North Shore Arts Scene

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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We always know when it’s snowing on the North Shore — it gets so quiet. Earlier this week, we had lots of “quiet.” Grand Marais saw 12 inches of snow, while Hovland made Minnesota headlines with its 16.5 inches. All to the good for us winter lovers. And this week, it looks like a perfect time to get outside and enjoy, as the temps are predicted to hover just around freezing, and a little above.

Indoors, look for film screenings, an art show, highland dancing and more.

First up, you might have to put on your time-travel suit to enjoy the three offerings on Thursday.

First up, WTIP’s The Roadhouse which will feature an interview with plein air painters Neil Sherman and Michelle Wegler about the Winter Plein Air Retreat at YMCA Camp Menogyn. Painters from throughout the region stay at Menogyn and paint for a week, cold or not cold, and the results are exhibited at the Johnson Heritage Post next Friday, Jan. 31.

Next, North House Folk School‘s winter Film Series will feature the screening of “Kaisa’s Enchanted Forest,” a Finnish documentary film about lifelong friends, the age-old legend of Aurora Borealis and the Sami culture. It will be screened from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Blue Building on Thursday.

Here’s the trailer.

North House will provide the popcorn, you can provide your beverages or snacks, if desired. The film in free. Open to all.

Also on Thursday night, Betsy Bowen is one of the artists who will be featured in WDSE’s series, Making It Up North. The series is broadcast at 8 p.m. on Thursday. In this segment, we visit Bowen in her studio and learn about woodcut printmaking. Others featured in this week’s show are Anne Dugan in her century-old barn,  and the founders of Pinnacle Studios recording dreams and making podcasts. Check the teaser out here.

To continue the film theme, the Grand Marais Public Library‘s Friday Night Reels continues this Friday with the screening of “Fighting With My Family,” a  biographical sports comedy-drama about an English professional wrestler and her family. Check out the trailer below.

The film will be screened at 6 p.m. in the library. Free. Come early to get a good seat.

Also, the Grand Marais Art Colony is hosting a Critical Response Critique Session with artists Lizbeth Brown and Elise Kyllo from 6-8:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24.

Critical Response allows artists to ask questions about their work in a non-judgmental setting and nurtures the development of artistic works through a facilitated dialogue between artists, peers, and audiences. Brown and Kyllo will share their work and participants will provide peer critique, responding to Liz and Elise’s outlined goals. All are welcome to join regardless of artistic background. Free.

On Saturday, the 2020 Robert Burns Dinner will be held at the Wunderbar starting at 5:30 p.m. The event features dinner, highland piping and dancing as well as the reading of a few of Burns poems.

Reservations are $50 per person and may be made on evenbrite.com. Call the Wunderbar at 218-877-7655 for more information.

FYI, this event is sold out, but it’s important to note: The Lutsen Fireman’s Ball will be held at Waters of Superior on Saturday night from 5-11:55 p.m.

On the other hand, there might be an opening or two. Here’s a link to find out.

On Sunday, the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon begins, with the start at Billy’s just outside of Duluth. There are three races this year. The 295-mile Marathon, the Beargrease 120 and the Beargrease 40. In all, more than 60 mushers have signed up for the races. Here’s a map of the routes:

Check points for the Marathon include Finland in Lake County and Sawbill, Skyport, Trail Center, Kings Road Turnaround and Mineral Center in Cook County. The Marathon ends in Grand Portage.

For all kinds of information about the race, including links to GPS tracking, mushers bios, etc., visit www.beargrease.com

Here’s an excellent video about the race last year compiled by Carl Sauer.

 Exhibits:

This is the last weekend to see  “Wood Swept,” the wood-working/broom making exhibit by Mary Beth Garmoe at the Johnson Heritage Post.

The Grand Marais Art Colony is exhibiting Along Shifting Surfaces, a series of drawings and photographs by David Andree.

The exhibit continues through Feb. 16.

The Great Hall at Tettegouche State Park is featuring abstract landscapes by Jane Johnson.

The exhibit continues through Jan. 31.

There is still time to sign up for the premiere screening of “Rabbett Before Horses Strickland”  a special one-hour PBS-WI documentary presenting an in-depth portrait of the Northern Wisconsin-based artist, at the Tweed Museum of Art. The reception is from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4. The screening is at 7 p.m.

The screening is free, but a sign-up is required through eventbrite. Click here. If you’d like to learn more about Rabbett and how he developed his work, click here for a great interview on “Native Report.” Click to 10 minutes in.  It was recorded earlier this year.

This is the week that members of the Duluth Art Institute are bringing in new work for the Members Show, which opens at the DAI Feb. 6.

And in Thunder Bay, The Fibre Arts Exhibition is on view at the Baggage Building Art Centre.

It continues through February.

Upcoming:

Winter Reading Groups at the Art Colony: Come together with other artists, art appreciators, and book lovers this winter by joining one of four reading groups. Groups will meet on Jan. 30, Feb. 6 and 20 to discuss their book. Two groups will meet in the morning and two in the evening. Click the hyper-links below to learn more.

