North Shore Arts Scene

Just because Labor Day has come and gone doesn’t mean that things have cooled down in Cook County. On the contrary — September is absolutely stuffed with great things to do: WTIP’s Radio Waves Music Festival, the Grand Marais Art Colony‘s Plein Air Competition and Sale,  North House Folk School‘s Unplugged with Kevin Kling & Flannel Formal Gala and, starting on Sept. 29, the first annual Art Along the Lake Fall Studio Tour, to name a few.

First up, though, is Briand Morrison’s performance of “Musical Impressions: The Art of George Morrison,” at the Johnson Heritage Post on Thursday, Sept. 7 at 5:30 p.m.

In the presentation, Morrison pairs his father, George Morrison’s (1919-2000) work with his own musical compositions on a blu-ray disc that is intriguing to visual art and music lovers a like. The disc, produced by Morrison, consists of 128 images of George Morrison’s work from the 1940s through 2000. The accompanying sound track includes of 12 original jazz compositions composed and performed by Morrison.  Some of these images have never been shown to the public.

Morrison has shown this disc throughout the Arrowhead Region for the past three years to accolades. “We listened and laughed as Briand spoke of George Morrison’s life, art, and music and were drawn into the intimacy of it all as the conversation continued between guitar and art in this presentation,” said one attendee.

The performance will be held at the Johnson Heritage Post on Thursday, Sept. 7 with a reception at 5:30 p.m. followed by the presentation at 6 p.m. All invited. Free.

The 10th annual Radio Waves Music Festival is this weekend, too. This must-go-to event put on by WTIP Community Radio, features an entire weekend of music from local and regional musicians at Sweetheart’s Bluff in the Grand Marais Recreation Area. The festival grounds includes a big tent with two stages and a great dance floor, a smaller Kids’ Tent, where children can play games and more, as well as a selection of food vendors on the side. Camping in the Rec Park is encouraged, too, since this is definitely a family friendly event.

The music starts at 4 p.m. on Friday, and at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

To get a taste of what the music festival is all about, check out this cool video by Patrick Knight of Good Measure Media.

Here’s the line-up for the Radio Waves Music Festival this weekend:

Festival Schedule: Friday, Sept. 8:

• Community Swing Band • 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
  Gene LaFond and Amy Grillo • 5:10 – 5:50 p.m.
  Pushing Chain • 6:00 – 6:50 p.m.
  Blues Happy featuring Pete K • 7:00 – 7:50 p.m.
  Trapper Schoepp • 8:00 – 8:50 p.m.
  Step Rockets • 9:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Festival Schedule: Saturday, Sept. 9:

• Sky Blue Jazz • 10:00 – 10:50 a.m.
  SVEA • 11:00 – 11:20 a.m.
  Portage • 11:30 – 12:20 p.m.
  Moe and Larry • 12:30 – 1:10 p.m.
  Bughouse! • 1:20 – 2:10 p.m.
  Common Ground • 2:20 – 2:50 p.m.
  Curry Family Band • 3:00 – 3:30 p.m.
  Plucked Up String Band • 3:40 – 4:30 p.m.
  Rich Mattson and the Northstars • 4:40 – 5:30 p.m.
  Brothers in Arms • 5:40 – 6:20 p.m.
  Floydian Slip • 6:30 – 7:20 p.m.
  Sam Miltich and Briand Morrison • 7:30 – 8:20 p.m.
  SplinterTones • 8:30 – 10:00 p.m.

Festival Schedule: Sunday, Sept. 9:

• Gospel Show with Gordon Thorne • 10:00 – 11:10 a.m.
  The Fish Heads • 11:20 – 11:50 a.m.
  Joe Paulik • 12:00 – 12:40 p.m.
  Fred Anderson • 12:50 – 1:20 p.m.
  Mysterious Ways • 1:30 – 2:10 p.m.
  Dusty Heart • 2:20 – 3:10 p.m.
  Cook County’s Most Wanted • 3:20 – 4:10 p.m.
  Jack Klatt • 4:20 – 5:20 p.m.
  Earth Wind and Todd • 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Grand Marais Plein Air kicks off on Friday when 60 plein air artists from around the region come to Grand Marais to paint the landscape for a week. Plein Air concludes with a spectacular opening at the Johnson Heritage Post from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15. That exhibit continues through Oct, 29.

There are several public events scheduled for the comng week, too. On Saturday is the Pincushion PaintOut from 1-5 p.m. The public is invited to watch. On Monday, Sept. 11, Allison Eklund will lead a brown-bag lunch discussion about the Outdoor Painters of Minnesota from noon to 1 p.m. at the Grand Marais Art Colony. Open to the public.

Thursday, Sept. 14, is the every-popular Quick Paint at Artist Point, where the artists are given 1.5 hours to make a painting. It is held on Artist Point. The public is invited to come and watch. On Friday, there will be a juror lecture, “The Lineage of Color” by Kami Mendlik at the Grand Marais Art Colony at 11 a.m. The Plein Air Exhibition & Sale opens with a reception from 5-7 p.m. on Sept. 15. Stay tuned for details next week.

Saturday begins with the Cook County Market in the parking lot of the Senior Center. A variety of artists and artisans have booths at the market, which is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Also on Saturday morning, bowl carver Jon Strom, who will be the Instructor in Residence at North House Folk School from Thursday through Sunday, will give a class on how to carve a wooden boat hook. For more info and to register, call North Houseo at 387-9762.

Last Chance Gallery in Lutsen will hold a Bronze Pour at 4 p.m. on Saturday as well. It’s always exciting to see the hot, molten metal poured into molds to create sculptures. Free and open to the public.

On Saturday evening, Sept. 9, Drury Lane Books will host a Writer’s Salon with Marcie Rendon & Nora Murphy at 7 p.m.

Marcie Rendon is a White Earth Anishanaabe member and author. Her debut novel Murder on the Red River features the magnetic Cash: aged-out foster child, girl pool shark, truck driver on White Earth Reservation, and sometimes detective in the small towns along the Red River. She will read short passages, discuss writing, and hear questions and stories along with her writing group partner Nora Murphy.

Murphy will discuss her new memoir, White Birch, Red Hawthorn. She tells the story of her ancestors’ maple grove that, long before the Irish arrived, was home to three Native tribes: the Dakota, Ojibwe, and Ho-Chunk. That her dispossessed ancestors’ homestead was built upon another, far more brutal dispossession is the hard truth underlying Murphy’s search for the deeper connections between this contested land and the communities who call it home.

Writer’s Salon’s are free. All invited.

On Sunday, felter Elise Kylo will hold a class on felting your own beer koozie at Voyageur Canoe Outfitters from 4-6 p.m. There is a $15 materials fee, which includes a 9-ounce beer.

Exhibits

 This is the last weekend to see David Johnson‘s great photo exhibit at the Johnson Heritage Post. Landscapes, wildlife and northern lights are Johnson’s specialties, and the show is wonderful.

The Heritage Post is closed on Tuesdays. It is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and on Mondays, and from 1-4 p.m. Sundays. Free.

The Duluth Art Institute opens “Reservation Pop,” an exhibit of work by Wendy Red Star, an artist based in Oregon, on Friday, Sept. 8 with a reception from 5-7 p.m. in the Morrison Gallery.

Red Star works across disciplines to explore the intersections of Native American ideologies and colonialist structures, both historically and in contemporary society. Raised on the Apsáalooke (Crow) reservation in Montana, Red Star’s solo exhibit will feature documentary images of the cars and HUD houses there.

The exhibit is part of a multi-tiered program led by Red Star and Sharon Louden, 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. Directly following the exhibit opening reception, the two artists will present a lecture 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, concentrating on the ways that artists can expand their practices beyond their studios. The workshop is free but registration is required. Click here to register.

The Tweed Museum of Art has a new collection of Pacific Northwest masks, including this piece by Tom LaFortune.

The museum is also continuing its series, “A Thousand Words” an exhibition of photographs in which each photograph captures a story related to social conditions.

In Thunder Bay, the Thunder Bay Art Gallery‘s exhibit “The Perspective From Here: 150 Artists From the North” continues through Sept. 24.

Upcoming

Unplugged XVI, North House Folk School‘s weekend of community, music, craft and story is Sept. 13-16 this year. The event features traditional craft courses, music jam sessions, a Folk Artisan Marketplace. a Friday night fundraising gala and a Saturday night performance by Kevin Kling & Friends.

Kling is a well-known playwright and storyteller, and his commentaries can be heard on NPR’s All Things Considered. His plays and adaptations have been performed around the world, You can hear a few of Kevin Kling’s stories on his website. He will be joined on stage by Prudence Johnson, Dan Chouinard, Claudia Schmidt, Dane Stauffer, Simone Perrin, and special guests Jon Vezner and Don Henry.

A few tickets are still available. Click here to learn more.

The first annual Art Along the Lake: Fall Studio Tour opens on Friday, Sept. 29 and runs daily from  10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Oct. 8. The studio tour features 14 studios and galleries and work by 40 artists in a variety of media. Make plans to visit Cook County for this one!

Meanwhile, check out the Facebook page here, and see the great brochure here. Stay tuned for more details next week.

Window Shopping

 

 

Here’s the music schedule for this week:

Thursday, Sept. 7:

• Briand Morrison–Musical Impressions: The Art of George Morrison, Johnson Heritage Post, 5:30 p.m. reception, 6 p.m. music
• The Thread, Grandma Ray’s, 7:30p.m.

