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Art, Music & Handmade Ice Cream

Icy beauty. Photo courtesy of the Superi0r Creamery.

Icy beauty. Photo courtesy of the Superi0r Creamery. The Creamery will be open this weekend for Valentine’s Day. click here to learn more.

Greetings from the North Shore where snow and ice continue to tell their winter stories. We like them. We also like the longer hours of daylight, and, of course, making art in the quiet months.

Shoreline magic by Ken Harmon.

Shoreline magic by Ken Harmon.

Valentine’s Day is on Friday, and Joy and Company offers the public a chance to make a perfect Valentine for a loved one during Art Night on Thursday.

Make your own Valentine card at Art Night.

Make your own Valentine’s card at Art Night.

Make your own Valentine’s Day card at Art Night with a range of papers to choose from. There will be paper shapes, stencils, ribbons, glitter glue, stickers, and other embellishments for you to decorate your message of love. Learn some new techniques and try them out. Art Night is held from 3:30-5 pm at the shop. It is free, with a $5 suggested donation.

On Thursday evening, you can also try your hand at painting a Lake Superior landscape at the Paint and Sip event at the Surfside Ballroom in Tofte.

Joe Gendeck will be the instructdor for Surfside's Paint & Sips on Thursdaty.

Joe Gendeck will be the instructor for Surfside’s Paint & Sips on Thursday.

All art supplies and instruction will be provided, as well as a selection of wines to taste. The event will be held from 5-7 pm. Cost is $40. To find out more and sign up, click here.

Valentine’s Day is on Friday and several local restaurants and venues are holding special events. Click here to learn more.

Fiber Friday will be held at North House Folk School this week with community events, including a day of speakers, demonstrations, and a fiber fun fair.

It's Fiber Friday at North House Folk School this week.

It’s Fiber Friday at North House Folk School this week.

Swedish textile artist Emma Ewadotter will give a presentation at 7 pm on Friday.

Emma Ewadotter will give prentation at North House at 7 pm Saturday.

Embroidery by Emma Ewadotter. The Swedish artist will give a presentation at North House at 7 pm on Saturday.

All the events on Friday are open to the public. Free. For more information, and to see the schedule, click here. 

The North Shore Winery will hold its Winter Music Series from 3:30-5:30 pm on Friday, for Valentine’s Day, singer/songwriter AbbyZak will play. AZ is a guitarist and vocalist with a new album being released soon with their band, Ginger Bones. AZ will be playing a combination of Valentine-inspired songs, handpicked covers, and originals.

The event is free. The public is invited.

Also on Friday, a film will be screened at the Cook County Community Center as part of the Films on Fridays series. This week, Cyrano De Bergerac (the 1950 version) with Jose Ferrer and Mala Powers will be screened.

This old-time classic is in the public domain and is free. The film starts at 6 pm. Open to all.

On Saturday, the Heritage Center in Grand Portage will continue its Demo Days series from 10 am to 3 pm.

Demo Days at the Heritage Center in Grand Portage continue.

Demo Days at the Heritage Center in Grand Portage continue.

This week’s topic is the Northwest Gun, a vital trade item for the fur trade. Mark Sage will present.

Next Wednesday, Sean Cary of Bon Iver will perform for the Songwriter Series at the Lofty Gondola in the Lutsen Mountains. The music starts at 8 p.m.

In an effort to create a safe and intimate environment, and to give audience members an opportunity to immerse themselves in the stories and craft of the song, guests in the main room are asked to limit conversation during the performance.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Click here for tickets.

 Ongoing:

Hygge Festival: The Danish concept of “hygge” (pronounced hoo-gah) has been around for a long time. It refers to the ritual of embracing life’s simple pleasures. Feeling relaxed, cozy, and surrounded by the warmth of family, friends, community and fire all encompass the idea of hygge.

The Fireplace Tour continues through Feb. 28. To see all the sites, click here.

The Fireplace Tour and the Hygge Festival continue through Feb. 28. To see all the sites, click here.

See the schedule below to see how local businesses are embracing the hygge season and check out the Winter Fireplace Tour happening all month long.

 Exhibits:

 The exhibit, 100 Years of Art in Cook County: A Gallery Exhibition continues at the Johnson Heritage Post.

Untitled, soldered wood by William Albert Bally, 1939, is one of the pieces on view at the Heritage Post.

Untitled, soldered wood by William Albert Bally, 1939, is one of the pieces on view at the Heritage Post.

 This fascinating exhibit features works from the Heritage Post’s collection dating back to the 1920s. Paintings, drawings, woodwork, weaving, pottery, and more are included in the exhibit, which continues through Feb. 23.

