Lake Superior Essence by Jan Swart.
Greetings from the North Shore, where we have an eclectic mix this week: an art opening, 3-holiday fairs, and the Holiday Harbor Village, a series of events and opportunities in Grand Marais to celebrate the holiday season.
Thursday is a great prequel for all the events that will be happening over the weekend.
First up is Art Night at Joy and Company.
Art Night will be held at Joy & Company from 3:30-5 pm Thursday.
Art Night focuses on a particular skill or craft each week, inviting the public to enjoy the opportunity to experiment with art techniques. The event is held from 3:30-5 pm, and is free, with a suggested $5 donation.
The shop is holding several events over the weekend as part of the Holiday Harbor Village.
On Friday and Saturday, jewelers Billy & Barry Larson will be in residence at the shop, making jewelry.
Jewelers Billy and Barry will be at Joy and Company to make custom Jewelry for Holiday gifts.
The public is invited to come watch as well as pick out a piece they would like to have made for them. The jewelers will be at the shop from 10 am to 5 pm on both days. Mailing is available.
On Saturday, musher Erin Altemus of Sawtooth Racing will be at the store with her sled dogs.
Erin Altemus & Dog Team Meet & Greet at Joy and Company. from noon to 3 pm.
Sled dogs are friendly and like being around people. Altemus, as well as some of the dogs, ran the Iditarod last year. The public is invited to the Meet & Greet at the shop.
On Sunday, the shop will host a class on making macrame ornaments from 1-3 pm. The class is $10. Visit the shop for more information.
Also on Thursday, The Drop-In Modern Dance class will be held at the Community Center Log Building starting at 5:30 pm.
Drop-In Modern Dance classes will be held at the Log Building on Thursdays through Dec. 19.
On Friday and Saturday, the shops in downtown Grand Marais will be decked in holiday garb to celebrate Holiday Harbor Village days. Look for sauna sessions by the harbor, sled dog meet & greet, Mukluk Ball, frozen fish toss, rock skipping competition, a fiber art show, a pottery show, unique holiday shopping an more.
There are sales, and special events too. Here are three family activities that should be of interest:
Also, kids can write their Letters for Santa at the Lake Superior Trading Post on Friday and Saturday.
Kids can write Letters to Santa at the Letteracy Deck at the Lake Superior Trading Post on Friday and Saturday.
Here’s a graphic of what is happening over the weekend.
Here’s the schedule of events for Holiday Harbor Village.
On Friday, the Johnson Heritage Post will open a new exhibit of works by painter and photographer Kim Dayton.
Painter/Photographer Kim Dayton will open an exhibit at the Johnson Heritage Post on Friday.
The exhibit is entitled “Celestial Navigation,” and features a variety of works of land and sky. The exhibit opens with a reception from 5-7 pm. Refreshments will be served. The public is invited.
Also on Friday, Drury Lane Books will hold a Bookworm Open House from 5-7 pm Friday.
Drury Lane Books will hold a Bookworm Social Hour on Friday.
The bookstore will provide complimentary beverages and a spread of snacks to help bolster your book rants. This is the perfect time to meet up with like-minded readers and find new favorites or to ask for help and get lots of opinions on what to get the picky reader on your gift list.
The shop will be open for browsing and purchasing until 7 pm and there will be free gift wrapping upon request.
Also, for downhill ski lovers, Lutsen Mountains is opening this weekend!
This is opening weekend at Lutsen Mountains.
For current conditions, click here.
On Saturday, there are three Holiday shows in Grand Marais. an opportunity see a variety of work by artists and crafts people in Cook County.
First up is the Northwoods Fiber Guild’s popular Open House and Holiday Sale which will be held in Studio 21 from 9 am to 2 pm.
The Northwoods Fiber Guild Open House and Holiday Sale is on Dec. 7, from 9 am-2 pm at Studio 21.
This is the iconic sale of the Christmas season. Look for weaving, felting, knitting, paper-making, jewelry and more. Hats, scarves, shawls, mittens, sweaters, Christmas ornaments, and decorations — if it is crafted from fiber, it will be there. The sale also features a great selection of homemade holiday cookies and treats as well as coffee and tea, and a craft table and demonstrations. Open to all. Free.
The 4th annual Pots for Presents Holiday sale will be held in the Founders Hall at the Grand Marais Art Colony, 120 3rd Ave. W., from 10 am to 3 pm on Saturday.
The Pots for Presents Holiday Sale is in the Founders Hall at the Art Colony on Saturday.
Look for a great selection of functional pots from Kari Carter, Natalie Sobanja, Ann Ward, and Joan Farnam. Refreshments will be served. The public is invited.
At The Hub, the Winter Market will be held from 10 am to 4 pm.
A Winter Market will be at The Hub from 10 am to 4 pm on Dec. 7 featuring several local artists and artisans.
More than 15 artists and artisans will be in this show. Look for a wide variety of work including painting, knitwear, candles, glasswork, and more. Open to all.