Friday, Sept. 8:

• 10th Annual Radio Wave Music Festival, Sweetheart’s Bluff, 4 p.m., see above
• Jason Wussow, Voyageur Brewing Co., 4 p.m.
• Flyodian Slip, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.
• Rich Mattson & the Northstars, Grandma Ray’s, 9 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 9:

• 10th annual Radio Waves Music Festival, 10 a.m., see schedule above
• Flyodian Slip, Gun Flint Tavern, 3 p.m.
• Mathew Griswold, Voyageur Brewing Co., 4 p.m.
• Portage, Grandma Ray’s, 6 p.m.
• Thea Ennen, Cascade Lodge Pub, 7 p.m.
• Pushing Chain, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Joe Paulik, Music by the Campfire, Bluefin Resort, 7 p.m.
• Shaky Ground, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.
• Bug Stars, Grandma Ray’s, 8:30 p.m.
• Pushing Chain, Bluefin Grille, 9 p.m.
• Timmy Haus, Papa Charlie’s, 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 10:

• 10th Annual Radio Waves Music Festival, Sweetheart’s Bluff in the Rec Park, see above
• Pushing Chain, Skyport Lodge, 4 p.m.
• Jim & Michele Miller, Gun Flint Tavern, 7:30 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 11:

• Briand Morrison, Bluefin Grille, 9 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 13:

• Timmy Haus, Moguls Grille, 6 p.m.
• Gordon Thorne, Bluefin Bay, 9 p.m.

Now, for the favorite part of this blog– the photographs!

We’ll start with wildlife.

 

 

And here are a few shots of wild ricing, which has started in the North country.

 

 

And a few shots from Rolaag, Minnesota.

 

It was a busy Labor Day weekend in Grand Marais.

And here are some great landscapes.

 

 

 

 

 

And finally,

Have a great weekend everyone! Enjoy the music!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Labor Day Weekend is marked this year by lots of live music, some great art exhibits, interesting demos and and a fun seconds pottery sale/fundraiser called “Not Shards Yet!”

First up, though, is the Arrowhead Sketchers event, the last of the 2017 season. This week, the Sketchers will meet in the parking lot  of the Whole Foods Co-op in Grand Marais.  Sketching subjects will include historic and commercial buildings, street scenes and the lakeshore. Everyone is invited to join the group, sketchbook, pens and/or camera in hand. Free and open to everyone. After the session, the group will adjourn to  share a beverage at the upstairs deck lounge at the Gunflint Tavern.

The Sketchers may have impromptu adhoc sketch-sessions during September, weather permitting.  To be notified watch, the Northshore ArtScene, register for notifications at www.MeetUp.com or be sure you are on the sketcher’s email list of the Grand Marais Art Colony. Call 218-387-2737 for more info.

Also on Thursday night, the nationally acclaimed group, Monroe Crossing, will perform at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m. Alyce’s will serve a dinner at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are for the dinner and show are $45. Dinner/show tickets receive priority seating.
Concert-only tickets are available as well for $25

Advance tickets can be purchased at www.grandmaraisplayhouse.com

The Playhouse is front and center on Friday as well when Ole and Lena (Mike and Julie Bateson) return to the Grand Marais to perform “Ole Plays Nursemaid! Call 911!” Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the ACA. Tickets are $15 adults, $5 under 18. Tickets are available at the door.

Saturday begins with the Cook County Market, which opens at 9 a.m. in the parking lot of the Senior Center in Grand Marais. A wide variety of artists and artisans have booths at the market. All invited.

Also on Saturday and Sunday, the Grand Marais Art Colony will host “Not Shards Yet! A Seconds Pottery Sale” as a fundraiser for a new kiln.

The fundraiser will be held outside the Pottery Studio at the Art Colony from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 2 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 3.
All invited. Come see what treasures you can find!

Also on Saturday at the Art Colony, plein air painter Neil Sherman will give an outdoor painting demo at 1 p.m. as part of the summer series, Saturdays at the Art Colony. Free and open to the public.

At 4 p.m. on Saturday, there will be a Bronze Pour at Last Chance Gallery in Lutsen. All invited. Free.

And, on Saturday night, a new group will perform at the Cascade Lodge Pub. Gillis, Bichel and Bob will play at 7 p.m. (Chris Gillis (keyboard), Max Bichel, violin) and Bob LaMettry (percussion.) Sounds like a good show. Free.

And finally on Wednesday, the great acapella group, SVEA, will sing at a Full Moon Gathering at Drury Lane Books at 7 p.m.

The bookstore is switching to its fall hours on Sept. 1 and will be open Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m, Sundays 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Exhibits:

 David Johnson’s solo photography exhibit, “Cook County Through My Eyes,” continues at the Johnson Heritage Post through Sept. 10.

Johnson’s exhibit includes a wide variety of wildlife and landscape photos. The Heritage Post is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays through Saturdays, and from 1-4 p.m. Sundays. It is closed on Tuesdays.

The Tweed Museum of Art in Duluth is exhibiting a variety o works from the Pacific Northwest, including a Kawkiutl mask created by Cecil Dawson, a Dzawada’enuxw First Nation member, one of 13 Kwakwaka’wakw bands.

 

Also at the Tweed, the photographic exhibit entitled “A Thousand Words” continues, featuring outstanding photographs of people from around the world.

Marion Post Wolcott is best known for the more than 9,000 photographs she produced for the Farm Security Administration (FSA) from 1938 to 1942. Her work is preserved at the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division and is also available online.

In Thunder Bay, the Thunder Bay Art Gallery continues its exhibit, “The Perspective From Here: 15o Artists from the North.”

The exhibition continues through Sept. 24.

Upcoming:

 Briand Morrison will present “Musical Impressions: The Art of George Morrison” at the Johnson Heritage Post at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7. The opening reception is at 5:30 p.m. All invited.

Plein Air Grand Marais is just around the corner. Venture up the North Shore for fall colors and meet over 60 artists painting throughout Cook County in this friendly painting competition Sept. 8 – 14, followed by an exhibition at the Johnson Heritage Post showcasing the artist’s work Sept. 15 – Oct. 29.

To learn more, click here.

Also next weekend, the 10th annual Radio Waves Music Festival will be held at Sweetheart Bluff in the Grand Marais Rec Park Sept. 8 -10. The event is hosted by WTIP Community Radio and features 27 musical acts under the tent over the entire weekend. For the complete line-up next weekend, click here. And stay tuned for details next week.

The Art Along the Lake: Fall Studio Tour is Sept. 29-Oct. 8, featuring 40 artists and 14 stops in Cook County.

To read more and see the brochure, click here.

Opportunities:

North House Folk School is accepting applications for the intern program through Oct. 16. North House accepts four interns each year. The internship runs from January 2018 through November.

Information about the internship program, as well as the application packet request form, can be found here.  Interested individuals should request an application packet. For more info, call North House at 218-387-9762.

The Northern Clay Center in Minneapolis has put out a call for ceramacists and potters to apply for a number of grants that they have available as a re-granting institution. There are grants available for artists who are just starting their careers as well as those who have worked their entire lives in the ceramic arts. For example, one of the awards the Northern Clay Center distributes is the McKnight Fellowship Award for mid-career or lifetime ceramic artists. This award is $25,000 each, for two Minnesota artists. It is not a project grant. There is no application fee. Interested? Visit the Northern Clay Center’s Artist Services page here to find out more.

Window Shopping:

 

 

Here’s the music for the week:

Thursday, Aug. 31:

• Joe Paulik, Music by the Campfire, Lutsen Resort, 6:30 p.m.
• Monroe Crossing, Arrowhead Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m.
• Rich Lewis Band, Gun Flint Tavern, 9 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 1:

• Joe Paulik, Voyageur Brewing Co., 4 p.m.
• Eric Frost, Music by the Campfire, Eagle Ridge Resort, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 2:

• Jim & Michele Miller, Voyageur Brewing, 4 p.m.
• J Squared and the Makers, Papa Charlie’s, 6 p.m.
• Gillis, Bichel & Bob, Cascade Lodge Pub, 7 p.m.
• Joe Paulik, Music by the Campfire, Bluefin Bay, 7 p.m.
• Michael Monroe, Log Cabin Concert, rural Grand Marais, 7 p.m., www.michaelmonroemusic.com
• Jon Kalberg, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Cook County’s Most Wanted, Grandma Ray’s, 8 p.m.
• Rich Lewis Band, Gun Flint Tavern, 9 p.m.
• DJ Beavstar, Papa Charlie’s, 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 3:

• Briand Morrison, Gun Flint Tavern, 2 p.m.
• Jim & Michele Miller, Skyport Lodge,  5 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 4:

• Bump Blomberg, Gun Flint Tavern, 7:30 p.m.
• Scott Frazier, Bluefin Grille, 9 p.m.,

Wednesday, Sept.6:

• Full Moon Reading with the SVEA Singers, Drury Lane Books, 7 p.m.

We found some great photos this week. Let’s start with some wildlif shots:

 

 

 

And here are some skyscapes:

 

 

 

And a city scape:

And woods-scapes:

 

 

And a rockscape:

A waterscape:

And two peoplescapes:

 

An early fallscape:

And last, but not least, a harborscape:

Enjoy your weekend!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ah, this is the last weekend in August, and we celebrate it on the North Shore with great art shows, History Week, music and plenty of fine weather.

The Arrowhead Sketchers, who have been meeting on Thursday afternoons all summer to sketch and paint, will meet at the Hovland Dock in Hovland this week, to connect with Lake Superior, Chicago Bay and that historic structure. Meet at the dock at five p.m. The session runs until 7 p.m. All invited. Bring sketch books, paints, pencils and/or a camera and join in the fun. Free.

Also on Thursday, broom maker Mary Beth Garmoe will begin her stint as Instructor in Residence at North House Folk School. She will be giving demonstrations of her craft from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

Garmoe will teach a mini-course using these skills on Saturday at 10 a.m.. Students will make a cobweb broom. To register for the course, visit www.northhouse.org or call 387-9762. All invited to come watch the beautiful process of making traditional brooms this weekend.

This is History Week in Cook County and lots of events are planned throughout the county, starting out with a Fishcake Dinner at the Cook County Historical Society at five-thirty p.m. on Friday.

