A photo of the Quetico wildfire on the border of the BWCA on Tuesday. The fire crossed over the border on Wednesday and has been named the Little Knife Fire. Photo courtesy of Annie May. For updates on wildfires in the county, click here.
Greetings from the North Shore, where we are dealing with many wildfires in the region, sparked by lightning strikes, and fueled by drought, heat, and high winds. Evacuations have been ordered in areas around Ely, and thick smoke and air quality alerts have been issued throughout the region.
Wildfire smoke and ash in Grand Marais by Sierra Parsons.
Smoke map in the Lake Superior region on Wednesday, July 15.
This is a fast-moving story. For updates in Minnesota, click here.
As of press time, some events have been canceled and/or postponed due to the wildfires and smoke, including the Gunflint Trail Canoe Races, a popular summer event up the Trail. It will be rescheduled, planners say. Some light rain has been forecasted for the next few days, but much more will be needed for these fires. Ever hopeful. For updates about the fires, click here.
Meanwhile….
Bird Banding at Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center continues.
Bird banding will be held at Sugarloaf Cove on Thursday mornings from 7-11 am this summer.
This is an opportunity for the community to learn about our native birds, as well as the bird banding program and why it matters. Free and open to all. Bird banding at Sugarloaf continues through the summer. Free.
If smoky conditions continue, the nature center will be closed. Call the Cove at 218-663-7679 to check.
Joy and Company will hold its art-making event, the Art Counter Project, from 3-4:30 pm at the shop. Each week, participants are invited to the shop to make something wonderful and take it home with them.
Make art at Joy and Company on Thursdays from 3-4:30 pm.
This is a free event, although a $5 freewill donation is appreciated.
The Grand Marais Farmer’s Market will be held in the parking lot of the Cook County Community Center from 4:30-6 pm on Thursday.
Good Nature Farm will have fresh strawberries at Thursday’s market.
This week, look for fresh strawberries and a great selection of fresh produce, baked goods, artisan breads, maple syrup, and more. Open to all. Note: Check social media to see if the market will be canceled due to wildfire smoke.
The Grand Marais Art Colony will host an Artist Talk with monotype printmaker Sarah Smelser from 4:30-5:30 pm.
Infinite Guile, monotype by Sarah Smelser.
Sarah Smelser.
A wanderer and traveler, Smelser makes monotypes in response to walking, noticing, and documenting. She uses mark making, color, and intuition to describe her personal interactions with place, cobbling together varied stimuli to create abstract landscapes. The presentation is open to the public. Free.
Also on Thursday, the North Shore Winery begins celebrating its 10th anniversary.
North Shore Winery celebrates its 10th anniversary this weekend.
“We at North Shore Winery are so grateful for the opportunity that this community and its visitors have given us for the last 10 years, not only to produce and sell wine and cider but also to create a space for the community here in Lutsen. Thank you for ten years of support,” a press release says.
Here is a schedule of events over the weekend:
July 16-19:
- All weekend long – order a glass of wine and take home your commemorative 10-year anniversary glassware!
- Live Music every day
- Thursday: Gordon Thorne 6 – 8 pm
- Friday: Mike Lewis and Barbara Jean 4:30 – 6:30 pm
- Saturday: Bump Blomberg 3:30 – 5:30 pm
- Sunday: Joyann Parker Duo: 3:30 – 5:30 pm
- Food: Double D Catering will be serving rice bowls with a variety of protein options on Friday and Saturday.
The public is invited.
And Thursday is the opening night for the musical, As You Like It, at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts. The play is a musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s As You Like It by Shaina Taub and Laurie Woolery, with music and lyrics by Shaina Taub.
As You Like It, as a musical at the ACA, opens Thursday at 7 pm.
This should be a fun theatre experience. Shaina Taub’s score for As You Like It is full of humor, romance, pathos, irresistible grooves, and abundant joy.
Show times are:
- Thursday, July 16 – 7 pm
- Saturday, July 18 – 7 pm.
- Friday, July 24 – 7 pm. *ASL Interpreted Performance
- Sunday, July 26 – 2 pm
- Thursday, July 30 – 7 pm
- Saturday, August. 1 – 7 pm
- Friday, Aug. 7 – 7 pm
- Sunday, Aug. 9 – 2 pm
Tickets can be purchased at the door or online by clicking here. Tickets are $20 for adults, $20 for youth.
On Friday, the opening reception for Borderlands, a group exhibit featuring works by Betsy Bowen, Jeanne Hedstrom, Stephan Hoglund, and Heidi Sobanja, will be held from 5-7 pm.
Borderlands, an exhibit featuring work by Betsy Bowen, Heidi Sobanja, and Stephan Hoglund, opens at the Heritage Post.
The exhibition is built around a lifestyle common to all four artists: seasonal migration. Over the years, each has spent significant time traveling and working near the edges of both the North and the Southwest, dividing their time between Northern Minnesota, Canada, New Mexico, and Mexico. We’re all looking forward to seeing it.
It should be a great show. Highly recommended.
On Saturday, the Cook County Market will be held in the parking lot of The Hub.
