North Shore Arts Scene

Potpourri is a combination of many elements. Sometimes there are so many you need to come back and sample them again. This week’s ArtScene is an example of that. Lots of research and lots of posts on social media have yielded lots to look at. Enjoy. And be safe, be well.

Cancellations of events and closures of restaurants and bars, shops and galleries has certainly had an impact on the world, the country and the North Shore. (For up-to-date listings for Cook County, click here.)

At the same time. people have rallied, been creative and supported each other as best they can. And artists continue to work, Here are a few examples:

Members of the Northwoods Fiber Guild are sewing masks for medical workers.

 Betsy Bowen has been posting daily “Comfort” drawings on Facebook. Here’s an example.

She also sent in a draft of her new book for final proofreading to the publisher. She illustrated “The Bowser Chronicles” by Glenn N. Sandvik, which  is a narrative poem about Bowser, the renegade cat, a tugboat and Lake Superior in the 20th century.

 

Joy & Co. is closed, but if artists call, owner Jill Terrill will find a way for them to get the supplies they need. Here’s a link to the Facebook page to learn more.

The Grand Marais Art Colony closed this week (until at least April 6), but artists in the glass studio worked until the last minute preparing for an upcoming show at the Johnson Heritage Post May 1. Here’s a piece that Lee Ross made in the last week the glass studio was open:

Some artists have had to set up studios at their home. As one artist put it, “I am no longer calling this shelter in place. I am now an artist in residence.” Others have had their own studios and continue to make pieces for the summer season.

Hovland woodturner Lou Pignolet writes on his Facebook page: “My approach to dealing with the coming Covid-19 invasion is to distance my self from crowds by working in my shop and trying to show the wonderful beauty in wood and to share that with everyone.”

Another Hovland artist, Terry Lee Lewis, continues to work from her studio as well.

Being creative is the name of the game for artists everywhere for sure. We found this great photo of Henri Matisse (1869-1954) drawing from his bed when he had the flu.

Some artists, like art educator and printmaker Nan Onkka, have set up kids art projects to help parents who are now homeschooling their children. Click here to learn more and see the projects.

Social media, especially Facebook, has really come into its own over the last two weeks, as artists post latest pieces,  organize to help out each other and the community, hold virtual concerts, virtual art shows and more.

Painter Christi Belcourt, for example, has been posting examples of recent work.

Here are a few other recent posts by Duluth artists:

First, Adam Swanson.

And here’s a detail from a painting by Martin DeWitt.

The Johnson Heritage Post is closed, but it is posting photographs on its Facebook page of work by Rita Corrigan, who has an exhibit in the space. It also has been posting photos and information about work in its gift shop and giving patrons an opportunity to purchase them.

 

But that’s not all that’s happening on Facebook and the Internet. Artists are really doing some neat things to share their work. Here are some examples.

Music:

Some musicians are putting on free virtual concerts from their homes in order to encourage people to stay at home and stop the spread of the coronavirus. Here’s John Legend  doing a few songs and talking about his life. He is joined by his wife Chrissy Teigen. It’s a one of many #TogetherAtHome concerts to check out.

NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts are always a treat, and there are lots to choose from. Here’s Booker T Jones playing “Green Onions” and other favorites at his Tiny Desk concert.

For classical music lover, here’s a virtual concert of  the finale of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony by members of the Rotterdam Philharmonic.  All the musicians were playing their parts at home.

America cellist Yo-Yo Mas has been regularly posting pieces on his Facebook page for home viewers. Here he is with Kathryn Stott playing a favorite Saint-Saens piece.

Here’s link to the complete archive of folk music for all countries.

Check out the site here.

Watch the 58th Ann Arbor Film Festival online. The film festival was cancelled and the organizers decided to live stream the event. Watch it here.

Here’s a link to a virtual tour of museums around the world.

And finally, check out this link to free Online Courses, Audio Books, eBooks, Movies, Coloring Books & More. Click to see.

Photographs:

We found a wide variety of photographs this week. Some of the photographers were spending the time at home going through their files and posting favorites. Others were taking social distancing time and hiking in the woods or exploring Lake Superior.

Let’s start with wildlife:

 

 

 

 

 

 

And here are some landscapes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And here are two more wildlife photos:

 This great shot of a buffalo appeared on a friend’s Facebook page without attribution. We just had to include it.

Stay safe, everyone.

P.S. Email me with ideas/links for next week’s blog– joan.farnam@gmail.com

P.P.S. If you would like to contribute to NorthShore ArtScene, click on the logo below. And thank you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Greetings from the North Shore, where our lives, and undoubtedly yours, have changed a lot in the last few weeks. But we’re carrying on. Bars and restaurants, shops and art galleries might be closed, but some have organized take-out and/or curbside sales. And grocery stores, gas stations and the pharmacy are open as are a few other businesses, so people can get essentials. There’s a lot of communication in the community, too, especially on Facebook, WTIP Community Radio, VisitCookCounty.org and Boreal Access about how to share and support each other in the coming days and weeks ahead.

Many events and activities have been cancelled. Here’s an early list from VisitCook County.

• All music at Lutsen Mountains thru April 12
• Music in the North Shore Winery taproom through the end of March
• All events at the Hub/Senior Center are canceled.
• North House Folk School courses and events from March 19 – April 12 including the Shave Horses Skill Care on 3/19, and the film screening of KONELINE on 4/9, cancelled. Check www.northhouse.org for more info
• Grand Marais Ole Opry is cancelled
• Johnson Heritage Post, open by appointment only
• Michael Monroe Log Cabin Concert 3/21
• All restaurant/bar-hosted music for the next two weeks due to the closure of public meeting spaces
• The Grand Marais Art Colony is closed to the public through April 6. The Members Show, set for April 24, has been canceled for this year. To see the complete list, click here.
• The Lake Superior Community Theater is postponing  the play “Junie B. Jones The Musical“  at William M. Kelley High School in Silver Bay. The performances were to begin this week. Rescheduled dates will be announced. Those who’ve reserved tickets for the show through tix.com will have their purchases credited back to their cards. LSCT House Manager Sue Churack can answer additional questions at 218-220-9942.

And, for more Cook County information, to find out where there is pickup and curbside deliveries in restaurants and for retail store hours, click here. Exploring the North Shore is also posting information. Click here to see. And stay tuned for the next few weeks for updated information, too.

Meanwhile, there’s always the internet. On-line viewing, listening and learning opportunities are just popping up all over the place.

The Metropolitan Opera, for example, is streaming operas nightly through March 22.

Check out the opera schedule here.

And for other classical music, Minnesota Public Radio is streaming free classical concerts that you can listen to and watch online.

And not to forget, the great collection of local and regional singers and songwriters on WTIP Community Radio. Click here to browse.

Playbill has just put up links to 15 Broadway plays and. musicals you can watch from home. Some are for rent, some are free on YouTube. There is lots more on that site, too. Check it out here.

Here’s a link to a virtual tour of 12 museums around the country that are closed because of the coronavirus, including the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C.

And the Art Institute of Chicago has put 44,000 works online that can be viewed for free.

Check out the page here.

There are all kinds of learning opportunities for kids already online, and more have been added in the last few weeks, including a Scholastic Learn At Home curriculum.

Click here to learn more. PBS has uploaded programs for kids this week, too, as have education companies. Google should be very helpful there, as is YouTube.

And the arts community has rallied to help artists and musicians survive as well.

The Arrowhead Regional Arts Council has just introduced a new emergency grant for artists with cancelled or postponed projects. Check out the info here. ARAC is closed to the public, but the staff is available on-line.

Springboard for the Arts is expanding its Personal Emergency Relief Fund to include lost income due to cancelation of opportunities due to Coronavirus/COVID-19. The organization has also created a resource list for artists, arts organizations, and its partners during this time, and will be updating it when possible. Click here for details.

For readers, Drury Lane Books is closed for browsers, but invites its patrons to browse online. They will deliver in Grand Marais or ship to your door.

Other online book opportunities, abound, including getting a copy of the newly released audio book by Staci Lola Drouillard:  “Walking the Old Road: A People’s History of the Chippewa City and the Grand Marais Anishinaabe.” Drouillard is reading the book.

Click here to find out more.

One of the keys to stopping Covid-19, or at least flattening the curve so we don’t overwhelm our medical system, is social distancing, and the art world has responded to that. too. The Tweed Museum of Art in Duluth posted this link the other day capturing the ennui and difficulties of social distancing with 15 artworks.

Click here to see all of them.

