Blooming for the future by Buck Benson.
Greetings from the North Shore, where the longest day of the year has crept up on us. The Summer Solstice is tomorrow. There’s a part of us that is jumping up and down in excitement, but another part is saying, “What? What about summer?”
On the other hand, we had a good rain this week, and predictions are that it will warm up soon. All to the good.
Plus, the Summer Solstice and Wooden Boat Festival at North House Folk School is this weekend, a seasonal and community invitation to celebrate. See below for more info.
The Summer Solstice Pageant and Wooden Boat Festival is this weekend. The file photo above is from the Summer Solstice Puppet Pageant last year.
There are lots of things to do this weekend, too.
First up is Art Night at Joy and Company.
Joy and Company holds Art Night from 3:30-5 pm every Thursday.
This will be a surprise activity to celebrate Juneteenth, a federal holiday on June 19 that commemorates the effective end of slavery in the United States. Art Night is held from 3:30-5 pm in the shop. It is free, with a suggested $5 donation. The public is invited.
Thursday is also the season opener for the Grand Marais Farmer’s Market.
The Grand Marais Farmer’s Market opens for the season on Thursday.
The market is held in the parking lot of the Cook County Community Center from 4:30 – 6 pm every Thursday through Oct. 9. Look for a variety of produce grown in Cook County, maple syrup, breads, baked goods, and flowers, to mention a few. This week, early spring vegetables will be featured, including greens, pea shoots, and more. Open to all.
Gather, an exhibit of work by a cohort of the Artisan Development Program at North House Folk School, will open with a reception at 5:30 pm in the Loft Classroom at the Welcome Center.
Gather, an exhibit of work by a cohort of the Artisan Development Program, will open with a reception at the Welcome Center. Pictured are hand-carved spoons by Mary Tripoli, weaving by Liz O’Brien.
Artisans featured include Tara Austin, Caroline Feyling, Liz O’Brien, and Mary Tripoli.
The exhibit continues through June 25. The public is invited.
Also, Sugarloaf Nature Center will hold a bird banding session from 7-11 am on Thursday.
There will be a bird banding session at Sugarloaf on Thursday.
There will be a special presentation about bird banding at 10 am. Open to all. To find out more, click here.
The North Shore Swing Band will play for Jazz Night at Up Yonder on Thursday.
The North Shore Swing Band will perform at Up Yonder on Thursday. Free and open to all. Photo by Carah Thomas.
This is always a great night of music and dancing. It runs from 7-9 pm.
Friday is busy.
First up is the Summer Solstice and Wooden Boat Festival at North House Folk School, which will be held June 20-21
The Summer Solstice and Wooden Boat Festival is at North House this weekend.
The weekend weaves together craft, community, and the beauty of long days by the Big Lake. Discover, dance, paddle, create, and welcome the beginning of summer at this festival.
The festival includes a great selection of workshops and demonstrations, a craft market, a Friday night contra dance, live music, the Boats to Tools Auction, a chowder feast on Saturday at noon, and more. For the complete schedule, click here.
The two-day festival concludes with the Summer Solstice Puppet Pageant produced by the Good Harbor Hill Players. The community has been working for weeks to make the puppets and sets and to create and practice the music for the event, which starts at 8 pm. This year’s theme is “Bring Your Own Light.”
The Summer Solstice Pageant is June 21 at North House Folk School at 8 pm.
The Pageant is free, but donation buckets will be passed around at the end of the show. Contributions are appreciated and make it possible for this show to go on in future years. All welcome. (Hint: Bring your chair and get there early to find a good spot to watch the show.)
On Friday, Duluth painter Brock Larson will open a solo show at the Johnson Heritage Post.
Brock Larson opens an exhibit at the Heritage Post on Friday from 5-7 pm.
Larson was the 2023 grand prize winner of the Grand Marais Plein Air event for Best Body of Work. Larson began drawing at a young age and found his calling at the Atelier Studio Program of Fine Arts in Minneapolis, focusing on realistic paintings and drawings. It was also at the Atelier where he discovered his love of teaching, and would eventually go on to open up the Great Lakes Academy of Fine Art in Duluth with his father, who is also an artist.
The exhibit continues through July 13.
On Friday and Saturday throughout the summer, Joy and Company will hold Summer Kids’ Activities from noon to 2 pm.
Joy and Company to hold Summer Kids’ Activities every Friday and Saturday this summer.
All kids are welcome. A $5 donation is suggested.
Saturday opens with the Cook County Market, which is held in the parking lot of The Hub from 10 am to 2 pm.