There are walking tours, talks, a cruise along the North Shore and more during History Week, ending with a Pie and Ice Cream Social at the Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center on the Gunflint Trail on Sunday, Sept. 3.  To see the complete schedule, click here.

As part of History Week, the Cross River Heritage Center will hold John Schroeder Day on Saturday, Aug. 26.  There will be a Fireman’s Pancake Breakfast at the Schroeder Town Hall from 8 – 10 a.m., and activities at the  Cross River Heritage Center from 10 a.m. – 2 pm., including Skip Lamb’s Walking Tour of Schroeder and Fred Bonin’s  Grilled Cedar Planked Salmon Feed. All proceeds go to Schroeder Area Historical Society. There are several great exhibits at the Heritage Center to see as well. All invited.

Saturday events kick-off in Grand Marais at 9 a.m. with the opening of the Cook County Market in the parking lot of the Senior Center. Look for lots of handmade arts and crafts as well as artisan breads, handmade soaps and more. The Market continues through 1 p.m.

Also on Saturday, the Grand Marais Art Colony will hold its weekly Saturdays at the Art Colony demo event. This week, potter Bob Tomanaha will be in the ceramics studio at 1 p.m., throwing pots and talking about the process of making functional ware for your table. All invited. Free.

Then, at 4 p.m., there will be a Bronze Pour at Last Chance Gallery in Lutsen. This is a fun opportunity to see bronze sculptors at work. Free and open to the public.

Rose Arrowsmith DeCoux will be the guest author at a Writer’s Salon at Drury Lane Books from 7-8 p.m. on Saturday.

Arrowsmith DeCoux draws on her storytelling and theatre background in a lively performance geared toward elementary and middle school kids, and the young-at-heart.  All invited.

And, on Saturday night, the SplinterTones will hold a CD release party at Grandma Ray’s from 8-11 p.m. They will be on WTIP’s The Roadhouse to talk about their music and play a few songs from their CD. The show airs from five to 7 p.m. on Friday.

The SplinterTones are a high-octane, 6-piece band based in Grand Marais.. The ensemble plays an uppity blend of hep and snappy tunes in a unique and unmistakable style. Very danceable! Everyone invited to celebrate the band’s launching of its second CD.

Exhibits:

David Johnson’s photography exhibit: “Cook County Through My Eyes” continues at the Johnson Heritage Post.

Tettegouche State Park is featuring “Inklings,” drawings, prints and cards of the natural world by Jill Levene this month.

The exhibit is in the Great Hall at the State Park. The exhibit will continue through the end of August.

In Duluth, the Tweed Museum of Art, on the campus of the University of Minnesota-Duluth, continues its summer exhibits: “Sinew: Female Native Artists of the Twin Cities” and “A Thousand Words: Photographs from the Tweed Collection.”

In Duluth, the exhibits “Play” and “Peripheral Vignettes” (Jonathan Thunder)  continues in the Duluth Art Institute‘s galleries at the Depot.

 

Also, the exhibit Plein Air Duluth: Paint du Nord is open through Aug. 27 at Blacklist Artisan Ales, 120 E Superior St. in Duluth.

In Thunder Bay, the Thunder Bay Art Gallery continues its exhibit “The Perspective From Here” through Sept. 24.

The Definitely Superior Art Gallery in Thunder Bay is closed through Sept. 11, but the gallery is invited everyone to take a tour of the spectacular graffiti art crafted by members of the Die Active Collective over the past few years on buildings in Thunder Bay.

The gallery has crafted maps that can be downloaded to smart phones for tours of the graffiti art. To see and download, click here.

Upcoming

The Grand Marais Playhouse is planning a grand event on Thursday, Aug. 31 — dinner and a show! Alyce’s Catering will provide a delicious dinner, intermission and post show treats. The show? Monroe Crossing, a Twin Cities band that dazzles audiences with an electrifying blend of classic bluegrass, bluegrass gospel, and heartfelt originals. The dinner is at 6:30 p.m., the music starts at 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets advised. For tickets and more info, click here.

Mark your calendars for Plein Air Grand Marais. Come watch 60 artists paint the beautiful, rugged 3,340 square miles of Cook County Sept.8 – 14, then attend the exhibit showcasing over 200 paintings of the North Shore Sept. 15 – Oct. 29 at the Johnson Heritage Post.

The opening reception is from five to 7 p.m. Sept. 15. The  2017 Awards Juror is Kami Mendlik.

WTIP’s 10th annual Radio Waves Music Festival is Sept. 8-10 at Sweetheart’s Bluff in the Recreation Park in Grand Marais. Stay tuned for details.

The Art Along the Lake: Fall StudioTour is Sept. 29-Oct. 10, featuring 14 stops and 40 artists in galleries and studios throughout Cook County.

More info in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, check out all the artists and stops planned for this great event here.

Window Shopping:

 

 

 In Other Art News:

 

 

Here’s the music for the week:

Thursday, Aug. 24:

• Joe Paulik, Music by the Campfire, Lutsen Resort, 6:30 p.m.
• Mysterious Ways, Gun Flint Tavern, 9 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 25:

• Billy Johnson, Voyageur Brewing Co., 4 p.m.
  
• Portage, Grandma Ray’s, 6 p.m.
• Joe Paulik, Music by the Campfire, Eagle Ridge Resort, 7 p.m.
• Spruce Roots, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.
• Mysterious Ways, Grandma Ray’s, 9 p.m.
• Jim & Michele Miller, Bluefin Grille, 9 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 26:

• Timmy Haus, Voyageur Brewing Co., 4 p.m.
• Bug Dope, Papa Charlie’s, 6:30 p.m.
• Joe Paulik, Music by the Campfire, Bluefin Bay, 7 p.m.
• Eric Frost, Cascade Lodge Pub, 7 p.m.
• Briand Morrison, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• SplinterTones- CD Release Party, Grandma Ray’s, 8 p.m.
• Brothers in Arms, Gun Flint Tavern, 8:30 p.m.
• Timmy Haus, Papa Charlie’s, 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 27:

• Plucked Up String Band, Skyport Lodge, 5 p.m.
• Jason Wussow, Gun Flint Tavern, 9 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 28

• Singer/songwriter series, Mike Monson, Papa Charlie’s, 8:30 p.m.
• Joe Paulik, Bluefin Grille, 9 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 29:

• Bump Blomberg, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 30

• Timmy Haus, Moguls Grille, 6 p.m.
• Briand Morrison, Bluefin Grille, 9 p.m.

Here are some photos we found this week. First, a few wildlife shots:

 

 

 

And one not so wild …

And we found some great land and skyscapes.

 

 

 

 

 

Have a great weekend, everyone!

An opportunity for you to support NorthShore ArtScene:

The middle of August brings warm days, lots of sunshine – perfect for everything from fishing, exploring the woods and, of course, visiting all the art galleries and shops in Cook County. And there’s an art opening this weekend to go to, as well as a great selection of live music.

First up is our trusty Arrowhead Sketchers, who have been meeting in various locations around the county all summer to paint, sketch and/or photograph the scenery around them. Last Thursday, the Sketchers met at Dave and Cathi Williams’ farm, which offered a wide variety of subjects to sketch.

This week, the Arrowhead Sketchers will meet from 5-7 p.m. in front of Betsy Bowen’s Galleries and Studio, 301 1st Ave. W.,  for street-scene sketching. Everyone is invited. Bring paper or sketchbook, paints or pencils, or a camera, if you wish. Free. Open to all.

The instructor-in-residence at North House Folk School this week is birchbark weaver Beth Homa.

Homa will be demonstrating her craft from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday and give a mini-class on Saturday. For more info and to register, call 387-9762 or visit www.northhouse.org.

On Friday, award-winning photographer David Johnson opens a one-man show at the Johnson Heritage Post with a reception from 5-7 p.m. Entitled ” Cook County Through My Eyes,” the exhibit will feature a wide range of photographs of landscapes, skyscapes, wildlife and northern lights.

Johnson is well-known in the community for capturing amazing “you-had-to-be-there” shots, as well as great captures of wildlife. It should be a fun show. The Sky Blue & The Orange Girl Jazz Quartet will play at the opening reception. Refreshments will be served. The exhibit continues through Sept. 10.

Also on Friday night, Rick Anderson of Grand Portage, will be on WTIP’s The Roadhouse, to talk about  donating the archaeological collection he and his family collected to Grand Portage National Monument. Also, musicians Eric Frost and Bill Hansen will be on the show to talk about their music and play a few songs. The show airs from 5-7 p.m.

On Saturday, local artists and artisans will hold the Cook County Market from 9 a.m. to  1 p.m. in the parking lot of the Senior Center. Look for a variety of goods including fiber art, baked goods, pottery, jewelry, woodcarving and woodwork, to name a few.

Saturdays in the Studio, a weekly event at the Grand Marais Art Colony during the summer, will feature demos of watercolor wax resist painting by Cilia Waterford starting at 1 p.m. Free. All invited.

And Last Chance Gallery in Lutsen will have a bronze pour at 4 p.m. in the sculpture studio there. It is open to the public and free.

There are several exhibits of interest in the region this week, too.

The Cross River Heritage Center is showing work by photographers Kathy Gray-Anderson and Tim Ostroot, paintings by Sandi Pillsbury-Gredzens, David Hahn, Trish Hunter and Bruce Palmer and beadwork by Ojibwe artist Marcie MacIntire. The exhibit continues through the end of September.

Tettegouche State Park is exhibiting “Inklings” by Jill Levene this month.

The exhibit is in the Great Hall at the state park.

In Duluth, painter Jonathon Thunder continues his show at the Duluth Art Institute.

His solo exhibit features a new body of paintings of Ojibwe deities placed in a contemporary context. A catalog with color images includes an essay by Mason Riddle, a Saint Paul-based arts writer. The catalog is available for purchase.

