Ian Andrus cruising wild ice on Two Island Lake by John Oberholtzer.
Greetings from the North Shore, where we have received just a smidgen of snow by the Big Lake, enough to convince us that winter is on the way. Over the hill, however, it’s been cold enough to freeze the shallower lakes and the wild ice has coaxed local skaters to explore its magical wonders. We say this with a word of caution, always. Be careful. Be safe. Be prepared and skate with others.
Matthew Baxley of Bear Witness Media made a short video of skating on wild ice. See it here.
And, speaking of wild, this is shaping up to be one of the wildest weekends in Cook County, with lots of things to do and see.
First up is Art Night at Joy and Company, where participants explore the wonderful world of art-making.
Leather crafting is the topic for this week’s Art Night at Joy and Company. Photo furnished.
This week, leather worker Halle Bockovich will lead a session on leather crafting from 4-6 pm. The session is free with a suggested donation. The public is invited.
Also on Thursday, Cook County Historical Trivia Night will be held at Up Yonder.
Historic Cook County Trivia Night will be held at Up Yonder on 61 from 6-8 pm on Thursday.
Trivia Night is open to all and free and runs from 6-8 pm. Prizes.
This weekend gets really busy. This is the inauguration of the Holiday Harbor Village in downtown Grand Marais with all kinds of events and opportunities.
The Holiday Harbor Village in Grand Marais is Dec. 1-2.
This is also the weekend featuring two popular arts/crafts fairs: The Northwoods Fiber Guild’s Open House and Holiday Sale, and Pots for Presents, featuring local potters.
Here’s the breakdown:
On Friday, Dec. 1:
Goat Meet & Greet, 11 am to 2 pm, Wisconsin St & 1st Ave W.
Sauna Sessions in Grand Marais Harbor Park, 1-5 pm
Design a fused glass ornament at Joy and Company, 2-5 pm
Treats, painting demo with artist Neil Sherman, Sivertson Gallery 5-7 pm
Neil Sherman at work. Photo courtesy of the artist.
Bookworm Social Hour at Drury Lane Books, 5-7 pm
Drury Lane Books will hold a Bookworm Social Hour from 5-7 pm on Friday, Dec. 1. Photo by Gary Connett.
The bookstore will provide free wine and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as snacks with a merry atmosphere to chat about books this evening. Both staff and owners will be there to rave and rant about our favorite (and least favorite) reads of the year. Open to all.
Twas the Night Before Christmas at the Grand Marais Playhouse, Dec. 1-3, Dec. 8-10.
The Grand Marais Playhouse is swimming in the holiday spirit with two plays in rehearsal with a combined cast of 32 community members as actors and stage crew.
Twas the Night Before Christmas plays set for this weekend at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts.
The two plays are both titled Twas the Night Before Christmas with the kids’ script authored by Kathryn Schulz Miller, and the other by Ken Ludwig. Both are comedies and will most certainly put a smile on your face, make you laugh heartily, and bring joy to your Holiday season.
Performances are Dec, 1-3 and 8-10, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 pm and Sundays at 2 pm. The first Sunday, Dec. 3, is the Donation-at-the-Door performance, advance tickets are regular price. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for Youth under 18, and $50 for a Family Bundle. Tickets are available here.
Holiday Harbor Village Kick-off Party at Up Yonder, 8-11 pm
Head to Up Yonder on 61 for the Holiday Harbor Village Kick-off Party & Katieoke (Katie/Karaoke) hosted by Katie Slanga (Mumm), Friday, Dec. 1 from 8-11 p.m. Everyone is invited.
On Saturday, Dec. 2:
Northwoods Fiberguild’s Open House and Holiday Sale, Studio 21, 9 am to 2 pm
This is one of the most popular holiday sales in the county featuring fiber art of all kinds from members. Here’s a small sample of what you can find:
The Northwoods Fiber Guild’sOpen House and Holiday Sale is Saturday and features all things fiber. It runs from 9 am to 2 pm.
Look for knitted goods, beadwork, felting, weaving, and more. The holiday sale also features delicious holiday treats made by Guild members, a hands-on craft table, and a tree loaded with handmade ornaments.
Chickadee ornaments, felted wool by Melanie Mathieson She is one of the felters who will be at the Fiber Guild Sale.
The public is invited.
Artisans-in-Residence Craft Sale and Studio Tour, above Betsy Bowen Gallery, 9 am- 3 pm
This craft sale and tour features work by the North House Folk Schools’ current artisans-in-residence.
Weaving by Caroline Feyling. She is one of the Artisans in Residence who will host a craft sale and tour on Saturday above Betsy Bowen’s Gallery.
Their studios are located above Betsy Bowen’s Studio Gallery. Look for woodworking, weaving, rosemaling, and naturally dyed fabrics. Open to all.
Pots for Presents, Grand Marais Art Colony, 10 am-3 pm
At 10 am, the 3rd annual Pots for Presents event will be held at the Grand Marais Art Colony, 120 3rd Ave. W.