And perhaps the most powerful message of how social distancing can save lives comes from this video produced by California artists Juan Delcan and Valentina Izaguirre. It’s called “Safety Match.” It’s 12 seconds long.

The artists are interviewed about making this video here.

Music:

The music schedule is your choice this week. Play those CDs you haven’t listened to in awhile or search your favorite artists on YouTube to watch them play or check out their Websites for even more. I am looking forward to it.

Photographs:

The outdoors is open and photographers have been out and about. Here’s a selection of what they found.

First, wildlife:

 

 

 

 

Skyscapes, lakescapes and landscapes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

May the week be healthy for you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s clear we’re in for another busy week on the North Shore. In fact, there are activities and events for all ages.

First up, the  Story Scouts Club, a free, fun, kids’ Pop-Up Publishing Club that opens Thursday, March 12, in the lobby of the Cook County YMCA in Grand Marais. The Story Scouts Club offers child authors and illustrators the chance to write and/or draw messages to share with the world.

Staffed by award-winning author, publisher and science writer, Anne Bratass, who is also a part-time Grand Marais resident, the Story Scouts Club will meet for the first time at the YMCA from 3-7 p.m. on Thursday, March 12,  and then every Thursday through May. Kids from grades 2-8 are invited to stop by the pop-up table and see what’s happening. To learn more about the  Story Scouts Club and Anne Bratass, click here.

Also on Thursday, Over the Waterfall will play for a Contra Dance in the Blue Building at North House Folk School from 6:30-9 p.m.

.This is a community dance and open to everyone. There will be live music and a caller to teach you, no experience needed. No partner is required, either. Easier, more family friendly dances will be featured at the start of the night. Come alone or bring a friend and warm up on a cold winter night. There is a $5-$10 donation at the door.

On Friday, The Hub/Senior Center will hold Friday Matinees movie starting at 12:45 p.m. Free, open to all, and popcorn is included.

And on Friday, WTIP’s The Roadhouse will have live music in the studio from 5-7 p.m. The all-music show will feature Jim McGowan  in the first half and Rich Mattson & the Northstars in the second. The Roadhouse airs on WTIP Community Radio from 5-7 p.m. on Fridays.

Also on Friday, the Grand Marais Playhouse opens “Cinderella Tales,” a Community Youth production featuring a cast of 25 from grades 3-8.

The play was written by Rose Arrowsmith DeCoux and is based on Cinderella tales from Egypt, China, Norway, Germany and Russia. Besides a talented group of young actors, the play also features lots of trolls and puppets made by local artists. It should be fun. The play will be performed this weekend only, with shows at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $12 adults, $5 youth and $3 under 12. Advance tickets available online at grandmaraisplayhouse.com

And not to forget, this is St. Patrick’s Day weekend, so plan on visiting Cascade Lodge on Saturday starting at 3 p.m. for an Irish celebration.

The live music starts at 3 p.m. on Saturday. The lodge will also feature a special Irish menu all weekend.

On Sunday, the Spanish class at Cook County Higher Ed is hosting a screening of the  Spanish film “También la lluvia” (Even the Rain)  starting at 2 p.m. This award-winning film tells the story of a Spanish film company that goes to Bolivia to make a film about the colonization of the New World and discovers that not much has changed. It’s a powerful, many layered film. The film has English subtitles so those of varying Spanish language skills can participate together. Carrie Jansen will be a host during the event to answer any Spanish language questions that come up. She will also be providing a handout that includes some items to consider while watching it.

Check out the trailer below:

On Monday, Haley (Bonar McCallum) will be featured at Papa Charlie’s in its Songwriter Series starting at 8 p.m.

In an effort to create the listening room environment, Papa Charlie’s asks all guests in the main room to limit conversation during the performance. All invited. Free.

Exhibits:

 Landscape painter Rita Corrigan continues her exhibit at the Johnson Heritage Post. The exhibit, entitled “Northern Landscapes,” features a variety of work from all of the seasons on the North Shore.

The Heritage Post is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and from 1-4 p.m. Sunday. The exhibit continues through April 5.

Members of the Northwoods Fiber Guild are exhibiting work at the Cook County Courthouse for the next few months. The works include everything from bead paintings to quilts.

Nan Onkka is exhibiting her prints at the North Shore Winery through March.

Two Harbor photographer, Christian Dalbec, has a show of his photographs in the Great Hall at Tettegouche State Park this month.

The Duluth Art Institute will hold Artist Talks from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, featuring a number of artists who are exhibiting in the galleries there.

The exhibits include: Emerging Photographers 2020, featuring 10 UMD photography students, including Michael Dahmen, Jason Fredrickson, Alayna Heglund, Eema Ibrahim, Samantha Maynard, Dannyelle Moon, Emily Paulson, Sarah Roesler, Stevie Twining and Alison Wieber.

Ely artist Andy Messerschmidt is also exhibiting work at the Duluth Art Institute this month and will be presenting at the Artist Talk on March 17.

Messerschmidt operates the Ornamental Hermit Studio in Ely, where he creates and displays his artwork. Represented throughout the United States and abroad, he has appeared in multiple solo and group shows, including being awarded first place in the 2012 Arrowhead Regional Biennial.

Ojibwe artist Shaun Chosa is exhibiting at the Duluth Art Institute with acrylic paintings from his series, “War Paint.”

Chosa writes: “War Paint is a social commentary on popular culture and its intersection in Indian country. Some blatant, some coded in ways only those people growing up on the Red Road would understand.”

Chosa will also attend the Artist Talk at the Art Institute on March 17.

The Lakehead University Honours Exhibit is currently on view at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery in Thunder Bay this month, featuring a wide variety of work.

The exhibit is a culmination of what the fourth year honours students have worked towards since their first year. Much of their work explores complex emotions and their identities in relation to their heritage or experiences. The exhibit continues through March 29.

Upcoming:

North House Folk School will screen “KONELĪNE: Our Land Beautiful,” a cinematic celebration of northwestern British Columbia. at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 19.

Set deep in the traditional territory of the Tahltan First Nation, this documentary captures beauty and complexity as one of Canada’s vast wildernesses undergoes irrevocable change. An art film with politics, drama and humour, “KONELĪNE: Our Land Beautiful” explores different ways of seeing – and being.

Check out the trailer here:

The film is free and will be screened in the Blue Building. Popcorn is provided.

Artist News:

Staci Lola Drouillard’s “Walking the Old Road: A People’s History of Chippewa City and the Grand Marais Anishinaabe” is now available as an audio book. Drouillard reads the book herself. The recording was produced by Cathy Quinn.

You can order the audio book here:

Music:

Here’s the music schedule for this week:

Thursday, March 12:

• Joe Paulik, Poplar River Pub, 6 p.m.
• Gordon Thorne, North Shore Winery, 6 p.m.
• Contra Dance with Over the Waterfall, North House Folk School, 6:30 p.m.
• Kevin Buck, Wunderbar, 7 p.m.

Friday, March 13:

• Portage, Grandma Ray’s, 6 p.m.
• Pete K, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Rich Mattson & the Northstars, Gun Flint Tavern, 8:30 p.m.
• Billy Johnson, Papa Charlie’s, 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 14:

• Billy Johnson, North Shore Wintery, 3 p.m.
• Eric Frost, Papa Charlie’s, 3:15
• John Gruber, Papa Charlie’s, 6:45
• Briand Morrison, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Brothers in Arms, Grandma Ray’s, 8 p.m.
• Richard Mattson & the Northstars, Gun Flint Tavern, 8:30 p.m.
• Dance Party with DJ Beavstar, Papa Charlie’s, 10 p.m.

Sunday, March 15:

• Briand Morrison, Mogul’s Grille, 10 a.m.
• Them Coulee Boys, Papa Charlie’s, 3:30 p.m.
• Billy Johnson, Gun Flint Tavern, 7 p.m.

Monday, March 16:

• Jim McGowan, Voyageur Brewing, 5 p.m.
• Haley (Bonar/McCallum, Monday Night Songwriter Series, Papa Charlie’s, 8 p.m.

Tuesday, March 17:

• John Gruber, Poplar River Pub, 6 p.m.

Photographs:

 We were lucky to find some great photographs again this week. Here’s a selection:

First, wildlife:

 

 

Check out this photo of a wolf and two coyotes, just to give you an idea of their different sizes. We couldn’t find who took this photograph or where it was taken,  but we are pretty sure it wasn’t staged.

We found some beautiful full moon shots, too.

 

 

 

And check out these landscapes/seascapes.