Exhibits:
The Holiday Art Underground Show continues at Betsy Bowen’s Studio Gallery.
The Holiday Art Underground sale is featured at Betsy Bowen’s studio gallery.
More than 30 artists are represented in this show, which features woodcut prints, paintings, pottery, woodenware, glass, and more. The gallery is open from 11 am to 5 pm Thursday through Saturday.
The Cedar Coffee Company in Two Harbors will hold an opening reception for an exhibit by Suzanne Tacheny Kubach starting at 5:30 pm.
Suzanne Tacheny Kubach will have an artist’s reception at the Cedar Coffee Company in Two Harbors on Friday.
The artist’s abstract works explore energy and movement in the style of abstract lyricism and abstract landscape. She paints with a sense of wonder, saying her designs emerge from her soul and intuition. She will give a brief Artist’s Talk at the opening reception. Free. The public is invited.
The 47 Degrees Gallery in Knife River is currently exhibiting works in a variety of media.
47 Degrees Art Gallery is exhibiting encaustic work as well as Tim Pearson’s paintings.
47 Degrees is a seasonal gallery in Knife River which is open through December featuring works by local artists. It is open from 10 am to 5 pm Friday – Sunday.
The exhibit, Rauschenfels/34 , is currently on view at the Duluth Art Institute.
Thomas Rauschenfels, relief print, “Calm Blue Seas” is on view at the Duluth Art Institute.
This is a unique exhibition that blends fine art with educational elements, showcasing Rauschenfels’ original prints alongside the corresponding printing blocks. The prints, which feature a mix of figures, sailboats, and natural elements, reflect his childhood memories and offer a vibrant, textured view of Park Point and its surroundings. This exhibit invites viewers to experience nature through Rauschenfels’ artistic perspective. The exhibit continues through Jan. 6.
Visit the elevator at the Tweed Museum of Art on your next visit.
MANA Bear Bolton’s mural “Primordial Rapture” is in the elevator at the Tweed Museum of Art.
The exotic murals are fascinating to see. Admission to the museum is free. Open to all.
The Joseph Nease Gallery in Duluth is exhibiting final works by James Brinsfield.
James Brinsfield’s final works are on view at the Joseph Nease Gallery in Duluth. Call 218-481-7750 to make an appointment to see.
Brinsfield often used smaller pieces as a space for experimentation, solving artistic challenges, or exploring ideas that might never translate to larger works but stand alone as complete and resolved expressions. This particular series was created as a tribute to his long relationship with the gallery and an opportunity for collectors to acquire one of his original works at a modest price.
What makes this series even more profound is knowing it was completed during a period when Brinsfield was battling cancer and undergoing painful treatments. His commitment to his craft never wavered, and these paintings are a testament to his spirit of investigation, creativity, and thoughtfulness. Brinsfield died on Sept. 21.
The gallery is open by appointment only. Call 218-481-7750.
Upcoming:
Next weekend will be busy as well. Here are a few highlights.
The Borealis Chorale and Orchestra will perform its Christmas Concerts on Dec.13-14 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
The Borealis Chorale and Orchestra will be in concert at Bethlehem Lutheran Church next weekend.
The concerts start at 7 pm. 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. Stay tuned for details next week.
The Grand Marais Film Society will present a film at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts next Saturday, Dec. 14, at 4 pm. Stay tuned.
The Grand Marais Film Society will present a film at the ACA next Saturday, Dec. 14.
The Dark Sky Festival is next week, Dec. 12-14.
The Dark Sky Festival is Dec. 12-14.
To see all the upcoming festival events, click here.
Kudos:
The Arrowhead Regional Arts Council has just announced the FY2025 Arrowhead Arts Awards.
The Arrowhead Regional Arts Council announced its 2024 Arts Awards this week.
The winners are:
● George Morrison Artist Award: Karen Savage-Blue
This award recognizes an individual artist whose body of work has made a significant contribution to the arts over an extended period of time, reflecting the legacy of George Morrison.
● Maddie Simons Arts Advocate Award: Joan Farnam
This award recognizes an arts administrator, arts educator, volunteer for a nonprofit arts organization, or artist whose involvement in a project or program has substantially contributed to the arts in the Arrowhead Region.
● Award for Transformational Art: Giizh (Sarah) Agaton Howes
This award recognizes the efforts of an artist to transform their community through their work.
In its press release, ARAC said the selected awardees have each demonstrated immense creativity, leadership, and commitment to their craft. They are an inspiration to other artists, arts advocates, educators, and innovators in our region. ARAC will host an award ceremony in the spring.
A friend of Joan Farnam’s and a long-time community member and freelance editor, Annie Possis, wrote this about the award:
“I’m delighted that my longtime friend and colleague indulged my request for a brief guest appearance in this week’s ArtScene. I share the fantastic news that Joan has won the 2025 Arrowhead Regional Arts Council’s Maddie Simons Arts Advocate Award.