The Heritage Post is open from 10 am to 4 pm Thursday through Saturday and from 1-4 pm Sunday. Free.

The Tweed Museum of Art has several ongoing exhibits, including works from its extensive collection.

Mimi, Linocut by Elizabeth Catlett is on view at the Tweed Museum of Art.

Mimi, linocut by Elizabeth Catlett is on view at the Tweed Museum of Art. Catlett produced this work when she was 92.

Tali  Margolin is exhibiting work at the Duluth Art Institute, including her multi-media piece: “Cranes.”

"Cranes,"multi-media, by by Tali Margolin

“Cranes,” multi-media, by Tali Margolin, is on view at the Duluth Art Institute. The image is also available as a free postcard.

“Cranes” by Tali Margolin portrays connection, separation, resilience, and support in times of uncertainty. It was created at the onset of the war in Ukraine and completed just before the present conflict erupted in Israel—two places the artist has called home. Using the Japanese symbolism of paper cranes, it is a prayer for peace and healing amid conflict.

The exhibit continues through April 18.

Artist Sarah Brokke and Poet Kyle Leia are exhibiting collaborative pieces at the Ives Gallery at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth.

Painter Sarah Brokke & Poet Kyle Leia are exhibiting at the Ives Gallery at St. Scholastica.

Painter Sarah Brokke & Poet Kyle Leia are exhibiting at the Ives Gallery at St. Scholastica. Pictured above is Brokke’s painting, Ode to the Moon, and Leia’s poem, What Was.

The collaborative project, entitled  Irrevocable Wholeness. focuses on healing and whole-hearted navigation of our humanity. Works on view include pieces inspired by Leia’s writing, and, in turn, poems created based on Brokke’s paintings. The collaboration will be featured in an upcoming publication. The exhibition is on view now through March 11.

 

Due to its popularity, the exhibition, A Thousand Nesting Dolls, at the Museum of Russian Art in the Twin Cities, will continue through  April 6.

One Thousand  Nesting Dolls now on view at the Museum of Russian Art.

One Thousand Nesting Dolls is now on view at the Museum of Russian Art.

 For more information about the exhibit and the museum, click here.

The Anderson Center in Red Wing is exhibiting a new show, Puppetry! In Minnesota!!

 

 

Puppetry in Minnesota, an exhibit at the Anderson Center in Red Wing, is ongoing.

Puppetry in Minnesota, an exhibit at the Anderson Center in Red Wing, is ongoing. Puppets by Dr. Bob, Seth Eberle, and Duane Tougas.

In a release, the Center writes:

“Artists practicing puppetry make use of a myriad of artistic forms to bring about on-stage and community-based magic. From marionettes controlled by strings to shadow puppets to larger-than-life wearable characters, Minnesota has long had one of the most vibrant puppetry communities in the country. Puppetry! In Minnesota!! provides a taste of this broad and wide-ranging artistic community. The exhibition is on view from February 5 – April 26, 2025. An artist reception will be held Saturday, February 22 from 2 – 4 p.m.

From the 1970s through present, multiple generations of sculptors, costumers, painters, performers, playwrights, and multi-talented artists have worked (separately and collaboratively) to bring inanimate objects to life and tell powerful stories that span the full gamut of human experience. These works are presented through documentation, set and promotional materials, and the puppets themselves. From Duluth to Winona, and especially in Minneapolis, puppetry has profoundly influenced artistic experience and creativity in our state. Puppetry! In Minnesota!!, curated by Neal Cuthbert, offers one look at the artists who have shaped Minnesota’s puppetry community.”

To find out more, click here.

The Minneapolis Institute of Art is featuring an ice sculpture exhibit in its courtyard.

A courtyard ice sculpture show at the Minneapolis Institute of Ice. Photo courtesy of the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

A courtyard ice sculpture show at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Photo courtesy of the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

The sculpture exhibit features cool interpretations of works from the collection in the courtyard, then visitors can warm up inside with a self-guided tour of the originals. The courtyard exhibit continues as long as the cold weather lasts. The public is invited to experience this creative collaboration.

 Kudos:

The First and Second Thrift Store distributed $180,000 to local non-profits recently.

First and Second Thrift Store distributes $180,000 to local nonprofits.

First and Second Thrift Store distributes $180,000 to local nonprofits.

The local thrift store was established in 2007 and operates on a volunteer basis. At the end of each year, the volunteers choose how to donate the proceeds, based on accrued volunteer hours.

In 2024, volunteers earned an hourly wage of $27.51. The thrift store had 45 volunteers totaling 6,542 hours for the year. During the Feb. 6 payout event, a total of 33 checks were distributed to Cook County nonprofits and organizations.