 

 

 

 

 

And this beautiful Lake Superior wave shot:

And then this, an “overscape.”

And finally this:

Have a great weekend, everyone!!

(Note: If you enjoyed NorthShore ArtScene this week, consider making a donation to support this volunteer effort. Just click on the icon below.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

sIt’s probably a little early to declare, but this weekend sure seems like the “season” in Cook County has already started. There are all kinds of things to do: there’s a grazing feast that’s also a fundraiser, an art opening, a conference for artists, a dog derby AND a trout derby, a celebrated brass band concert, not to mention lots of live music in venues across the county. Plus, the snow on the trails and hills is great!

Here are the details:

First up is 2020 EATS (Enriching Academics Through Sustenance), the very popular fundraiser for the ISD 166 Education Foundation. The event will be held at the Cook County Middle/High School in Grand Marais from 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 5.

Participants will sample a delectable array of finger foods prepared by local restaurants and food vendors as well as bid on quality silent auction items. There will also be live music. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased at the Java Moose, the Bluewater Cafe and at the school. There just might be a few left.

This is always a fun, tasty and worthwhile event– highly recommended. The ISD 166 Education Foundation awards grants for projects and activities that enhance the curriculum.  A total of $189,000. in grants has been provided by this foundation to projects at ISD 166.

Also on Thursday, North House Folk School continues its Thursday community programs with Wood Week Open Carving Night.

As a special perk of Wood Week, North House will be open for students and community members to carve away the evening. Bring a half-finished spoon and some stories to share. Note: some hand tools will be available for use, but folks are encouraged to bring their own. Location: Red Building, Free.

Friday evening events are launched by WTIP’s The Roadhouse, which will feature an interview with Bill Hansen, who is currently serving in the Peace Corps in Uganda.

Hansen will give an update on what he’s been doing and learning this winter. Also, the Josh Cleveland and the Cedar Street Band will be in the studio to talk about their music and play a few songs. The Roadhouse airs from 5-7 p.m.

The rest of Friday evening is packed with events.

First, the Johnson Heritage Post opens what should be a spectacular painting exhibit with works by Rita Corrigan.

The landscape artist has just completed a popular exhibit at Tettegouche State Park. This exhibit is called “Love of the Northern Landscape.” The gallery at the Heritage Post will be filled with a wide variety of her paintings. The opening reception is from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, March 6, and continues through March 29.

Also on Friday, the Grand Marais Public Library continues its Friday night film series with “Stay Human” with Michael Franti and Spearhead. The film examines the idea of staying human in these times, when we’ve all embraced cynicism and fear.  Check out the trailer below.

The film will be screened at the library at 6 p.m. Free. Light refreshments will be served.

Also on Friday, the Grand Marais Art Colony launches its weekend arts conference, “For the Love Of It!” with a keynote address by Andrew Simonet at 7 p.m..

Simonet is a writer and choreographer from Philadelphia. In 2016, he founded Artists U, an incubator for helping artists across Philadelphia, Baltimore, and South Carolina make sustainable lives. He also wrote: “Making Your Life as an Artist,” an open source guide to living as an artist. The title of his presentation is “The Artist’s Long Journey.”

Simonet will also moderate the lunchtime roundtable discussion on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. featuring Drew Digby from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, and artists Paul LaJeunesse, Greg Mueller and Lynn Speaker. Tickets for the keynote speech on Friday, March 6, and the Saturday round table remain open on-line through Thursday, March 5, and will be available at the door pending space. For more info about the conference, click here.

There’s lots to do on Saturday, as well.

First up if the Dog Days of Winter Sled Dog Derbies and Skijoring Races at Trail Center on Saturday. There are three classes of dog sled derbies and 2 classes of skijoring races.

All skill levels and ages welcomed and encouraged to participate in this fun event, which is a fundraiser for Go Dog North Shore and Cook County Dog Mushers Inc. For more information and to register, click here.

Also on Saturday, the Annual Trout Derby will be held on West Bearskin Lake starting at 9 a.m. Proceeds will help support the local snowmobile club, the Cook County Ridge Riders, in maintenance and grooming of much of the over 400 miles of snowmobile trails in Cook County. Cash prizes for contest winners. Registration for the contest is from 9-11 a.m.. Contest closes at 2 p.m. sharp. Cost is $20/person, or $10/club member. For more info, click here.

And, on Saturday night, the Lake Wobegon® Brass Band, a traditional British band ensemble, will be in concert at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church at 7 p.m.

Over the past quarter century, the 30-member brass ensemble has toured the U.S. and England, performing concerts and at educators’ conferences. Tickets for LWBB’s Grand Marais performance will be for sale at the door. Tickets are $20 adults, $10 youth ages 18 and under. Bethlehem Lutheran Church is located at 417 1st Ave. W. The concert is sponsored by the North Shore Music Association.

On Monday, an educational mini-documentary about the the threat of sulfide-ore copper mining on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness will be screened at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts at 6 p.m.

The short film, entitled “In Deep Water: The Fight to Save the Boundary Waters,” was produced by Patagonia. The suggested donation is $10.  All invited.

On Tuesday, Mach 10, Beth Home Kraus, instructor-in-residence at North House Folk School, will teach a community class entitled “Birch Bark Folded Weaving”. Participants will make a money sheath to take home using local, sustainably harvested birch bark. Sign up in advance and bring a friend for a fun night out at North House. The class will be held from 6-9 p.m. in the Green Building. Cost is $10. To register, call 387-9762.

And finally, on Wednesday, March 11, author Joan Crosby will give a presentation at the Grand Marais Public Library on “How NOT to Write a Memoir.” The presentation will be held at 1 p.m. Crosby wrote “The Tucker Lake Chronicle: Thirteen Months in the North Woods,” which was published in 2019.

There is no wrong way to write a memoir, but plenty of hazards can trap a writer in the early stages of manuscript development, Crosby says. She will talk about these issues and more. Participants will complete short writing activities, and receive tips and resources to stay inspired after the session. Open to all, memoir writers or not. Free.

 Exhibits:

 “Love of the Northern Landscape,” paintings by Rita Corrigan, opens on Friday at the Johnson Heritage Post and continues through March 29.

The Northwoods Fiber Guild is exhibiting work by its members at the Cook County Courthouse.

 Christian Dalbec is currently showing his photographs of Lake Superior and the North Shore in the Great Hall at Tettegouche State Park.

Emerging photographer Michael Dahman, who is a student at University of Minnesota, Duluth, is currently exhibiting work at the Tweed Museum of Art through March 15. He will be exhibiting at the Duluth Art Institute with other emerging photographers on March 17.

Shawn Chosa is currently exhibiting his work at the Duluth Art Institute.

Pastel artist Michele Wegler will be exhibiting her work at the Duluth Pottery, 1924 W. Superior St. in Lincoln Park in Duluth.

The opening reception for the show is from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, March 7.

In Thunder Bay, The popular exhibit at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, The North Now, featuring contemporary works by Ontario artists, recently announced the People’s Choice Awards. It was a tie. See below for the winning pieces.

 

 Upcoming:

 “Cinderella Tales,” a play by Rose Arrowsmith DeCoux incorporating stories from around the world that share similar themes, will be performed at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts next weekend, March 13-15. Look for trolls, puppets and lots of fun times in this Community Youth production of the Grand Marais Playhouse.

Tickets are $12 Adults, $5 youth and $3 children under 12 and are available at the door. Stay tuned.

For Artists:

 Tettegouche State Park has put out a call for artists to participate in exhibits in the Great Hall at the Park. Kurt Mead, curator of the show and interpretive naturalist at the park, writes:

“We are seeking 2D art with a “North Woods Aesthetic” for a series of juried, one-month long shows at Tettegouche State Park. The artwork does NOT have to be of images of the park or even of the North Shore of Lake Superior, but it should be artwork that park guests would not be surprised to see at a state park.

Tettegouche State Park, along Lake Superior’s North Shore, is Minnesota’s only State Park with regular, monthly, art shows. You can hardly swing a stick along the North Shore without whacking an artist, but venues for showing art are limited. These shows have become quite popular and they get good visitation year-round..”

For more information about submission rules and deadlines, email Mead at kurt.mead@state.mn.us

Quetico Provincial Park has also put out a call to artists to submit requests for a summer residency at the park. For the park will host artists working in any media whose work relates to nature. The opportunity is open to Canadian artists as well as those from other countries.