At the Tweed Museum of Art, the ceramics exhibit “Call + Response” continues through Aug. 27.

James Klueg and Liz James curated the pairings on display. The Tweed is located on the campus of the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

The Tweed also is exhibiting a special collection of photographs entitled “A Thousand Words.”

In Thunder Bay, the exhibit “The Perspective From Here” at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery continues through mid-September.

And a solo exhibit by painter Lorraine Cull is currently on view at the mezzanine at the Baggage Building Arts Centre in Thunder Bay. It is located in Prince Arthur Park.

 Upcoming

 Author Rose Arrowsmith DeCoux will be the guest for a Writer’s Salon at Drury Lane Books from 7-8 p.m. Saturday,  Aug. 26. Stay tuned for details.

WTIP’s 10th Annual Radio Waves Music Festival is set for Sept. 8-10 at Sweetheart’s Bluff in the Grand Marais Recreation Area. This year’s festival will feature 28 local and regional acts.

The Grand Marais Art Colony‘s  2017 Plein Air Competition, Exhibition and Sale begins Sept. 8 when artists from throughout the region arrive in the county to paint. A Paint-Out will be held at Pincushion on Sept. 9 and the Quick Paint will be held at the harbor in the late afternoon on Thursday, Sept. 14. An exhibit of the work will open at the Johnson Heritage Post Sept. 15.

Also, North House Folk School‘s “Unplugged” will be Sept. 13-17 this year, featuring a chance to celebrate community, music, craft, and storytelling along the lakeshore at its classic Fall fundraiser, with special guests Kevin Kling and friends. More info in coming weeks. Click here for tickets.

Window Shopping

 

 

 

 

And here’s something fun to watch:

Here’s the music for the week:

Thursday, Aug. 17:

• Joe Paulik, Music by the Campire, Lutsen Resort, 6:30 p.m.
• Gordon Thorne & Friends, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 18:

• Jim & Mchele Miller, Voyageur Brewing Co., 4 p.m.
• Pete K, Eagle Ridge Resort, 7 p.m.
• The Cruisers, Grandma Ray’s, 8 p.m.
• Floydian Slip, Bluefin Grille, 9 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 19:

• Joe Paulik, Gun Flint Tavern, 2 p.m.
• Jim McGowan, Voyageur Brewing Co., 7 p.m.
• Joe Paulik, Bluefin Bay, 7 p.m.
• Gordon Thorne, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Michael Monroe, Log Cabin Concert, 7 p.m. Rural Grand Marais, ino at michealmonroemusic.com
• Common Ground, Cascade Lodge Pub, 7 p.m.
• The Cruisers, Grandma Ray’s, 8 p.m.
• Floydian Slip, Gun Flint Tavern 8 p.m.
• Timmy Haus, Papa Charlie’s, 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 20:

• SplinterTones, Moguls,  5 p.m.
• Bughouse!, Skyport Lodge, 5 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 20:

• Mysterious Ways, Gun Flint Tavern, 8:30 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 21:

• Low, Monday Night Songwriter Series, Papa Charlie’s, 8:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 22:

• Teague Alexy, Gun Flint Tavern, 7:30 p.m.

And here is a selection of photos we found this week:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have a great weekend, everyone!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is the weekend for Rendezvous Days & the Celebration Pow Wow in Grand Portage. The annual gathering is the community’s biggest and most grand celebration of the year, a time when Grand Portage comes alive and reflects on its rich heritage. The event starts on Friday and continues through Sunday.

Re-enactors from across the country and Canada gather at the Grand Portage National Monument to camp and challenge each other to games and skills from the historic past.

There are all kinds of activities for families at the Monument as well, with live music and more. In short, there’s lots to see and do.

Just a bit down the road from the Monument, the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa hosts its annual Celebration Pow-Wow at the pow-wow grounds. More than 300 dancers and a large number of drum groups from around the region and Canada attend this 3-day pow-wow.

The dancing starts on Friday night with practice dancing and drumming. Grand Entries are at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. The Pow-wow also features arts and crafts booths as well as food vendors, including fry bread and Indian tacos. Both events are free and open to the public. It’s always a good time.

There are lots of things to do and see in the county as well this weekend.

First up is the weekly meeting of the Arrowhead Sketchers from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday. The group, which is open to anyone, meets at a different location in the county each week to paint, draw, sketch or photograph.

This week, the Sketchers will meet at the farm of Cathi Williams at 85 Fall River Road in Grand Marais. This will be a great opportunity to sketch, paint or photograph a working farm, including horses, cows, a pond and studio as well as farm equipment. All welcome. Free. For more information, call the Grand Marais Art Colony at 287-2737.

Also this week, woodworker Angela Robins will be the Instructor in Residence at North House Folk School.

Robins will be demonstrating her craft Thursday through Sunday, and teach a mini-course from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday. For more info and to register for the class, call 387-9762.

And, take note… this is the final weekend of the Grand Marais Playhouse Summer Theater Festival. The musical “The Pajama Game” will be performed at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts at 7 p.m. Thursday and Saturday. The comedy “The Game’s Afoot” will be on-stage at 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The reviews have been great! Don’t miss these. Tickets are $20 adults and $10 under 18. Save $5 when you buy tickets to both shows. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

On Friday, the Grand Marais Art Colony will host a tile-painting class where articipants can explore the colorful world of Majolica glazes.

The instructor will give an overview of these ancient glazes, including their origin and properties, and demonstrate Majolica painting techniques. Then students can pick out their tiles and paint them with their own unique designs. The tiles will then be glaze-fired and available for pick-up on Sunday. Cost is $20. Call the Art Colony at 387-2737 for more info and to register.

On Friday night, the band The Thunderheads will be on WTIP’s The Roadhouse to talk about their music and play a few songs. The show airs from 5-7 p.m.

Saturday starts out with the Cook County Market, featuring a wide range of crafters exhibiting their work in the parking lot of the Cook County Senior Center. Fiber art, woodworking, ceramics, handcrafted baked goods, including sweets and artisan breads, handmade soaps and multi-media work is featured at the Market.

At 1 p.m. on Saturday, potter Maggie Anderson will give a pottery demo in the ceramics studio of the Grand Marais Art Colony. The event is free and open to all.

And at 4 p.m., there will be a bronze pour at Last Chance Gallery in Lutsen. Free. All invited.

On Sunday, there’s a great musical experience in store when the “Gunflint Woods, Winds, Strings … and a Little Jazz” will be presented at the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department Hall #1 on Poplar Lake. The event is a fundraiser for the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department.

The concert this year will feature a wonderful blend of classical and jazz music, with the Sky Blue Jazz Ensemble joining the concert this year. New musical guests also include Nancy and Hugh Magill, who will play several Brahms waltzes from “Neue Liebeslieder” as a piano duet.  Fred Anderson, guitar, will play a familiar J. S. Bach piece, and also a composition of his own: “Lost in C.”

The program starts at 4 p.m.  Tickets are $20/adult, $5/ children 5-18, and children under 5 are free.  Contact person for ticket reservations is Patsy Coleman, 313-673-6202, or email her at pcoleman@chem.wayne.edu.  There is a “Meet the Artists” social hour at the Schaap Community Center following the concert. All invited to enjoy a wonderful Sunday afternoon of outstanding music.

Exhibits

 “Threads of Time and Place,”a visual fiber arts show featuring the work of Marie Westerman and Jill Ewald continues at the Johnson Heritage Post through Sunday.

The exhibit is free. The Johnson Heritage Post is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday as well as Monday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. It is closed on Tuesdays.

A new gallery art show has opened at the Cross River Heritage Center  in Schroeder featuring the work of a number of local and regional artists in a variety of media. Exhibits include Photography: Kathy Gray-Anderson and Tim Ostroot, Painting: David Hahn, Bruce Palmer, Sandi Pillsbury Gredzens and Trish Hunter and Beadwork: Marcie McIntire.

The art show at the Heritage Center continues through Oct. 21.

 Tettegouche State Park is featuring the  charming little “inklings” of Jill Levene in the Great Hall this month.

The show includes originals as well as affordable prints by this talented artist. The exhibit continues through Aug. 28.

In Duluth, the exhibit “A Thousand Words” continues at the Tweed Museum of Art on the campus of the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

At the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, the exhibit  “The Perspective From Here: 150 Artists From the North” continues through this month.

 Upcoming

 WTIP Community Radio is gearing up for the annual Radio Waves Music Festival, Sept. 8 -10, at Sweetheart’s Bluff in the Grand Marais Recreation Area. This marks the 10th year of the family-friendly festival, which features three days of live music from a diverse mix of local and regional artists.  Twenty-nine acts will take the stage at this year’s festival, with eight new bands, and six that have not played in several years.  For the full line-up click here.

Mark your calendars for Grand Marais Plein Air competition and exhibit Sept. 8-14 sponsored by the Grand Marais Art Colony. Watch 60 artists paint the beautiful, rugged 3,340-square miles of Cook County, and then attend the exhibit showcasing more than 200 new paintings of the North Shore. The opening reception is at the Johnson Heritage Post Sept. 15. This year’s Awards Juror is Kami Mendlik. Stay tuned for details.

A group of local artists and gallery owners joined with Visit Cook County to revive and re-imagine the Crossing Borders Studio Tour, and replaced it with a new event, Art Along the Lake: Fall Studio Tour.

The Art Along the Lake: Fall Studio Tour will feature 14 stops and more than 40 artists exhibiting their work in studios and galleries along one of the most scenic fall color drives in Minnesota. The event will give visitors an opportunity to meet with artists in their home studios, as well as visit with guest artists at local art galleries. The dates for the Fall Studio Tour are Sept. 29 – Oct. 8. To find out more, click here.