The Cook County Market will be held in the parking lot of The Hub from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday.
This is a market featuring a great selection of work by local artists and artisans. Look for pottery, paintings, rock lamps, fused glass, clothing, baked goods and more. Live music this week by Boyd “Bump” Blomberg.
The West End Flower Club’s annual Flower Show will be at Surfside in Tofte on Saturday from 1-5 pm.
The West End Garden Club will hold its annual Flower Show on Saturday from 1-5 pm.
The theme of this year’s show is “America the Beautiful,” and will feature an inspiring and beautiful display of flower arrangements. Light refreshments will be served. Free and open to all.
Also on Saturday, Grand Marais native and Minnesota author Tom Toftey will share insights into his latest project, building on the reflections of his father, Ade Toftey. Ade was a significant figure in local history, known for his involvement with the Cook County Historical Society, his role as editor of the Cook County News Herald, and his long-standing “Remember When” column, as well as deep involvement in the Grand Marais community.
Tom Toftey will give an Author Talk at the History Museum on Saturday.
In this event, Tom Toftey, the award-winning author of Unexpected Gifts, brings his storytelling expertise to this personal exploration of family and local heritage.
Admission is free and open to the public, with donations graciously accepted.
On Monday, local artists Tim Vahle and Neil Sherman continue to host figure drawing sessions at the Community Center’s Log Building from 3:30-8 pm.
This is not a class, but an open studio format featuring various timed poses ranging from quick 2-minute gesture sketches to longer 40-minute studies.
Max, graphite on paper, by Tim Vahle.
To provide authentic academic practice, these sessions will utilize live models, which may include undraped (nude) modeling. Attendees must bring their own supplies. Photography is strictly prohibited. Cost per session is $20. All levels are welcome.
Exhibits:
Sivertson Gallery is exhibiting new work by David Gilsvik.
Dave Gilsvik has brought in new work at Sivertson Gallery.
Red Pine Realty is featuring works by a local artist every month. Plein air painter Tim Vahle is featured this month.
Cascade Thaw, oil on canvas, by Tim Vahle.
The Lake Superior Watercolor Society celebrates its 15th anniversary with an exhibit at the Zeitgeist Cafe in Duluth. The opening reception was on July 15.
The Lake Superior Watercolor Society is exhibiting at the Zeitgeist Cafe.
A Grand Marais Arts Festival Recap
Grand Marais Arts Festival 2026, by Dennis Chick.
Lots of people attended the Grand Marais Arts Festival, by Dennis Chick.
Weaver Mary Sannerud won Best of Show, photo furnished.
Printmaker Nan Onkka won Best Booth at the festival. Photo by Dennis Chick.
Artists at Work:
Two-toned fumed vortex borosilicate marble by Andrew Lazenby.
Felted wall triptych by Mary Sannerud.
A soft gentle flow, dry pastel on sanded pastel paper, Randye Jensen.
A deliberate flaw in the center of the basket so as not to insult the gods, by Peggy Rock Black, 3rd generation Diné ~ Navajo basket weaver.
Focused on a paint-by-number project at a summer camp at Birch Grove Community School.
Forest Light, glass by Kevin Gordon.
Bedroom, oil, by Scott Murphy.
, oil, Pine Point – Loon Family by Robert Bateman.
Online Music:
Live Music:
Thursday, July 16:
- Gordon Thorne, North Shore Winery, 6-8 pm
- SonofMel, Cascade Restaurant & Pub, 6-8 pm
- Briand Morrison and Roxann Berglund, Raven’s Nest at the Gun Flint Tavern, 6-9 pm
Friday, July 17:
- Briand Morrison and Roxann Berglund, Stone’s Throw Room, East Bay Suites, 4–6 pm
- Border Crossings, Birch Terrace Supper Club & Lounge, 4-8 pm
- Barbara Jean and Mike Lewis, North Shore Winery, 4:30-6:30 pm
- Pat Eliasen, Moguls Grille & Taproom at Caribou Highlands Lodge, 7-9 pm
- Jim Miller, Charlie’s Alpine Bistro, 7:30-10 pm
- Briand Morrison, Bluefin Grille, 8-10 pm
- Southpaws, Up Yonder, 8-10 pm
- The Bewilderness, Raven’s Nest at the Gun Flint Tavern, 8-11 pm
Saturday, July 18:
- Boyd “Bump” Blomberg, Cook County Market at the Hub, 10-2 pm
- Bump Blomberg, North Shore Winery, 3:30-5:30 p