In addition to access to a cabin, wilderness permits and other fees are waived for the artist (and one guest) for up to 12 days. Artists can choose to stay and work at the cabin, or explore the park, or use other accommodations. In exchange for the accommodations, artists are asked to share one piece of art with the park, and present a public workshop, reading, or other program.  Artists can also donate a piece of art to the Quetico Foundation for its fundraising purposes, and receive a $300 honorarium in return.

Last year, Grand Marais painter Tom McCann was an artist-in-residence at the park. He used his time to learn about snapping turtles in the park’s library. It influenced his understanding of the creatures, and inspired his work.

For more information about the opportunity and to apply, click here.

And, just for a fun FYI, Duluth painter Adam Swanson taught a class at the Grand Marais Art Colony last weekend. Here is one of the demonstration pieces he did for the class.

  Music:

Here’s the music schedule for this week:

Thursday, March 5:

• Eric Frost, Poplar River Pub, 6 p.m.
• Gordon Thorne, North Shore Winery, 7 p.m.

Friday, March 6:

• Josh Cleveland Band, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.
• Joe Paulik, Bluefin Grille, 8 p.m.

Saturday, March 7:

• Gordon Thorne, North Shore Winery, 3 p.m.
• Bug Dope, Papa Charlie’s, 3;15 p.m.
• Sky Blue Trio, Cascade Lodge Restaurant, 6 p.m.
• Gordon Thorne, Papa Charlie’s, 6:45 p.m.
• Lake Wobegon Brass Band, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 7 p.m.
• Common Ground, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Josh Cleveland Band, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.
• Cook County Most Wanted, Grandma Ray’s, 8 p.m.
• DJ Beavstar, Papa Charlie’s, 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 8:

• Briand Morrison, Mogul’s Grille, 10 a.m.
• Open Stage, Wunderbar, 6 p.m.
• John Gruber, Gun Flint Tavern, 7 p.m.

Monday, March 9:

• Vessel, Voyageur Brewing, 5 p.m.
• Actual Wolf, Monday Night Songwriter Series, 8 p.m.
• Eric Frost, Bluefin Grille, 8 p.m.

Tuesday, March 10:

• Rob & Jill,  Poplar River Pub, 6 p.m.

Photographs:

We found lots of photographs this week. Here’s a selection:

First: wildlife:

 

 

 

 

And here are some beauteous landscapes, seascapes and skyscapes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And finally, this — a catscape.

Have a great weekend, everyone!!

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Greetings from the North Shore, where the sun is shining and the temps are hovering just around freezing…March begins on Sunday, and it looks like it’s coming in like a lamb. All to the good, for indoor and outdoor activities this week.

First up this week indoors is an Open Studio Night for the Artisan Development Program at the Betsy Bowen Gallery and Studios Building from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Drop by the studios at 301 1st Ave. W. to meet North House Folk School‘s resident artisans, see some of their current works-in-progress and enjoy light refreshments. The Artisan Development Program is a two-year professional development and residency program for craftspeople at North House. This month, meet the new first year artisans-in-residence and see what they’ve been doing. Free and open to all.

Also on Thursday, Duluth painter and muralist, Adam Swanson, will give an Artist Talk about science-centric art at 7 p.m. at the Grand Marais Art Colony.

Swanson, who is teaching a class at the Art Colony this weekend, will talk about his recent three-week residency aboard the R/V Falkor with the Schmidt Ocean Institute. He will also relate his previous artistic experience aboard the R/V Blue Heron and show his subsequent series of science-centric paintings based on research happening in the Lake Superior Water Basin, All invited. Free. No registration required.

This week is WTIP’s winter membership drive and look for lots of live music in the studio. On Friday, the band Vessel with Kenna Rose, Eric Fontaine and Jay Tice will be in the studio on The Roadhouse to talk about their music and play a few songs. Check the music schedule below for other live music opportunities during this membership drive.

Also on Friday night, the Grand Marais Public Library will screen “The Professor” with JohnnyDepp at 6 p.m. as part of its Friday Night Reels series. Check out the trailer below.

The movie is free and starts at 6 p.m. It is rated “R.” Light refreshments will be served.

On Saturday night, Celtic music lovers are in for a treat at the Hovland Town Hall. Organized by Michele Miller and North Country Fair, “Celtic Crossings: An Evening of Celtic Music from Far and Wide” will feature a number of local groups as well as a Celtic band from Thunder Bay.

The music starts at 7 p.m. and features North Country Fair, Frozen Britches, Jim McGowan and TBay Trad. A Free-will offering will  benefit Be the Change Foundation.  Refreshments provided.  Bring a friend…..and a plate of cookies to share. The event runs from 7-9 p.m.

And, heads-up for artists–Registrations are still open for the workshops in “For the Love Of It!,” a professional development conference about creating a sustainable life as an artist. For the complete schedule, click here.

The event will be held at the Grand Marais Art Colony March 6-8. Presentors include: Andrew Simonet, founder of Artist U and author of the open source guide, Making Your Life as an Artist; Drew Digby, director of the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, Kathleen Durbin, musician and creative coach, Paul LaJeunesse, painter, public artist, and assistant professor of art  at the College of St. Scholastica, Greg Mueller, sculptor and public artist and Lynn Speaker, mixed-media artist and former Women’s Art Resources of Minnesota mentor. Andrew Simonet will give the keynote address at 7 p.m. Friday, March 6 at the Art Colony.

Exhibits:

 A new community art exhibit opened at North Shore Health last weekend to accolades. The show, organized by the Spirit of the Wilderness Episcopal Church, is entitled “Kintsugi: Brokenness, Healing and Meaning,” and artists were encouraged to create works speaking to the concept. A panel discussion about art and healing was held at the opening reception last Friday as well.

In this exhibit, look for a wide variety of inspiring work from every medium, including paintings, fiber art, mosaics, glass, pottery and more. The show is exhibited in the spacious halls of North Shore Health and is on view through April. Highly recommended.

(Note: The Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery is closed this week. It will re-open with an exhibit of paintings by Kat Corrigan on Friday, March 6. Stay tuned.)

Printmaker Nan Onkka is exhibiting her work at the North Shore Winery this winter.

Photographer Christian Dalbec opens an exhibit of his photographs of Lake Superior and the North Shore in the Great Hall at Tettegouche State Park this weekend.

The exhibit continues through the end of March.

The Duluth Art Institute has a number of on-going exhibits, including “Integrated Vision.”

Upcoming:

Next Thursday, March 5, the ISD 166 Education  Foundation will present “EATS (Enriching Academics Through Sustenance),” an annual fundraiser for the foundation.

The event will be held at the Middle High School from 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 5. This popular event features a delectable array of tasty samples from Cook County restaurants and food vendors, a silent auction and live music. Only 125 tickets will be sold and are available at the school office, Java Moose, Blue Water Cafe, or from any CCSDEF board member.

The ISD 166 Education Foundation awards grants for projects and activities that enhance the curriculum. A total of $189,000. in grants has been provided by this foundation to teachers and classrooms at the school.

And next weekend, the 2020 Dog Days of Winter will be held at Trail Center from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. featuring sled dog derbies as well as skijoring races. For more information, click here.

And finally, the Lake Wobegon® Brass Band will perform at Betlehem Lutheran Church, 417 1st Ave. W. at 7 p.m. next Saturday, March 7.  The Lake Wobegon® Brass Band is a traditional British band ensemble whose mission is “to promote British band music throughout the Midwest of the United States.” The group was formed in 1992 by three Twin Cities brass musicians. Over the past quarter century, the thirty-member brass ensemble has toured the U.S. and England, performing concerts and at educators’ conferences. The concert is sponsored by North Shore Music Association. Stay tuned for details.

Music:

Here is the music schedule for this week:

Thursday, Feb. 17:

• JonRuss, Lutsen Resort, 6 p.m.
• Date Night at the Winery with Gordon Thorne, North Shore Winery, 7 p.m.
• Vessel, Wunderbar, 7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 28:

• Jon Kallberg, Live on WTIP, 1 p.m.
• Eric Frost & Jim Elverhoy, Live on WTIP, 4 p.m.
• Vessel, featuring Kenna Rose, Eric Fontaine & Jay Tice, Live on WTIP,  5 p.m.
• Portage, Grandma Ray’s,  6 p.m.
• 4-Shore, Wunderbar, 7 p.m.
• Joe Paulik, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Cabin Fever Trio, Gun Flint Tavern, 7:30 p.m.
• Saints of Circumstance, Papa Charlie’s, 9:30 p.m

Saturday, Feb. 29:

• Spruce Roots, North Shore Winery, 3 p.m.
• John Cron, Papa Charlie’s, 3:15 p.m.
• John Russ, Papa Charlie’s, 6:45 p.m.
• Common Ground, Wunderbar, 7 p.m.
• Celtic Crossing: An Evening Celtic Music from Far and Wide, many bans, Hovland Town Hall, 7 p.m.
• Eric Frost, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Wunderdogs, Wunderbar, 7 p.m.
• Cabin Fever Trio, Gun Flint Tavern, 7:30 p.m.
• Dance Party with DJ D’Angelo, Papa Charlie’s, 10 p.m.

