North Shore Arts Scene

Jack-O-Lantern Sunrise, Oct. 31, 2018 by Lin Salisbury.

This week:  Bluegrass Masters weekend, making root beer from wild plants, an art opening and a harvest festival.

First up, learn how to make your own wild-crafted root beer at North House Folk School on Thursday night. The skillshare workshop, entitled “Roots, Berries, Bark + Flowers: Brewing Wild Root Beer,”  will held in the Blue Building at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1. The participants will use a ginger culture for fizz and brewed hand-harvested plants to create an old-fashioned, delicious root beer.

Handcrafting root beer from wild ingredients will be demonstrated at North House Folk School in a skillshare workshop at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1.

The skill share is free and open to the public. There is a materials fee of $15 for those who might want to bring the starter and ingredients home to try in their own kitchen. All invited.

And then, look for the 28th annual Bluegrass Masters Weekend at Lutsen Resort Friday through Sunday. The event features bluegrass vocalist Valerie Smith and her Grammy-nominated band Liberty Pike.

Bluegrass singer Valerie Smith and her band, Liberty Pike, are featured at this year’s Bluegrass Master’s weekend. They will give a concert at 8 p.m. Saturday night.

The event features three days of small-group jamming, a day of bluegrass singing workshops (Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and a concert by Liberty Pike on Saturday night at 8 p.m. The workshops on Saturday cover all kinds of topics for vocalists, including how to choose the right songs for your voice, trouble-shooting problem songs, how to phrase a bluegrass song and more. The concert with Smith and her band starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 adults, $10 kids and are available at Lutsen Resort. Everyone is invited to stop by and hear the music this weekend! For all the info on the event, including the workshop schedule, click here.

Here’s a clip of Valerie Smith singing one of her great songs, “Red Clay Halo.”

Also this weekend, the North Shore Winery will hold its 3rd annual Harvest Festival from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3. The day features tours of the wine-making process, music by Jon Kalberg and wood-fired pizzas by D&D Catering, weather permitting. All invited.

And on Wednesday, the Grand Marais Writer’s Guild will hold a Silent Writers Meet-Up from 4-6 p.m. at the Cook County Community Center. The event is free and open to anyone, 13-adult, who would like to take a time-out to just write. No talking, just writing. Free. All welcome.

And finally, the Grand Marais Library and the Grand Marais Playhouse are collaborating to host a play reading at the library at 6 p.m. Nov. 7.  The event features a reading of “The Enemy of the People,” by Arthur Miller, adapted from Henrik Ibsen’s play.Attendees can read a part or just sit and listen. Open to all. Free.

Exhibits:

 This is the last weekend to see the exhibit, “George Morrison/Surrealist Forms & Other Drawings” at the Johnson Heritage Post. Morrison’s family are exhibiting works from their own collection, archival prints and some George Morrison originals.

Painting by George Morrison.

The exhibit continues through Nov. 4.  The Heritage Post is closed on Tuesdays, and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and from 1-4 p.m. Sunday.

The Inuit Premiere continues at Sivertson Gallery featuring prints, sculptures and carvings by Canadian Inuit and Alaskan Siberian Yupik artists.

Deep in Thought, stonecutter print and stencil by Ningiukulu Teevee is one of the Cape Dorset prints at Sivertson Gallery.

Of special interest: the 2018 Cape Dorset Annual Print Collection and a great selection of sculptures by Bill Nasogaluak.

The North Shore Hospital and Care Center, which welcomes exhibits by local artists, has just opened a showing of work by illustrator and painter Keith Morris and photographer Jim Ringquist. The exhibit continues through January and the public is invited to stop by and look at the work.

“Oatmeal Again” by Keith Morris, is one of  Morris’ drawings in the show. He also is exhibiting paintings.

High Falls by Jim Ringquist, a compilation of 35 different photos, is in the exhibit the hallways of the North Shore Hospital. Ringquist has a wide variety of photographs in the exhibit.

Tettegouche State Park has opened a new exhibit for the month of November featuring the macro photographs of award-winning photographer Elizabeth Blair.

Rainbows 6, photograph by Elizabeth Blair, is one of the pieces on exhibit in the Great Hall at Tettegouche State Park.

An opening reception for Blair will beheld at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 2 in the Great Hall at Tettegouche. The exhibit continues through November.

In Duluth, the Tweed Museum of Art is featuring a multi-media animated installation by Ojibwe artist Jonathon Thunder.

Jonathon Thunder’s animated installation, “Manifest’o” is at the Tweed Museum of Art.

The animated installation comes with messages that exist on two planes: the ephemeral (or transcendent) and the physical. The stories that these animated vignettes represent are based on the Indigenous people’s memory of this region of the continent.

In Thunder Bay, Christi Belcourt’s retrospective, “Uprising: The Power of Mother Earth” continues through Nov. 25 at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery.

“The Earth is My Government” by Christi Belcourt, is at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery.

 Upcoming:

There are lots of things going on in November, and we really can’t do justice to all of them here. Just stay tuned and we’ll tell you about them. However, here are a few.

The Johnson Heritage Post opens a new exhibit, “Listening to Lichen & Sculptural Weaving: Elise Kyllo and Patricia Beilke” with a reception from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 9.

Listening to Lichen and Sculptural Weaving opens at the Johnson Heritage Post Nov. 9.

Paint-A-Bowl for Empty Bowls will be held at the Grand Marais Art Colony starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 10.

Susan Bragstad painted this bowl for Empty Bowls a few years ago. The public is invited to try their hand at it on Nov. 10 at the Grand Marais Art Colony. 

More than 30 bowls will be available to paint Nov. 10, and instructors will be available to help, if needed. The bowls will then be fired and donated to the Empty Bowls Fundraiser to help to hungry, which will be held at St. John’s Catholic Church Nov. 15. All welcome to try their hand at painting a bowl. A $5 donation  materials cost is requested.

The Winterer’s Gathering & Arctic Film Festival will be held at North House Folk School Nov. 16-18. The event celebrates the crafts, customs, landscape, history and stories of winter travel and traditional lifeways in the North. Featuring winter-centric coursework, a winter tent camp, gear swap, dancing, film festival, speakers, and more, this is a classic event to welcome the season of snow.

The Arctic Film Festival is fantastic. Here’s a. trailer of “The Eagle Huntress,” one of the films that will be shown that weekend.

Duluth News-Tribune’s columnist and writer Sam Cook is the featured speaker. For the schedule of events during Winterer’s Gathering, click here. Stay tuned for more.

And, in Silver Bay, the Buddy Holly Winter Dance Party will be held at the William Kelly Auditorium at 7 p.m. Nov. 16. The event is sponsored. by the Northern Lake County Arts Board. Stay tuned for details.

 Music:

 Thursday, Nov. 1

• Gordon Thorne & the Wildcats, North Shore Winery, 6 p.m.
• Jim McGowan, Gun Flint Tavern, 7 p.m.
• Plucked Up String Band, Wunderbar, 7 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 2:

• Bluegrass Masters Weekend, Lutsen Resort, jamming, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Jon Kalberg, North Shore Winery, 2 p.m.
• Ian Alexy, Voyageur Brewing, 4 p.m.
• The Gin Strings, Gun Flint Tavern, 8:30 p.m.
• Joe Paulik Band, Wunderbar, 8 p.m.
• Jim McGowan, Grandma Ray’s, 8 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 3:

• Bluegrass Masters Weekend Workshops, vocal/bluegreass workshops, Lutsen Resort, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets on-site.
• Bluegrass Masters Concert with Valerie Smith & her band, Liberty Pike, Lutsen Resort, 8 p.m. Tickets on-site.
• Common Ground, Wunderbar, 8 p.m.
• SplinterTones, Grandma Ray’s, 8 p.m.
• The Gin Strings, Gun Flint Tavern, 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 4:

• Briand Morrison, Mogul’s Grille, 10 a.m.
• Open Stage with Joe Paulik, Wunderbar, 6 p.m.

Monday, Nov 5:

• Celtic Slow Session, Mountain Thyme Music, Wunderbar, 7-9 p.m.

Photographs:

We found some interesting photos this week.

First, wildlife:

Ambassador Wolf, Boltz, at the International Wolf Center in Ely. Photo by Heidi Pinkerton.

Bohemian waxwing by Jeff Grotte.

Immature Rough-Legged Hawk by Christian Dalbc.

Twig eater in the rain by Thomas Spence.

Water:

Abstract reflections on the lake by Roxanne Distad.

First Light, Tofte by Wendy Olson Holdman.

Temperance River by Bill Donovan.

Sky, clouds and water by Roxann Berglund.

The amazing tricks water does by Christian Dalbec.

Hunter’s Moon by Paul Sandberg.

Lake Superior– another view by Jeffrey Doty.

Trees:

The slider had to go left by Jamie Rabold.

Leaves by Mark Tessier.

Trail through the tamaracks. Photo by Paul Pluskwik.

And finally, this photo of very strange clouds.

Fall streak holes or hole-punch clouds, spotted near Houston, Texas.

Apparently these types of unusual clouds are caused by ice crystals and swirling winds.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

“Chasing the gold” by David Johnson.

This is the weekend to celebrate our connections to art and art-making. The Inuit Premiere at Sivertson Gallery opens this weekend with the Dorset Fine Arts 2018 print release, stone carving demonstrations and throat-singing, Tim Young will hold an Artist Talk and Painting Silent Auction at Cook County Higher Education and the Arrowhead Center for the Arts will feature a Flamenco dance performance, just to name a few.

Let’s start on Thursday at 12:30, when Jack Becker, founder and director of Consulting + Creative Services at Forecast Public Art, will lead an informational session on Public Art and Placemaking at the Cook County Community Center. He will lead a discussion on the community’s role in supporting public art and peacemaking initiatives.

Check out this interview with him:

As a public artist, administrator and veteran consultant, Becker specializes in developing projects for communities of all sizes. He has a special interest in projects that connect ideas and energies of artists with the needs and opportunities of communities. Free. Bring your lunch and join the conversation.