Morning Reading Groups | 10 am – 12 pm

• Dancing with the Gods by Kent Nerburn with Lin Salisbury
• The New Earthwork edited by Twylene Moyer & Glenn Harper with Ruth Pszwaro

Evening Reading Groups | 6 – 8 pm

•  Landscape and Memory by Simon Shama with John Books
• Dæmon Voices: On Stories & Storytelling by Philip Pullman with Rose Arrowsmith DeCoux

The Grand Marais Playhouse has put out a call for costume creators for upcoming Playhouse productions. A Costume Crew Informational meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30 at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts. Interested? Show up or email Sue Hennessy at sue@grandmaraisplayhouse.com

The Winter Plein Air Art Exhibit opens at the Johnson Heritage Post with a reception from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31. Refreshments will be served.

Charlie Parr will be at Papa Charlie’s for the Monday Songwriter Series on Feb. 3 at 8 p.m.

The Spicy … Or Not Potluck will be held at the Cook County Community Center at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 7. The event is sponsored by the Northwoods Food Project. Besides enjoying the potluck, participants will discuss new varieties that have thrived in their gardens. All invited.

The Grand Marais’ Hygge Festival runs Feb. 7-16 and will feature everything from fireplace tours and candlelight cross-country ski and snowshoe outings to a traditional Scandinavian folk song concert and music by a string quartet from the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra at Voyageur Brewing. Stay tuned for details.

Fiber Week at North House Folk School is Feb. 11-17 this year, with a wide variety of classes, workshops and presentations. Check it out here.

For the Love of It! A conference about creating a sustainable life as an artist will be held at the Grand Marais Art Colony March 6-8. For more info, click here.

Artist News:

Congratulations! to Corrie Steckelberg of Hovland who was recently awarded a $10,000 Artist Initiative Grant by the Minnesota State Arts Board to continue her sculptural work. According to the release, “Steckelberg’s sculptures explore the reality of habitat loss while also speaking about the beauty of change and regrowth. Landscape, weather, and visitors around Grand Marais will impact and push the pieces forward.”

The Artist Initiative grant program is designed to support and assist professional Minnesota artists at various stages in their careers by encouraging artistic development, nurturing artistic creativity, and recognizing the contributions of individual artists to the creative environment of the state of Minnesota.

 Music:

Here’s the music schedule for this week.

Thursday, Jan. 23:

• Briand Morrison, Poplar River Pub, 6 p.m.
• Gordon Thorne & Friends, North Shore Wintery, 7 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 24:

• Portage, Grandma Ray’s, 6 p.m.
• TBA, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 25:

• Cook County’s Most Wanted, Skyport Lodge, 5 p.m.
• Jim & Michelle Miller, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• TBA, Gun Flint Tavern, 7 p.m.
• Mysterious Ways, Grandma Ray’s, 8 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 26:

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

Monday, Jan. 27:

• Matthew Griswold, Voyageur Brewing, 5 p.m.
• Luke Callen, Monday Night Songwriter Series, Papa Charlie’s, 8 p.m.
• Joe Paulik, Poplar River Pub, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 28:

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

Photographs:

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

First, wildlife:

 

 

 

 

 

And some Lake Superior scenes.

 

 

 

 

And here’s a quirky one… it was probably taken in Russia, but we couldn’t find credits for it.

 

Then peaceful winter scenes:

 

And then this spectacular shot:

Enjoy the weekend, everyone!

And, if you enjoyed NorthShore ArtScene this week, please consider supporting it with a donation today. Click on the icon for more info. And Thank You!

 

 

 

We like it when winter settles in up here. The peace and beauty of  the outdoor landscape, the joy of sitting with friends in a cozy room — all are a part of the experience. We also like sharing with others, and there will be lots of opportunities this week.

First up, boatbuilder Josh Tolkan and felter Elise Kyllo will be featured in an Open Studio Night at the Artisan Development Program Studios, which are located above the Betsy Bowen Gallery at3 01 First St. W. for 6:30 -6:30 .m.Both Tolkan and Kyllo are participating in the 2-year Artisan Development Program at North House Folk School,

The public is invited to drop by the studios, see some of their works in progress and enjoy light refreshments.

On Friday, the Sky Blue Trio will be on WTIP’s The Roadhouse to talk about their music and play a few tunes. The Roadhouse airs from 5-7 p.m.

Also on Friday night, the Friday Night Reels series continues at the Grand Marais Public Library with the screening of “The Public,” a comedy about a big city library. Watch the trailer, below.

The movie starts at 6 p.m. Come early to get a good seat. Free.

This weekend, Saturday and Sunday are open for whatever anyone wants to do. Enjoy the snow-covered trails, listen to some good music, read a book at home, have dinner with friends. It’s all part of the great winter experience on the North Shore.

On Monday, put on your dancing shoes for Dance, Dance, Dance, the monthly dance party that is held in the 4-H Log Building at the Cook County 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 featuring a danceable mix of club, pop, soul, funk and international music. Everyone welcome. No experience necessary and it’s free. Bring a water bottle and prepare to shed your layers! For more info, call 612-961-4691.