Opportunities

Johnson Heritage Post has put out a call for artists to exhibit in 2018 and beyond. The gallery would love to feature local artists throughout each calendar year. If you are interested in applying, please click here  and download the application form. Your application may be emailed, mailed, or dropped off at Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery.
The Heritage Post is looking forward to seeing community members talented artworks. Don’t miss the chance to exhibit – apply now!

In Thunder Bay, the Baggage Building Art Centre has put out a call or artists to exhibit this fall in a number of mediums.

American artists are welcome. Printmakers, quilters, wood artists and fiber artists are all encouraged to apply. The Baggage Building Arts Centre is located at Prince Arthur’s Landing in Thunder Bay. For more info, contact Angie Jensen at bbac.angie@gmail.com.

Window Shopping

 

 

 

Here’s the music for this weekend:

Thursday, Aug. 10:

• Joe Paulik, Lutsen Resort, 6:30 p.m.
• Bump Blomberg, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 11:

• Gene Lafond & Amy Grillo, Voyageur Brewing Co., 4 p.m.
• Joe Paulik, Eagle Ridge Resort, 7 p.m.
• Brothers in Arms, Grandma Ray’s, 9 p.m.
• Thunderheads, Gun Flint Tavern, 9 p.m.
• Pushing Chain, Bluefin Grille, 9 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 12:

• Timmy Haus, Voyageur Brewing Co., 4 p.m.
• J Squared and the Makers, Papa Charlie’s, 6:30 p.m.
• Plucked Up String Band, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Cherry Dirt, Cascade Lodge Pub, 7 p.m.
• Thunderheads, Gun Flint Tavern, 9 p.m.
• Brothers in Arms, Grandma Ray’s, 9 p.m.
• Timmy Haus, Papa Charlie’s, 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 13:

• Briand Morrison–The Art of George Morrison, Grand Portage Community Center, 11 a.m.
• Black River Revue, North Shore Winery, 2 p.m.
• Gunflint Woods, Winds, Strings … and a Little Jazz, Gunflint Trail Fire Dept. Hall #1, 4 p.m.
• Pushing Chain, Skyport Lodge,  5 p.m.
• Jim & Michele Miller, Gun Flint Tavern, 7:30 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 14:

• Pete Kavanaugh, Bluefin Grille, 9 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 16:

• Gordon Thorne, Bluefin Grille, 9 p.m.

Here’s an interesting selection of the photos we found this week:

First: Flowers!

And then flowers and insects:

 

 

And birds:

 

And a sailboat:

And a sunrise:

And deer:

 

Have a great weekend, everyone!

If you enjoy getting NorthShore ArtScene every week, please consider donating to help support it by clicking below. And Thank You!

 

 

It’s Fisherman’s Picnic weekend!

The height of the summer season has arrived and, with it, the 88th annual Fisherman’s Picnic, which will be held Aug. 1-5 this year.

It’s a time for family get-togethers, class reunions, picnics, fishburgers and lots of games, contests and activities for every age.

The games and contests have been competitive for the last 88 years and there’s no doubt they’ll be that way this year. Here’s a photo from the archives of the Cook County Historical Society, taken in at the Fisherman’s Picnic in 1948.

And here’s a photo taken in 2014.

The weekend also includes the Big Fish Contest, blacksmithing demonstrations, the Friends of the Library Used Book Sale, the Pincushion Mountain Walk-Run, softball and tennis tournaments and lots of live music  (see the Music Schedule, below.), to mention afew.  In short, Fisherman’s Picnic has something for everyone. For the complete schedule of events, click here.

There are lots of other things to do and see this weekend, too.

On Thursday, the Arrowhead Sketchers will meet again to sketch, paint or take photographs, as they have been doing all summer.

This week, the Arrowhead Sketchers will meet at the home of JD and Connie Lehr, 4676 Cascade Beach Rd. from 5-7 p.m..  The Lehr home offers incredible views of the North Shore spanning from Tofte to Grand Marais plus unique architectural opportunities.  Free and open to all.

The Grand Marais Playhouse Summer Theater Festival continues this weekend with performances at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts. The comedy, “The Game’s Afoot,” will be performed at 7 p.m. Thursday and Saturday.

The musical, “The Pajama Game” will be performed at 7 p.m Friday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The shows continue through next weekend. Tickets are available at the door.

On Friday, all kinds of activities will be going on in Grand Marais at Fish Pic, including lots of live music in Harbor Park. The Duluth band, the Black River Revue is playing at the Gun Flint Tavern this weekend, too, and will be talk about their music and play a few songs on WTIP’s “The Roadhouse.”

The Roadhouse airs from 5-7 p.m.

Saturday will be very busy downtown, but there are lots of other activities as well.

The Library Friends Used Book Sale is at the Cook County Community Center starting at 8 a.m.

At North House Folk School, basket weaver April Stone be will be giving basketmaking demos from Thursday through Sunday and will be teaching a mini-class rom 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday. For more info, call North House at 387-9762.

Lots is happening at the Grand Marais Art Colony, too. At noon on Saturday, artist Karina Cutler-Lake will give an Artist Talk at noon entitled “Elements and Properties of Design.” And at 1 p.m. Anna Hess will give a glass painting demo at the Art Colony.

And Last Chance Gallery in Lutsen will hold a bronze pour at 4 p.m. on Saturday. The event is open to the public.

At 5:30 p.m. in Grand Marais,  potter Mark Lusardi will be hosting a raku firing experience at the Grand Marais Art Colony.

A number of artists and artisans in Hovland will set up in the parking lot of the Chicago Bay Marketplace in Hovland on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Artwork will include photography, ceramics, glass chimes and jewelry, goat milk soaps, knit goods and yarns. All invited.

And, if you want to get away for a bit and enjoy the Northwoods, remember,  the Biggest Blueberry Contest continues on the Gunflint Trail.

The final round of the contest ends on Saturday, Aug. 12, which means there is still plenty of time to participate in the contest.  The contest is open to the public and all ages. There are weigh stations at Bearskin Lodge, Boundary Country Trekking, Nor’Wester Lodge, Way of the Wilderness, Golden Eagle Lodge, Hungry Jack Outfitters, Rockwood Lodge, Tuscarora Lodge, Gunflint Lodge and Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center, all of which are along the Gunflint Trail. And there are still plenty of berries out there.

The Fisherman’s Picnic Parade, the best parade of the year in Grand Marais, will start at 1 p.m. on Sunday.  All are invited to join in the fun, catch some candy and enjoy the excitement of a good parade. The Thunder Bay bagpipers will perform in Harbor Park afterwards.

On Monday, Mary Ann Ashcroft will give the Full Moon Reading at Drury Lane Books at 7:30 p.m. Each full moon, the bookstore invites the public to gather outside around the fire to hear local writers read their own work or the work of others. Ashcroft was an English professor for many years and is now vicar of Spirit of the Wilderness Episcopal Church.  She has published a number of books, including “Dogspell: The Gospel According to Dog.” The event is free and open to the public.

And finally, sculptor Greg Mueller, who is working at Last Chance Gallery this summer, will give an Artist Talk at the Johnson Heritage Post at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday. The talk is entitled “Public and Collaborative Sculpture Projects.” Free. All invited.

Exhibits

Artist Kari Vick opened a debut exhibit of her work at the North Shore Winery on Ski Hill Road in Lutsen this week.

The exhibit includes original etchings, paintings and cngravings, prints and cards. It continues through this month.

The exhibit “Marie Westerman & Jill  Ewald – Threads of Time and Place” continues at the Johnson Heritage Post through Aug. 13.

In Duluth, the Tweed Museum of Art, on the campus of the University of Minnesota-Duluth, continues its exhibition of a newly curated exhibition of 47 photographs from the museum’s permanent collection.. The exhibit is entitled:  “A Thousand Words.”

In Thunder Bay, Definitely Superior Art Gallery continues the 29th annual Members Show as well as installations by Amanda Strong and Jeneen rei Njootli.

The exhibits continue through Aug. 12.

The Thunder Bay Art Gallery continues its exhibit, “The Perspective From Here: 150 Artists From The North.”

The exhibit continues through Sept. 24.

Upcoming

 The annual Pow-Wow and Rendezvous Days will be in Grand Portage next weekend. Stay tuned for details.

Grand Marais photographer David Johnson will open an exhibit at the Johnson Heritage Post Aug. 18.

 Window Shopping

 

 

Here’s the music schedule for the week.

Thursday, Aug. 3:

Music in Harbor Park — Fisherman’s Picnic:

•  Joe Paulik, 11 a.m.
  
• North Shore Community Swing Band, 1 p.m.
• Common Ground, 3 p.m.
  
• Plucked Up String Band, 7 p.m.

Other Venues

• Joe Paulik, Music by the Campfire, Lusten Resort, 6:30 p.m.
• Lazy Lightning 420, Gun Flint Tavern, 8:30 p.m.
• Cook County’s Most Wanted, Grandma Ray’s, 9 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 4:

Music in Harbor Park—Fisherman’s Picnic:

• Joe Paulik, 11 a.m.
  
• Bug House, 1 p.m.
  
•  Brothers in Arms, 7 p.m.
  

Other Venues:

• Matthew Griswold, Voyageur Brewing Co., 4 p.m.
• Eric Frost, Eagle Ridge Resort, 7 p.m.
• Black River Revue, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.
• Bug House, Grandma Ray’s, 9 p.m.
• Michael Monroe, Bluefin Grille, 9 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 5:

Music in Harbor Park–Fisherman’s Picnic:

• Pete K, 11 a.m.
  
• Michael Monroe, 1 p.m.
  
• Dat Dere Jazz, 3 p.m.
  
•  SplinterTones, 7 p.m.
  

Other Venues

• Briand Morrison, Voyageur Brewing Co, 7 p.m.
• Gene Lafond and Amy Grillo, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Michael Monroe, Log Cabin Concert, rural Grand Marais, 7 p.m., ino at michaelmonroemusic.com
• Earth, Wind & Todd, Grandma Ray’s, 9 p.m.