Friday is a busy day! First up, Inuit artist Bill Nasogaluak, will be giving stone carving demonstrations at North House Folk School from 2-4 p.m. on Friday.

Inuit stone carver Bill-Nasogaluak, will give carving demonstrations at North House Folk School on Friday from 2-4 p.m. He will also be at Sivertson Gallery all day Saturday and will participate in the Fireside Chat on Saturday night.

Nasogaluak is a master stone carver, and is here as a guest for Sivertson Gallery‘s Inuit Premiere. At 3 p.m., the very popular Inuit throat singers Taqralik Partridge and Nina Segalowitz will hold a throat-singing performance at North House. They will also perform on Saturday at Sivertson Gallery at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Inuit throat-singers Nina Segalowitz & Taqralik Partridge, return to Grand Marais for the Inuit Premiere. They will perform at 3 p.m. on Friday at North House Folk School and at 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday at Sivertson Gallery.

These two throat-singers are just totally fun to watch. They will also be participating in the Saturday night Fireside Chat at the gallery.

Another highlight of the Inuit Premiere is the unveiling of the new prints from Cape Dorset. Every fall since 1959, Dorset Fine Arts, a marketing arm of the West Baffin Eskimo Co-operative, has released an annual limited-run print collection.

The collection is released only through approved galleries around the world, and for the past 18 years, Sivertson Gallery has had the privilege of being one of them. “We are the only authorized Cape Dorset Fine Arts gallery in Minnesota,” says owner Jan Sivertson. “We can’t wait to unveil the 2018 collection and celebrate with our guest artists from the far north.”

Sivertson Gallery‘s 18th annual Inuit Premiere is Oct. 26-27.

The gallery will host a 2018 Cape Dorset Print Fine Arts release party from 6-8 p.m. on Friday.

On Saturday, the Inuit Premiere continues, with artists in the gallery as well as throat-singing performances at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. A Fireside Chat, set for 6 p.m. at the gallery, will feature stone sculptor Bill Nasogaluak, throat-singers Nina Segalowitz, Taqralik Partridge, and other special guests. This is always such an inspiring event. All invited. Refreshments will be served.

Friday has other events as well.

Curtis and Loretta will be on WTIP’s the Roadhouse to talk about their music and play a few songs. They perform at the Grand Marais Public Library on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Also, Inuit throat singers Nina Segalowitz and Taqralik Partridge as well as Inuit sculptor Bill-Nasogaluak will be on the show to talk about the Inuit Premiere. The Roadhouse airs from 5-7 p.m.

Also on Friday, painter Tim Young will hold an Artist Talk and Silent Auction at Cook County Education from 7-10 p.m.

New work by Tim Young will be featured at a special event at Cook County Higher Education on Friday from 7-10 p.m. He said he has been inspired by his Finnish roots.

Entitled, “My Hand Paints,” the event will feature a collection of new paintings. Proceeds will go towards the expenses associated with Tim’s adoption of a group of siblings. Everyone invited. Refreshments will be served.

If you’re traveling on Friday, consider stopping by the Clair Nelson Center in Finland for a Lumberjack Dinner and Concert with the Lost Forty from 5-8 p.m. The event is a fundraiser for the center

The Lost 40 will play for the fundraise at the Clair Nelson Center in Finland on Friday night.

Tickets for the dinner must be purchased beforehand at 218-353-0300. Show only (includes homemade pie) tickets are $5.

Friday night is a big night in Duluth, too, as the monthly Downtown Arts Walk is scheduled in a variety of galleries and studios in the city.

At the Joseph Nease Gallery, choreographer Laura Goodman and painter Karen Owlsey Nease will discuss their collaboration on a ballet for the Minnesota Ballet at 6 p.m. The gallery is located at 23 1st Ave. in Duluth.

Choreographer Laura Goodman and painter Karen Owlsey Nease will discuss their collaboration for a ballet by the Minnesota Ballet at the Joseph Nease Gallery at 6 p.m. Friday.

There are lots of other events throughout Duluth, including artist talks, demonstrations and exhibitions. Check them out here.

On Saturday, the Inuit Premiere continues at Sivertson Gallery with the throat singers performing at 1-3 p.m. and a Fireside Chat with guests at 6 p.m. On exhibit is a great selection of Inuit sculptures and Cape Dorset Fine Art Prints for 2018.

And, on Saturday night, Flamenco dancing with Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre, will be performed at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts from 7:30-9 p.m.

Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre will perform at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre and School brings the soul of southern Spain GrandMarais. The performance, “Café Flamenco,” is a concert of traditional flamenco dance and music that brings the expressive and rhythmic excitement to the stage that only flamenco can. Tickets are available at the door. Here’s a short clip of their dancing:

Susana di Palma’s “PiCa” – Excerpts for BAM in NY (2016) from Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre on Vimeo. Enjoy!

And in Thunder Bay, Definitely Superior Art Gallery will hold it’s annual Halloween fundraiser, “The Hunger – Lucky 13″ throughout the Waterfront District in Thunder Bay. It’s a massive Halloween festival held at eight different venues, with 54 performance acts, including 42 bands and DJ’s and 12 specialty performers– 235 musicians/performers in all. Last year, 3,000 people showed up, many in costume.

The Hunger, Definitely Superior Art Gallery‘s Halloween fundraiser, will be held in downtown Thunder Bay from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday.

It is held from 8 p.m. through 2 a.m. on Saturday.  Click here to see a video and find out all the details.

On Halloween, Wednesday, Oct. 31, a Halloween Dance Party! “Dance Dance Dance: All-Ages Halloween Dance Party” will be held in the Log Building at the Community Center starting at 8 p.m. on Halloween night. Hosted by Angela Ryden Robins. Let her know your song requests.

Exhibits:

 The exhibit “George Morrison/Surrealist Forms and Other Drawings” continues at the Johnson Heritage Post.

Untitled, gilcee print by George Morrison.

The exhibit features a wide variety of drawings and prints from this nationally known artist.

On Sunday, Oct. 28, Briand Morrison, George Morrison’s son, will be playing jazz at the Heritage Post from 2-3 p.m. He will be available in the gallery from 3-4 p.m. to answer any questions about the exhibit. The exhibit continues through Nov. 4.

The Heritage Post is closed on Tuesdays. It is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and Monday, and from 1-4 p.m. Sunday.

Painter Greg Prelicka is the featured artist at Tettegouche State Park through October.

Painting by Greg Prelicka. His work is on exhibit in the Great Hall at Tettegouche State Park.

In Duluth, the Tweed Museum of Art is holding a gala reception for Anne Labovitz and her exhibition: “122 Conversations: Person to Person, Art Beyond Borders,” on Thursday, Oct. 25, at 6 p.m.

Painted silk scrolls by Anne Labovitz are part of the exhibit at the Tweed.

Labovitz took seven years to develop this body of work, which included meeting over 3,000 people and creating more than 2,000 pieces of art by those who live in Duluth’s five sister cities: Raina, Iraqi Kurdistan; Vaxjo, Sweden; Petrozavodsk, Russia; Thunder Bay, Canada and Ohara Isumi-City, Japan. The project was organized by the Tweed Museum of Art with collaboration with the Duluth Sister Cities International. It celebrates the 122 years of relationships with the sister cities. The exhibit continues through Jan. 6.

 Upcoming:

 The 28th annual Bluegrass Masters Weekend at Lutsen Resort is coming up next weekend, Nov. 2-4. This year’s instrument of focus is voice.

Jamming at the North Shore Music Associations Bluegrass Master’s Weekend.

Valerie Smith will teach a full day of bluegrass singing workshops on Saturday, Nov. 3. She and her band Liberty Pike will perform a concert for the public at 8 p.m. Saturday night in the ballroom ($20/$10). And don’t forget, there are lots of opportunities for jamming’. Rooms peppered throughout the resort are set aside for musicians to play and there’s always a lot of people playing in the lobby and the Poplar River Pub throughout the weekend. Everyone is invited to come, enjoy the music, take a class or two and attend the Saturday night concert. Tickets are available at the resort. For more, click here.

Felt artist Elise Kyllo and basketmaker Triscia Bielke will exhibit their work in a special exhibit at the Johnson Heritage Post with an opening reception from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9.

Felted piece by Elise Kylo. It and others will be featured in her exhibit, “Listening to Lichen” which opens Nov. 9 at the Johnson Heritage Post.

The exhibit is entitled “Listening to Lichen” and features a wide variety of felted work as well as basketry sculptures. Stay tuned for details.

Artist News &Kudos:

 The Grand Marais Small Town Lip Sync Challenge has been launched! About 150 residents in Grand Marais got together to put together their masterpiece, which is set to “Home” by Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeros. Local businesses, plus the County Sheriff, and even the mascots all got on board. The video was produced by Cascade Vacation Rentals along with Visit Cook County and filmed earlier in October. Check out the video below:

With this video, Grand Marais now challenges other small towns to show what they’re made of with a Small Town Lip Sync Challenge.

WTIP Community Radio was one of 10 radio stations nationwide which have been chosen to participate in the national “Community Counts,” a CPB initiative to strengthen service in rural areas. The grant includes training and technical assistance to help small community broadcasters achieve long-term sustainability.

Participating stations were chosen through an open application process and include: WTIP (Grand Marais, Minnesota), WERU (East Orland, Maine), WMMT (Whitesburg, Kentucky), WNCU (Durham, North Carolina), WXPR (Rhinelander, Wisconsin), KBFT (Nett Lake, Minnesota), KWSO (Warm Springs, Oregon), KTNA (Talkeetna, Alaska), KZUM(Lincoln, Nebraska), and KRTS (Marfa, Texas).

Joe Paulik and Al Oikari have just released their latest collaboration– a new album from Paulik produced by Oikari called “New Set of Eyes.”

Joe Paulik has just released an album: A New Set of Eyes.

Paulik and Oikari were interviewed on WTIP Radio about their project. Listen to it here.

“The Sock Goblin,” written by Rose Arrowsmith DeCoux with illustrations by Kari Vick, is now available at Drury Lane Books.