Exhibits:

 Marybeth Garmoe’s exhibit, “Wood Swept,” continues at the Johnson Heritage Post featuring a great selection of her brooms, dustpans and wooden bowls.

The exhibit continues through Jan. 26. The Heritage Post is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and from 1-4 p.m. Sunday.

Jane Johnson’s abstract landscapes are currently on exhibit at in the Great Room at Tettegouche State Park.

The paintings will be on exhibit through Jan. 31.

In Duluth, the Tweed Museum of Art has a number of on-going exhibits, including this painting from its permanent collection.

The Tweed is on the campus of the University of Minnesota Duluth.

The Duluth Art Institute is exhibiting work by member artists in the Duluth Mayor’s office, including this piece by Sharon Dawson.

The painting will be on view through Feb. 15.

In Thunder Bay, the Thunder Bay Art Gallery continues its popular exhibit, The North Now, representing artists working in northern Ontario.

The exhibit continues through mid-February.

Upcoming:

Next Saturday, Jan. 25,  the Wunderbar will host the 2nd annual Robert Burns Dinner, featuring piping, Highland dancing, a full course dinner and readings from Burns’ poetry. Reservations are $50 and may be made on eventbrite.com. Call the Wunderbar at 218-877-7655 for more information.

In Thunder Bay, the Definitely Superior Art Gallery will present “Derelicte 12: A Fashion Odyssey” at the Black Pirates Pub on Saturday, Jan. 25.

The event features intriguing wearable art and exciting fashions, modeled on the catwalk as well as a wide range of performances and bands as well as an end-of-the-night DJ dance party. Tickets are $15 at the door. The fun starts at 8 p.m. (EST)

On Sunday, the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon starts in Duluth. Stay tuned for details.

And finally, the Winter Plein Air opening reception will be held at the Johnson Heritage Post from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31. The exhibit features the work that artists created at YMCA Camp Menogyn that week.

For Artists:

The 10th annual Community Art Show sponsored by the Spirt of the Wilderness Episcopal Church, will be held in the halls of North Shore Health this year. All ages are invited to participate. The theme this year is Kintsugi. the Japanese art of repairing pottery by mending areas of breakage with precious metals, making the work more beautiful and more intriguing for having been broken,

Members of the community are invited to consider these themes of brokenness, healing and meaning through their chosen medium. The show will open on Feb. 21 and will run through the end of April. Provision is being made for 3D as well as. 2-D works. Each artist must provide titles, a price list, a brief artist statement, and contact information when they drop their work on Feb. 17 or Feb. 18 at North Shore Health. Any sales of works will be direct with the individual artist, with neither Spirit of the Wilderness Episcopal Church nor North Shore Health participating in the sale. For more information, email Mary Ellen Ashcroft at maryellenvicar@gmail.com

Music:

Here is the music schedule for this weekend:

Thursday, Jan. 16:

• Kevin Buck, Lutsen Resort, 6 p.m.
• Eric Frost, North Shore Winery, 7 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 17:

• 4Shore, Wunderbar, 7 p.m.
• Pushing Chain, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Colleen Myhre, Gun Flint Tavern, 8:30 p.m.

Saturday Jan. 18:

• Billy Johnson, North Shore Winery, 3 p.m.
• Jim McGowan, Cascade Lodge, 6 p.m.
• Gordon Thorne, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Vessel, Wunderbar, 7 p.m.
• Bughouse, Grandma Ray’s, 8 p.m.
• Colleen Myre, Gun Flint Tavern, 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 19:

• Briand Morrison, Moguls Grille,10 a.m.
• Open Stage with Joe Paulik, Wunderbar, 6 p.m.
• Jim McGowan, Gun Flint Tavern, 7 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 20:

• Billy Johnson, Voyageur Brewing, 5 p.m.
• Jeremy Messersmith, Monday Night Songwriter Series, Papa Charlie’s, 8 p.m.

Photographs:

Here’s a selection of photographs we found this week.

First, wildlife:

 

 

 

 

 

We found some great winter shots, too:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And finally, this one, of the Wolf Moon rising:

Enjoy your weekend, everyone!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to winter!

There are lots of celebrations on the snow-covered hills of Cook County this weekend. There’s a sled dog race, a fat bike race and a (downhill) ski festival, not to mention the hundreds of people who will be out on the cross country ski trails.  snowmobile trails and snowshoe trails enjoying the heart of winter.

The weekend starts with a few indoor events, too.

On Thursday, John Tolkan and John Beltman will lead a discussion about the Herring Skiff Project at a Brown Bag Lunch from noon to 1 p.m. in the Boat Barn at North House Folk School.

The two-year-long project is a partnership between the Cook County Historical Society and North House to build a replica of a herring skiff. The public is invited to come hear about the project’s progress and learn how to get involved. Free. Open to all. It’s from noon to 1 p.m. and is the first in a series on building various craft at the Folk School.

And then, on Thursday night at 8 pm., WDSE-TV will be screening “Making It: Crafting a Life,” featuring the the four artists currently enrolled in the Artisan Development Program at the Folk School.Josh Tolkan (boat building), Mike Loeffler (wood craft including his bird bowls,) MaryBeth Garmoe (broom-making, birchbark) and Elise Kyllo (felting) are all featured on the show.