Sunday, March 1:

• Briand Morrison, Mogul’s Grille, 10 a.m.
• Al Oikari & Friends, Live on WTIP, 11 a.m.
• Ginstrings_ Sunday Bluegrass at Papa Charlie’s, 3:30 p.m.
• Open Stage with Joe Paulik, Wunderbar, 6 p.m.
• Granddad’s Favorite (Andrew Norcross, JennyMonfore, Heather Brown & Ben Byron). Live on WTIP, 6 p.m.

Monday, March 2:

• Brothers in Arms, Voyageur Brewing, 5 p.m.
• Erik Koskinen, Monday Night Songwriter Series, Papa Charlie’s, 8 p.m.
• Vessel, Bluefin Grille, 8 p.m.

Tuesday, March 3:

• Gordon Thorne, Poplar River Pub, 6 p.m.

Photographs:

It was a pretty quiet week for photographs and photographers. Here’s a selection of what we found.

First, a harbinger of spring:

And beauteous Lake Superior landscapes:

And finally, two skyscapes.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Winter weather continues here on the North Shore, setting up ideal conditions for enjoying the outdoors.

The ski hills, ski trails and snowmobile trails are in great shape. For details on all the trails, click here.

Meanwhile, indoors:

Marybeth Garmoe will talk about woodturning at the Brown Bag Lunch Series at North House Folk School at noon on Thursday, Feb. 20.

She will talk about some of her current projects as well as demystify the magic of making perfectly round wooden objects. Bring your own bag lunch. The presentation will be in the Blue Building on campus. Free.

On Friday, the Spirit of the Wilderness Community Art Show will open at North Shore Health with a reception and a panel presentation on “Art and Healing” at 5:30 p.m. The show, entitled, “Kintsugi: Brokenness, Healing, and Meaning” will be on view at North Shore Health through April.

The panel presentation, beginning at 6 p.m., will include three people who practice creativity and healing. Maggie Anderson, long-time therapist and potter will speak about research showing the healing power of art and share some stories about creativity and healing. Margy Nelson, healing arts practitioner, will reflect on the process of letting go of doing and fixing in order to allow the creative process of healing, and of art, to lead the way. Mary Ellen Ashcroft, writer and pastor, will share some of her process of healing through writing following the death of her son. The public is invited.

Also on Friday, the Grand Marais Public Library will continue its film series with the screening of “Kusama Infinity,” the story of the top-selling female artist in the world, Yayoi Kusama, and how she overcame impossible odds to bring her radical artistic vision to the world stage. The screening starts at 6 p.m. Free. See the trailer below:

Saturday is a busy day in the county.

First up is the 5th annual Vintage Snowmobile Ride, which will be held at Cascade Lodge from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Everyone is invited to bring their vintage sleds and ride the trails. Cost is $20 a sled to participate. Proceeds will be used for trail grooming and maintenance in the county.

Also at 10 a.m.on Saturday, “Not Shards Yet – A Seconds Pottery Sale” begins at Studio 21 in Grand Marais, featuring a selection of seconds by more than five local potters. The event, which is a fundraiser for the ceramics studio at the Grand Marais Art Colony, features everything from mugs to bowls, vases to quirky “doorstoppers.” Sales are by donation.

These are perfectly imperfect pieces that are looking for a forever home. Stop by and take a look. Not Shards Yet will be held in Studio 21, the Art Colony’s new building at the corner of 1st Ave. W. and Highway 61. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22 and Sunday, Feb.23. All invited.

On Saturday night, Dylan Fresco will present “The Holocaust and Me,” a one-man musical play, at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts at 7 p.m. The event is sponsored by the North Shore Music Association in partnership with Cook County Higher Education.

Fresco is a musician and theater artist who works as a writer, performer, and educator with a diverse array of communities and arts partners. His work takes place in theaters, classrooms, community centers, and even on neighborhood sidewalks.

“The Holocaust and Me” is the story of how Dylan came to realize the impact of the Holocaust on his family and his own life, despite his being born decades after it happened. The performance includes songs accompanied by guitar and sung in Ladino, a language based on medieval Spanish and Hebrew that is spoken by many Sephardic Jews. Dylan will facilitate a critical reflection period afterward. Tickets are $10 adults, $5 students. They are for sale in advance at www.tix.com (no fees, search “Arrowhead Center for the Arts”) and at the door on the night of the show, starting at 6 pm. The public is invited.

On Sunday, there will a screening of a documentary of Minnesota Holocaust Survivors at Cook County Higher Education from 2-4 p.m.

Carrie Jansen will be host during the event. She will give a short introduction to each film and provide a handout that includes some items to consider while watching the film. Free. Popcorn and pop will be provided. Open to the public.

On Monday, the Grand Marais Writer’s Guild will meet at the Grand Marais Public Library from 5-6 p.m. for conversation and writing prompts. Rose Arrowsmith DeCoux facilitates this free, monthly meet-up. All writers are invited to attend.

And on Monday night, the monthly “Dance, Dance, Dance” event will be held at the 4-H Log Building at the Community Center from 7:30-9:30 p.m.

This is a high energy, informal dance night with music mixed by Lord Jammin and DJ Woodsplitter. They play a mix of club, pop, soul, funk as well as international music. No experience necessary, freewill donation, all ages.

Also on Monday night, Dusty Heart, featuring our own Barbara Jean on fiddle and banjo and Molly Dean on guitar, will perform for the Monday Songwriter Series at Papa Charlie’s at 8 p.m.

Free and open to all.

Exhibits:

.The 2020 Winter Plein Air exhibit continues at the Johnson Heritage Post featuring a great collection of works created by artists who worked at YMCA Menogyn for a week.

The exhibit continues through Feb. 29. The Heritage Post is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and from 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Free admission.

Members of the Northwoods Fiber Guild are exhibiting their work in the Cook County Courthouse for the next few months.

Yellowbird Fine Art has new work by Carolyn Olson.

Nan Onkka is exhibiting her prints at the North Shore Winery.

Emma Spooner is exhibiting her work at the Tweed Museum of Art. The title of the show is “It’s Yours Now, It’s Yours Now, Now It’s Yours.”

Spooner is a Studio-Digital Art and Photography student in the UMD School of Fine Arts, at the University of Minnesota Duluth. The show continues through Feb. 23.

In Thunder Bay, the Thunder Bay Art Gallery has extended the run of its exhibit, The North Now, through March 1.

Featuring art from across Northern Ontario, this multi-disciplinary juried exhibition provides a glimpse of the immense creativity, diversity and innovation by established and emerging artists living in the north of the province.

The Baggage Building Art Centre in Thunder Bay is exhibiting a selection of work by local artists.

Music

Here’s the music schedule for this week:

Thursday, Feb. 20:

• Gordon Thorne, North Shore Winery, 3 p.m.
• Jim Miller, Lutsen Resort, 6 p.m.
• Date Night at the Winery, Eric Frost, 7 p.m.
• Pete K, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 21:

• Common Ground, Wunderbar, 7 p.m.
• Colleen Myhre, Gun Flint Tavern, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 22:

• Dylan Fresco: The Holocaust and Me, Arrowhead Center for the Arts, 7 p.m.
• North Shore Community Swing Band, Wunderbar, 7 p.m.
• Colleen Myhre, Gun Flint Tavern, 7:30 p.m.
• 4-Shore, Grandma Ray’s, 8 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 23:

• Briand Morrison, Mogul’s Grille, 10 a.m.
• Open Stage with Joe Paulik, Wunderbar, 6 p.m.
• John Gruber, Gun Flint Tavern, 7 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 24:

• Vessel, Voyageur Brewing, 5 p.m.
• Dusty Heart, Monday Songwriters Series, Papa Charlie’s, 8 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 25:

Shane Martin, Lutsen Resort, 6 p.m.

Photographs:

The wonders of a digital camera in skillful hands continues with these selections this week:

First, wildlife:

 

 The Bald Eagle mating season has begun, and eagle pairs are flying.