“The Sock Goblin,” a children’s book by Rose Arrowsmith DeCoux with illustrations by Kari Vick, is just out and is available at Drury Lane Books. You can also find it next to the socks at The Big Lake.

 Tim Cochrane’s new book, “Gichi Bitobig: Early Accounts of the Anishinaabeg and the North Shore Fur Trade” is out and should be available in local book shops soon. The official release date is Nov. 13.

Tim Cochrane holds a copy of his new book, “Gichi Bitobig: Early Accounts of the Anishinaabeg and the North Shore Fur Trade.” It will be officially released Nov. 13.

Cochrane is scheduled to do an author talk and book signing at the Johnson Heritage Post Nov. 16 and a Writer’s Salon at Drury Lane Books Dec. 1. Stay tuned.

Music:

Here’s the music schedule for this week:

Thursday, Oct. 25:

• Frozen Britches, Cascade Lodge Restaurant, 6 p.m.
• Briand Morrison, North Shore Winery, 6 p.m.
• Joe Paulik, Gun Flint Tavern, 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 26:

• Briand Morrison, Voyageur Brewing, 4 p.m.
• The Cruisers, Wunderbar, 8 p.m.
• The Throwbacks, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 27:

• Curtis & Loretta, Grand Marais Public Library, 10:30 a.m.
• Jim & Michelle Miller, Cascade Lodge, 6 p.m.
• Common Ground, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• The Throwbacks, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.
• Black-Eyed Snakes, Wunderbar, 8 p.m.
• Timmy Haus, Papa Charlie’s, 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 28:

• Briand Morrison, Johnson Heritage Post Gallery, 2-3 p.m.
• Eric Frost, Gun Flint Tavern, 7 p.m.

Photographs:

We found lots of great photos this week. Here’s a selection:

Let’s start with wildlife:

Grand Portage by Ria Dougherty.

Red Tail Hawk, stretching in a tree in Knife River by Edward Lee.

An October favorite by Thomas Spence.

The squabble by Barb Thompson.

October mornings can take your breath away by Thomas Spence.

A beaver and a golden pond by Michael Furtman.

The trails were crowded yesterday by Nace Hagemann. The figure in this photo is Matt Schmidt. Apparently the young moose just kept following him. 

Moose talking by Nace Hagemann. This is the young moose pictured in the photo just before this one.

And water:

The High Falls by Lin Salisbury.

Middle Falls by Tommy Gee.

Burned Dam Falls, Ontonogan River, Mich., by Sandra Updike.

Waves Oct. 18 by Bruce Johnson.

Grand Marais sunset by Laura Frykman.

Lighthouse at sunset by Christian Dalbec.

And fall colors:

Final burst of color for the season by Paul Sandberg.

City Scape: Autumn in Duluth by Jan Swart.

And here are some people shots:

St Paul, Minnesota, by Layne Kennedy.

Harvesting barley at sunset on the Lakeview Natural Dairy in Cook County by Lyndsay Anderson.

After the rain, it was warm! (Oct. 23) by Jeffrey Doty.

And finally, three full moon shots:

Sandhill cranes and the full moon by Sparky Stensaas.

Full Moon from the Angry Trout by Patty Doherty.

Near full Hunter’s Moon over the Duluth harbor by Donald Jay Olson.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Mom… up close by David Johnson.

It’s Moose Madness Weekend in Grand Marais, a family friendly event featuring all kinds of activities, contests, demonstrations and fun things to do. This year, Grandma Ray’s is Moose Headquarters where you can get lots of info, maps and directions.

To see the complete schedule of events throughout the weekend, pick up a copy of the Moose News Tribune and check it out. Or read it on-line here.

The Moose News & Tribune has listings of all the events during Moose Madness Weekend. It’s free. Look for it around town.

Moose Madness starts at 9 a.m. on Friday morning with the Moose Madness Medallion Hunt, which is always highly competitive. The Medallion is hidden somewhere in downtown Grand Marais. Sometimes it’s found right away. Other times, no one can find it until late on Friday, Either way, check for the latest clues at Moose Headquarters.  It’s the ultimate in scavenger hunts and fun for everyone.

Also on Friday, North House Folk School will feature sweet grass basketry demonstrations in the morning and birchbark weaving in the afternoon, as well as a community rug-felting project.  The Lake Superior Zoomobile will be at East Bay Suites from 1-4 p.m. on Friday and on Saturday night, check out the North Shore Winery in Lutsen at 5 p.m. to see WTIP’s The Roadhouse live, and then stay to play the radio station’s Small Change Trivia from 7-8 p.m. Music by Gordon Thorne with Mike Roth.

At the Grand Marais Art Colony, Marlys Johnson will teach Raccoon Mask Making from 1-3 p.m. on Friday.

Maryls Johnson will teach a class entitled “Raccoon Mask-Making” at the Grand Marais Art Colony on Friday for students 8 and older.

The students will create a unique felted raccoon mask to wear to The Big Lake/Gunflint Mercantile Masquerade Ball on Friday afternoon. Students will use needle felting and wet felting techniques to decorate their masks and then the group will parade downtown for the party. Masks are great for Halloween or wall décor. $10, call the Art Colony to register at 387-2737.

On Friday night, Over the Waterfall plays for a Contra Dance at North House Folk School starting at 7 p.m. There’s a small charge at the door.

On Saturday, look for more Moose Madness activities, including mini Make-A-Bowl classes at the Art Colony to make bowls for the Empty Bowls Fundraiser, an event to help the hungry in Cook County. The fundraiser is held Nov. 15. For more info and to register, call 387-2737. Click here to see the calendar for dates. You can now register on-line.

The Grand Marais Art Colony will hold a number of mini Make-A-Bowl classes this weekend into early next week. Call 387-2737 for more info and to sign up.

The Art Colony will also hold a drop-in Community Ink Day in the print studio on Saturday afternoon. All invited.

North House will hold more craft demonstrations on Saturday and the community felted rug project will continue, with the final foot-stamping of the wool. The public is invited to try this out.

This is the last weekend of the season for the Cook County Market, which is held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday in the Senior Center parking lot, weather permitting.

The Cook County Market is featuring a fire pit and a chance to make S’Mores on Saturday, the last market of the season.

Meanwhile, WTIP Community Radio is holding it’s Fall Membership drive this weekend, which always includes great programming and live music in the studio. Here’s the schedule:

Friday, Oct. 19: Plucked Up String Band, 1-2 p.m.; Wunderdogs,4-5 p.m.. Saturday, Oct. 20: Rod and Al, 5-5:45 p.m.; Rampant Roots, 6-7 p.m. and on Sunday, Maria Nickolay, 2-4 p.m. There are also activities for kids and adults at the radio station over the weekend. To find out more, see www.wtip.org.

For Sven & Ole lovers, the Grand Marais Playhouse will present “Ole Runs for Office” this weekend, with performances on Friday and Saturday night at 7 p.m.

“Ole Runs for Office” will be performed at the ACA on Friday and Saturday.

In the play. Ole has decided to throw his hat into the ring and run against Knut Knutson, the long-time president of Muskrat Lodge 3412.Will Lena talk Ole out of the political limelight or cave in to the glamour of being “first lady of the lodge”? Tickets for this funny play are available at the door. Kid friendly.

And on Monday and Tuesday, the mini-class, Glass: Make-A-Bowl for Empty Bowls, will feature a chance to make a glass bowl for the Empty Bowls fundraiser in the glass studio at the Grand Marais Art Colony. Call 387-2737 to register.

Make a glass bowl for Empty Bowl fro 6:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 22. Call the Grand Marais Art Colony at 387-2737 to register.

Also on Monday, the Grand Marais Playhouse will hold auditions for “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” at 3:30 p.m. at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts.

On Tuesday, Visit Cook County and Cook County Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual Fall Gala at the Grand Portage Lodge & Casino starting at 5:30 p.m. The guest speaker is John Edman, of Explore MN Tourism. Sen. Tom Bakk and Rep, Rob Ecklund will also speak. For more info and tickets, click here.

And on Wednesday, Oct. 24, Kate Fitzgerald will give the Full Moon Reading at Drury Lane Books starting at 6 p.m. Each full moon the community gathers outside around the fire to hear local writers read their own work or the work of others. The public is invited to enjoy the spoken word and watch the moon rising over the Big Lake.

Also on Wednesday, the Grand Marais Art Colony will hold a “Making a Mark: Life Drawing” session in the Founders Hall at 5:30 p.m.

Life drawing sessions are held at the Grand Marais Art Colony on Wednesday nights starting at 5:30 p.m. Drop-ins are welcome. Cost is $12 per session.

Life drawing is for artists what jogging is for athletes – essential practice. Students can choose to draw in a highly detailed representational manner or to create loose and expressive sketches.  The sessions run through Dec. 19. No instruction given.

The Art Colony is also looking for models who might be interested in the work. Compensation is available. Call the Art Colony at 387-2737 for more. info.

Exhibits:

 The new exhibit at the Johnson Heritage Post, “George Morrison/Surrealist Forms & Other Drawings” opened to accolades last week. The exhibit is a fascinating walk through the history and focus of this nationally known artist.

“Untitled,” by George Morrison. 1959, oil.

There is only one painting in the exhibit (see above) but there’s a great collection of his prints. The print below, entitled “Faculty Meeting” is such an extraordinary example of how just one simple line an evoke emotion and attitude. It is only one of many in the exhibit.

“Faculty Meeting, U of M, 1979″ by George Morrison.

The exhibit continues through Nov. 4. The Heritage Post is closed on Tuesdays. It is open from 10 a.m. t0 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and Monday and from 1-4 p.m. Sunday.

In Duluth, the Joseph Nease Gallery is exhibiting “Elemental Forces and Other Work” by Karen Owsley Nease.

The exhibit is at the Joseph Nease Gallery in Duluth.

Nease’s paintings of Lake Superior inspired choreographer Laura Goodman to create a ballet to interpret these visual images. It is being performed by the Minnesota Ballet at the DECC Oct. 19-20. The images are used as the backdrop in the ballet. The exhibit continues at the Nease through Oct. 27 culminating in an Artist Talk at the gallery with Nease and Goodman on Friday, Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. during the Downtown Duluth Arts Walk.