The show will be aired at 8 p.m. on Thursday. Here’s a great interview of Making It’s producer, Karen Sunderman, by WTIP’s Joe Frederichs. Click here to listen.

There’s quite a list to choose from on Friday.

The Grand Marais Art Colony will hold the opening reception for “Along Shifting Surfaces” by David Andree at the Art Colony from 5-7 p.m. on Friday.

During his residency, Andree has been on the shore investigating the transitory topography of snow drifts and shoreline spaces through painting and sculptural intervention. The (indoor) exhibition at the Art Colony  will include paintings, drawings and photographic prints of his work here. All invited. The exhibit in the Founders Hall continues through Feb. 16.

For movie lovers, Friday Night Reels continues at the Grand Marais Public Library with the screening of “Ulysses & Mona,” at 6 p.m. Friday. It’s a great story about a 55-year-old contemporary artist who spends his life in seclusion and a 20-year-old art student who meets him and changes their lives forever. The movie is in French, with subtitles. Free. Here’s the trailer.

 

Also on Friday, the Ski Party Music Festival starts at Papa Charlie’s featuring six different bands featured over the weekend. On Friday night, Portal III, Dead Man Winter and the Black-eyed Snakes will perform. On Saturday night, Humbird, Charlie Parr and the Cactus Blossoms will be on stage. Great music, and the look for new snow on the hills.

On Saturday, there are two outdoor races: The Gunflint Mail Run Sled Dog Race and the Norpine Fat Bike Classic.

The Fat Bike race will be start at Cascade Lodge at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. Click here for more info.

The popular Gunflint Mail Run Sled Dog Race begins at Trail Center where more than 25 local and regional mushers have signed up, including winners of the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon.

There are two classes in the race: a 12-dog, 100-mile race and an 8-dog, 65-mile race. The races will start and finish at Trail Center, with a rest break halfway through (also at Trail Center). The races start around 8 a.m.

If you want to see the dogs on the trail, check out the north end of the trail: there is a spectator area at the Old Blankenberg Pit, where the 12-dog teams are turning around. Great viewing is also available at Big Bear Lodge and Rockwood Lodge.

For all the details of the race, including the mushers, routes, photographs, dogs and more, click here.

Here’s an interesting sidebar.

Frank Moe will be in the race, and one of the people who has been helping him with his dogs this winter is Anastasia Gill, a CPA from Houston, Texas, who needed a break from urban life. She took up his offer to help out with Moe’s dogs this winter and has been having a great time. She even has a podcast on WTIP Community Radio where she talks about her adventures. It’s called “Sled Dogs, Cold Toes and a Gal from Texas.” You can listen to it here.

To read the article about her in the Houston Chronicle. click here. The headline reads: “A Houston CPA felt a slow-burning burnout, so she traded skyscrapers for sled dogs.”

Also on Saturday, the North Shore Music Association will present “Cantus: One Giant Leap” at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts at 7 p.m.

Hailed as “the premier men’s vocal ensemble in the United States” (Fanfare), Cantus is known for its trademark warmth and blend, innovative programming, and riveting performances of music ranging from the Renaissance to the 21st century. The program is entitled “One Giant Leap” and celebrates the group’s 25th anniversary and 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing with music inspired by the celestial skies.

Tickets are general admission, $25 adults, $10 youth 18 & under.

Here’s a clip of their work.

On Wednesday, Jan. 15, the Grand Marais Art Colony will host “Community Conversations: Hanging and Displaying Your Work” in the Founders Hall from noon to 2 p.m. The event will feature Joseph Nease, owner of the Joseph Nease Gallery in Duluth and Neil Sherman, a plein air painter who won the Best Booth Award in last year’s Grand Marais Arts Festival and is a framer at Sivertson Gallery.

Nease and Sherman will be on hand to give tips and pointers that could apply to hanging or displaying both two and three-dimensional work in a home, gallery or in an arts festival booth. Also, information about the 100Day Project will be available. The project launches on Jan. 22. The event is open to the public and free.

Exhibits:

 “Wood Swept,” an exhibit of work by wood worker and North House Folk School instructor, Marybeth Garmoe, is on exhibit at the Johnson Heritage Post.

Garmoe works in wood and fiber, making brooms, dustpans and carved pieces. The exhibit continues  through Jan. 26. The Heritage Post is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday.

This is the final week to see Mike Loeffler’s Artisan Development Final Show at North House Folk School. The exhibit features his bird bowls as well as wooden furniture and more.

Grand Marais plein air painter Tom McCann is exhibiting his work at the Cook County Courthouse.

Minnetonka artist Jane Johnson is exhibiting her abstract landscape paintings in the Great Hall at Tettegouche State Park.

The exhibit continues through Jan. 31.

The Thunder Bay Art Gallery is featuring work by Benjamin Chee Chee this winter.