Hanging vessel with glass by Terry Lord-Lewis. She is one of the vendors at the Cook County Market, which is held from 10 am to 2 pm in the parking lot of The Hub on Saturdays.
The market features work from more than 20 local artists, artisans, writers, and bakers. Look for pottery and paintings, candles and balms, books, fiber art, leather work, glass, and more. Open to all.
Also on Saturday, woodcut printmaker Nick Wroblewski will give an Artist Talk and demonstration from 11 am to 2 pm in the Print Studio at Studio 21.
Woodcut printmaker Nick Wroblenski to give presentation at Studio 21 on Saturday.
Wroblewski will share about his process and the techniques he uses to create intricately layered, multi-color woodblock prints. He will also discuss his approach for gathering inspiration and the process of mapping out a plan to “reanimate” an image within the language of relief printmaking. There are many metaphors that emerge as a print comes to life. As Nick discusses his work, he will share some of these insights and the hidden meanings that have surfaced over all these years of making woodcut prints.
Also at 11 am on Saturday, author John Owens will be visiting Drury Lane Books from 11 am to 1 pm in an Author Meet and Greet.
Author John Owens will be at Drury Lane Books on Saturday at 11 am.
Owens is a freelance illustrator and author of “One Summer Up North” and “One Winter Up North,” both published by the University of Minnesota Press and inspired by his travels to explore the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in all its seasons. The public is invited to meet the author and see his books.
On Saturday afternoon, Voyageur Brewing will hold the 3rd annual Invasive Species event, with a presentation about the Emerald Ash Borer.
Voyageur Brewery will hold an Invasive Species event on Saturday.
This is a family-friendly event with educational booths and games. It will be held from 2-4 pm.
On Sunday, the Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center will feature a presentation entitled “The Geology of Cook County: Oceans, Volcanoes, and Glaciers” with Al Trippel.
Al Trippel will give a presentation about the geology of Cook County on Sunday at the Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center.
Trippel currently lives in Grand Marais and Minneapolis/St. Paul. He grew up around rocks in the Midwest and the western US. From a childhood hobby to a high school job, to a career in mining, and now a passion during retirement, rocks continue to awe and inspire him. Much of his lapidary and jewelry-making utilizes rocks and minerals found along the way.
The presentation is free and starts at 2 pm.
On Wednesday, June 25, the Grand Marais Public Library will host North Shore poet Shelley Getten for Poetry Night.
Poet Shelley Getten will be the facilitator of a poetry discussion at the library on June 25 from 6-8 pm.
Getten is the author of the poetry collection, “Of Cows and Crows” (Nodin Press, 2024). She will teach how a poem moves from beginning to end at this poetry workshop. And as a group, participants will explore several narrative poems and discuss aspects that help the flow and twists of the work. Shelley will also provide insights into which devices and techniques poets can use in their poems to achieve successful movement through the poem.
Born in St. Cloud and raised on a farm in central Minnesota. She offers classes in both poetry and printmaking along the North Shore. Visit her website www.gettencreative.com to learn more.
The workshop is free and open to all. No registration is required.
BTW: More poetry workshops are scheduled throughout the year, including July’s, which will feature haiku poet and award-winning children’s book author Sandra Hisakuni on July 19, at 10:30 am.
Exhibits:
Movement, the Grand Marais Art Colony‘s summer exhibition, continues at Studio 21.
“Movement,” the Grand Marais Art Colony‘s summer exhibition, opens May 23.
The exhibiting artists include: Alexandra Beaumont, Chotsani Elaine Dean, Olga Lah, Michael Marks, Anne Metcalfe, Jack Pavlik, and Moira Villiard.
The exhibit continues through August 30.
Also this month, Duluth painter & illustrator Kaitlin Klennert kicks off the Arrowhead Artist Exhibition, which features four different Arrowhead artists over the summer exhibition period.
Kaitlin Klennert is the Arrowhead Artist of the Month for June at Studio 21.
Studio 21 is open from 10 am to 4 pm Thursday through Saturday. Free and open to the public.
An exhibit of pyrographic work by the artist Ian Veihman continues at Tettegouche State Park.
On the North Shore, pyrography by Ian Veihman. He is exhibiting at Tettegouche State Park this month.
Originally from Georgia, Ian has always had a creative spark—but it wasn’t until he moved to Minnesota’s North Shore in 2017 that his passion truly ignited. Surrounded by nature’s beauty, Ian found new inspiration to return to the art of pyrography—wood burning. Today, his work captures the beauty of fishing, wilderness, and life on the North Shore with every stroke of the burner. The exhibit continues through the end of June.
“Revelation,” an exhibit featuring 35 panel paintings by Linda Ricklefs Baudry, is on exhibit at the Church of the Cross in Hopkins.