For more information, and to listen to an interview, click here.  

Artists at Work:

Kari Carter is making planters.

Kari Carter is making planters.

Comfort Colors by BetsyBowen.

Comfort Colors by Betsy Bowen.

Doodle, artist unknown, courtesy Joy and Company.

Doodle, artist unknown, courtesy Joy and Company.

Leatherworker Dee Clauson is the Artist of the Month at the Johnson Heritage Post.

Leatherworker Dee Closson is the Artist of the Month at the Johnson Heritage Post.

A Two Harbors Sunrise in January. Palette knife acrylic print by Mary Olson.

A Two Harbors Sunrise in January. Palette knife acrylic print by Mary Olson.

Runaway Goliath, acrylic, by Adam Swanson.

Runaway Goliath, acrylic, by Adam Swanson.

A sketch for clay by Melissa Harris.

A sketch for clay by Melissa Harris.

My dad just built a fish house by Sierra Parsons.

My dad just built a fish house by Sierra Parsons.

Stars Adrift, woodcut print, by Nick Wroblewski.

Stars Adrift, woodcut print, by Nick Wroblewski.

Online Music:

Live Music:

Thursday, February 13:

  • Gordon Thorne, North Shore Winery, 6-8 pm
  • Pete Kavanaugh, Lofty Gondola Bar at Lutsen Mountains, 5:30-8 pm

Friday, February 14:

  • Abby Zak, North Shore Winery, 3:30-5:30 pm
  • Pete Kavanaugh, Bluefin Grille, 4-6 pm
  • Briand Morrison, Cascade Restaurant and Pub, 6-8 pm
  • Joe and Pat singing sweet love songs, Up Yonder, 7-10 pm
  • Emma Tweten, Bluefin Grille, 7-9 pm
  • Pure Honey, Gunflint Tavern Raven’s Nest, 8-10 pm
  • Timmy Haus, Lofty Gondola Bar at Lutsen Mountains, 8:30-11 pm

Saturday, February 15:

  • Ashe Berton, Hungry Hippie Tacos, 2-4 pm
  • Joe Paulik, Lofty Gondola Bar at Lutsen Mountains, 3-5:30 pm
  • Roxann Berglund, Cascade Restaurant and Pub, 6-8 pm
  • Bump Blomberg, Gunflint Tavern Raven’s Nest, 8-10 pm
  • Timmy Haus, Lofty Gondola Bar at Lutsen Mountains, 8:30-11 pm

Sunday, February 16:

  • Eric Frost, North Shore Winery, 3-5 pm
  • Bump Blomberg, Lofty Gondola Bar at Lutsen Mountains, 3-5:30 pm
Monday, February 17:
  • Gordon Thorne, Lofty Gondola Bar at Lutsen Mountains, 5:30-8 pm

Tuesday, February 18:

  • Eric Frost, North Shore Winery, 4:30-6:30 pm
  • Barbara Jean, Lofty Gondola Bar at Lutsen Mountains, 5:30-8 pm
  • Open Stage hosted by Pete K, Up Yonder, 6-8 pm
  • Community Sing, North House Folk School, 6:30-8 pm

Wednesday, February 19:

  • Sean Carey, Lofty Gondola Bar at Lutsen Mountains, 8-9:30 pm

Thursday, February 20:

  • Pete Kavanaugh, Lofty Gondola Bar at Lutsen Mountains, 5:30-8 pm
  • Gordon Thorne, North Shore Winery, 6-8 pm
  • North Shore Swing Band, Up Yonder, 7-9 pm

Friday, February 21:

  • Barbara Jean and Mike Lewis, North Shore Winery, 3:30-5:30 pm
  • Medicine River, Up Yonder, 7-11 pm
  • Joe Paulik, Gunflint Tavern Raven’s Nest, 8-10 pm
  • Tximmy Haus, Lofty Gondola Bar at Lutsen Mountains, 8:30-11 pm

Saturday, February 22:

  • Boyd “Bump” Blomberg,Lofty Gondola Bar at Lutsen Mountains, 3-5:30 pm
  • Bump Blomberg, Gunflint Tavern Raven’s Nest, 8-10 pm
  • Southpaws, Up Yonder, 8-11:59 pm
  • Timmy Haus, Lofty Gondola Bar at Lutsen Mountains, 8:30-11 pm

Sunday, February 23:

  • Boyd ‘Bump’ Blomberg, North Shore Winery, 3-5 pm

Photographs:

Here are some of the photographs we found this week:

Wildlife:

 

Boreal owl by Paul Sundberg.