Artist Opportunities:

Call to North Shore Artists: The 10th annual Spirit of the Wilderness Show, featuring work by artists of every age, will be held in the halls of North Shore Community Health this year. The theme of this year’s exhibit is “Kintsugi,” the Japanese art of repairing pottery by mending areas of breakage with precious metals. Artists are invited to consider these themes of brokenness, healing and learning through their chosen medium. The show will open Feb. 21 and run through April. The deadline to deliver work is Feb. 17 or 18. Stay tuned for details.

The applications for the Grand Marais Arts Festival 2020 are now available online.

Applications will be accepted until midnight on March 9. The festival will be July 11-12 this year. To find out more and to apply, click here.

Applications are being accepted for the Porcupine Mountains Artist-in-Residence Program for the 2020 Spring, Summer and Fall and the 2021 Winter Residences. It is open to artists, artisans and musicians whose work can be influenced by the unique northern wilderness setting of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.

Each year a number of artists will be selected for residencies lasting a minimum of two weeks. Artists will be given the use of a rustic cabin located on the Little Union River and, if requested, a three-night backcountry permit so that they may live in and explore the park’s 60,000 acres of natural beauty, ranging from stunning vistas to 90 miles of rugged backcountry trails.

During their residency, artists will be asked to share their experiences with the public through demonstrations or talks. The artists are required to contribute an art piece representative of their stay.

To find out more and apply, click here.

The Art Colony is offering two major mentorship opportunities for experienced printmaking artists and writers: Peter Geye’s “Writing the North Shore,” and Jeff Hirst’s “Mentorship in Printmaking.” For more information about each, click on the above links.

Upcoming:

 Auditions for the community youth play, “Cinderella,” will be held at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts Jan. 27 at 3:35 p.m. This community youth play is for actors in Grades 3-8. The play includes four fairy tales with similar themes to the story commonly known as Cinderella. For more info, click here.

The 2nd annual Robert Burns Dinner will be held at the Wunderbar on Saturday, Jan. 25.

This is the traditional birthday of Scottish poet, Robert Burns, who is revered throughout the world. The evening starts at 5:30 p.m. with a social hour and live music including piping, highland dancing and fiddle tunes. A full course dinner is served at 7 p.m. followed by a program of Burns’ poetry readings and some of his more famous songs. Reservations are $50 per person and may be made on evenbrite.com. Call Wunderbar at 218-877-7655 for more information.

Ann and Wayne Russ will teach an 8-week dance class on Tuesdays, Feb. 4-March 31 at the 4-H Building at the Community Center. The classes will be from 7:15-9 p.m. For more information and to register, email russ@boreal.org

 Music:

Thursday, Jan. 9:

• Jim Miller, Poplar River Pub, 6 p.m.
• Gordon Thorne & Friends, North Shore Winery, 7 p.m.

Friday, Jan.10:

Jim Miller, Moguls Grille, 4 p.m.

Portage, Grandma Ray’s, 6 p.m.

• Saints of Circumstance, Gun Flint Tavern, 8:30 p.m.
• Ski Party Music Festival, 3 bands, Papa Charlie’s, 9 p.m.– Portal III, 9 p.m., Dead Man Winter, 9:55 p.m., Black Eyed Snakes, 11:15 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 11:

• Briand Morrison, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Cantus: One Giant Leap, Arrowhead Center for the Arts, 7 p.m.
• Brother’s in Arms, Grandma Ray’s, 8 p.m.
• Saints of Circumstance, Gun Flint Ta vern, 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 12:

• Open Stage with Joe Paulik & Pat Flack, Wunderbar, 6 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 13:

• Dave Simonett, Monday Night Songwriter Series, Papa Charlie’s, 8 p.m.

Photographs:

Here are some of the photographs we found this week. First, wildlife:

 

 

 

Kristofer Bowman calls this Seasonal Housing.

Evidence of human life:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Photographer Christian Dalbec was at Crystal Bay at Tettegouche State Park on Sunday, Dec. 29, and took this video of Lake Superior waves crashing into the cliffs. It was the last storm of 2019.

But then, 2020 came in pretty quietly here on the North Shore, mirroring, perhaps, the mood of the communities. Snow lovers are having a great time, however. The trails are packed with new snow as are the ski slopes, and everyone is taking advantage of the warm temps we’re having this week.

And there’s some great music:

Gordon Thorne & Friends will be playing for Date Night at the North Shore Winery, always a good place to be on a cold winter evening.

And The Sky Blue Trio will play at the Cascade Lodge Restaurant and Pub on Saturday at 6 p.m. They will be playing upbeat jazz on the first Saturday of every month this winter. Something to look forward to.

And Papa Charlie’s returns with its Monday Night Songwriter Series on Jan. 6. The Sarah Morris Trio will play starting at 8:30 p.m. This is billed as a quiet time to just listen to music at the Lutsen Mountains venue.

There are lots of other great bands playing this weekend, too, Check the Music Schedule below for dates and times.

First up for 2020, is an art opening at the Johnson Heritage Post. “Wood Swept,” a fascinating exhibit by North House artisan Marybeth Garmoe, featuring works in broommaking, woodcarving, and woodturning. The opening reception is from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 3.