Revelation 100, pastel, by Linda Ricklefs Baudry.
She writes: “Revelation is defined as the divine or supernatural disclosure to humans of something relating to human existence or the world.”
The show is open to the public Tuesdays through Thursdays, 11 am -4 pm, and 11 am-2 pm on Fridays. It will be open through mid-August.
Edward Burtynsky: Water Water is currently on view at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum.
Rice Terraces 2, Western Yunnan Province, China, 2012, digital print, by Edward Burtynsky.
Over five years and across five continents, Burtynsky captured breathtaking, often abstract aerial images of the systems that shape and strain our planet’s most vital resource. From parched riverbeds to intricate irrigation grids, these photographs invite us to reflect on water’s role in culture, industry, and survival.
Upcoming:
Park Point Art Fair:
The Park Point Art Fair is June 28-29 this year..
This is the iconic art festival in Duluth. Located on Park Point, the fair offers work by more than 100 local and regional artists in a wide variety of media, food, and entertainment. It will be held on Saturday and Sunday, June 28-29
Hovland Arts Festival:
The Hovland Arts Festival is July 5-6 this year at the Hovland Town Hall.
The Hovland Arts Festival prides itself on offering work by a great selection of local artists and artisans, including painters, woodworkers, glass artists, potters, fiber artists, and more. There’s live music each day featuring local bands, and food is available.
Grand Marais Arts Festival:
The Grand Marais Arts Festival is always a happening place. It will be held July 12-13 this year in downtown Grand Marais. File photo by Dennis Chick.
The Grand Marais Arts Festival is one of the oldest in the area, drawing artists from throughout the region and beyond. More than 70 juried artists are in the show this year, representing every medium. To find out more, click here.
In Search Of:
The Cook County Historical Society is in search of photographs that could be used in a time capsule to mark its 100th anniversary.
Volunteers work on the Gunflint Trail. Photo courtesy of the Cook County Historical Society.
Here’s an explanation of the project:
As part of The Cook County Historical Society’s centennial celebration, we are gathering images from you, our community, that capture what Cook County and Grand Portage mean to you in the present day. Or what, in your opinion, best represents the area and community? Imagine someone looking at this calendar 100 years from now and looking back at what life was like here in 2025.
We will be compiling submitted photos and adding in some of our own from the archives to create a type of “community time capsule.” The deadline for submissions is June 30.
Learn more here: https://www.cookcountyhistory.org/2026-community-time-capsule-calendar
Artists At Work:
Lynx/Mountain Lion, a chalkboard floor drawing, is at Joy and Company. Artist unknown.
Jan Smith, by Jan Attridge.
Untitled by Carla Stetson.
.Watercolor sketches by Bryan Hansel.
Sue Rauschenfels is the Artist of the Month at the Johnson Heritage Post.
The light was delicious, by Layne Kennedy.
Family portrait. Image courtesy of Tristan Beaster.
- A selection of rosemaling work by Lucia Carlson is at Joy and Company.
Curious Goose, acrylic, by Bob Dann.
Siffy Torkildson’s book is out. It will be sold on Amazon and at the Hovland Arts Festival.
Online Findings:
Here’s a great story about the early years in Cook County by Stephanie Hemphill.
Navigating the Gunflint Trail in the early years. Photo courtesy of Lake County Historical Society.
Read the story and/or listen here.
Naniboujou Lodge is listed as one of the Best Hotels in Minnesota by the National Geographic travel section.
Naniboujou Lodge is listed in the National Geographic travel section as one of the best hotels in Minnesota. Read about it here.