Pots for Presents, a Holiday Art Sale featuring local potters will be Dec 2 from 10 am to 3 pm.
Look for a great selection of pottery by Adrea Beres, Kari Carter, Mike Smieja and Natalie Sobanja including mugs, bowls, tumblers, vases, covered jars, and more. The Crooked Spoon is a special guest offering frozen soups and handmade crocks.
Holiday Literacy Deck, Lake Superior Trading Post, 10 am- 4 pm
Here’s a chance to write holiday greetings to friends and family. Open to all.
Sauna Sessions, Harbor Park, 10 am to 5 pm
Artists at Joy and Company, 11 am- 5 pm
Leatherworker Dee Clausen and painter Gina Adams will be at Joy and Company to talk about their art. Also, singer/songwriter Adam Kirsch of Soup Hunter Guitars will play in the store.
Holiday Art at Betsy Bowen’s Studio Gallery.
Woodcut printmaker Betsy Bowenis is exhibiting a variety of work by herself and other artists in her gallery.
The gallery is open from 11 am to 5 pm Thursdays through Saturdays.
Photos with Yeti Santa, Gunflint Mercantile, 11 am-1 pm
Meet and Greet with Photographer Craig Blacklock, Drury Lane Books, 11 am-1 pm
Photographer Craig Blacklock will be at Drury Lane Books from 11 am to 1 pm on Saturday.
Photographer Craig Blacklock will be at Drury Lane Books on Saturday.
Blacklock has recently published a new book: “Lightwaves: Abstract Photographs of Reflections from Lake Superior.” The public is invited.
Erin Altemus and her Iditarod-bound dogs will be at Joy and Company from 1-4 pm
Musher Erin Altemus will be at Joy and Company for a Meet & Greet on Saturday from 1-4 pm.
Artist talks, treats, and Meet & Greet at Sivertson Gallery, 1-4 pm
Potter Maggie Anderson and jewelers Jean Nelson and Betsy Anderson will be at Sivertson Gallery on Saturday.
Winter Skies mugs by Maggie Anderson She will be at Sivertson Gallery on Saturday from 1-4 pm.
All three artists exhibit their work at the gallery. The public is invited.
Rock Skipping Contest, Harbor Park, 10:30 am to 2 pm
Winter Clinics, Stone Harbor, 2 pm and 3:30 pm
Lake View S’mores, Johnson Heritage Post, 2-4 pm
Cozy up outside around a fire pit, make your own s’more, and take in the icy sights of the harbor, or warm up inside the art gallery to admire the Dark Skies exhibit by artists Adam Swanson and Sam Zimmerman.
Frozen Fish Tossing Contest, Fisherman’s Daughter, sign up by 2:30 pm, contest at 3 pm
Fun for all. A hockey helmet will be provided.
Cook County Ridge Riders Membership Kick-Off Party, Up Yonder, 5 pm to midnight
The event features membership sign-ups, raffles, door prizes, apparel, food and beverages, and live music by The Reckoning from 7:30 p.m. until midnight.
Mukluk Ball, Voyageur Brewing , 7-10 pm
The Mukluk Ball will be held at Voyageur Brewing from 7-10 pm.
To see the complete schedule of events, click here.
On Sunday, the North Shore Music Association will hold a Member & Business Contributor appreciation night at the Johnson Heritage Post.
The NorthShore Music Association will hold a Membership & Business Contributor Appreciation Night at the Johnson Heritage Post from 4-6 pm Sunday, Dec. 3.
Refreshments will be served and the Dan Nelson Trio will play. Memberships to this important organization in Cook County will be available.
Exhibits:
The Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery is exhibiting work by painters Adam Swanson and Sam Zimmerman entitled “Dark Skies.” It features paintings following the theme of the night sky. So look for wonderful renditions of owls, bears, foxes, and birds, as well as moonlit landscapes in this show.
Dark Skies, an exhibition featuring the paintings of Adam Swanson and Sam Zimmerman opened at the Johnson Heritage Post. It continues through Dec, 15.
Each artist produced work from their own visions of the night and what happens then. There are also some interesting overlaps in the show, including paintings of the same animals in the northern landscape. It is fascinating to see. Highly recommended.
This is the last weekend to see Naomi Hart’s exhibit at the Duluth Art Institute.
This encaustic painting by Naomi Hart is currently on view at the Duluth Art Institute.
The exhibit, “Radical Stitch” is on view at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery through March 3.
Radical Stitch, an exhibit of contemporary beadings, is currently on view at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery.
Upcoming:
Next week, there are two important winter events: The Dark Sky Festival and the /Borealis Chorale and Orchestra’s Holiday Concert.
First up is the Dark Sky Festival which will feature speakers, workshops and a chance to look at our northern skies.
The Dark Sky Festival is Dec. 7-9 this year.
The 2023 Festival to Include:
- Presentation and meet & greet with author and dark sky advocate Paul Bogard
- Presentations by researcher Jessica Heim and Native Skywatchers, an initiative that seeks to remember and revitalize Indigenous star and earth knowledge.