Garmoe is just finishing up her two-year participation in North House’s Artisan Development Program. This is her final show.

To find out more about Garmoe and the process to make her work, click here.. The exhibit at the Heritage Post continues through Jan. 26.

Also on Friday, the Director’s Cut of “Bladerunner” will be screened at the Grand Marais Public Library at 6 p.m. Free.

Also this weekend, the Grand Opening for the Warming House at the Cook County Community Center will be from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 5.

The new warming house has technically taken 20 years to build. Thanks to community commitment and perseverance, it was built this summer and is now ready to be enjoyed. There will be free skating all day on Sunday and refreshments, including soups, will be served. All invited.

At noon next Thursday, Jan. 9, North House Folk School starts its Brown Bag Lunch Series to introduce information about different water crafts. The presentation on Jan. 9 is entitled Herring Skiff Project with Josh Tolkan and John Beltman.

The 2-year project, in collaboration with the Cook County Historical Society, is to build a replica of a historic herring skiff, representative of the boats used by fishermen in the 1940s. The brown bag lunch series are free. All invited.

Lots of events next weekend

And next weekend, look forward to the Gunflint Mail Run Sled Dog Race Jan. 11-12. Trail Center Lodge is the center of the races, which consist of two legs of equal distance separated by a mandatory layover. There are two classes in the race: a 12-dog, 100-mile race and an 8-dog, 65-mile race. T

At last count, more than 25 mushers are registered for the race. Volunteers are still needed. For more info on the race, who’s racing and more, click here. Stay tuned for more info next week.

Also on Saturday, Jan. 11, the Norpine Fat Bike Classic will be held with a new course and a new venue.

Cascade Lodge is the host this year, and the races will start from there. For more info and to register, click here. Stay tuned for more info next week.

Also next weekend, Lutsen Mountains will hold the Ski Party Music and Ski Festival Jan. 10-12. Bands include Black-Eyed Snakes,  Dead Man Winter, Portal III, the Cactus Blossoms, Charlie Parr and Humbird. For more info, click here.

Also on Saturday, Jan. 11, the North Shore Music Association presents “Cantus: One Giant Leap.” The group is hailed at the “premier men’s vocal ensemble in the United States.” This concert celebrates the group’s 25th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing with a special program. Tickets are $25 adults, $10 youth 18 and under. Stay tuned for more info next week.

Here’s a clip:

Kudos

“The Lost Forest” by Phyllis Root with illustrations by Betsy Bowen received an honorable mention in the National Outdoor Book Award 2019 contest.

 Extra Reading/Viewing

Grand Marais photographer Bryan Hansel has just published a year-end update about how he felt he did as an artist in 2019.

The blog includes his favorite shots of 2019 as well as the essay. Click here for the link.

 And here’s an interesting article. Entitled “What Was the Most Influential (Art) Work of the Decade?,” dozens of art-world experts weigh-in. It’s fun to scroll through.

To see the complete article, click here.

 Music Schedule:

 Thursday, Jan. 2:

• Jon Kalberg, Lutsen Resort, 6 p.m.
• Gordon Thorne, North Shore Winery, 7 p.m.
• Plucked Up String Band, Wunderbar, 7 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 3:

• Joe Paulik, Cascade Lodge Restaurant, 6 p.m.
• Jill and Rob, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Odd Man Out, Gun Flint Tavern, 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 4:

• Sky Blue Trio, Cascade Lodge Restaurant, 6 p.m.
• 4 Shore, Wunderbar, 7 p.m.
• Plucked Up String Band, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Joe Paulik Band, Grandma Ray’s, 8 p.m.
• Odd Man Out, Gun Flint Tavern, 8:30 p.m.
• Yam Haus, Papa Charlie’s, 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 5:

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

Monday, Jan. 6:

• LaFond & Grillo,  Voyageur Brewing, 5 p.m.
• Sarah Morris Trio, Monday Songwriter Series, Papa Charlie’s, 8 p.m.
• Gordon Thorne, Lutsen Resort, 6 p.m.

 Photographs:

We found some interesting photographs this week. Here’s a selection:

First, wildlife:

 

 

We’ve had such a variety of weather here on the North Shore over the holiday season.

First, rain/sleet/ice, then gentle snow, then wild winds … here are some examples:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 And then it got cold:

And then it got windy:

And windier:

 

 

 

 

 

 

And then, the storm was over:

Happy New Year, everyone!

This is the week to settle back and enjoy family and winter in Cook County. 2020 is just around the corner, but meanwhile, the hills and trails are in great shape for everyone to enjoy.

Visitcookcounty.com has a special page where it is posting the latest info on the condition of all the winter trails in Cook County, including snowmobile and winter biking trails. Check it out here.

Just in: Due to predictions of a major winter storm hitting the North Shore on Sunday, Dec. 29, the Grand Opening event for the Warming House at the Cook County Community Center has been rescheduled for Sunday, Jan. 5. After 20 years of plans, hopes and dreams,  the warming house has finally been built and is now operational. To celebrate this event, the official Grand Opening will be  from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan.5. Free ice skating all day from 11 a.m. t0 7 p.m. Cookies and other refreshments will be served. All welcome!