Online Music:
Live Music:
Thursday, June 19:
- Bump Blomberg, Gunflint Tavern Rooftop, 5-8 pm
- Spice of Life, Cascade Lodge Restaurant & Pub, 6-8 pm
- Gordon Thorne, North Shore Winery, 6:30-8:30 pm
- Open Old Time Appalachian Music Jam, Log Cabin / Community Center, 7-9 pm
- North Shore Swing Band, Up Yonder, 7-9 pm
Friday, June 20:
- Barbara Jean and Mike Lewis, North Shore Winery, 4:30-6:30 pm
- Billy Johnson, Moguls Grille and Tap Room, 7-9 pm
- Frequency Rising, Gunflint Tavern Rooftop, 7-10 pm
Saturday, June 21:
- Tom Knutson, Cook County Market at the Hub, 10 – 2 pm
- John Kerns, Cascade Lodge Restaurant & Pub, 6-8 pm
- Pete Kavanaugh, Moguls Grille and Tap Room, 7-9 pm
- Billy Johnson, Gunflint Tavern Rooftop, 7-10 pm
Sunday, June 22:
- Bump Blomberg, North Shore Winery, 1-3 pm
- Joe Paulik +Pat Flack, Gunflint Tavern Rooftop, 3-6 pm
- Billy Johnson, North Shore Winery, 3:30-5:30 pm
- Timmy Haus, Moguls Grille and Tap Room, 5-7 pm
Tuesday, June 24:
- Eric Frost, North Shore Winery, 5-7 pm
- Briand Morrison, Gunflint Tavern Rooftop, 5-8 pm
- Open Stage hosted by Pete K, Up Yonder, 6-8 pm
- Community Singing, Lighthouse on the Harbor, 7-8:30 pm
- Joe Paulik, Gunflint Tavern Rooftop, 5-8 pm
Thursday, June 26:
- Pure Honey, Gunflint Tavern Rooftop, 4-5:30 pm
- Bump Blomberg, Gunflint Tavern Rooftop, 5:30-8 pm
- Joe Paulik, Cascade Lodge & Restaurant, 6-8 pm
- Gordon Thorne, North Shore Winery, 6:30-8:30 pm
Friday, June 27:
- Barbara Jean and Mike Lewis, North Shore Winery, 4:30-6:30 pm
- Mysterious Ways, Birch Terrace Supper Club & Lounge, 5-8 pm
- Between Howls, Gunflint Tavern Rooftop, 6-9 pm
- Timmy Haus, Moguls Grille and Tap Room, 7-9 pm
- The New Salty Dogs, Up Yonder, 9-11:59 pm
Saturday, June 28:
- Pat Eliason, Cook County Market at the Hub, 10-2 pm
- Zulu Link, Birch Terrace Supper Club & Lounge, 5-8 pm
- Bump Blomberg, Cascade Lodge & Restaurant, 6-8 pm
- Between Howls, Gunflint Tavern Rooftop, 6-9 pm
- Jake Pernsteiner, Voyageur Canoe Outfitters, 7-9 pm
- Drew Heinonen, Moguls Grille and Tap Room, 7-9 pm
- The New Salty Dogs, Up Yonder, 9-11:59 pm
Sunday, June 29:
- Bump Blomberg, North Shore Winery, 1-3 pm
- Medicine River, Gunflint Tavern Rooftop, 3-6 pm
- The Brothers Burn Mountain, North Shore Winery, 3:30-5:30 pm
- Timmy Haus, Moguls Grille and Tap Room, 5-7 pm
Photographs:
Here’s a selection of photographs we found this week:
Wildlife:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Silver Creek, by John Gregor.
Redstart with leg band by Thomas Spence.
B & W Warbler, Shovel Point by John Gregor.
A loose moose by Michael Furtman.
Make way for ducklings by Don Davison.
Annual bison roundup at Custer State Park by Layne Kennedy.
An Almost Wild:
Squirrel alert by Deb Benedict
Flowers:
Iris by Buck Benson.
A magical carpet of Forget Me Nots at Tettegouche State Park by Jana Kokemiller-Berka.
Pink Lady Slippers are out on the North Shore by Bryan Hansel.
Lupine field by Levi Drevlow.
Water Hemlock, poisonous, by Sandra Updyke.
Sweet in white by Buck Benson.
Potpourri:
Pride Day by Maryl Skinner.
The perfect combination by Rachel Rae Klesser.
The green curtain closes in by Mary Beams.
In Ireland by Michele Miller.
Landscapes.Waterscapes & Skyscapes
The Greens! Photo by Sandra Updyke.
The full Strawberry Moon by David Johnson.
Healing Waves by Chuck Olsen.
Every day is special by Matthew Pastick.
Aurora over Caribou Lake by Paul Sundberg.
Strawberry full moon by Paul Sundberg.
A sweet waterfall in the UP by Michelle Lutke.
Two Harbors Lighthouse by Adam Malmanger.
Grand Marais on a beautiful summer day by Eric Humphrey.
Ripples in the Sand by Chris Artist.
The Wonder of Lake Superior as fog rolls in by Matthew Pastick.
The Milky Way with clouds by Dennis Chick.
Aurora at Hungry Jack Lake by Dennis Chick.
Sunrise over the lake by Roxanne Distad.
Happy Solstice, everyone!
Note: Show your support and appreciation for NorthShore ArtScene by contributing today. It makes a big difference.
Your donation is also a way to say thank you to those who help me put out this blog every week: Jeremy Lopez, Yvonne Mills, and Kari Carter. We also want to thank Visit Cook County for its great Events Calendar.
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