, awareness in meditation draws the attention inward”. Applying multiple layers of oil and acrylic before rubbing, scraping and carving into the surface, Dawson’s process becomes meditative. Her movements, visible as strokes on the canvas, promote stillness and harmony."

January-March
Our Neighbors: Exhibiting Artists from BAM, City Hall Rotunda, 411 W. 1st Street
"The Duluth Art Institute hosts the Birkenstein Arts Movement, a year-long program for middle school students based on the art and principles of Jean Birkenstein. Fifteen BAM students joined this movement to focus on growing their art and leadership skills, working towards communicating through drawing, ceramics, painting and mixed media."

Creative Education Class Opportunities in the Twin Ports

Featured Class: 

Sunday, January 26, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Gudbrandsdal Rosemaling with Tara Austin, Duluth Folk School, 1917 W Superior Street
"During this class you will be introduced to the Gudbrandsdal style of rosemaling characterized by twisting and folding leaves of the acanthus plant, a common design ornament. In class we will go over the basic technique and history of this decorative style. We will practice the fundamental painting process using oil paint on paper. All painting materials and basic Gudbrandsdal patterns will be supplied by the instructor. If you have your own rosemaling paints and brushes, you are welcome to bring them along. If not, we’ll have some available. Cost: $45 till 1/12; $55 after 1/12"

Learn a Tangle! 

Jobowtie, created by YuRu Chen, is a lovely grid tangle with many options for creative variation. Click the link to learn how to draw this tangle line-by-line. Add some simple shading or a touch of color and use it to decorate envelopes, birthday cards, and bills. You can learn how to draw this tangle and many more 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 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 at YouTube.com.



Places to find Ed's art in the Twin Ports"
Goin Postal, 816 Tower Avenue, Superior
Art on the Planet, 1413 Tower Avenue, Superior

Places to find Esther's art in the Twin Ports:

Art on the Planet, 1413 Tower Avenue, Superior

Duluth Fine Pianos, 331 W. Superior Street (next to Starbucks)

Master Framing Gallery, 1431 London Road, Duluth

For more about Esther, see Brian Barber's piece at Perfect Duluth Day: Perfect Duluth Day Selective Focus: Esther Piszczek

Zenith News, E.P. Designs, is a semi-regular Zentangle (R) inspired art feature that appeared in this newspaper and is now available online.

TO RECEIVE Ennyman's Territory blog posts in your Inbox, TYPE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS into the Feedburner slot near the top right of this blog posts, then Confirm via email.
Connect with Esther on Facebook and stay updated on her classes/events, HERE!

Thank you to Esther Piszczek, Perfect Duluth Day, and all others who contribute to these listings possible.

Midweek Bonus Track: Adam Swanson @ the Zeitgeist Cafe

Distinctive in style, nearly ubiquitous (here in the Twin Ports), often whimsical yet with serious undertones, vivid colors, delightful imagery, and a nice guy to boot. Adam Swanson's current show at the Zeitgeist is yet another good reason to drop in at the Zeitgeist Cafe, with its menu of always delicious selections you just don't find everywhere... or at least not as many places as you find Adam's work. 

RELATED LINKS

Adam Swanson at the Aquarium

Adam Swanson Home Page

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

Local Arts Seen: Henry Roberts' Venice Carnival at the Zeitgeist

Ah, Venice! There are so many distinctive cities in the world, but none like Venice. It's a city of islands and canals, and history. Indiana Jones and James Bond have both been there (Bond several times, I believe) and many a film has been shot there. But the images we most associate with Venice are these... the canals with their gondolas, and those amazing costumes from the Venice Carnival.

Monday evening was the opening reception for a photography exhibition at the Zeitgeist Cafe. Henry Roberts shared a selection of images from his own trip to Venice, and I make the strongest recommendation that you take a lunch there (the food is fab) to see the images he shot, and printed large. (EdNote: Zeitgeist has a wonderful brunch menu on weekends. Check it out.)

This Venice Carnival show was also a learning experience for me. I have seen the masks from Venice Carnival all my life. But I didn't know much about them other than they produced quite striking images. I even began collecting pictures of masks on one of my Pinterest boards. Having had a long time interest in masks I've even written about it here (and here.) When I have more time I may try to share a little information about the various names and styles of masks worn in the Carnival.

The Venice Carnival has a long history, stretching back to 1162 when people began to dance in San Marco Square. It is similar to Mardi Gras in that it precedes Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday on the Christian calendar. In 1979 the Italian government re-established the traditional Carnival history with the aim of developing the city's tourist trade. Success! Over 3 million visitors a year visit the Venice Carnival.

After being introduced to the Mr. Roberts we talked briefly about how he ended up being there last year. What follows are some related questions and insights he shared.

EN: How did you come to take an interest in photography?
Henry Roberts: Many years ago I wrote a Sunday nature column for the Duluth News Tribune which often were illustrated with my photos.

EN: What is it that so captivates you about Venice?
HR: Venice, Italy: I saw a magazine article with pictures of the costumes and wanted to do it myself. The brilliant colors attracted my attention.

The Venice Carnival celebration is more than a month long ending on Lent. I went on a photo safari with eight other people and spent a week photographing.

The participants make or buy at $1,000 or more their own costumes which they are proud to display. At daybeak they come out along the Grand Canal to pose for amateur and professional photographers. They will pose as requested. A half-dozen photographers will gather and take turns directing the participants. Along the Canal and before buildings there will be 20 or 30 groups being photographed and handing out their business cards. I surmise that people feel anonymous in masks and are quite willing to be photographed and display their beautiful costumes.