Another news item this week: the great selection of New Year’s Eve parties to ring in the new decade. Here’s the list:

Gunflint Lodge, dinner and live music,  5:30-11 p.m.

New Year’s Eve with the North Shore Swing Band, Wunderbar, 6-8 p.m

Log Cabin Concert with Michael Monroe, rural Grand Marais, 7 p.m

New Year’s with Cook County’s Most Wanted, Gun Flint Tavern, 8:30 p.m.

Boogie Wonderland New Year’s Eve Dance, Grand Portage Lodge & Casino,  8 p.m.

New Year’s Eve Party with 4 Shore, Grandma Ray’s, 9:30 p.m.

New Year’s Eve Dance Party with DJ Beavstar, Papa Charlie’s, 10 p.m.

Exhibits:

There are some interesting exhibits to see this week as well.

This is the last weekend to see the Holiday Art Underground Show at Betsy Bowen’s Studio.

The show, featuring more than 40 local and regional artists, including prints, cards and books by Betsy Bowen, closes Dec. 29.

This is also the last weekend to see Molly Ovenden’s “Art in Process: The Exhibition” at the Johnson Heritage Post.

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

Mike Loeffler’s final show as he concludes his time in North House Folk School‘s Artisan Development Program, continues at North House through Jan. 13.

During this 2-year period, Loeffler continued to develop his skills as an artisan, with a focus on timber framing and woodcarving, including beautiful bird bowls, wooden furniture, and more. Stop by the Yellow House at North House to get directions to Loeffler’s exhibit.

At the Tweed Museum of Art in Duluth, an exhibit of bandolier bags continues.

In Thunder Bay, the Thunder Bay Art Gallery is exhibiting “The North Now,” an exhibit that showcases work by artists from Northern Ontario.

The exhibit continues through Feb. 16.

Upcoming:

 Next Friday, Jan 3, there are two art openings: one at the Johnson Heritage Post and one in the Great Hall at Tettegouche State Park.

Marybeth Garmoe will open an exhibit at the Johnson Heritage Post with a reception from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 3.

And Jane Johnson, an abstract painter from the Twin Cities, will open an exhibit at Tettegouche State Park on Friday, Jan. 3, with a reception from 7-8:30 p.m. Stay tuned for details.

And last, but not least, the Grand Marais Public Library announces the return of Friday Night Reels, a film series that takes place at the library each Friday night at 6 p.m. through March 6.

This year’s first film is Blade Runner. starring Harrison Ford. The film to be screened is The Director’s Cut, which removes the voice-over narration and forced happy ending. No registration is required for this event, but seating is limited. Come early. Free.

Here’s the trailer:

 Music:

Here’s the music schedule for the week, including New Year’s parties.

Thursday, Dec. 26:

• Jim Miller with Max Bichel, Lutsen Resort lobby, 7 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 27:

• Portage, Grandma Ray’s, 6 p.m.
• Terry V and Friends, Wunderbar, 7 p.m.
• Eric Frost, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Pushing Chain, Gun Flint Tavern, 7:30 p.m.
• Jim Miller with Max Bichel, Bluefin Grille, 8 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 28:

• Joe Paulik Band, Wunderbar, 7 p.m.
• Micheal Monroe Log Cabin Concert, rural Grand Marais, 7 p.m. Reservations at michealmonroemusic.com
• Mysterious Ways, Grandma Ray’s, 8 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 29:

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

Tuesday, Dec. 31:

• Brothers in Arms, Cascade Restaurant & Pub. 6 p.m.
• Briand Morrison, Lutsen Resort, 7-10 p.m.
• Log Cabin Concert with Michael Monroe, rural grand marais, 8 p.m.
• Cook County’s Most Wanted, Gun Flint Tavern, 8:30 p.m.
• Fireworks at Papa Charlie’s, 8-8:30 p.m.
• New Year’s Eve with Cook County’s Most Wanted, Gun Flint Tavern, 8:30 p.m.
• Boogie Wonderland New Year’s Eve Dance, Grand Portage Loge & Casino, 8 p.m..
• New Year’s Eve Party with 4 Shore, Grandma Ray’s, 9:30 p.m.
• New Year’s Dance Party with DJ Beavstar, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Photographs

It’s been pretty quiet on the photographic front this week. Here’s a selection from what we found:

First, wildlife:

 

 

 

And the not-so-wild:

Here’s an interesting study of light, shadows, ice and color:

A few winter landscapes:

 

 

A few cold, winter sunsets:

 

And some great water shots:

 

And finally, a welcome for the New Year:

Have a great week, everyone!BTW: If you’d like to consider making a year-end contribution to NorthShore ArtScene, click on the icon below. And Thank You!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Season’s Greetings! The North Shore certainly looks like it’s welcoming the holiday season, with lots of great snow and winter sunsets brightening the sky.

This is also the month for marking the conclusion of successful projects (and the year), and, at North House Folk School, wood artisan Mark Loeffler will hold a final show as he concludes his time in North House’s Artisan Development Program.