Jonathan Thunder has opened an animated exhibit at the Tweed Museum of Art entitled “Manifesto.”

One of the panels from Jonathan Thunder’s “Manifesto” on view at the Tweed Museum of Art.

Upcoming

 Sivertson Gallery celebrates the 18th annual Inuit Premiere next weekend, Oct. 26-27, with an extraordinary showcase of Inuit art and sculpture, carving demonstrations and throat-singing performances. A must-see. Stay tuned for details and/or  click here for more info.

Sivertson Gallery‘s 18th annual Inuit Premiere is Oct. 26-27.

In Duluth, the opening reception for Anne Labovitz’ “122 Conversations” at the Tweed Museum of Art will be held from 6-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 25.

The opening reception for “122 Conversations” at the Tweed is Oct. 25.

The North Shore Music Association’s Bluegrass Master’s Weekend will be held Nov. 2-4 at Lutsen Resort. Get ready for three days of jamming, a full day of vocal workshops and an evening concert with Valerie Smith and her band, Liberty Pike.

Bluegrass vocalist, Valerie Smith, is the featured musician at the Bluegrass Masters Weekend at Lutsen Resort, Nov. 2-4.

Tickets for the vocal workshops and concert on are available at Lutsen Resort. Stay tuned for details and/or click here for more info.

Music:

Here’s the music schedule for this week;

Thursday, Oct. 18:

• John Russ, Cascade Lodge Restaurant, 6 p.m.
• Maria Nickolay, North Shore Winery, 6 p.m.
• James Moors, Wunderbar, 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 19:

• North Country Fair, Voyageur Brewing, 4 p.m.
• Jon Miller, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.
• Cook County’s Most Wanted, Grandma Ray’s, 8 p.m.
• Wunderdogs, Wunderbar, 8 p.m.
• Brian Morrison, Bluefin Grille, 9 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 20:

• Jim & Michele Miller, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Jim McGowan, Cascade Lodge, 8 p.m.
• Jon Miller, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.
• Mysterious Ways, Grandma Ray’s, 8 p.m.
• Aurora Baer, Wunderbar, 8 p.m.
• Timmy Haus, Papa Charlie’s, 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 21:

• Briand Morrison, Mogul’s Grille, 10 a.m.
• TBA, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.

We’ve found some interesting photos this week. Let’s start with wildlife:

Not white yet, but trying to hide the best it can by David Johnson.

“Sometimes wildlife chases you. Fox get used to people feeding them at campsites and along the road. Don’t do that.” Photo and comment by Thomas Spence.

Doe and her twins by Sandra Upyke.

When it’s cold enough to see your tweets by Mikhail Kalinin

Here are a few fall shots:

Golden Arches by Sandra Updike.

High Falls in October by Travis Novitsky.

It was raining leaves in the woods today by Jeff Henningsgaard.

And the start of winter:

Snowy leaves by Sandra Updike.

Ice forms on the High Falls by Travis Novitsky.

A snowy “Good Morning” from Tate Lake by Judi Barsness.

And this, a reminder of what it was like just one week ago.

A big one by Christian Dalbec.

And what it’s like today:

The beauty of the North Shore by Jan Swart.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

(NorthShore ArtScene is totally focused on providing accurate and fun news about the arts on the North Shore. Consider making a donation today. It’s easy. Just click on the button below. And Thanks!)

“Explosion” by Jeffrey Doty. Photo taken during the ferocious gale in Duluth on Wednesday. Winds were clocked at 60+ mph, waves at 26 feet. To see more of Doty’s work, visit https://jeffrey-doty.pixels.com or see his Facebook page at Jeffrey Doty Photography.

So this year, we have Gales of October! Two already this month, pushing the Big Lake into unbelievable turmoil.

On Wednesday, Oct. 10, the high waves pushed water inland, flooding Canal Park in Duluth and the Co-op parking lot in Grand Marais. Local wildlife took immediate advantage in Grand Marais, though. Check out this photo:

Ducks get the best parking spots at the Cook County Whole Foods Co-op by Pamela Louwagie.

Look for more photos of this October gale in our photo section.

Meanwhile, to the arts & entertainment news:

A Beerthoven at Voyageur Brewing, making Japanese sweets at North House, a once-in-a-lifetime art opening at the Johnson Heritage Post and a music adventure at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts is on the tab for this weekend.

First up– the Beerthoven, where a classical string quartet from the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra will descend on Voyageur Brewing Co. at 5 p.m. on Thursday to offer musical treats for everyone.

The string quartet from the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra will play at Voyageur Brewing Co. starting at 5 p.m. on Thursday. Free.

The DSSO  musicians will perform a wide variety of music (and presumably some Beethoven) for this great event. The concert is free. Voyageur brew and appetizers are available. All invited.

And, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, North House Folk School will host “Japanese Sweets for All” in the teaching kitchen. Are you brave enough to try mochi, yokan, and ohagi?

Mochi is a traditional Japanese treat made from sweet rice. North House will host a workshop on how to make these sweets on Thursday.

Learn about the way Japanese people developed a variety of sweets using simple ingredients like rice and beans.  The flavors and shapes of many sweets reflect the seasons, so this is a great chance to try some fall specialties adapted for the Minnesota palate and pantry. The cost is $5. Call 387-9762 to register.

Friday evening will be busy in Grand Marais.

First, the Johnson Heritage Post opens a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition of artworks by nationally acclaimed Grand Portage artist, George Morrison, with a reception from 5-7:30 p.m. The exhibit, entitled “George Morrison/Surrealist Forms & Other Drawings” will feature original and archival prints of the master’s work, some never seen before by the public.

An exhibit of George Morrison’s work, entitled “Surrealist Forms & Other Drawings” opens with a reception at the Johnson Heritage Post from 5-7:30 p.m. Friday. His son, Briand Morrison, will play.

Some of the archival prints will be for sale. The exhibit runs through Nov. 4. The Heritage Post is closed on Tuesdays. It is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and Monday, and from 1-4 p.m. Sunday.

Two nationally recognized musicians will be in concert at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts on Friday, too. Robert Jones & Matt Watroba, a duo from Detroit, will be showcased in this concert as they take us on a journey through traditional American musical styles drawn from many cultures.

Robert Jones and Matt Watroba will perform “Common Chords” at 7 p.m. Friday at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts.

They will present their Common Chords program “Music That Matters,” celebrating cultural and racial diversity and cooperation. Through folk, blues, spirituals, work songs, and chants, they illustrate how American roots music is rich, diverse, direct, and powerful music that reflects history, social change, migration, hopes and dreams. Woven together, these diverse traditional styles create the fabric of the great American musical tapestry.

Here’s a video of one of their performances.

Tickets are general admission: $15 adults, $5 youth 18 & under. For sale in advance at www.aca.tix.com or box office night of show (opens 6 pm).

Saturday begins with the Cook County Market, which is held in the parking lot of the Senior Center throughout the summer. There are only two more markets this season. It ends during MEA weekend. And, to accommodate the early fall this year, a friendly fire pit will be going in the middle of Market to keep people warm this year.

A fire pit is the newest addition to the Cook County Market, which is held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays in the Senior Center parking lot through MEA weekend, weather permitting.

The Market features a wide variety of local art and artisans and runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. All invited.

North House Folk School continues its focus on wool and felting this weekend with a two-day Rug Design Workshop with felter Mary Reichert. The workshop will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Cost is $25. Participants will learn about rug design and begin developing a unique one for Cook County. Registration is required. Call 387-9762 for more info and to register.

On Tuesday, Oct. 16, North House will offer Drop-in Community Rug Design Workshops from 3-8 p.m., where the public is invited to come in to make their contribution to this unique rug that says Cook County. Free. All invited.

 George Morrison’s exhibit, “Surrealist Forms & Other Drawings” continues at the Johnson Heritage Post, which opens its doors at 10 a.m. on Saturday, 1 p.m. on Sunday.

The Johnson Heritage Post opened an exhibit of George Morrison’s work on Oct. 12.

Also on tap for Saturday at the Heritage Post, is an in-gallery performance of “Musical Impressions: The Art of George Morrison” with Briand Morrison at 2 p.m.

Briand Morrison’ will hold an in-gallery performance of  “Musical Impressions: The Art of George Morrison”  at 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Johnson Heritage Post.

“Musical Impressions: The Art of George Morrison” is a blu-ray disc produced by Briand  consisting of 128 images of George Morrison’s work from the 1940s through 2000. Briand will perform the compositions he wrote to accompany the images.

Then, at 3 p.m., Hazel Belvo,  Briand’s mother and George’s lifelong friend, will lead an artist tour of the exhibit.

All invited.

In Duluth, there’s a lot going on at the Tweed Museum of Art, too.

On Tuesday, Oct. 16, at 6:30 p.m., Peter Spooner, who was curator at the Tweed for years, will give a presentation on Swedish-American painter David Ericson.

“Salting the Sheep” by David Axel Ericson is on view at the Tweed Museum of Art, part of the Quiet Simplicity exhibit there.

There are five Ericson paintings on view in the “Quiet Simplicity: Life in 19th and 20th Century America” exhibit. Ericson was born in Sweden and lived in Duluth. for years.

“122 Conversations: Person to Person, Art Beyond Borders” by Anne Labovitz continues at the Tweed Museum of Art as well. The project celebrates the combined 122 years of relationship with Duluth’s five Sister Cities: Rania, Iraqi Kurdistan, Växjö, Sweden, Petrozavodsk, Russia, Thunder Bay, Canada and Ohara Isumi-City, Japan. The project is a catalyst for positive social change, one individual at a time.

One of the works in Anne Labovitz’ exhibit, “122 Conversations” at the Tweed Museum of Art.

“122 Conversations” is a participatory exhibition, so viewers will have the opportunity to browse through the artworks in the three galleries –Studio Gallery, Special Exhibitions Gallery, and the Activity Gallery, and create their art piece and share their message to make this world a better place.