EN: How many trips have you made there?

HR: I have only been to Venice once, this 10 day photo trip. I wanted to capture the brilliant costumes and masks.

I have been photographing since I was 12 years old starting with my mother’s camera. Of course I began with film and always have preferred color to black and white. For a number of years I have recorded digitally with Canon cameras that shoot an image the same size as the original 35mm film cameras.

These pictures were slightly enhanced in Photoshop computer software. In recent years I have worked more with floral subjects which I like to abstract and manipulate digitally in my computer. Then I make prints and display them in our living room where I can walk by them, see what I like and dislike, then improve my next images. I am most interested in making artistic images than producing an exact replica of the subject.

* * * *
Henry Roberts has a website that he states is outdated, but a brief visit to www.henryroberts.net will introduce you to sites and scenes from many more of Mr. Roberts' travels, from Maui to Mongolia to Chile, Ecuador and more. The stunning images at the Zeitgeist Cafe this month are from that magical trip to Venice.

* * * *

More arts happenings
Tonight is the final installment of the Duluth Art Institutes Design DLH series. The topic is Minnesota Nice: Good, Bad, Nice? The program begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Red Herring Lounge, 208 E. 1st Street. in Duluth. Space is limited so RSVP with the DAI.

This sixth and final session of the series will feature Sean Elmquist, Chaperone Records; Candace Lacosse, Hemlocks Leatherworks; Chris Benson, Frost River; and the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial Committee. It should be very interesting.

* * *
Today is also the Tent & Trunk Show at Carlton Bike Rental in Carlton. 3 - 8 p.m. Details here.

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

Duluth Media Meet & Greet Sows Seed Thoughts for a New Journalism

John Hatcher (left) with Jeremy Iggers during part 2.

Yesterday I attended a Duluth Media Meet & Greet event concocted by UMD associate journalism professor John Hatcher and Dana Thayer. The aim of the lunch hour gathering was to test the waters as regards how to better serve the community as journalists. The interesting feature here is that historically the various media channels seek to scoop one another and thus perceive their peers as adversaries in a competitive local market. The relatively unique notion being proposed here is that perhaps in light of the challenging manner in which the Internet has re-shuffled the deck, there may be benefits to throwing out the old ways of doing things and playing a new hand.

John Hatcher served as moderator for the gathering which took place at Teatro Zuccone in the Zeitgeist Building. Two presenters had been invited, the first being Jan Schaffer, editor and journalist with J-Lab of Philadelphia who joined us through Skype, followed by Jeremy Iggers, founder and executive director of the Twin Cities Daily Planet.

Jan Schaffer Skyped in from Philadelphia

Ms. Schaffer gave us a tour through the changing media landscape by noting trends. You could tell she had plenty to say, but the brevity of our time together was somewhat restrictive. Here are a few of the highlights regarding current media trends across the country.

1) Metro dailies are disappearing. The lack of a content model is part of the problem.
2) Media entrepreneurship is at an all time high.
3) Tech companies are moving into the journalism space. We saw this earlier this year with Jeff Bezos' purchase of the Washington Post, but one also can see the manner in which Microsoft and more recently Yahoo have made their presence known.
4) There's more comic book journalism taking place.
5) She mentioned news games making a resurgence.
6) More collaborations and partnerships happening.
7) Public media partnering with others.
8) New and interesting distribution channels emerging.

Jan Schaffer was there to encourage local media to find ways to work together. She cited a J-Lab report called Networked Journalism: What Works? and encouraged us to visit the J-Labs website to learn more.

Jeremy Iggers of the Twin Cities Daily Planet shared his personal story as a backdrop for how this 21st Century news site came to be. In the early 90's Iggers wrote restaurant reviews and an ethics column for the Minneapolis Star Tribune. He initiated or was part of a pre-internet era version of social media in which readers of the paper would interact with stories, an enormous task as it was conducted by mail. The experience, though expensive, taught him how much audiences want 2-way relationships with journalists.

Another experience that came from outside the box was a regular feature called "Oh My News" in which the readers became the reporters. Each point included an instructive story.

Eventually he created or helped create the online media center T.C. Daily Planet in conjunction with a collaboration between the Twin Cities Media Alliance and Ethics Media. Online media is a moving target, he noted. It's also a challenge as you explore what kinds of groups already exist.

A question and answer period moderated by John Hatcher followed. Is it possible for our local Twin Ports media to collaborate and build something greater than the sum of its individual parts? The audience for this event included not only representation from traditional media but a number of bloggers, which was interesting.

One final point was made by Mr. Hatcher, that they have set up an online media resource called Lake Voice News which offer stories for any of our media to utilize so long as we identify the source.

The meet and greet ended with strong encouragement to finish the food which had been provided on platters by the Zeitgeist Cafe.

* * * *

The impression I got from the event is that UMD leadership has recognized the importance of becoming more consciously linked to the community as opposed to being isolated from it in a monastical sense. Bill Payne and the UMD fine arts leadership has made conscious efforts in this direction in recent years, most visibly in the formation of the Twin Ports Arts Align. Hatcher indicated that now that the university has purchased the former Maurice's office building, the school will be more involved with the downtown community.

It waits to be seen how the seeds from this hour long program will take root in the minds of our various local journalists. It was certainly an interesting presentation, even if a bit brief. Thank you to those who made it happen.