 

 

Some icy landscapes:

 

 

 

And some surfing shots:

 

And then a satellite shot of lake-effect snow:

And, looking up:

And finally, this lovely shot:

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

This week continues our march through winter with lots of things to do and see throughout the county.

First up, the Hygge Festival, which continues through this weekend with a wide variety of events and happenings. Hygge is a Danish word, pronounced hoo-gah, and 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.

Cook County has taken the concept a step further by organizing lots of activities and opportunities, both outdoors and indoors, during this festival. Among them:

A fireplace self-guided tour with a whole list of great fireplaces to visit and enjoy.

The tour, which is ongoing through the end of the month, features a selection of cozy fireplaces to visit. Click here to see the list.

There are all kinds of other on-going events. Lake Superior Trading Post holds a daily Mellow Snowshoe Hike, which is free, but if snowshoes are needed, pre-registration is suggested. The hikes start at 2 p.m. Call 387-2020 for more information. And the Fireweed Bike Coop holds guided Fat bike and E Bike tours, including bike rentals. For more info, stop by the bike shop or call 370-1625.

The ski trails and snowshoe trails are in great condition this winter, too.

Click here to see a list of the best snowshoe trails in Cook County. And, not to forget, the snowmobile trails are also great this winter. Snowmobile drag races are set for Hungry Jack Lake at 11 a.m. on Saturday.

Click here for the complete Hygge Festival activities and events.

The are lots of other things happening this week, too.

Skyport Lodge and The Big Lake will host the Galentine’s Market on Thursday at Skyport from 4:30-6:30 p.m. The afternoon celebrates local women makers and businesses in the community. Stop by and enjoy.

On Thursday night, North House Folk School will screen the documentary “Shepherdess of the Glaciers” at 6:30 p.m. as part of Fiber Week. The film traces the footsteps of Tsering, the shepherdess, who runs her herd of sheep in the desolate high mountains in Ladakh, India.

At the screening, Linda Cortright, a friend of the film producer, and Tsering will  introduce the film and host a Q&A following the screening. Popcorn provided. Bring your beverage of choice. All invited. Free. Here’s a short trailer:

Friday is Fiber Friday at North House, featuring a full day of speakers, demonstrations, open studios and community gatherings–free for all North House Folk School enrolled students, $20 for Cook County residents.

Fiber Friday includes speakers and presentations from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Fiber Fabrications and open studios from from 2-4 p.m., a chili feed at 5:30 p.m. and a Show & Share at 7 p.m. hosted by the Northwoods Fiber Guild. For more info, call 287-9762 or visit www.northhouse.org

Also on Friday, the Grand Marais Public Library will screen the British film, “Julia, Naked” as part of its Friday Night Reels series. The film is a romantic comedy about life’s second chances and is based on a novel by British author Nick Hornby. The film is screened at 6 p.m. Free. Here’s the trailer:

Come early to get a good seat.

On Saturday, Voyageur Brewery will feature Board Games, which are open to everyone from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

And the Grand Marais Art Colony will hold two classes from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Star Book with Pop-up” with instructor Sharon Giesfeldt van Ruiswyk and “The Write Time,” with Cilla Walford. For more info and to register, call the Art Colony at 287-2737.

Also on Saturday, local artist Rae Klesser will facilitate a hands-on creative experience of mixed media art on canvas or wood panel at Joy & Co. at 11 a.m.. The fee is $20. Supplies included. Pre-registration is encouraged. Open to all.

One of the highlights of every winter is the Pincushion Ski Festival, which will be held at Pincushion Mountain on Saturday. The event features classic ski races, group family skis, marshmallow roasting, free ski rentals, and more.

There will be food and warm beverages available in the warming shack and a bonfire outdoors. Pros from Stone Wilderness Supply will be on-site to discuss skiing and waxing techniques. The Y-Ski Carnival activities will include a family ski, a snow shoe trek on the new Pincushion segment of the Superior Hiking Trail and a sledding hill. Races start at 10 a.m., the Y-Ski Winter Carnival starts at 1 p.m.

Then, at 2 p.m., the 2020 Best in Snow Skijoring Races will be held on the mountain, sponsored by Go Dog North Shore.

Two classes of races will be held, a 3 km and 7 km, with a one-dog limit per skier. Both races will be held on the Pincushion Mountain Ski Trails. Open to all skiers and their dogs.

To cap off a busy day outdoors, a Candlelight Ski & Snowshoe will start at the Oberg Mountain Trailhead from 6-8 p.m. The trails will be lit with candles, and a bonfire, cocoa and cookies will be available.

On Sunday, author Alex Messenger will give a presentation at Voyageur Brewing Co. from 2-4 p.m. Messenger will talk about his book, “The Twenty-Ninth Day.”

This true-life wilderness survival epic recounts 17-year-old Alex Messenger’s near-lethal encounter with a grizzly bear during a canoe trip in the Canadian tundra. All invited.

And at 6 p.m., The SVEA Singers will give an outdoor concert at Drury Lane Books in conjunction with the Many Tiny Lights Fundraiser. The public is invited to join SVEA around the bonfire for Swedish songs ad stories, and a marvel at a beachfront decorated with ice-globe luminaries.

A donation of $5 per candle helps support the Grand Marais PTA, which funds ISD 166 schools. The public is invited.

On Monday, Papa Charlie’s weekly winter Singer/Songwriter Series will feature Sarah Kreuger at 8 p.m. The event is free.

Exhibits:

The Winter Plein Air Exhibit continues at the Johnson Heritage Post, with a great selection of paintings as well as other media created by artists during the week they spent at YMCA Menogyn on Bearskin Lake. John Franz, the group’s “grandfather” artist, is lead artist this year, with a collection of his work exhibited at the start of the exhibit.

The exhibit continues through Feb. 23. The Heritage Post is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and from 1-4 p.m. Sunday.

This is the last weekend to see “Along Shifting Surfaces: Snow Drifts and Shoreline Spaces” by David Andree at the Grand Marais Art Colony.

Members of the Northwoods Fiber Guild are exhibiting their work at the Cook County Courthouse.

Carolyn Olson has new work at Yellow Bird Fine Art.

Minneapolis painter Kat Corrigan is exhibiting her work in the Great Hall at Tettegouche State Park through February.

The Tweed Museum of Art is exhibiting a show entitled “Conflict: Soviet Era Art.” A presentation about the exhibit, entitled “Art on the Edges: Non-Conformists and Spirituality” will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 6 p.m. To register, click here. The presentation is free.

The Duluth Art Institute opened its Member Show last week featuring a variety of works in all media crafted by member artists. Tonja Sell won the People’s Choice Award.

The Member Show is on view through March 1.

Upcoming:

A Lunch & Learn Session about writing grants for regional grantors will be held at Cook County Higher Education from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20. Grantors at the presentation will include the North Shore Health Care Foundation, Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation, IRRB, the Lloyd K Johnson Foundation and the Cook County Community Foundation. Lunch includes pork enchiladas, citrus beans, salad and a cookie for dessert. Free. For more information, contact CCHE at 387-3411.

The Spirit of the Wilderness community art show, entitled “Kintsugi: Brokenness, Healing and Meaning” will open at North Shore Health at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21.

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending the areas of breakage with precious metals. Artistic members of the community have made art around this theme of how our lives can be made more beautiful through our creative response to brokenness.

There will be a panel presentation at 6 p.m. about creativity and healing. Stay tuned for details next week.

The North Shore Music Association will present Dylan Fresco’s “The Holocaust and Me,” at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts at 7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 22.

Fresco is a musician, theater artist, writer, and educator. In his performance, Fresco relates through storytelling and song how he came to realize the impact of the Holocaust on his family and his own life, despite his being born decades after it happened. Tickets are $10 adults, $5 youth ages 18 and under.

Not Shards Yet, a pottery seconds sale, will be held at the Grand Marais Art Colony‘s new building, Studio 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22 and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 23.

Not all pottery turns out flawless, and yet there is a goodness to these pieces. The potters from the Grand Marais Art Colony would  like to pass these piece on to their forever homes. Perfectly imperfect work will be for sale by donation and will benefit the Art Colony’s ceramic studio by going toward a new wheel and upgraded glaze mixing storage containers. Stop by Studio 21 at the corner of 1st Ave. W. and Hwy 61 next weekend and see what you can find.

Celtic Crossings: An Evening of Celtic Music, will be held at the Hovland Town Hall from 7-9 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 29.

The event is hosted by the Mountain Thyme Music Studio and the TBay Trad, from Thunder Bay. Other bands to perform include Frozen Britches, Jim McGowan and North County Fair. Freewill offering at the door. Bring a sweet to share.