- Presentation and book signing with Grand Portage-based astrophotographer Travis Novitsky. Novitsk released a book titled “Spirits Dancing: The Night Sky, Indigenous Knowledge, and Living Connections to the Cosmos” in November.
- Star Party with the University of Minnesota Duluth Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium
- Guided night sky-walk and telescope viewing opportunities
- Additional presentations by the Superior National Forest, Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center
- Dark Skies art exhibition featuring the work of Adam Swanson and Sam Zimmerman at the Johnson Heritage Post.
- The events will be held in a variety of venues in Cook County including the Grand Portage Heritage Center, the Johnson Heritage Post, and Gunflint Lodge. For details, click here and stay tuned.
Next Friday and Saturday, Dec.8-9, the Borealis Chorale and Orchestra will present a Holiday Concert at Bethlehem Lutheran Church starting at 7 pm.
The Borealis Chorale and Orchestra will perform a Holiday Concert at Bethlehem Lutheran Church on Dec. 8-9.
This year, the Chorale will debut a commission by William Beckstrand entitled “All Earth is Hopeful.” “After the last few years, the text is especially pertinent as we look forward to the future,” Beckstrand said. Other holiday favorites will be performed as well. The public is invited sing along and enjoy this community offering of music.
Note: Admission is free to the public. A suggested donation of $10 to $20 per person is greatly appreciated and will contribute to the ongoing ability of the BCO to perform for the community.
Open to all.
Artists at Work:
Royal River Morning, watercolor, by Tom McCann.
Tomtar heading to the American Swedish Institute’s Julmarknad in Minneapolis this weekend. Photo by Alison Aune-Hinkel.
The first color on a canvas always feels good by Matt Kania.
Beavers get a lot done under the full moon by Nancy Carlson.
Around town. Photograph by Bryan Hansel.
Online Findings:
WTIP’s Will Moore hosts Pete K and Jon Steckelberg on The Scenic Route
Online Music:
Live Music:
Thursday, Nov 30:
- Gordon Thorne, North Shore Winery, 6-8 pm
Friday, Dec 1:
- Katieoke (Katie/Karaoke) with Katie Slanga (Mumm), Up Yonder, 8-11 pm
Saturday, Dec 2:
- The Reckoning, Up Yonder, 7:30-11:59 pm
Tuesday, Dec 5:
- Eric Frost, North Shore Winery, 4:30-6:30 pm
- Open Mic Hosted by Pete K, Up Yonder, 6-9 pm
Thursday, Dec 7:
- Gordon Thorne, North Shore Winery, 6-8 pm
Friday, Dec 8:
- Annual Borealis Chorale & Orchestra Concert, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 7 pm
Saturday, Dec 9:
- Annual Borealis Chorale & Orchestra Concert, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 7 pm
Photographs:
Here is a selection of photographs we found this week:
Wildlife:
Happy Thanksgiving by David Johnson.
Wolf and Raven, Finland, by Niko Pekonen.
In Winter by Nicholas Narog.
A young Tira, the world’s rarest zebra by Ashish Parmar.
Tufted Titmouse courtesy of bringbird.
Why do turkeys cross the road? by Christian Dalbec.
A lucky find by Hayes Scriven.
An umbrella for a Ringed Plover. Photographer unknown.
Mute Swan by Ib Helles Olesen.
The Group by Larissa Skrebkova.
Potpourri:
Felix by Andy Ness.
Where have all the hippies gone? by Richard Gruchalla.
When a nurse gardens. Photo courtesy of Creative Gardening.
Peace by Ann Jorgenson.
The Edna G. in Two Harbors lights up for Christmas by Ed Lee.
Frozen black-eyed Susans courtesy of Happy Gardens.
One of the oldest trees in the world courtesy of blowinguphistory.
A cob of corn getting creative, courtesy of Happy Gardens.
Super intrigued by this surface by Potter Randal Anderson.
Steam Locomotive #332. Photographer unknown.
Landscapes, Waterscapes, Lighthousescapes & Winterscapes:
When the sky wears a crown by Hayes Scriven.
Not a bad sunrise. Not bad at all by Bryan Hansel.
Desert Eye Full Moon at Arches National Park by Eliot McGucken.
Today we remember the Fitz by Hayes Scriven.
Another successful rising of the home star by Chuck Olsen.
Happy sunrise from the shores of Lake Superior by Bryan Hansel.
A blast from the past. A favorite, March 7, 2020, by Nicholas Klok.
Welcome winter. Photo courtesy of the Gunflint Trail Association.
Today is the day the lake stood still by Nancy Seaton at Hungry Jack Lake.
Rocky Inlet Sunrise by Ken Harmon.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Here’s to a happy and healthy holiday season. If you’d like to make a holiday donation to NorthShore ArtScene, you can click on the icon below. We so appreciate your support. Thank you!
Here are the people who helped make this blog possible: Jeremy Lopez, Live Music Schedule, proofreading and technical advice; Yvonne Mills, proofreading expert and Kari Carter, photo captions and research. Thank you!
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