The Tweed is also featuring “Utterance,” a senior exhibition by UMD art student, Alden Lebsack.

One of the pieces in “Utterance” by Alden Lebsack.

There are three exhibits on view at the Duluth Art Institute: Amanda Breitbach: Land/People; Nick Nerburn: Nik Nerburn is a Camera and Aaron Squadroni: Mesabi Land Portraits.

Kawishiwi by Aaron Squadroni.

Squadroni is an artist from the Mesabi Iron Range. His work is centered on mining imagery and metalpoint drawing techniques. His most recent work focuses on the Hull Rust mine, located in Hibbing, which is one of the largest open-pit mines in the world. The exhibits continue through Oct. 28.

In Thunder Bay, Christi Belcourt’s Retrospective with Isaac Murdoch continues at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery.

Christi Belcourt’s Retrospective continues at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery.

Upcoming:

The Moose Madness Festival will be held Friday, Oct. 19 through Sunday, Oct. 21, and features all kinds of family activities, contests, presentations and more, including events at North House Folk School and the Grand Marais Art Colony.

 Check out the Moose Madness Tribune for all the info here.

Make-A-Bowl for Empty Bowls. The Grand Marais Art Colony is holding Make-A-Bowl events for the public to make bowls for the Empty Bowls Fundraiser Nov. 15. Empty Bowls raises money to feed the hungry in Cook County.

Make-A-Bowl for Empty Bowls events will be held this month.The Empty Bowl fundraiser is Nov. 15 at St. John’s Catholic Church.

There are opportunities to make ceramic bowls Oct. 19 and Oct. 21. People can make glass bowls in the glass studio on Oct. 22. For more info, click here or call 387-2737 for more info.

Artist News:

North Shore Folk-tonk duo Pushing Chain returned to WTIP’s The Scenic Route with Will Moore to talk about their new album called “Sorrows Always Swim.”

Pushing Chain has just released their second album: “Sorrows Always Swim.”

Moore talks to Boyd “Bump” Blomberg and fiddler Adam Moe about producing the new album and they play the a few songs.  Listen here.

One of NorthShore ArtScene’s favorite photographers, Jan Swart, is profiled in the latest issue of Lake Superior Magazine.

Photograph by Jan Swart.

The title of the article is “Cityscapes & Shorelines: The Photography of Jan Swart.” Read the article and see more photographs here.

Requests:

Volunteers and sponsors are needed for the Empty Bowls Fundraiser, which is Nov. 15. this year. There will be two seatings, lunch and dinner, and will be held at St. John’s Catholic Church. Proceeds from Empty Bowls helps fight hunger in Cook County. For more info, click here or contact Beth Kennedy at bkennedy@boreal.org or Pat Companaro at pcampanaro@gmail.com

Looking  for old Playhouse photos! As the Playhouse builds towards its 50th anniversary, it is looking for photos of past productions to add to its files. Contact Sue Hennessy if you find some at sue@grandmaraisplayhouse.com

 Music:

Here’s the music for the week:

Thursday, Oct. 11:

• Common Ground, Cascade Lodge, 6 p.m.
• Gordon Thorne & the Wildcats, North Shore Winery, 6 p.m.
• DSSO String Quartet, Voyageur Bewing Co., 6 p.m.
• Plucked Up String Band, Gun Flint Tavern, 7 p.m.
• Gene Lafond and Amy Grill, Wunderbar, 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 12:

• Timmy Haus, Voyageur Brewing Co., 4 p.m.
• Robert Jones and Matt Watroba, Arrowhead Center for the Arts, 7 p.m.
• Don Juan Trio, Wunderbar, 8 p.m.
• Saints of Circumstance, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.
• Eric Frost, Bluefin Grille, 9 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 13:

• SonofMel, Cascade Lodge Pub, 6 p.m.
• Joe Paulik, Lutsen, 7 p.m.
• Michael Monroe, Log Cabin Concert, 7 p.m.
• Joe Paulik, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Doug Otto and the Getaways, Wunderbar, 8 p.m.
• Saints of Circumstance, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.
• DJ Beavstar, Papa Charlie’s, 9:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 17:

• Joe Paulik, Bluefin Grille, 9 p.m.

We found lots of photos this week. Let’s start with wildlife:

Moose in golden grasses by Jeffrey Doty

Getting a drink by Mark Tessier.

3 bears in a tree by Sarah Hamilton.

Bull moose nibbling on a tree by Roxanne Distad.

Fall colors:

From Silver Bay to Hwy. 61 by Ray Pearrow.

Here I am (underwater) shooting fall colors by Christian Dalbec.

First snow by Paul Sandberg.

An early dusting by Bill Hansen.

First snowman 2018 by Sarah Reller.

Kadunce River by Kate Watson.

Leaves and water by Mark Tessier.

The Cuyahoga in Duluth by Jeffrey Doty.

North Shore sunrise by Bryan Hansel.

Cascade by Richard Gruchalla.

Chad Falls by Mark Tessier.

Winter clouds over Mine Lake by David Grinstead.

Moon on the Big Lake by Mark Tessier.

Why I live here by Sue Weber.

Kadunce and sky after a storm by Layne Kennedy. (Oct. 4)

Here is a selection of storm shots we’ve found so far…more next week.

Wind storm leftovers  in Grand Marais by Terry Backlund, Oct. 4

A lucky miss. Photo  by Joan Farnam. Oct. 4

Here are some of the Oct. 10 storm mages we found: More next week.

Tettegouche Wednesday morning,Oct. 10 by David Barthel.

Here’s another shot of Tettegouche. It’s by Christian Dalbec. He writes: “These monster waves on the cliff shook the road above where I stood.”

“Vertical waves crash on Brighton Beach. Photo by Clint Austin, Duluth News-Tribune.

Wind gusts as high as 86 miles per hour were measured near Castle Danger, Minn. according to the National Weather Service Duluth office. Hurricane force winds start at 74 miles per hour. Photo by Derek Montgomery for MPR News.

“Split Rock Lighthouse is 54 foot high and sits on top of a 130-foot cliff over Lake Superior.
Today waves on the open lake reaching 20 feet made their way to the North Shore and pounded into the cliff and sprayed 190 feet into the air!
I would say WOW mother nature!”
Christian Dalbec.

North Shore Lake Superior by Jan Swart.

Canal Park by Charles Howard Smith

A huge wave thunders through the ship canal in Duluth by Steve Kuchera, Duluth News-Tribune.

Portrait of a Gale by Jeffrey Doty.

May the Force be with you. Photo by Matthew Pastick.

Stay safe, everyone.

Fall colors by Christian Dalbec.

This is one of our favorite weekends on the North Shore. The Fall Studio Tour is on-going through Sunday, and the leaves are at peak in the maple forests. Plus that, it’s crispy fall weather. Time for lots of fun.

We start off on Thursday with a fall event to help the hungry, when the Grand Marais Art Colony opens the clay studio to the public to Make-A-Bowl for the Empty Bowl Fundraiser, an annual fundraiser to help the hungry in Cook County.

Diana Herschel and her husband Kevin learn how to make a bowl for Empty Bowls in the ceramic studio at the Grand Marais Art Colony, while potters Karin Holden (front) and Natalie Sobanja assist. The next Make-A-Bowl session is at the Art Colony on Thursday, Oct. 4 from 1-2:30 p.m.  Open to the public. Call 387-2737 for more info.

For a donation of $5 to cover material costs, the public is invited to come into the studio where they will throw a bowl on a wheel and then handbuild a bowl, which will be donated to Empty Bowls. The Make-A-Bowl sessions continue through October. The next session is from 1-2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 4. Call 287-2737 to make a reservation. All invited.

Also on Thursday, North House Folk School welcomes felt maker Mary Reichert to a month-long residency in October. During her stay, she will conduct classes, demonstrations and talks. This Thursday, at 7 p.m., she will host a Feltmaking Skill Share and Presentation in the Blue Building at 7 p.m. This will be a quick introduction to the magic of felt-making.  Explore some of the many variations of raw wool, and then see for yourself what happens when you apply a little water, soap, and agitation.  You will come to understand why this was one of the main fabrics for generations of nomads of Central Asia as you create your own coasters or trivet.

One of the projects Mary wants to do while she is here is make a felted a rug with members of the community. Felted rug making is an art of storytelling and the rug the community will make will reflect that fact.

A felted rug by Mary Reichert. She will work with the community to make a felted rug while she is the artist-in-residence at North House Folk School.

Classes will be offered in this process as well as open studios for the public to come in and help out.

Click here for all the classes and opportunities with Mary Reichert. She will also be giving demonstrations at various locations in the county as well.

This is the final weekend of the Art Along the Lake: Fall Studio Tour — it ends on Sunday. The tour features more than 20 studios and 50 local artists and artisans in Cook County demonstrating and exhibiting their work from 10 a.m. to 4-6 p.m. daily.. Here’s a map of all the studios in the tour:

Map of the studios and galleries open during the Fall Studio Tour, which ends on Sunday.

Here is a brief sampling of what you can see on the tour. (For the complete schedule of events, click here. For the Art Along the Lake: Fall Studio Tour brochure, click here.

Here are a few things you will see on the Art Along the Lake: Fall Studio Tour.

Batik artist Nedra Nicholls will demonstrate her art at Kah-Nee-Tah Gallery from noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 5-7.

Woodturner Lou Pignolet turns beautiful bowls in his studio in Hovland. He gives demos every day.

Jeremy Bowen explains how he printed Betsy Bowen’s print, Tall Tree, to Kari Numinen of Burnsville during the Fall Studio Tour this week. Betsy is exhibiting her prints, books, cards and more at her studio.

Painter Jeanne Hedstrom is exhibiting her work at her studio, including this great small creature prints. She says she likes to do them as a warm-up to paint.

Potter Hannah Laky is giving throwing demos at the Big Lake from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday through Sunday. This is her pottery corner in the shop.

