A Blood Moon, Movies & Art

by Joan Farnam on February 1, 2018

Matt Herberg posted this outstanding composite of the Super Blue Moon yesterday.

Matt Herberg posted this outstanding composite of the Super Blue Blood Moon yesterday.

A gorgeous winter continues on the North Shore with new snow and lots of cold weather to keep everything white and beautiful. And, of course, there’s lots to do this week indoors, including two movies to enjoy..

The first screening is at North House Folk School, which launches this year’s February Winter Film Series on Thursday, Feb. 1, at 7 p.m. with the screening of “Freedom Under Load.”

FREEDOM UNDER LOAD – Trailer from California Film Institute on Vimeo.

The documentary follows the oldest generation of porters in the High Tatras, a mountain range that forms the border between Slovakia and Poland. The porters climb with supplies to the mountain huts every day. With 100 kilos on their back, they face storms, blizzards and deep snow. See spectacular scenery and discover a fascinating story as we meet these porters and learn that their craft is not only a profession, but also their way to calmness. Free and open to the public. 7-9 p.m. BYO popcorn & treats.

The second film is at the Grand Marais Public Library on Friday, Feb. 2, entitled “Afterimage.”

In “Afterimage,” the great Polish director Andrzei Wajda returns with a passionate biopic about avant-garde artist Wladyslaw Strezeminski, played by Polish superstar Boguslaw Linda,) who battles Stalinist orthodoxy and his own physical impairments to advance his progressive ideas about art. The film starts at 6 p.m. Free.

Also on Friday, singer/songwriter Leah Thomas will be a guest on WTIP’s The Roadhouse. Thomas recently received an honorable mention in the SongDoor 2017 International Songwriting Competition for her song, “Slick Back” in the soft rock category. Entries were received from more than 20 countries on four continents.

Leah Thomas recently received an award for her song “Slick Back.”

“Slick Back” was recorded by Thomas and her band The SplinterTones for their 2017 release “SplinterTones II.” During The Roadhouse, Thomas will chat about the award and her songwriting inspiration and process, as well as play a few songs from a CD. The Roadhouse airs from 5-7 p.m. on Friday.

In Ely, check out the Ely Winter Festival which starts today. Lots of events, fun things to do and fantastic snow sculpture. To find out more, click here.

In Duluth, the renovation of the historic NorShor Theatre is complete after years of effort and will re-open on Thursday, Feb. 1, with a Grand Opening Gala Reception and the regional premiere of the ABBA-favorite, “Mamma Mia.”

The renovated NorShor Theatre in Duluth re-opens with the Duluth Playhouse’s “Mamma Mia” on Thursday night. The play runs through Feb. 18. All performances are sold out.

The opening reception features all the bells and whistles, and everyone is invited to dress up for this once-in-a-lifetime event. The musical, which runs through Feb. 18, has been sold out, as has the Grand Opening reception. Stay tuned for other opportunities to see productions in this historic Duluth theater.

In Thunder Bay, the Definitely Superior Art Gallery will host a Poetry Night at 7 p.m. (EST) on Friday, featuring regional and nationally acclaimed poets. The readings will be followed by an Open Mic. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door.

And there is a great variety of live music this weekend in every venue in the county. See schedule below.

On Wednesday, Feb. 6, the Grand Marais Public Library will host Imaginarium Mad Science, an interactive experience for elementary students, ages 7 through teens, presented by the Duluth Playhouse. The event will be held from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Exhibits:

Tettegouche State Park will host the opening of “Winter Wonderland,” a series of photographs taken by students of John Gregor during a 4-day workshop over the last week.

Photo by John Gregor.

The photography exhibit will continue through the end of the month, with a reception scheduled for the end of the show. Stay tuned for details.

In Duluth, the Duluth Art Institute‘s Member Show opened last week in the Great Hall at the Depot, with a wide variety of artwork from member artists.

The People’s Choice Award went to Edie Mchalski for “John.”

Edit Mchalski won the People's Choice Award from the Member's Show at the Duluth Art Institute with this painting entitled "John."

Edie Mchalski won the People’s Choice Award from the Member’s Show at the Duluth Art Institute with this painting entitled “John.”

The DAI Member Show continues through Feb. 23. Other exhibits at the Duluth Art Institute in the Depot include Type 13: David Short, an exploration of lettering and typography, Art and Craft, Penny Perry, an multi-media exhibit of Perry’s work and 100 Days: Tia Salmela Keoboungpheng, an exhibit of the work she created for the 100Day Project.