- Briand Morrison, Schaap Community Center, Gunflint Trail, 4-6 pm
- Southpaws, Music by The Lake at Skyport Lodge, 4-7 pm
- John Gruber, Cascade Lodge Restaurant & Pub, 6-8 pm
- Bump Blomberg, Moguls Grille & Taproom at Caribou Highlands Lodge, 7-9 pm
- Moonshot, Up Yonder, 7-10 pm
- Joe Paulik, Charlie’s Alpine Bistro, 7:30-10 pm
- The Bewilderness, Raven’s Nest at the Gun Flint Tavern, 8-11 pm
Sunday, July 19:
- Billy Manzik, Grand Marais Harbor Waterfront, 1:30 pm
- Bump Blomberg, Raven’s Nest at the Gun Flint Tavern, 3-6 pm
- Joyann Parker, North Shore Winery, 3:30-5:30 pm
- Timmy Haus, Moguls Grille & Taproom at Caribou Highlands Lodge, 5-7 pm
- Bump Blomberg, Charlie’s Alpine Bistro, 6:30-9 pm
- Timmy Haus, Voyageur Brewing Company, 5-7 pm
- Pete Kavanaugh, Raven’s Nest at the Gun Flint Tavern, 3-6 pm
- Gordon Thorne, Charlie’s Alpine Bistro, 6:30-9 pm
- Jim Elverhoy & John Cron, Bluefin Grille, 8-10 pm
Tuesday, July 21:
- Eric Frost, North Shore Winery, 4:30-6:30 pm
- Open Stage hosted by Pete K, Up Yonder, 6-8 pm
- Emma Tweeten, Raven’s Nest at the Gun Flint Tavern, 6-9 pm
- Pat Eliasen, Charlie’s Alpine Bistro, 6:30-9 pm
- Community Singing, Log Cabin at the Grand Marais Community Center, 7 pm
- Jim Miller, Stone’s Throw Room, East Bay Suites, 5-7 pm
- Pat Eliasen, Raven Rock Grill at Skyport Lodge, 6-8 pm
- Joe Paulik, Raven’s Nest at the Gun Flint Tavern, 6-9 pm
- Billy Manzik, Bluefin Grille, 8-10 pm
Thursday, July 23:
- Jim McGowan, Cascade Restaurant & Pub, 6-8 pm
- Gordon Thorne, North Shore Winery, 6-8 pm
- Slow Gin, Raven’s Nest at the Gun Flint Tavern, 7-10 pm
Friday, July 24:
- Briand Morrison and Roxann Berglund, Stone’s Throw Room at East Bay Suites, 4–6 pm
- Barbara Jean and Mike Lewis, North Shore Winery, 4:30-6:30 pm
- Cloverland Band, Up Yonder, 7-9 pm
- Bump Blomberg, Moguls Grille & Taproom at Caribou Highlands Lodge, 7-9 pm
- Jim Miller, Bluefin Grille, 8-10 pm
- Slow Gin, Raven’s Nest at the Gun Flint Tavern, 8-11 pm
Saturday, July 25:
- Emma Tweeten then Roxann Berglund, Cook County Market at the Hub, 10-2 pm
- Scaredy Cat Music (DJ Ben Nichols), Raven’s Nest at the Gun Flint Tavern, 3-6 pm
- Oversize Load, Birch Terrace Supper Club & Lounge, 4-8 pm
- Frozen Britches, Cascade Lodge Restaurant & Pub, 6-8 pm
- Nate Weiler, Moguls Grille & Taproom at Caribou Highlands Lodge, 7-9 pm
- Joe Paulik, Charlie’s Alpine Bistro, 7:30-10 pm
- Slow Gin, Raven’s Nest at the Gun Flint Tavern, 8-11 pm
- Moonshot, Up Yonder Outdoors, 7-10 pm
Sunday, July 26:
- Kari Golden, Grand Marais Harbor Waterfront, 1:30 pm
- Bump Blomberg, Raven’s Nest at the Gun Flint Tavern, 3-6 pm
-
Brothers Burn Mountain, North Shore Winery, 3:30-5:30 pm
- Timmy Haus, Moguls Grille & Taproom at Caribou Highlands Lodge, 5-7 pm
- Bump Blomberg, Charlie’s Alpine Bistro, 6:30-9 pm
Photographs:
Here’s a selection of the photographs we found this week:
Wildlife:
Sedge Wren by Michael Furtman.
Dragonfly by Paul Ostrum.
A young cross fox explores its world by Paul Sundberg.
A little tiffle by Paul Sundberg.
Drenched in Light by Heidi Pinkerton.
Who gets this one? by Paul Sundberg.
The family by Katie Slanga.
Potpourri:
A bit of marine air this morning, Salish Sea, by John Cannell.
Hjordis into the mist by Roxanne Distad.
Landscapes, Skyscapes, Waterscapes:
Thunder Bay before the wildfire smoke by Chris Artist.
Grand Portage by Gary Arands.
It doesn’t get better than this by Btyan Hansel.
Morning Mist in Grand Marais by Roxanne Distad.
Northwoods favorites
Snowy Lady Slipper by Roxanne Distad
Just a few beads by Paul Ostrum.
Sunrise Surprise by David Johnson.
Overlooking the Boundary Waters by David Barthel.
Hope your weekend goes well. Our heart goes out to the firefighters, crews, and volunteers who are working so hard to fight the wildfires across our region and to keep us safe. Thank you.
If you contribute to NorthShoe ArtScene today, I will donate all the proceeds to the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department.
Here’s a big shout-out to Jeremy Lopez (Live Music Schedule, tech advice) and Yvonne Mills (proofreading) for your continued support. Thanks also to Visit Cook County for its outstanding Events Calendar.
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