Sunday, August 6:

Music in Harbor Park–Fisherman’s Picnic:

• Michael Monroe, noon
  
• Shriner’s Band, 2 p.m.
  
•  Thunder Bay Bagpipers, 2:45
  

Other Venues

• Plucked Up String Band, North Shore Winery, 2 p.m.
• The Beavers, Skyport Lodge,  5 p.m.
• Bug Dope, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 7:

• Her Crooked Heart, Papa Charlie’s, 8:30 p.m.
• Briand Morrison, Bluefin Grille, 9 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 8:

• Joe Paulik, Gun Flint Tavern, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 9:

• Date Night at North Shore Winery, Chris Gillis & Friends, 7 p.m.

Here’s a selection of fun photos we found this week:

It’s been hot.

But there’s always Lake Superior …

Youngsters are growing up …

And feathers are being renewed …

The weather has been perfect …

 

And the forest is thriving.

 

The moose seem to be thriving, too.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

You are welcome to make a donation to help support this weekly blog that covers art and events in the region. And thanks!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whenever summer really arrives on the North Shore, it never fails to amaze — balmy breezes, blue skies with puffy white clouds, Lake Superior, blue and gleaming to the horizon. When that happens, all we can do is say “Yes!” and enjoy. That’s what we have this weekend, so look forward to it.

Plus, there’s a lot going on — from a 3-day music festival in Harbor Park to the start of an international boat race to Thunder Bay, a summer theater festival, a flower show, an artist talk — there is plenty to do.

First up is the Arrowhead Sketchers, an open art group, who will meet at Voyageur’s Brewing from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday. Sketchers may be inspired by the pub architecture, other buildings or  harbor views.

Anyone can join the The Arrowhead Sketchers for the weekly sessions. Just bring a pencil or paints and sketch pad, and enjoy!

 The Grand Marais Playhouse‘s Summer Theater Festival continues, with performances of “The Pajama Game” and “The Game’s Afoot” at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts. The plays are in repertory, changing each night. The musical, “The Pajama Game” will be performed at 7 p.m. Thursday and Saturday, the comedy “The Game’s Afoot” will be performed at 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Both plays have had great reviews.

“The Pajama Game” is directed by Sue Hennessy. The cast includes Mark Abrahamson, Karen Blackburn, John Bragstad, Susan Bragstad, Kate Fitzgerald, Hilja Iverson, Thomas Stamps, Louise Reavis and Karina Roth.

Tickets are $20 adults and $10 Youth under 18. Buy a ticket to both shows and save $5. Tickets are available at the door.

On Friday, the 3-day Stars of the North Music Festival starts in Bear Tree Park at 5 p.m. The Music Festival is a fundraising event to raise money to help young musicians and is free.

The music festival starts in the afternoon on Friday with a mix of local talent both electric and acoustic, carries through the day and early evening on Saturday with the same mix, and culminates in a “Rocking Gospel Hour” on Sunday, ending by about noon.  The event emphasizes local performers and/or locally connected musicians. For the complete music schedule, see below.

“The Game’s Afoot” is performed at the ACA at 7 p.m. Friday night.

Saturday will be really busy.

It begins at 9 a.m. with the Cook County Market, held in the Senior Center’s parking lot through 1 p.m. The market features a wide variety of Cook County artisans exhibiting their work. The Northwoods Fiber Guild has a booth at the market this year as well.

Then, at 11 a.m., the 2017 Minnesota Quilter of the Year, Karen McTavish, will have a trunk show at the Cross River Heritage Center.

McTavish specializes in crafting award-winning quilts using techniques
 which allow any machine quilter to replicate traditional “hand-quilted” effects as
 well as quilting today’s modern quilts.

At noon on Saturday, the International Yacht Race, sponsored by the Thunder Bay Yacht Club, will start at the Grand Marais Lighthouse.

The race, which has been organized by the club for years, often chooses different routes. This is the first time they will start in Grand Marais.

Also at noon on Saturday, the Grand Marais Garden Club will open its annual flower show at the Cook County Community Center. The title of the show this year is “Flower Fiesta.”

The show runs through  5 p.m. Community members are invited to bring arrangements of their own to the Community Center on Saturday morning. The show also features refreshments. All invited.

Also at noon, an Artist Talk will be held at the Grand Marais Art Colony featuring Donna Brune, who will talk about Integrative Medical Practices and Community Engagement., and how art exhibits play into that goal. The talk is free and open to the public.

Then, at 1 p.m. Cila Walford will demo watercolor pencils at the Grand Marais Art Colony as part of its Saturday at the Studios series.

Also at 1 p.m., on Saturday, singer/songwriter Courtney Yesmineh will be at the book signing at the Lake Superior Trading Post. This is the musician’s first book.

Yesmineh will also be on WTIP’s The Roadhouse on Friday night (the show airs from 5-7 p.m.) and she will perform at the Stars of the North Music Festival at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.

At 4 p.m. on Saturday, there will be Bronze Pour at Last Chance Gallery in Lutsen. All invited.

And “The Pajama Game” will be performed at the ACA at 7 p.m.

Finally, Clearwater Lodge on the Gunflint Trail will celebrate its 91st anniversary with a party and music rom 7-10 p.m. The North Shore Community Swing Band will play, there will be beer tasting with Voyageur Brewing, dancing and snacks. All invited.

On Sunday, Gospel Music at Bear Tree Park with Gordon Thorne & Friends starting at 10:30 p.m., and a matinee of “The Game’s Afoot” at the ACA at 2 p.m.

The exhibit “Threads of Time and Place,” featuring the work o Marie Westerman and Jill Ewald continues at the Johnson Heritage Post.

Westerman is a fiber artist who does pictorial weaving. Ewald is an artist who works with many mediums including oil paint, graphite, conte crayon, encaustic and charcoal, and recently, thread. The show will run until Aug. 13. The Johnson Heritage Post is open rom 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and Monday, and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. It is closed on Tuesdays.

“The exhibit, “Sinew: Female Native Artists of the Twin Cities” continues at the Tweed Museum of Art through the end of the summer.

Also, its exhibiton, “A Thousand Words,” featuring photographs from its collection, continues.

 The Duluth Art Institute‘s Plein Air Duluth: Paint du Nord” exhibit continues at the Blacklist Artisan Ales in Duluth through Aug. 27.

There’s lots happening in Thunder Bay this weekend, too, with the Bay & Algoma Buskers Festival and the Die Active Y-Art Sale behind Hoito’s Restaurant on Bay Street.

The Buskers Festival features local and international buskers, food, sidewalk sales, and more. Admission is free. The Y-Art Sale, an arts and antiques yard sale is rom 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (EDT). The Buskers Festival is held all weekend.  It’s always a good time.

The Thunder Bay Art Gallery‘s exhibit, “The Perspective From Here” continues through August.

Upcoming:

Fisherman’s Picnic is next weekend!

There’s lots going on at the Picnic. For the complete schedule, click here. And stay tuned.

Also that weekend, the Grand Marais Art Colony will host a raku firing with Mark Lusardi from Continental Clay in Minneapolis. He will have pots to glaze from  5:30-8 p.m. and everyone can watch the raku process and take their pot home. He will have tea bowls, fairy houses, luminaries, dragonfly bowls and small tiles. Prices are from $3 to $20. Open to all.  Stay tuned for details next week.

The annual Pow-Wow and Rendezvous Days in Grand Portage will be Aug. 11-Aug. 13.

And finally, Art Along the Lake: Fall Studio Tour will held in art studios and galleries throughout Cook County Sept. 29 to Oct. 8.

Window Shopping:

In Other Art News:

 Ann Possis reports that the San Francisco Museum of Art will send you an artwork image and caption if you text 572-51 with the words “send me” followed by a keyword, color or emoji. She sent the text: Send me cartoons. This is what she got.

Text 572-51 with an art request, and see what you get. I tried it. It works!

Here’s the music for this weekend.

Thursday, July 27:

• Beach Bonfire with Eric Frost, Lutsen Resort, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, July 28:

• Plucked Up String Band, Voyageur Brewing Co.,  4 p.m.
• Stars of the North Festival, Bear Tree Park, Grand Marais

                             Mysterious Ways,  5 p.m.

                            John Russ, 6:30 p.m.

                           Plucked Up String Band, 8 p.m.

• Portage, Grandma Ray’s, 6 p.m.
• Pete K, Eagle Ridge Resort, 7 p.m.
• Dead Pigeons, Gun Flint Tavern, 8:30 p.m.
• Jim and Michele Miller, Bluefin Grille, 9 p.m.

Saturday, July 29:

• Stars of the North Festival, Bear Tree Park, Grand Marais

                         Eric Frost, 10:30 a.m.

                       Michael Monroe, noon

                       Briand Morrison, 1:30 p.m.

                       Common Ground, 3 p.m.

                       Courtney Yasmineh, 4:30 p.m.

                      The April Fools, 6:15 p.m.

                     Open Jam, 8 p.m.

• Brothers in Arms, Voyageur Brewing Co., 4 p.m.
• Plucked Up String Band and Summer Carols, Gun Flint Tavern, 6 p.m.
• J Squared and the Makers, Papa Charlie’s, 6 p.m.
• Pete K, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Michael Monroe, Log Cabin Concert, rural Grand Marais, 7 p.m., reservations @ michaelmonroemusic.com
• Jim and Michele Miller, Cascade Lodge Pub, 7 p.m.
• SplinterTones, Grandma Ray’s, 8 p.m.
• Timmy Haus, Papa Charlie’s, 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 30:

• Stars of the North Festival –Rockin’ Gospel Hour with Gordon Thorne & Friends, 10:30 a.m.
• Black River Revue, North Shore Winery, 2 p.m.
• SplinterTones, Skyport Lodge,  p.m.
• Plucked Up String Band, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.