The Grand Marais Art Colony, in partnership with the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, will present “For the Love of It! Professional Practice Conference” at the Art Colony March 6-8.  The conference is a smorgasbord of mini-classes and presentations covering everything from career planning, grant writing, pricing and record keeping and more. The classes are affordable and à la carte, allowing participants to pick and choose what is right for them. For more info and to see the selection of mini classes and the presenters, click here.

Call for Artists

The Creative Economy Collaboration has posted a call to artists to submit ideas for using the wood saved from the elm trees cut down this fall on Hwy 61 in preparation for a road renovation project scheduled for 2021. To find out more and how to submit an idea/application, click here.

Music:

Here’s the music schedule for the week:

Thursday, Feb. 13:

• Kevin Buck, Wunderbar, 6 p.m.
• Bob & Jill, Poplar River Pub, 6 p.m.
• Eric Frost, Date Night at the Winery, North Shore Winery, 7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 14:

• Kevin Buck, Skypot Lodge, 6 p.m.
• Portage, Grandma Ray’s, 6 p.m.
• Jim McGowan, Cascade Restaurant, 6 p.m.
• Briand Morrison, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• 4-Shore, Wunderbar, 7 p.m.
• Wheeler Burkes Trio, Gun Flint Tavern, 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 15:

• Jim McGowan, Wunderbar, 7 p.m.
• Log Cabin Concert, Michael Monroe, rural Grand Marais, 7 p.m., reservations at www.michaelmonroemusic.com
• Southpaws, Grandma Ray’s, 8 p.m.
• Wheeler Burkes Trio, Gun Flint Tavern, 8:30 p.m.
• Kevin Buck, Cascade Restaurant, 9 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 16:

• Jazz Brunch with Briand Morrison, Mogul’s Grille, 10 a.m.
• Open Stage with Joe Paulik & Pat Flack, Wunderbar, 6 p.m.
• Many Tiny Lights Fundraiser with SVEA, Drury Lane Books,, 6 p.m.
• Jim McGowan, Gun Flint Tavern, 7 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 17:

• Matt Browne, Voyageur Brewing, 6 p.m.
• Sarah Krueger, Singer/Songwriter Series, Papa Charlie’s, 8 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 17:

Gordon Thorne, Lutsen Resort, 6 p.m.

Photographs:

 We found some more great photographs this week. Check out these wildlife shots:

 

 

 

 

 Some beautiful landscapes:

And this… an ode to winter

Enjoy your weekend, everyone!

 

The sun has finally started to come out up here, and it has energized everyone. At least that seems to be the case, given what’s happening this week. It’s going to be busy.

One of the major reasons is that the Hygge Festival starts this week and continues through Feb. 16 with all kinds of events and activities. To get a head start and begin planning, click here for the complete schedule.

And there’s more.

First up, North House Folk School will hold a Contra Dance on Thursday, Feb. 6 from 6:30-9 p.m. in the Blue Building.

This is a family friendly event, and will feature live music and a caller to teach you the dances. It’s always great fun. There is a $5-$10 donation at the door. Open to everyone.

Also on Thursday evening, WTIP Community Radio is hosting B.J. Muus and Leonard Sobanja for this month’s Community Conversation.

The two men are well-known in the community. Muus was the long-time director of the Community Christmas concert and recently retired as host of  WTIP’s “The Sound of the Spirit.” Leonard Sobanja was principal of ISD 166 for years and later joined the school board. He has been a volunteer at the Cook County Historical Society and helped create WTIP’s “Moments in Time” feature.

The title of the show? “Wit and Wisdom from Two Local Men.” Tune in at 90.7 from 7-8 p.m. on Thursday.

In Duluth, the Duluth Art Institute‘s Member Show opens with a reception from 5-8 p.m. The show, one of the highlights of year, features work by member artists in every medium.

The evening will feature the ever popular People’s Choice Award, light appetizers, artist talks by Tommy Kronquist, Laura Andrews, and Paula Gudmundson, as well as live music. All invited.

The Hygge Festival officially opens on Friday with art events, a night ski and a snowshoe outings and the Snowarama at Grand Portage. There are great events every day during this 10-day festival.

On Friday, the Hygge Market opens at Voyageur Brewing, featuring local artists and artisans. The Big Lake, Hannah Palma Ceramics and glass artist Nancy Seaton will be among those exhibiting at the market.

The market will be held from 3-8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Also on Friday, Mick Caouette, the director of the documentary  film “Summoned: Frances Perkins and the General Welfare” will be interviewed on WTIP’s The Roadhouse.  The Roadhouse airs from 5-7 p.m.Caouette, an independent filmmaker, will be at the Grand Marais Public Library next Wednesday for a preview screening of his film, which is scheduled to be broadcast by PBS later this month. (See below for details for the screening as well as a trailer.)

Friday is movie night at the Grand Marais Public Library during the winter months, and this week, “Amazing Grace: Aretha Franklin” will be screened. Check out this trailer:

The film starts at 6 p.m. and is free. Come early to get a good seat.

On Saturday, the Snowarama continues at Grand Portage, with award ceremonies, a dinner and music by the Blue Collar Cocktail.

And Voyageur Brewing is hosting the Mukluk Ball on Saturday night. Everybody’s encourage to put on their mukuks (or boots) and head down to Voyageur to dance to Rod Dockan and the Sled Hounds.

The music starts at 6 p.m.

There’s other great music in the county on Saturday night, including Cloud Cult, which plays at Papa Charlie’s starting at 8:30 p.m. See the music schedule below for more.

On Sunday, Cook County Higher Education launches a new winter series entitled “Genocide & Peace-Building: Germany to Minnesota.” The series will provide opportunities for academic learning on a subject as well as workshops. To see the full schedule of events, click here.

The series begins with the screening of the film, “Watchers of the Sky.” Inspired by Samantha Power’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book, “A Problem From Hell,” the film takes you on a provocative journey from Nuremberg to The Hague, from Bosnia to Darfur, from criminality to justice, and from apathy to action. Here’s the trailer:

The film will be screened from 2-4 p.m. Sunday. A $15 donation at the door would be appreciated.

Then on Monday, the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra String Quartet will be at Voyageur Brewing to play classical music at 6 p.m.  These are always fun, laid-back but inspiring events, and jokes are not uncommon.

The event is free and open to all.

On Tuesday, events continue for the Hygge Festival, including a Family Night Ski and Dessert Potluck at Pincushion Mountain Trails. Participants are invited to bring a dessert to share and ski the trails starting at 6 p.m., followed by a return to the chalet to enjoy the treats. Free.

Tuesday is also the day that this year’s Fiber Week starts at North House Folk School.

This very popular event features lots of classes and workshops, but includes free events for the public, including skill shares, films and presentations. Check out the schedule here.

On Wednesday, the Grand Marais Public Library will screen the new documentary, “Summoned: Frances Perkins and the General Welfare,” directed Mick Caouette of South Hill Films. Caouette will be at the library to answer questions and discuss the film, The film tells the story of Labor Secretary Frances Perkins,who overcame overwhelming odds to become the first woman appointed to a Presidential Cabinet and the driving force behind Social Security, the 40-hour work week, the eight-hour day, minimum wage and unemployment compensation. Check out the trailer below.

The event starts at 5:30 p.m at the library. It is made possible by partnership with Drury Lane Books and Minnesota Children’s Press. Open to the public. Free.

 Exhibits:

 The Winter Plein Air Exhibit continues at the Johnson Heritage Post with an inspiring collection of work created by artists during their week-long stay at YMCA Camp Menogyn, including paintings in acrylic, watercolors. pastels and oil as well as felted wool.

Here’s an oil by John McGregor.

Here’s a felted wool painting by Elise Kyllo.

The exhibit continues through Feb. 23. The Heritage Post is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday.

Members of the Northwoods Fiber Guild are installing an exhibit of work at the Cook County Courthouse. Works by Carol Morgan, Max Linehan, Cheryl Larson, Nancy Haarmeyer and Jo Wood are on view so far. Stay tuned for details.

The Grand Marais Art Colony‘s exhibit, Along Shifting Surfaces: Snow Drifts and Shoreline Spaces by David Andree, continues through Feb. 16. The exhibit is in the Founders Hall.

The Nan Onkka Prints exhibit continues at the North Shore Winery.

Photographer Alyssa Johnson is exhibiting work at the Duluth Coffee Company in Duluth.