Sculptor Paul Bondhus is a guest artist at Art of the Elements Gallery (Frykman Studios) in rural Grand Marais.

Quite a selection, ah? And this is just a small taste of what is being offered during the Fall Studio tour this year.

There’s more happening this weekend, too.

The Cook County Market will be held in the Senior Center parking lot from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, featuring work by Cook County artists and artisans.

The Cook County Market is held from 9 a.m. to1 p.m. in the Senior Center parking lot. It continues every Saturday through MEA weekend, weather permitting.

One of the highlights of the first weekend in October is the raku opportunity at Sivertson Gallery on Saturday.

Richard Gruchalla and Carrie Rosetti will be at Sivertson Gallery on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the “Do You Raku? We Do” event.

Award-winning raku artists, Richard Gruchalla and Carrie Rosetti, set up a  table full of tea bowls to be glazed, a raku kiln and a glazing tent in the parking lot behind the gallery and offer the public the chance to glaze a pot and watch it being fired. There’s a small charge for the tea bowl, and Rosetti is there to help you glaze it. Richard then fires the pot, and you can bring it home when it’s done.  All invited.

And there’s fused glass demonstration at the Grand Marais Art Colony from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with Nancy Seaton.

And woodcut printmaker Richard James Nelson will give an Artist Talk at Cook County Higher Education at 7 p.m. on Saturday. All invited. Free.

Print by Richard James Nelson. He will give an Artist Talk at Cook County Higher Ed at 7 p.m. Saturday.

Exhibits:

This is the last weekend to see the exhibit, Grand Marais Plein Air 2018 at the Johnson Heritage Post. The exhibit features a great selection of plein air paintings crafted by 70 plein air painters during the week-long event.

Scraps are Good by Matt Kania is one of the paintings at the Grand Marais Plein Air 2018 currently on exhibit at the Johnson Heritage Post.

And Patricia Canelake’s exhibition. “Blue Horses Golden Goat” continues at Yellow Bird Fine Art through Sunday.

Blue Rose with Companion Dog by Patricia Canelake is at the Annex at Yellow Bird Fine Art.

In Duluth, the Tweed Museum of Art has opened a spectacular exhibit entitled “122 Conversations: Person to Person, Art Beyond Borders” last week.

“122 Conversations” opened at the Tweed Museum of Art.

For it, Anne Labovitz travelled to Duluth’s five sister cities and worked with the communities there. This artist-led project based on the art of engagement — art derived from the process of interconnection and cross-cultural dialogue. The project celebrates the combined 122 years of relationship with Duluth’s five sister Cities: Rania, Iraqi Kurdistan, Växjö, Sweden, Petrozavodsk, Russia, Thunder Bay, Canada and Ohara Isumi-City, Japan. The project is a catalyst for positive social change, one individual at a time. This is a not-to-be missed exhibit. It continues through Jan. 6.

In Thunder Bay, the Definitely Superior Art Gallery has once again launched one of the largest poetry performances in Canada — Random Acts of Poetry. In it, 25 of Thunder Bay’s finest professional spoken-word poets and singer/songwriters perform for the public in a week-long unique series throughout the City of Thunder Bay.They perform everywhere … at the library, at City Council meetings, on street corners… Click here to learn more.

Definitely Superior Art Gallery‘s Random Acts of Poetry continue through Oct. 7.

The Thunder Bay Art Gallery offers Chill Nights at the Gallery in the fall offering a relaxed approach to art appreciation and well-being in the gallery space.

The Thunder Bay Art Gallery holds “Chill Nights” on Tuesdays in the fall with meditation, music, yoga and art-making.

Participants can enjoy meditation, music, yoga, walking, grounding exercises, sensory exploration and art making with guest artists and or practitioners. Cost is $7. Chill Nights are held from 6:3-7:30 p..m. (EDT) pm Tuesdays through Nov. 27, except on Oct. 20.

Upcoming:

The Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra’s String Quartet will perform at Voyageur Brewing Co. from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 11. This traveling quartet gives a great show. All invited.

The Johnson Heritage Post will open a new exhibit of George Morrison’s work on Friday, Oct. 12 with an opening reception from 5-7:30 p.m.

The Johnson Heritage Post will open an exhibit of George Morrison’s work on Oct. 12.

Entitled” George Morrison: Surrealist Forms and other Drawings,” the exhibit will include his drawings and prints. Briand Morrison, George’s son, will perform the music from his video, “Musical Impressions: The Art of George Morrison”  at the opening. On Saturday, Oct. 13, Briand will screen the video at 2 p.m. at the Heritage Post. Stay tuned for details.

Also on Friday, Oct. 12, the North Shore Music Association will present Robert Jones & Matt Watroba: Common Chords, in concert at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts.  The concert is at 7 p.m.

Check them out:

Music:

Here’s the music for this week:

Thursday, Oct. 4:

•  Gene LaFond & Amy Grillo, Cascade Lodge Restaurant, 6 p.m.
• Gordon Thorne & the Wildcats, North Shore Winery, 7 p.m.
• Billy Johnson. Gun Flint Tavern, 7 p.m.
• Plucked Up String Band, Wunderbar, 8 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 5:

• Billy Johnson, Voyageur Brewing, 4 p.m.
• Pushing Chain, Wunderbar, 8 p.m.
• Jim & Michele Miller, Bluefin Grille, 9 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 6

• Joe Paulik, Cascade Lodge Restaurant, 6 p.m.
• Michael Monroe, Log Cabin Concert, rural Grand Marais, 7 p.m., reservations www.michaelmonroemusic.com
• Gordon Thorne, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Timmy Haus, Papa Charlie’s, 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 7:

• Briand Morrison, Mogul’s Grille, 10 a.m.

Monday, Oct. 8:

• John Mark Nelson, Singer/Songwriter Series, Papa Charlie’s, 8:30 p.m.
• Joe Paulik, Bluefin Bay, 9 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 10:

• Gordon Thorne,  Bluefin Bay, 9 p.m.

We found lots of great photos this week. Let’s start with wildlife:

Three of 7 Sandhill Cranes making a stopover in Cook County by David Johnson.

Cross fox… a variant of the  Red Fox by Keith Crowley.

Big Moose by David Johnson.

This guy/gal was about a block from the Caribou Lake boat landing on Sunday.

And more mushrooms:

Mushroom by Maria Isley.

Mushrooms by Jerry Winker.

Biggest mushroom I’ve ever seen by Susanne von Schroeder.

A spectacular agate:

Bright orange Lake Superior agate by Bill West.

Plants:

Still finding squash flowers by Heidi Kana.

First snows by David Johnson.

Be the light. Love yourself. Breathe by Eric Dubnicka.

And here are some shots of individual leaves:

Fall in the boreal forest where color triggers aroma by Layne Kennedy.

October is my favorite color by Anissa Warner.

I thought I’d keep fall around a little longer this year by Layne Kennedy.

Many leaves:

Forest floor color by David Johnson.

Color splash by Diana Martinson Middleton.

Split River Falls hike by Jerry Winker.

Birch stand on the way to Ely by Micheal Woodward.

“I am so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” Anne of Green Gables, L.M. Montgomery.

Red Maple by Paul Sandberg.

Photo by Nina Simonowicz.

And water:

Devil’s Kettle by Jennifer Marie.

Early sunrise over Lake Superior this morning by Bryan Hansel.

Sunrise at Tettegouche by Christian Dalbec.

And finally, this one:

Working the rocks near Artists Point at sunrise by Layne Kennedy.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

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Welcome to Grand Marais. Photo by David Johnson.

Whew! This is the weekend for art studio tours on the North Shore, that’s for sure.  Three studio tours open this weekend,  (Art Along the Lake: Fall Studio Tour, the Lake Superior 20/20 Art Studio Tour and the Cooter Tonder & Friends Studio Sale), and there are opening receptions for three art exhibits, too. Plus, there’s lots of music and an incredible number of art-related events, demos and talks in Cook County over the next 10 days. So let’s get to the details:

First up is the Art Along the Lake: Fall Studio Tour which runs from Friday, Sept. 28 through Sunday, Oct. 7 throughout Cook County. The tour includes a total of 21 art studios and galleries representing 50 local and regional artists. They all will be open to the public for 10 days, with receptions, art events, talks, demos and more.

The Art Along the Lake Fall Studio Tour features art exhibits, demos, talks and more at 21 studios and galleries in Cook County. It starts on Friday and runs through Oct. 7.

All the studios will be open from 10 a.m. to 4-6 p.m. daily, and there’s really a lot to see. Paintings, pottery, bead art, weaving, sculpture, woodcut prints, glass, photographs, jewelry, etchings and book illustrations and more will be on exhibit at the studios and galleries during the tour.

Many of the galleries and studios have organized events, talks and demos during the tour. It’s quite a list. Want to learn how to throw a pot? There are a demos at the Big Lake (Hannah Laky Palma) and the Grand Marais Art Colony (Natalie Sobanja, Kathy Reeves & Joan Farnam.) How about watching a printmaker at work? (Betsy Bowen Studio and Dan & Lee Ross). You can see a bronze pour at the Mueller Studio (Formerly Last Chance Gallery in Lutsen) at 4 p.m. on both Saturdays, or watch a raku firing a Clay Phoenix Ceramics in Lutsen on several days. Lou Pignolet, a woodturner in Hovland, will be giving wood-turning demonstrations every day and painter Kathy Fox Weinberg will offer a canvas for a community paint during the tour. Bead painting demos with Jo Wood, woodcarving demos and more are scheduled for this tour, as is an oil painting demo with Paula Gustafson at Yellow Bird Fine Arts.

There will be art talks, too. Natalie Sobanja and Martye Allen will give talks about ceramics at the Frykman Art Studio & Art of the Elements Gallery and  John Books will talk about bronze sculpture, Ron Piercy will demonstrate cutting semi-precious stones for jewelry at Yellowbird Fine Art … the list, goes on and on. There will be film screenings at the Grand Marais Art Colony during the next week, too, and activities for kids (and adults) at Kah-Nee-Tah Gallery in Lutsen where Tim Young is the artist-in-residence.