Monday, July 31:

• Bump Blomberg, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.
• Joe Paulik, Bluefin Grille, 9 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 2:

• Briand Morrison, North Shore Winery, 7 p.m.

We found some interesting seasonal photographs this week.

 

 

 

Here’s a reminder of another season that isn’t that far away.

And here’s another David Johnson …

Have a great weekend, everyone!

 

Music:

Thursday, July 27:

• Beach Bonfire with Eric Frost, Lutsen Resort, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, July 30:

• Plucked Up String Band, Voyageur Brewing Co.,  4 p.m.
• Stars of the North Festival, Bear Tree Park, Grand Marais

                             Mysterious Ways,  5 p.m.

                            John Russ, 6:30 p.m.

                           Plucked Up String Band, 8 p.m.

• Portage, Grandma Ray’s, 6 p.m.
• Pete K, Eagle Ridge Resort, 7 p.m.
• Dead Pigeons, Gun Flint Tavern, 8:30 p.m.
• Jim and Michele Miller, Bluefin Grille, 9 p.m.

Saturday, July 29:

• Stars of the North Festival, Bear Tree Park, Grand Marais

                         Eric Frost, 10:30 a.m.

                       Michael Monroe, noon

                       Briand Morrison, 1:30 p.m.

                       Common Ground, 3 p.m.

                       Courtney Yasmineh, 4:30 p.m.

                      The April Fools, 6:15 p.m.

                     Open Jam, 8 p.m.

• Brothers in Arms, Voyageur Brewing Co., 4 p.m.
• Plucked Up String Band and Summer Carols, Gun Flint Tavern, 6 p.m.
• J Squared and the Makers, Papa Charlie’s, 6 p.m.
• Pete K, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Michael Monroe, Log Cabin Concert, rural Grand Marais, 7 p.m., reservations @ michaelmonroemusic.com
• Jim and Michele Miller, Cascade Lodge Pub, 7 p.m.
• SplinterTones, Grandma Ray’s, 8 p.m.
• Timmy Haus, Papa Charlie’s, 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 30:

• Stars of the North Festival –Rockin’ Gospel Hour with Gordon Thorne & Friends, 10:30 a.m.
• Black River Revue, North Shore Winery, 2 p.m.
• SplinterTones, Skyport Lodge,  p.m.
• Plucked Up String Band, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.

Monday, July 31:

• Bump Blomberg, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.
• Joe Paulik, Bluefin Grille, 9 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 1:

• Briand Morrison, North Shore Winery, 7 p.m.

Look forward to a busy weekend because there is lots to do. The Summer Theater Festival begins on Thursday, there’s an art exhibit opening at the Johnson Heritage Post on Friday, and Saturday is all scheduled up with demos, art talks and more.

First up is the Arrowhead Sketchers, an open group of artists who like to draw and paint outdoors that meet every Thursday afternoon.

The sketching event is open to the public. This week, the Sketchers will meet at the parking lot at the U.S. Coast Guard Station. From there, they will have access to Artist’s Point, activity and boats in the harbor as well as views of Grand Marais.  Grab your pencils and sketchbook and join the group from 5 to 7 p.m. Free.

On Thursday night, the Grand Marais Summer Theater Festival opens at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts with the comedy “The Game’s Afoot.” Winner of the 2012 Mystery Writers of America Edgar Allen Poe Award, this who-done-it mystery will keep everyone laughing.

The cast includes Gary Latz, Diane Stoddard, Kevin Kager, Jane Gellner, Jan Healey, Sam Sietsema and Rose Arrowsmith DeCoux. Show time is 7 p.m.

The Summer Theater Festival also includes alternating performances of the  musical “The Pajama Game.” It opens on Friday night. “The Pajama Game” was awarded the 1955 Tony for Best Musical and, more than half of a century later, claimed the award for Best Revival of a Musical, proving that the story is truly timeless. The play is brimming with songs and dances that have become musical theater standards, including “Steam Heat” and “Hernando’s Hideaway. ” The cast includes Mark Abrahamson, John Bragstad, Susan Bragstad, Karen Blackburn, Kate Fitzgerald, Hilja Iverson, Thomas Stamps, Louise Reavis, and Karina Roth with special guest appearances by Christine Curtis. The first performance of “The Pajama Game” is on Friday night at 7 p.m.

The plays will be performed on alternate nights, Thursday through Saturday and Sunday afternoons through Aug. 13. To see the complete schedule, click here.

If you’re in Duluth on Thursday night, check out Jonathan Thunder’s film screening at Teatro Zuccone on Superior Street at 7 p.m.

Thunder is currently exhibiting his work at the Duluth Art Institute.

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention that Friday is the beginning of the Biggest Blueberry Contest on the Gunflint Trail. Blueberry season is just getting underway and the Biggest Blueberry contest will be held every weekend through Aug. 12 with prizes awarded at the end of each weekend.

Blueberry pickers can submit their fruit to weigh stations at Bearskin Lodge, Golden Eagle Lodge, Hungry Jack Outfitters, Rockwood Lodge, Tuscarora Lodge, Gunflint Lodge and Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center, all of which are along the Gunflint Trail. Berry pickers will be able to submit their biggest blueberry at these locations Fridays through Sundays during the contest period. In addition to prizes for the biggest blueberry, all submissions will be entered to win randomly selected prize drawings. Prizes range from free canoe rentals to slices of blueberry pie.

Also on Friday, Crazy Chester, a Twin Cities band that features classic music by artists like The Allman Brothers, Neil Young, The Band, The Rolling Stones, to name afew, will be on WTIP’s The Roadhouse, before playing at the Gun Flint Tavern.

The Roadhouse airs from 5-7 p.m. on Fridays.

Then, on Friday night, the Johnson Heritage Post opens a new exhibit entitled “Threads of Time and Place: Marie Westerman and Jill Ewald.” Westerman is a fiber artist who does pictorial weaving. Ewald is an artist who works with many mediums including oils, graphite, conte crayon, encaustic and charcoal, and recently, thread.

The opening reception for “Threads of Time and Place” is from 5-7 p.m. Friday. The Heritage Post is open rom 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and Monday, and from 1-4 p.m. Sunday. It is closed on Tuesdays.

Also on Friday night, Voyageur Brewing Co. will be screening outdoor films as part o the North Shore Water Festival. he films include: “Superior Dream
,”  “When the Waves Call
” and “Cold Love.” Admission is $10. All invited. For more info about the Water Festival, click here.

Saturday kicks off with the Cook County Market, which is held in the parking lot at the Senior Center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. featuring a wide variety of crafts by Cook County artisans. Baked goods, including artisan breads, homemade jams and more are also featured.

The North Shore Water Festival will be held on the harbor all day on Saturday with lots of watercraft to try out, paddle board yoga and more.

Saturday afternoon is really busy this week. The Grand Marais Art Colony‘s Saturday’s in the Studio will feature Cila Walford, who will demonstrate watercolor resist painting. The demo is at 1 p.m. All invited. Free.

The West End Garden Club’s annual Flower Show will be at the Birch Grove Community Center from 1- 5 p.m. featuring beautiful flower arrangements as well as refreshments. All invited.

And then, at 3 p.m., the Betsy Bowen Studio & Galleries will host an artist talk by porcelain artist Jeremy Vaughn. Entitled “Travling with Porcelain: From Jingdezhen, China to the Big Lake,” Vaughn, who has been living and working in Jingdezhen, China, one of the centers for porcelain pottery. He will have new work at the gallery and talk about his artistic process, making porcelain forms inspired by Lake Superior using traditional Chinese porcelain methods. All invited. Free.

And at 4 p.m., there will be a Bronze Pour at Last Chance Gallery in Lutsen.

On Sunday, join author Mark Neuzil as he discusses his newest book, “Canoes: A Natural History in North America” at Drury Lane Books at  5 p.m. Neuzil will give an overview of the story of the canoe, that singular American artifact so little changed over time.

Featured in the book are canoes old and new, from birch bark to dugout to carbon fiber; the people who made them; and the adventures they shared. With features of technology, industry, art, and survival, the canoe carries us deep into the natural and cultural history of North America. The event is indoors at the bookstore. All invited. Free.

Ernest Miller’s Artist Talk on Wednesday, July 26, has been cancelled.

The opening reception for Plein Air Duluth was held at Blacklist Beer in Duluth last weekend. Joni Jurek won the 1sst place award with her painting “Great!Lakes Candy Kitchen!” The Candy Kitchen is located in French River. Artist Frank Sander created a video about the painting. Check it out here.

The Tweed Museum of Art continues its retrospective ceramic exhibit through Aug. 27.

The Tweed is also featuring a photography exhibit this summer entitled “1000 Words.” Here’s one of the images from that show.

 

In Thunder Bay, the Definitely Superior Art Gallery continues its 29th anniversary Members Show at the gallery, as well as installations and videos by two Vancouver artists.

The exhibits continue through Aug. 12.

At the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, the exhibit “The Perspective From Here: 150 Artists From the North” continues through Sept. 25.

 Upcoming

The Stars of the North Music Festival is a fundraising music festival that will be held in Harbor Park July 28-30. The 3-day event starts in the afternoon on Friday with a mix of local talent, both electric and acoustic, carries through the day and early evening on Saturday with the same mix, and culminates in a “Rocking Gospel Hour” on Sunday, ending by about noon.  The music festival is sponsored by the North Shore Music Collaborative and the concert will raise funds for a youth music program.

Birchbark Books and Gifts will host a booksigning with author Dr. Roger MacDonald on Saturday, Aug. 5  from 2-4 p.m. MacDonald’s books include: “A Country Doctors Casebook,” “A Country Doctor’s Chronicle: Further Tales from the North Woods” and “Babe: The Remarkable Family of Paul Bunyans Blue Ox.” All invited.