The Thunder Bay Art Gallery is featuring “Water is Life,” a series of photographs of the Current River taken by Grade 7 & 8 students from Kingsway Park.

 Upcoming:

The Spirit of the Wilderness Church is accepting 2-D and 3-D artworks for the 10th annual Community Art Show. The exhibit will be held at North Shore Health. Submissions are due Feb. 17-18. For more information, email maryellenvicar@gmail.com

The Grand Marais Clay Studio Potters will hold a Seconds Sale as a fundraiser for the clay studio on Saturday and Sunday Feb. 22 & 23 in the Art Colony’s new building, Studio 21. The sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. Sales are by donation. Stay tuned.

Duluth painter Adam Swanson will teach a class entitled “Painting the Land We Love” at the Grand Marais Art Colony Feb. 27-March 1.

To find out more about the class, click here. 

FYI

The North Shore Music Association has launched a drive for used musical instruments to donate to ISD 166 band students.  If you have an instrument in good or easily repairable condition that you would like to donate to the school, band director Mikkel Haas would love to hear from you.

If you would like to make a cash donation to the fund, please contact NSMA director, Kate Fitzgerald at 387-1272 or music@boreal.org.

Music:

Here’s the music schedule for the week:

Thursday, Jan. 6

• Jim Miller, Mogul’s Grille
• Gordon Thorne, North Shore Wintery, 7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 7:

• Mysterious Ways, Gun Flint Tavern, 7 p.m.
• Tapt Out, Wunderbar, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 8:

• Mukluk Ball, Rod Dockan and the Sled Hounds, Voyageur Brewing, 6 p.m.
• Mysterious Ways, Gun Flint Tavern, 7 p.m.
• Briand Morrison, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Brothers in Arms, Grandma Ray’s, 8 p.m.
• Cloud Cult, Papa Charlie’s, 8:30 p.m.
• Blue Collar Cocktail, Grand Portage Lodge & Casino, 9 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 9:

• Briand Morrison, Mogul’s Grille, 10 am.
• Open Stage with Joe Paulik & Pat Flack, Wunderbar, 6 p.m.
• Gene and Amy, Gun Flint Tavern, 7 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 10:

• Duluth-Superior Orchestra String Quartet, Voyageur Brewing, 6 p.m.
• Dan Rodriguez, Monday Songwriter Series, Papa Charlie’s, 8 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 11:

• Joe Paulik, Poplar River Pub, 6 p.m.

Photographs:

We found some pretty interesting wildlife photographs this week. Take a look:

 

 

And, not so wild:

We found some great winters landcapes, too.

And we found a few quirky ones:

And this beauty by Nathan Klok on the cover of the February/March issue of the Lake Superior Magazine. This month’s issue features photographs of the legendary Sea Stack at Tettegouche State Park, which went down in a storm earlier this year.

Have a great weekend, this year. Enjoy the Hygge Festival!

BTW: NorthShore ArtScene is a volunteer effort. Help support it by donating today. Just click on the logo below. And Thanks!

Ah, the beauteous light of winter, with its lovely pastels during the day and spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Offset that with deep white snow, temps hovering just below freezing, and you have a recipe for a perfect day. This week is no exception, and the trails throughout Cook County are in excellent shape. So are the ski hills. Visitcookcounty.com has a great page about the conditions on all the trails. Check it out here.

Meanwhile, indoors, it’s pretty busy for the next few days.

First up is a new print exhibit at the North Shore Winery. Local printmaker Nan Onkka is exhibiting her work there through March 30, with the opening from noon to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30.

Based in Grand Marais, Onkka works at home as well as teaches classes at the Grand Marais Art Colony. For more information, check out her website at www.nanokka.com The Winery is closed Tuesday and Wednesday, it is open from noon to 7 p.m. Friday through Monday, and from 2-8 p.m. Thursday.

North House Folk School is hosting a Try Out Weaving Night from 6:30-9 p.m on Thursday. Hosted by weavers Julie Arthur, Pat Zankman and Marie Westerman, the event will give participants a taste of the magical process of weaving threads into beautiful fabric,

The new floor looms are in the Green Building at North House. The event is free and open to the public

Also on Thursday, painter Kat Corrigan will open an exhibit in the Great Hall at Tettegouche State Park with a reception from 7-8:30 p.m.

Corrigan’s evocative watercolor and pastel paintings really highlight the North Shore of Lake Superior. Meet the artist and see what she does at this event, or come anytime (between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.) during the month of February at Tettegouche.

On Friday, the Johnson Heritage Post opens a new exhibit, Winter Plein Air, featuring works from artists who spend a week at YMCA Camp Menogyn painting winter. The opening reception is from 5-7 p.m. Friday.

This exhibit is always a favorite, featuring the astonishing and beautiful textures in the Northwoods this season. In past years, the painters have been known to be out there with their brushes at -20F. The temps might have been a little higher this year, but they were still out there. The exhibit continues through Feb. 23.

The Heritage Post is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and from 1-4 p.m. Sunday.

Also on Friday night, the Grand Marais Public Library continues it’s Friday Night Reels series. This week, it will feature the comedy, “BlackkKlansman,” a Spike Lee film with Adam Driver. Here’s the trailer.

The film is screened at 6 p.m. Free. Come early for good seats.

On Saturday, Lutsen Mountains will hold a Family Fun Night with the Teddy Bear Band at the Summit Chalet from 5:30-8 p.m.. The event features Magic by Chaz, music with the Teddy Bear Band, art projects and face painting as well as pizza and more. Tickets are $30 adults, $15 for kids 6-12. Tickets are available at the Lutsen Mountains ticket office.

On Monday, Charlie Parr will play at Papa Charlie’s for the winter Songwriter Series.

During these sessions, Papa Charlie’s is turned into a listening room showcasing the Midwest’s top songwriters in a theater-like setting. The intimate room and great sound gives the audience an opportunity to immerse into the stories and craft of the song. The concert begins at 6 p.m. Free.

Exhibits:

The exhibit, Winter Plein Air, opens at the Johnson Heritage Post on Friday and continues through Feb. 23.

The Grand Marais Art Colony is exhibiting “Shifting Surfaces: Snow Drifts and Shoreline Space” in the Founders Hall through Feb. 16.

The artist, David Andree, worked along the lakeshore and the woods to create the images and drawings in the exhibit.

The Duluth Art Institute is getting ready for it’s annual Member Show, which opens Feb. 3. Meanwhile, it has installed “War Paint,” an exhibition of work by Shaun Chosa in the Steffl Gallery.

 

Upcoming:

North House Folk School will hold a Contra Dance starting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 6. Tickets are $5.

The 4th annual Hygge Festival will be Feb. 7-16 this year, featuring everything from a fireplace tour, Hygge markets, film screenings, music by a string quartet from the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra, classes in everything from felting critters to making clay candle holders as well as night skis, snowshoe explorations and more.

“Hygge” (pronounced hoo-gah), a Danish concept, 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. This concept has been translated to events and activities in Cook County to everyone’s delight. For the complete schedule of Hygge Festival events, click here. And stay tuned.

 Music: 

Here’s the music schedule for this week:

Thursday, Jan. 30:

• Joshua Schmidt, Poplar River Pub, 6 p.m.
• Eric Frost, North Shore Winery, 7 p.m.
• Pushing Chain, Wunderbar, 7 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 31:

• Plucked Up String Band, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Quattro, Gun Flint Tavern, 7:30 p.m.
• Joshua Schmidt, Papa Charlie’s, 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 1:

• Pushing Chain & Eric Frost, Papa Charlie’s, 3:15-9:15
• Sky Blue Trio, Cascade Restaurant, 6 p.m.
• Joshua Schmidt, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Mysterious Ways, Gun Flint Tavern, 7:30 p.m.
• Joe Paulik Band, Grandma Ray’s, 8 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 2:

• Briand Morrison, Mogul’s Grille, 10 a.m.
• Open Stage with Joe Paulik & Pat Flack, Wunderbar, 6 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 3:

• Mumblin’ Drew, Voyageur Brewing, 5 p.m.
• Charlie Parr, Monday Night Songwriter Series, Papa Charlie’s, 8 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 4:

 

• Gene Lafond & Amy Grillo, Lutsen Resort, 6 p.m.

Photographs:

We found lots of wildlife photographs this week, as well as some beautiful landscapes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And, a not-so-wild. The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon was held this week, and photographers were out catching the moment.

Here are some landscapes, too.

 

 

 

 

 

And finally, this beauty, by Layne Kennedy.

Have a great weekend, everyone!