“As long as I’ve known Joan, she’s worked tirelessly to spotlight and promote the arts of all forms and media in Cook County. And she was doing it in Duluth before she moved to Grand Marais. Her passion and energy for sharing information and inspiration is truly unmatched. Joan is absolutely deserving of this award and the recognition it brings.”
Thank you, Annie! And thank you to all those who have supported NorthShore ArtScene over the years. And of course, to all the talented artists who make the art and the organizations who help them do this, so I can write about them.
To read bios about the winners, click here.
Artists At Work:
Spirit Trees, acrylic, by Sue Rauschenfels.
Raku vase by Richard Gruchalla and Carrin Rosetti. They are having a holiday sale next weekend in their Duluth studio.
Felted chickadee ornaments by Melanie Mathieson. She is selling at the Fiber Guild Sale.
Rebecca Frost has earrings at Joy and Company.
Condensation colors glow on the dark side of the barn through block glass. Photograph by Layne Kennedy.
This is the last painting I made in Bhubaneswar, India by Adam Swanson.
Night One of Astronomical Winter by Cathy Quinn.
Carved porcelain tumbler, by David Voorhees.
Woven scarves, wool, by Julie Arthur. She will be at the Fiber Guild sale.
A summer memory by M Baxley.
I dream of snow by Cameron Norman.
Online Findings:
Karen Sunderman’s father, Allan Sunderman, died earlier this week. She posted this video that her son, Henri LaLiberte filmed. Karen edited it. She describes it as “A Dance of Harvest.” Enjoy!
Online Music:
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Live Music:
Thursday, Dec 5:
- Gordon Thorne, North Shore Winery, 6-8 pm
Friday, Dec 6:
- Black River Revue, Up Yonder, 8-11:30 pm
Saturday, Dec 7:
- Maiden Dixie, Up Yonder, 8-11:59 pm
Tuesday, Dec 10:
- Eric Frost, North Shore Winery, 4:30-6:30 pm
- Open Stage hosted by Pete K, Up Yonder, 6-8 pm
- Community Sing, North House Folk School, 6:30-8 pm
Wednesday, Dec 11:
- Community Sing, First Congregational Church, 6 pm
Friday, Dec 13:
- Mark Joeseph w/ Al Oikrie, Gunflint Tavern, 5-7 pm
- Borealis Chorale & Orchestra Christmas Concert, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 7 pm
- Southpaws, Gunflint Tavern, 8-11 pm
Saturday, Dec 14:
- Borealis Chorale & Orchestra Christmas Concert, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 7 pm
Photographs:
Many of our favorite photographers put out calendars every year. Here are some to look at.
Bryan Hansel has calendars for 2025 Click here for more info.
Moose in Fall Woods by Thomas Spence. It is one of his images in the Wolf Ridge Calendar this year. To find out more, click here.
Hayes Scriven has 2025 calendars. Click here to see.
David Johnson has a 2025 calendar To see it, click here.
Jim Schnortz has a 2025 calendar. Click here to see.
Ken Harmon has a 2025 calendar. To see, click here.
Here is a selection of photographs we found this week:
Wildlife:
Saw three wolves today, by Sarah Hamilton.
It’s always nice to have a tree to lean on by David Johnson.
A wild turkey guest by Chuck Olsen. We named it Greta but She is a He.
The King and his found sheds in Wisconsin’s Driftless Region by Layne Kennedy.
Deer by Chris Artist.
Canada Lynx, taken a few years ago by Keith Crowley.
Landscapes, Cloudscapes, Waterscapes and Snowscapes:
At sunset by Trish Francis.
Frozen Delight by Christian Dalbec.
Cigar Clouds 1 by Maryl Skinner.
Moonlight over Horseshoe Bay by Gary Arands.
Winter has arrived Photo courtesy of Gunflint Trail Association.
More Cigar Clouds by Bill Hansen.
Cigar Cloud 2 by Maryl Skinner.
Deep Mystery by Mike Wiggins, Jr.
Superior National Forest by Ken Harmon.
First Snow by Paul Sundberg.
A night of star trails by David Johnson.
First Snows by Kristofer Bowman.
In celebration of the arrival of my grandson by Mike Wiggins, Jr.
December Up North by Roxanne Distad.
Winter fireworks! Kudos to the crew that put together a great show despite the bitter cold and wind. Photo by David Johnson.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Note: Join the party and become a supporter of the award-winning NorthShore ArtScene! To contribute, just click on the icon below, and Thank You!
A special thank you goes out to Jeremy Lopez (Live Music schedule, tech advice, music suggestions), Yvonne Mills (proofreading), and Kari Carter (caption corrections.) And a big thank you to Visit Cook County for its awesome Events Calendar. Chuck Heller, Bill Hansen, Jeremy Lopez, Yvonne Mills, and Chuck Olsen offered music suggestions this week. Thank you!
{ 3 comments… add one }
Congratulations on the award and recognition Joan!
Congratulations Joan! Well deserved! Three of us are coming for solstice…hope to see you!
Congratulations Joan! You can be proud of all of the hard work you have done over the years. You have contributed so much in such positive ways.