“Treasures from Home: An Anthology of Gifts from Collectors” has opened at the Tweed Museum of Art, featuring a wide selection of recent artwork donated by patrons.

One of the pieces in “Treasures from Home,” currently on view at the Tweed Museum of Art.

In conjunction with the exhibit, Bill Shipley will present “The Practice of Collecting Art” on Feb. 6 from 6:30-8 p.m. Shipley is an artist and a retired teacher and a valued interpreter of the arts and tour guide at the Tweed. All invited. Free.

And, speaking of art collections, “A Collectors Art Sale” will be held at two different locations next month in Cook County: The North Shore Winery, with an opening at 6 p.m., Feb. 15, and at the Johnson Heritage Post, with the opening from 5-7 p.m. Feb. 16. The Art Sale will continue for a month at the North Shore Winery and from Feb. 16-19 at the Johnson Heritage Post.

Artists and members of the community are invited to donate original art and/or pieces they have enjoyed and are ready to pass on for this event, which is a fundraiser for Art ‘Round Town.

Any type of art would be appreciated, from fiber to sculpture to paintings or prints. Donors can choose to do a 50/50 or a 100 percent donation. If you have items to donate and for more information, contact Ann Marie Mershon at 387-2245, amershon@boreal.org The deadline to donate artwork is Feb. 12.

The Thunder Bay Art Gallery has a number of on-going exhibits, including “Converging Lines: Recent Art from the Northwest.”

“Trickster Rabbit” by Kristy Cameron, is one of the pieces at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery.

Upcoming:

The 2nd annual Hygge Festival in Cook County will be Feb. 9-15 this year. Hygge is a Danish word meaning “a quality of coziness and comfortable sharing that engenders a feeling of contentment and/or well-being.” There are lots of events scheduled for that week, including Scandinavian themed menu items at many restaurants, a Full Moon Reading at Drury Lane Books with Svea, a cabin concert, art show openings, and lodging specials. And, there’s a Cook County Fireplace Tour, as well as lots of opportunities to get out and play in the snow. To find out more, click here and stay tuned for details.

Opportunities:

Grand Marais Arts Festival: Artists: Interested in participating in the Grand Marais Arts Festival July 14 – 15 this year? Applications are now open! Apply before March 17 for a chance to sell your work right on the shore of Lake Superior, gain incredible exposure with over 13,000 festival attendees, and connect with other talented artists. All mediums are welcome and encouraged to apply. View the Artist Guide here or visit the Festival event page here.

Tax Laws are Changing: Artists: If you file Schedule C, make sure you check with your accountant regarding business deductions as 2018 rules will be significantly different. Also, Steven and Nick Licari, both CPAs, will talk about the changes in business and individual taxes at a special workshop at Cook County Higher Education from 11:30-1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 1. This lunch and learn session is $25 and includes lunch. To find out more, call 218 387-3411.

The Cook County Courthouse is seeking artwork. Artists are invited to submit proposals for an exhibition in the public spaces of the main floor of the Courthouse. There are four walls with approximately 60 feet of display space. Exhibits may be solo or group, but each proposed exhibition must have a strong, unifying, and creative premise. There will be up to 4 12- week displays per year. For more info on how to submit a portfolio, click here.

A board member from Cook County needed for the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council. The Arrowhead Regional Arts Council is looking for individuals with knowledge of the arts, artists, artists from communities of color, arts supporters/collectors, or individuals working in and with knowledge of the regional arts community. Council members must reside in one of the seven counties in the Arrowhead Region: Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, and St. Louis. Board terms are three years in duration and expire at the end of June. Board members may choose to serve more than one term. The board meets monthly.

Board members serve as volunteers but are paid a mileage reimbursement for attending meetings. Serving on the board gives an individual the opportunity to learn about arts activities in the region; increase their knowledge of grant writing and the review process; and to network with other artists and arts professionals. It’s a great opportunity. To find out more, click here.

Artist News:

Neil Sherman was awarded the Young Guns award at the Coors Western Art Show in Denver, Colo. recently.

Neil Sherman’s exhibit at the Coors Western Art Show.

Potter and enthusiastic fisherman Bob Tomanaha is participating in the 100Day Project this year. His goal? To practice tie flying, crafting some every day. Here a few that he competed recently.