Over the two years of the program, Mike has continued to develop his skills as an artisan, with a focus on timber framing and woodcarving, including his beautiful bird bowls, wooden furniture, and more.

The opening reception includes a presentation by Loeffler and will be held in the North House Blue Building on Thursday, Dec. 19 at 6:30 p.m. The presentation will highlight Mike’s timber framing projects.

An added perk: Loeffler’s work will be on display at North House from from Dec. 20-Jan. 13 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors should check in at the Yellow Building.

On Friday, shops and galleries all over town will be open for Christmas cheer. On Friday night, WTIP’s The Roadhouse will feature two musicians who will be performing this weekend: Craig Baumann and Jim McGowan. The Roadhouse is aired from 5-7 p.m. on Fridays.

At  7 p.m. on Friday, SVEA will give a holiday concert at the Grand Marais Art Colony.

The a cappella group will sing a variety of songs, including many traditional ones from Sweden.Treats, cider, and glögg plus great music and stories are on the menu. There’s a.$10 suggested donation at the door. All invited.

On Saturday, look for the highlight of the winter pageant season: The Winter Solstice Shadow Puppet Show. The show, presented by the Good Harbor Hill Players, is held outside at North House Folk School, and features great shadow puppets, a quirky and funny storyline, live music, a bonfire and a few surprises. This year’s story? A Loggers’ Solstice.

In past years, the audience has stood outdoors at -20, stamping their feet and clapping with well-mittened hands. This year, it’ll be a lot easier. The low for the evening is +27 degrees. Easy peasy.

As a fan, we highly recommend this  event. And don’t forget to write out your gloomies and toss them into the bonfire to send your worries up in smoke. Bring a dish to share, too. Open to all.

On Sunday, Voyageur Brewing Co will host Crosby Bakery for a gingerbread house decorating and cookie exchange from noon to 4 p.m.

Crosby Bakery will provide a non-assembled house ($20) and an assembled house ($25) and all the decorating supplied. To reserve a house, email Hana at crosbyharvest@gmail.com or test 218-370-1417.  For the cookie exchange, bring 2 dozen cookies to exchange for a mix of cookies. Cookie boxes will also be available.

And on Monday, artist Molly Ovenden will host a Brown Bag Lunch at Johnson Heritage Post. The artist, who is currently exhibiting her work at the gallery, will talk about the exhibit, as well as lead a walk through. The event will be held from noon to 1 p.m. All invited. Free.

Exhibits:

Molly Ovenden’s exhibit, “Art in Process: The Exhibit” continues at the Johnson Heritage Post through the end of the month.

The Holiday Art Underground Show at Betsy Bowen’s Studio continues through Dec. 29, featuring a wide variety of work by local and regional artists.

The gallery is open most days from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Landscape painter Lisa Kosmo is exhibiting her work in the Great Hall at Tettegouche State Park through Dec. 29.

The Tweed Museum of Art in Duluth continues its exhibit of pieces from its collections, including this painting by Wendy Rouse.

At the Thunder Bay Art Gallery in Thunder Bay, a new juried exhibit, The North Now, features a selection of artists from Northern Ontario.

The exhibit continues through February.

A dragon has taken up residenc eat the Baggage Building Arts Centre in Thunder Bay.

And, in case you missed it, Shelly McIntire’s delightful short stories about her experiences with the night sky and the northern lights, are available for a listen on WTIP Community Radio. The piece was produced by WTIP’s Joe Frederichs. with music by Michael Monroe, and was played during the Dark Sky Festival last weekend. The event, which was held at North House Folk School, highlighted the work of her cousin, photographer Travis Novitsky.

Click here to listen to the broadcast.

Music:

 Here’s the music schedule for the weekend:

Thursday, Dec. 19:

• Jim McGowan, Poplar River Pub, 6 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 20:

• Gene & Amy, Wunderbar, 7 p.m..
• Pete K. Bluefin Grille at Bluefin Bay, 8 p.m.
• Craig Baumann, Gun Flint Tavern, 8:30 p.m.
• Kevin Buck, Grandma Ray’s, 8:30 p.m.

Saturday,Dec. 21:

• WunderDogs, Grandma Ray’s, 7 p.m.
• Gordon Thorne, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Joe Paulik, Wunderbar, 7 p.m.
• Max Finn, Gun Flint Tavern 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 22:

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

Tuesday, Dec. 24:

• Gordon Thorne, Lutsen Resort, 6 p.m.

Photographs:

 We found some great photographs this week. Here’s a sampling. First, wildlife:

 

 

And then this one: not exactly wildlife, but maybe wild life.

 And then, some proof-of-snow:

 

Proof of cold:

 

 

 

 

 

 

And here are some studies in light:

 

 

 

 

 

And finally, this shot. It’s a great reminder of what to do if conversations get a little heated over the table this holiday season.

Have a great holiday season everyone!

If you’d like to make a donation to keep NorthShore ArtScene alive and healthy for the next year, consider making a donation by clicking on the icon below. ArtScene is a volunteer effort and financial support is welcomed.  Thank You!