Opportunities

 The Duluth Art Institute has put out a call for art that honors death and works through the experience of grief to be exhibited at the DAI Nov. 4 as part of the annual All Souls Night held in and around the Depot. Works in all media will be considered.
To apply,  submit up to three images and a brief (200 word) statement describing your work and how it deals with grief. Submissions can be made here. The submission deadline is Aug. 15.

Window Shopping

 

 

 

 

Here’s the music schedule for this week:

Thursday, July 20:

• Plucked Up String Band, North Shore Federal Credit Union, 11 a.m.
• Eric Frost, Lutsen Resort, 6:30 p.m.
• Thorne & Gillis, Gun Flint Tavern, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, July 21:

• Marc Gartman, Voyageur Brewing Co., 4 p.m.
• Eric Frost, Eagle Ridge Resort, 7 p.m.
• Crazy Chester, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.
• Bug Lite!, Grandma Ray’s, 8:30 p.m.
• TBA, Gun Flint Tavern, 9 p.m.
• Michael Monroe, Bluefin Grille, 9 p.m.

Saturday, July 22:

• Jim & Michelle Miller, Voyageur Brewing Co., 4 p.m.
• J Squared and the Makers, Papa Charlie’s, 6 p.m.
• Briand Morrison, Lutsen Resosrt, 7 p.m.
• Eric Frost, Cascade Lodge Pub, 7 p.m.
• Michael Monroe, Log Cabin Concert, rural Grand Marais, 7 p.m., more info at michaelmonroemusic.com
• Crazy Chester, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.
• Bug House, Grandma Ray’s, 8:30 p.m.
• Timmy Haus, Papa Charlie’s, 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 23:

• Briand Morrison, Gun Flint Tavern, 2 p.m.
• Plucked Up String Band, Skyport Lodge,  p.m.
• Spruce Roots, North Shore Winery, 7 p.m.

Monday, July 23:

• Boyd Blomberg, Bluefin Grille, 9 p.m.

Wednesday, July 26:

• Timmy Haus, Mogul’s Grille and Tap Room, 6 p.m.
• Gordon Thorne & Friends, North Shore Winery, 7 p.m.
• Pete K, Bluefin Grille, 9 p.m.

Here are some of the photos we found this week:

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy your weekend, everyone!

Putting this blog together every week takes a fair amount of time and effort. If you’d like to support this work, please donate today. And thanks!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summer on the North Shore continues, with lots of cool things to do and see over the weekend. (And yes, it’s been cool here, but it should warm up nicely over the weekend.)

First up is the Arrowhead Sketchers, an open group offering weekly plein air art opportunities for people who sketch or paint. This week, the Arrowhead Sksetchers will meet at the Cutface Creek Rest Area, about 5 miles west of Grand Marais on Hwy. 61, from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday. Bring pencil and paints. Free. No skill needed.

On Friday, check out all the music in the county, including Music by the Campfire with Pete Kavanaugh.

In Thunder Bay, the Definitely Superior Art Gallery will hold a Gala Reception and Opening from 7-11 p.m. (EDT) on Friday night. The exhibits include the 29th Anniversary Annual Members Show, featuring works by more than 100 member-artists, as well as an artist talk, music and a sound/multi-media performance.

The show includes two exhibits by critically acclaimed visiting Indigenous artists who are based in Vancouver, B.C. All exhibits run through Aug. 12.

On Saturday, the Cook County Market starts off the day at 9 a.m. in the Senior Center parking lot. The Market features a wide variety of crafts created by local artists and artisans and runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Also on Saturday, the Grand Marais Art Colony hosts Saturdays in the Studio, featuring free demonstrations open to the public. This week, potter Bob Tamanaha will be in the ceramics studio at the Art Colony from 1-2 p.m., throwing pots and talking about the process of making a finished piece. Everyone invited. Free.

To cap off Demo-Saturday, there will be a Bronze Pour at 4 p.m. at Last Chance Gallery in Lutsen.

Come see this fiery creative process and learn more about sculpting in bronze.

On Saturday night, come to the Arrowhead Center for the Arts and listen to opera. The Grand Marais Playhouse will present the Northern Lights Music Festival at 7:30 p.m. featuring famous opera pieces sung by Northern Lights Music Festival apprentices. They will perform scenes from Mozart’s Magic Flute, L’elisir d’amour, Hansel and Gretel, Carmen and Die Fledermaus.

The Northern Lights Music Festival is a three-week classical music performance program and music school which is held each summer on the Minnesota Iron Range.
Founded 14 years ago by concert pianist and Aurora native Veda Zuponcic, Northern Lights brings together award-winning students and internationally known performers and teachers in a unique program that includes daily lessons, chamber music coachings, masterclasses and numerous performance opportunities.

Tickets for this performance are $15 adults, $5 students. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

Exhibits

This is the last weekend of the Minneapolis College of Art & Design exhibit at the Johnson Heritage Post. The exhibit features work by MCAD graduates in a variety of media.

.The Heritage Post is closed on Tuesdays. It is open rom 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and Monday, and from 1-4 p.m. Sunday.

The Spring Art Underground Show continues at the Betsy Bowen Gallery and Studios, which is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Next week, the gallery will host Jeremy Vaughn, who has been living and working in Jingdezhen, China, one of the centers for porcelain pottery in China. He will have new work and talk about his artistic process, making porcelain forms inspired by Lake Superior using traditional Chinese porcelain methods. His presentation will be from 3-4:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 22. Stay tuned for details.

The Tweed Museum of Art continues its exhibit of photographs of people, entitled 1,000 Words. This week, we feature a detail of a portrait of Greg Utyro of Superior, Wis.,  by Kip Praslowicz.

 

The 1,000 Words exhibition continues through the summer.

The Plein Air Duluth competition continues this week with an exhibition of the completed work at Blacklist Beer, 120 E. Superior St., in Duluth.

The opening reception is at 5 p.m. July 14.  Prizes will be awarded during the opening reception by Juror Matt Kania, and the Randy Lee Trio will play. To see photos of some of the paintings, click here.

The Thunder Bay Art Gallery‘s exhibit, “The Perspective from Here: 150 Artists From the North” continues through Sept. 25.

Upcoming

.The Johnson Heritage Post will open a fiber art exhibit on Friday, July 21, entitled “Marie Westerman and Jill Ewald – Threads of Time and Place.”

The exhibit at the Heritage Post opens with a reception from 5-7 p.m. July 21. Stay tuned for details next week.

Flowers and gardens will be celebrated next weekend. too. The West End Garden Club’s annual Flower Show will be held at the Birch Grove Community Center from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, July 22.

The Birch Grove Community Center is a new location for the flower show. The title of this year’s exhibit: “Contain It.”

The Thunder Bay Art Gallery‘s annual Garden Tour is next weekend, too. The self-guided tour is a fundraiser for the gallery. Tickets are $25.

For more information and tickets, click here.

Tickets are now on sale for Unplugged  at North House Folk School, Sept. 13-18. The Saturday night performance will include Kevin Kling, Dan Chouinard, Prudence Johnson, Simone Perrin, Dane Stauffer, and Claudia Schmidt, as well as Unplugged alumni Jon Vezner and Don Henry. Other events for the weekend include  the Flannel Formal, a 20th Anniversary Gala, a craft marketplace, a speaker series, coursework, and abundant music and stories as the autumn season begins to emerge on the North Shore. For tickets and more info, visit www.northhouse.org

The Cross River Heritage Center holds a quilt raffle every year for a handmade beautiful quilt as a fundraiser for the organization and the Schroeder Area Historical Society. This year’s quilt is entitled “Rainbow Dreams” and was made and machine quilted by Nancy Hansen of Lutsen. Tickets for the raffle are $2 and can be purchased at the Heritage Center.

The drawing for the quilt will be held during the Cross River Heritage Center Holiday Sale and Lefse and Krum kaka Hoop Dee Doo Nov. 18.

Window Shopping

 

 

 

 

 

And here’s the music for this week:

Thursday, July 13:

• Joe Paulik, Music by the Campfire, Lutsen Resort, 6 p.m.
• Mysterious Ways, Gun Flint Tavern, 9 p.m.

Friday, July 14:

• Billy Johnson, Voyageur Brewing Co., 4 p.m.
• Portage, Grandma Ray’s, 6 p.m.
• Pete K–Music by the Campfire, Eagle Ridge Resort, 7 p.m.
• Chris Silver Band, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.
• Brothers in Arms, Grandma Ray’s, 9 p.m.
• Pushing Chain, Bluefin Grille, 9 p.m.

Saturday, July 1:

• Billy Johnson, North Shore Winery, 2 p.m.
• Matthew Griswold, Voyageur Brewing Co., 4 p.m.
• Gordon Thorne, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Dat Dere Jazz, Cascade Lodge Pub, 7 p.m.
• Chris Silver Band, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.
• Brothers in Arms, Grandma Ray’s, 9 p.m.
• Timmy Haus, Papa Charlie’s, 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, July 16:

• Black River Revue, North Shore Winery, 2 p.m.
• Pushing Chain, Skyport Lodge, 7 p.m.

Monday, July 17:

• Open Mic Night, Grandma Ray’s, 6 p.m.
• Boyd Bump Blomberg, Bluefin Grille, 9 p.m.

Tuesday, July 18:

• Mysterious Ways, Gun Flint Tavern, 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 19:

• Common Ground, North Shore Winery, 7 p.m.
• Gordon Thorne, Bluefin Grille, 9 p.m.

Here are some of the great photos we found this week:

First, some cool wildlife shots.

 

 

And some waterscapes:

 

 

 

 

And a beautiful woodland flower:

 

And a spectacular lighthouse shot:

 

And an even more spectacular lighting shot:

Enjoy your weekend, everyone!

P.S. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this blog so far, especially those who have made donations in person. Wow! Amazing. Thank you so much. If you’d like to support the effort that goes into crafting this blog every week, click on the button below. And thank you!