Take a look at the Daily Event Schedule Fall Tour Schedule here.

Here’s where all the galleries are located and check out the Art Along the Lake Facebook page here for lots of images of what you will see.

Meanwhile, in Lake County, two art studio tours are scheduled.

This is the 7th year for the Lake Superior 20/20 Art Studio Tour, which features studios within 20 miles of Two Harbor. The tour is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

The Lake Superior 20/20 Studio Art Tour is Friday through Sunday in art studios around Two Harbors.

Glass, ceramics, woodwork, painting, printmaking, jewelry, sculpture, and photography, including work by painter David Gilsvik are featured on this tour. Demos, hands-on activities and refreshments are also planned. . Check out this Facebook Page for more details.

The Cooter Tonder & Friends Studio Sale will be held this weekend, too, at the studios of potter Dick Cooter and handweaver Debbie Cooter and glass artists Michael Tonder and Jodi Friej-Tonder. The studios will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Above, wood-fire pot by Dick Cooter. He will feature a number of regional potters at his studio this weekend, including potters Guillermo Cuellar, Jim Grittner, Peter Jadoonath and Bob and Cheryl Husby. Beadworker Marci McIntire and handweaver Debbie Cooter will also have work at the studio. 

Both studios will feature a variety of guest artists. Check out their Facebook page, here, for more images and info.

And not to forget–all the studios in the art tours serve refreshments, and many of the artists are on-site. Plus that, the leaves are turning, so get ready for a great visual experience.

Meanwhile, there are lots of other events in Cook County this weekend, too.

First up is the Grand Opening for two businesses in Lutsen: the Jeweler of the North Shore and H. Lill’s Boutique from 4-6:30p.m. on Friday. These two businesses combine custom design jewelry, jewelry repair, gifts, home décor and yarn. The public is invited. Refreshments will be served.

Also at 4 p.m. on Friday– the opening reception for Patricia Canelake’s “Blue Horses and Golden Goat” exhibit at Yellow Bird Fine Art. The opening reception will be held from 4-7 p.m. in the Annex.

Blue Horses with Twirling Woman by Patricia Canelake.

The exhibit feature Canelake’s large format paintings of farm life. All invited. Refreshments will be served.The exhibit continues through Oct.7.

Also on Friday at 4 p.m., Upstate MN will hold an opening reception for an exhibit of artwork by Andy Ness.

Artwork by Andy Ness. An exhibit of his work opens at Upstate MN on Friday.

Ness is an accomplished artist who has a graduate degree from the Rhode Island School of Design, where he subsequently taught. Ness is  opening of an exhibit of his work in Ferrara, Italy next week, and will not be able to attend the opening reception, however, all are invited to come see his work. Refreshments will be served. The exhibit will continue at Upstate MN through the Fall Studio Tour.

And finally, The Grand Marais Art Colony will hold an opening reception for member artists who will be exhibiting in the Art Along the Lake: Fall Studio Tour on Friday.

The Grand Marais Art Colony will hold an opening reception for its artists participating in the Fall Studio Tour from 5-7 p.m.on Friday, Sept. 28. Pictured are works by Nancy Seaton, Natalie Sobanja and Melissa Grover.

The opening reception is from 5-7 p.m. Refreshments will be served. All invited.

Also on Friday, Drury Lane Books will host a Writer’s Salon featuring Patricia Hampl, the author of “The Art of the Wasted Day.”

Patricia Hampl will present at a Writer’s Salon at Drury Lane Books at 7 p.m. Friday.

Hampl will talk about her books and writing starting at 7 p.m.

On Saturday, the Cook County Market begins the day in the Senior Center parking lot from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market features a variety of Cook County artists and artisans.

For writers, the Grand Marais Public Library will be hosting a writer’s workshop with Elyse Lawrey, who writes under the name Maddie LeSage. She is a published author from Duluth. The workshop is from 2:30-6 p.m. on Saturday, and participants will write a short piece of “flash fiction” during that time. LeSage writes romantic suspense fiction. The event is free.

And at 7 p.m. on Saturday, the Violence Prevention Center will present “Lunafest” at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts from 7-9 p.m.

Lunafest — films by, for and about women, will be held at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts at 7 p.m. Saturday.

Lunafest is a fundraiser for the Violence Prevention Center. The short films cover a wide range of issues as well as styles. Recommended.

Exhibits:

The exhibit, Grand Marais Plein Air, continues at the Johnson Heritage Post, featuring work by the 70 plein air artists who participated this year.

In all, 300 paintings were exhibited at the opening last Friday. Many have sold, and reserves put up in their place, so the show stays fresh for multiple viewings.

“Perils of Time” by Mary Ann Cleary is one of the paintings at the Johnson Heritage Post “Grand Marais Plein Air” exhibit.

We also found an image of the winner of the Night Paint competition during Grand Marais Plein Air. Take a look:

“Light Keeper’s Place” by Hannah Heyer won the Night Paint award during Grand Marais Plein Air.

In Duluth, the Tweed Museum of Art continues its exhibit of native artwork from the Pacific Northwest. Here’s a moon mask.

Moon Mask by Patrick Amos Nuu Chah Nulth is part of the Pacific Northwest Native Art Exhibit at the Tweed Museum of Art.

In Thunder Bay, the Christi Belcourt Retrospective with Isaac Murdoch continues at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. Here’s a painting from that exhibit, which continues through November.

“Water Spirits” by Christi Belcourt is at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery.

FYI:

WTIP and its listeners are missing Senior News Editor Jay Andersen’s friendly voice on the radio. Jay has been ill since late August. Andersen has worn many hats, including being the director of the Grand Marais Art Colony, the founder of the Arrowhead Center for the Arts and the former editor of the Cook County News-Herald, to name a few.

Jay Andersen, senior news editor at WTIP Community Radio, is ill and is at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth.

He’s at St. Luke’s hospital in Duluth and is in need of good cheer. Cards and visits are welcome. Just contact the hospital and ask for his mailing address and room number: (218) 249-5555. A bank account has been set up for his recovery fund at the North Shore Federal  Credit Union under “Friends of Jay and Tamera Andersen.”  Call the bank at 218-387-1312 for more info.

In color news, Lutsen Mountains has just installed a fall color cam that captures high resolution images every 10 minutes. Here’s what David Johnson found when he was out photographing around Lutsen Mountains the other day.

The maple hillsides are starting to glow by David Johnson.

Check out the fall color cam here.

In music, WTIP Community Radio attended the Woods, Winds and Strings .. and a Little Jazz concert a few weeks ago. The concert is a fundraiser for the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department.

Listen to the Woods, Winds & Strings concert on WTIP>

To listen to the concert, click here.

And, just to complicate your life, we are going to post the Fall Studio Tour events schedule again. There’s lots going on in the next 10 days. Check it out.

Music:

Here’s the music schedule for this week:

Thursday, Sept. 27:

• Polkariety, Voyageur Brewing, 5 p.m.
• Frozen Britches, Cascade Lodge. 6 p.m.
• Joe Paulik, Gun Flint Tavern, 7 p.m.
• Maria Nickolay, Wunderbar, 7 p.m.
• Gordon Thorne & the Wildcats, North Shore Winery, 8 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 28:

• Polkaviety, Voyageur Brewing, 5 p.m.
• Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.
• Carrie Nation and the Speakeasy, Wunderbar, 8 p.m.
• Joe Paulik, Bluefin Grille, 9 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 29:

• Log Cabin Concert, Michael Monroe, rural Grand Marais, 7 p.m. Reservations at michaelmonroemusic.com
• Circuit Breakers, Wunderbar, 8 p.m.
• TBA, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.
• Timmy Haus, Papa Charlie’s, 9:30 p.m..

Sunday, Sept. 30:

• Briand Morrison, Mogul’s Grille, 10 a.m.
• Eric Frost, Acoustic Sunday at the North Shore Winery, 2 p.m.
• Open Stage, Joe Paulik, Wunderbar, 6 p.m.
• TBA, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 31:

• Irish Sessions with Tom, Eric & Michelle, Wunderbar, 7 p.m.
• Sofia Talvik, Monday Singer/Songwriter Series, Papa Charlie’s, 8:30 p.m.
• Pete Kavanaugh, Bluefin Bay, 9 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 3:

• Gordon Thorne, Bluefin Bay, 9 p.m.

Photographs:

So, it’s fall color season and mushroom season. Here are some great images.

Mushrooms by Paul Sandberg.

Mushrooms by Paul Sandberg.

Four puff balls by Sandra Updike.

A giant puff ball with Sandra Updike. (One of her pet deer neighbors also pictured.)

‘Shroom Dreams” by Janice Latz.

A close up of an Amanita mushroom by Josh Capps.

Lion’s Mane mushroom by Bill Lane.

Castle brain landscape by Kristofer Bowman.

A crowd of mushrooms by Paul Sandberg.

We found some wildlife photos, too:

Lunch time by Eric Baker.

“Nice doggy” by Thomas Spence.

Cow and calf on a cool, foggy morning by David Johnson.

Here are some great landscapes, too:

Last weekend on the North Shore back roads by Thomas Spence.

Bathed in the starlight by Travis Novitsky.

Hat Point Moon Shine by Travis Novitsky.

A good snapshot stops a moment from running away by Kathy Gray Anderson.

The longest drop at Houghton Falls, Washburn, WI, by Jamie Rabold.

Lake Superior in fall: Waves at Tettegouche State Park by Dustin Lavigne.

Enjoy the week, everyone!

Aurora at Gunflint Pines by David Johnson.

September is the month to celebrate art on the North Shore. First up, the Grand Marais Plein Air exhibit. Next, Art Along the Lake’s Fall Studio Tour. Add in lots of live music and fall colors and it’s easy to see why this is one of the most popular seasons of all.

Grand Marais Plein Air registered 75 artists in this year’s event, and they painted up a storm in Cook County for a week. They held paint-outs at various locations throughout the county, set up at night for a Night Paint, and participated in a Quick Paint at Artist’s Point to cap off the week. All of this work was on display at the Johnson Heritage Post on Friday. The exhibit continues through Oct. 7.