Boreal Owl by Paul Sundberg. A Cutie.

The pounce by Molly Beth Griffin.

The Pounce by Molly Beth Griffin.

Return from the hunt by Jim Brandenburg.

Return from the hunt by Jim Brandenburg.

On the hunt by Adam Malmanger.

On the hunt by Adam Malmanger.

Northern Shrike by Bill Marchel.

Northern Shrike by Bill Marchel.

Juvenile Snowy? by John Heino.

Juvenile Snowy? by John Heino.

The Big Swoop by John Heino.

The Big Swoop by John Heino.

That face you make when you realize it’s almost Monday by Nicholas Narog.

That face you make when you realize it’s almost Monday by Nicholas Narog.

Feeding upside down by Bill Marchel.

Feeding upside down by Bill Marchel.

Twins by David Johnson.

Twins by David Johnson.

Potpourri:

Very cold with crisp light sledding over frozen lake crossings in the Superior Nation al Forest this morning by Layne Kennedy.

Very cold with crisp light sledding over frozen lake crossings in the Superior National Forest this morning by Layne Kennedy.

From 2021 by Chris Artist.

From 2021 by Chris Artist.

An icy log thrown up by waves and iced over I Tofte.

 An icy log was thrown up by waves and iced over in Tofte. Photo by Chuck Olsen.

A story of snow on a rock-strewn beach by Travis Novitsky.

A story of snow on a rock-strewn beach by Travis Novitsky.

Landscapes, Icescapes and Viewscapes:

Grand Marais Sunrise by Paul Sundberg.

Grand Marais Sunrise by Paul Sundberg.

Throwing hot water into -25F at sunrise by Layne Kennedy.

Throwing hot water into -25F at sunrise by Layne Kennedy.

4779Sea Smoke in the morning in Grand Marais by Sierra Parsons.

Sea Smoke in the morning in Grand Marais by Sierra Parsons.

Good Morning Lake Superior by Bryan Hansel.

Good Morning Lake Superior by Bryan Hansel.

Lake Superior and the Two Harbors Lighthouse by Matthew Pastick.

Lake Superior and the Two Harbors Lighthouse by Matthew Pastick.

Icy Roads by Christian Dalbec.

Icy Roads by Christian Dalbec.

Winter is always something special on the North Shore by Matthew Pastick.

Winter is always something special on the North Shore by Matthew Pastick.

 

A snowy Lake Superior shoreline by Nathan Klok.

A snowy Lake Superior shoreline by Nathan Klok.

Warmer by the lake? by Christian Dalbec.

Warmer by the lake? by Christian Dalbec.

Grand Portage by Gary Arands.

Grand Portage by Gary Arands.

A Superior sunset by Matthew Pastick.

A Superior sunset by Matthew Pastick.

The harbor by Eric Humphrey.

The Harbor by Eric Humphrey.

Sunset on the Gunflint Lake skate trail at Gunflint Lodge. Photo furnished.

Sunset on the Gunflint Lake skate trail at Gunflint Lodge. Photo furnished.

Icy Beauty by Gregory Israelson.

Icy Beauty by Gregory Israelson.

Snow Moon at Split Rock by Rick Rice.

Snow Moon at Split Rock by Rick Rice.

Superior Splash Dance by John Heino.

Superior Splash Dance by John Heino.

Light Magic by Tim Mlodozyniec.

Light Magic by Tim Mlodozyniec.

Morning arrives by Jan Swart.

Morning arrives by Jan Swart.

Isle Royale from Grand Portage by Travis Novitsky.

Sometimes we can see Isle Royale from Grand Portage by Travis Novitsky.

Paddling in the winter by George Ilstrup.

Paddling in Winter is a great experience by George Ilstrup.

Glowing by Ingrid Ilg.

Glowing by Ingrid Ilg.

Split Rock Lighthouse and sea smoke by Nathan Klok.

Split Rock Lighthouse and Sea Smoke by Nathan Klok.

 

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone! Hope you have a good weekend.

 

BTW: Contributing to NorthShore ArtScene is a great way to support your weekly art and entertainment news. You can give a one-time donation or donate the amount of your choice every month. Either way, your contribution is essential. Just click on the icon below to underwrite this creative effort. Thank you!

Here’s a  big shout-out to Jeremy Lopez (Live Music schedule, tech advice, music suggestions), Yvonne Mills (proofreading and music suggestions), and Kari Carter (caption corrections.)  Phil Oswald, AKA Dr. Oz-E, a host on WTIP, offered music suggestions this week, too. And a big thank you to Visit Cook County for its outstanding Events Calendar.

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