Here are images of the Main Category winners in Grand Marais Plein Air 2018.  Jeffrey T. Larson was the juror.

First Place: “Upper Lot at North House” by Carl Bretzke.

Second Place: “Harbor Motif #2″ by Bob Upton.

Third Place: “Gunflint Greening” by Neil Sherman.

Fourth Place: “Red Rock Formations” by Christopher Copeland.

There were a number of different categories in this year’s show, which was co-sponsored by the Johnson Heritage Post and Outdoor Painters of Minnesota, including the Night Paint and the Quick Paint competitions. Hannah Heyer won the Night Paint category with “Light Keeper’s Place,” and Dan Mondloch won the Quick Paint competition with “Crisp and Clean.”

Check out the Johnson Heritage Post web page for all the details, photographs,  winners and more.

The Heritage Post is closed on Tuesdays. It is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and Monday and from 1-4 p.m. on Sundays. Everyone is invited to come see this great show celebrating the beauties of the North Shore.

Last weekend, music was the headliner as musicians from around the region as well as West Virginia converged on the Grand Marais Rec Park for three days of music at the Radio Waves Music Festival.

There’s another 3-day music event this weekend at Wunderbar Campground and Eatery. Entitled  the Stomper’s Retreat, it features a great selection of local and regional musicians playing the three-day event, Thursday through Saturday on indoor and outdoor stages.

The Stomper’s Retreat is at Wunderbar Thursday through Saturday and features a great selection of bands.

Musicians include Gabe Douglas and 4onthefloor, Tabah, Superior Siren, Plucked Up String Band, Sarah Krueger, RLGDPPL and the Whiskey Rock ‘n Roll Club. For tickets, click here.

Also on Thursday, North House Folk School will hold “Try-it: Baking in a Wood-Fired Oven.” There are two sessions: 1-3 p.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m. Cost is $20 per person or $30 for adult/child. To register, call 398-9762.

And if you’re in Duluth, consider attending the opening reception of Resonance: A Celebration of the Art of John Steffl at the North Shore Bank of Commerce, 131 W Superior St., in Duluth. The reception will be from 5-7 p.m. Thursday.

Resonance: A Celebration of the Art of John Steffl opens at the North Shore Bank of Commerce with a reception from 5-7 p.m. Thursday. The exhibit continues through December.

The work of late Duluth arts icon John Steffl spans mediums, ideas and time. His exhibit will include paintings, pottery, photography and more. Steffl was the executive director of the Duluth Art Institute for years and his impact on artists and art in the region reverberates across individuals and institutions. “Resonance” is an exhibition in celebration of the lasting beauty he leaves for the community. All invited. Free and open to the public.

On Friday, North House hosts “Try-it: Timber Framing” from 10 a.m. to noon. Students will be introduced to the concept of timber framing by exploring timber framing tools, joinery, and history. As a group, students will raise a small timber frame and take it apart.

On Saturday, look for the Cook County Market in the Senior Center parking lot from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. featuring a great variety of local artists and artisans.

Drury Lane Books will host award-winning Canadian author Jean Pendziwol at a Writer’s Salon from 7-8 p.m. on Saturday. At the Salon, Pendziwol will explores the influence of place on her work through an examination of the setting of her bestselling debut novel “The Lightkeeper’s Daughters.” The novel is set on Porphyry Island on Lake Superior.

Award-winning Canadian author, Jean Pendziwol, will present at a Writer’s Salon at Drury Lane Books on Saturday.

Pendziwol is the author of nine books for children. She was shortlisted for the Governor General’s Literary Award for Children’s Literature and the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award for her picture book, “Once Upon a Northern Night,” illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault. She lives in Ontario, in the shadow of the Nor’Wester Mountains. “The Lightkeeper’s Daughters” is her first novel. All invited.

Also on Saturday night, Pura Fé will be in concert at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m. A member of the Tuscarora Indian Nation, Pura Fé is co-founder of the Native women’s a capella trio Ulali and is recognized for bringing Native contemporary music to the forefront of the mainstream music industry.

Pura Fé will be in concert at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Pura Fé  is a multi-talented artist  and studied and performed with the American Ballet Theatre Company and appeared in Broadway musicals. And she has shared bills with artists including Buffy Sainte-Marie, Miriam Makeba, John Trudell, Richie Havens, Neil Young, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and the Neville Brothers. The concert is sponsored by the North Shore Music Association. Tickets are general admission: www.tix.com, 218-370-1272, or at the door night of show.

On Monday, Drury Lane Books will host a Full Moon Reading by the bonfire with Rachel Andres. Each full moon the community gathers outside around the fire to hear local writers read their own work or the work of others. Everyone is invited. to enjoy the spoken word and the moon rising over the lake. The reading starts at 6:30 p.m.

And next Tuesday, Sept. 25, Anna Hamilton will read from her first novel, “Boy” at Cook County Higher Education at 7 p.m.

Anna Hamilton will read from her book, “Boy” at Cook County Higher Education at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25.

“Boy” is a story about a few weeks in the lives of Hugh and Betty Roberts, an elderly couple living alone on a family farm in Iowa. They are buried deep in grief over the loss of their only child and struggling to hang onto the only life they have ever known when Dementia sneaks in. But an unusual visitor brings a welcome distraction and reprieve just before Thanksgiving. All invited. Free.

Exhibits:

The Duluth Art Institute just opened three new exhibits: Nik Newborn: Nik Nerburn is a Camera, Aaron Sqaudroni: Mesabi Land Portraits and Amanda Breitbach: Land/People.

Photograph by Nik Newburn. Newburn has an exhibit of his work of regional landscapes on view at the Duluth Art Institute.

In the Twin Cities, Alison Aune and Kirsten Aune are exhibiting their work at the American Swedish Institute with an opening Sept. 22. The title of their exhibit is “Colors from the North.”

Circles, Ovals, Forest by Kirsten Aune.

The Aune sisters explore the intersection of craft, art and heritage in this exhibit with a combination of textiles, prints and paintings. In their work, each artist honors their family and cultural roots and pays tribute to women’s artistic and domestic contributions. The exhibit continues through Oct. 28.

Upcoming:

 Next weekend is the tour de force for the art scene on the North Shore. The Art Along the Lake: Fall Studio Tour should be pretty incredible this year, with more than 50 artists exhibiting in studios and galleries up and down Hwy. 61. Potters, painters, fiber artists, printmakers, sculptors, weavers, woodturners, bead painters, glass artists and more are represented in this outstanding Cook County event.

Lee Ross will debut her glass work during the Fall Studio Tour.

The Fall Studio Tour, which is sponsored by Visit Cook County, features exhibits as well as artist talks, art openings, receptions, demonstrations, films, raku firings, wine and campfire chats and more for the entire length of the event, which runs from Sept. 28 through Oct. 7. Studios are open from 10 a.m. to 4-6 p.m. daily, with artists in residence and refreshments for all.

Beadpainter Jo Wood will have new work at the Fall Studio Tour.

At the Grand Marais Art Colony, potters as well as glass artists will be represented and an opening reception will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28.

Getting ready for the Fall Studio Tour in the Grand Marais Art Colony‘s clay studio.

And there will be opportunities for hands-on activities at various sites.

Tim Young will be the artist in residence at Kah-Nee-Tah Gallery in Lutsen, for example, where he will be painting as well as reading stories about the Adventures of Mr. Pumpkinhead. Pumpkin carving is on that menu.

Tim Young will be the artist-in-residence at Kah-Nee-Tah Gallery during the Fall Studio Tour. This piece “Sillan Alla” (Water under the Bridge” is one of his latest paintings.

It is pretty impossible to document all the artwork that will be on display during the Fall Studio Tour, but here’s a map of all the studios and galleries that will be open:

Studios and galleries across Cook County will be open during the Fall Studio Tour.

And here’s a link to the scheduled activities. And here’s a link to the brochure. Put this event on your calendar…P.S. fall colors are a perk during this event. Stay tuned for more images and info next week.

Here’s something new that’s coming up at the Grand Marais Art Colony in November: The North Shore Illustrators Gathering. The event will be held at the Art Colony Nov. 1-3 and will feature workshops by published illustrators,  authors, and book professionals who will share their knowledge and expertise about the illustrative process.

The North Shore Illustrators Gathering will be held at the Grand Marais Art Colony Nov. 1-3.

Featured presenters include Betsy Bowen, Mary Casanova, Chris Monroe, Jonathan Thunder, Kari Vick, Rose Arrowsmith DeCoux and  Nick Wrobleweski, to name a few. Click here for more info.

Music:

Here’s the music for this week:

Thursday, Sept. 20:

• Stomper’s Retreat, Wunderbar, 5 p.m.,  4onthefloor, Silverback Colony, Sarah Krueger, Tabah
• Kilbron Quartet, Date Night, North Shore Winery, 6 p.m.
• Gordon Thorne & the Wildcats with Randy Sabien, Gun Flint Tavern, 7 p.m.
• John Russ, Cascade Lodge Restaurant, 8 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 21:

• Jim McGowan, Voyageur Brewing Co, 4 p.m.
• Stomper’s Retreat, Wunderbar, many bands, 5 p.m.
• Space Monkey Mafia, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 22:

• Stomper’s Retreat, Wunderbar, many bands, 5 p.m.
• Maria Nickolay, Cascade Lodge, 6 p.m.
• Michael Monroe, Log Cabin Concert, 7 p.m. rural Grand Marais, www.michaelmonroemusic.com
• Space Monkey Mafia, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.
• Dance Party with DJ Beavstar, Papa Charlie’s, 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 23:

• Briand Morrison, Mogul’s Grille, 10 a.m.
• Maria Nickolay, Acoustic Sunday at North Shore Winery, 2 p.m.
• Stomper’s Retreat, Wunderbar, 4 p.m.
• Open Stage, Wunderbar, 6 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 24:

• Erik Koskinen, Singer/Songwriter Series, Papa Charlie’s, 8:30 p.m.
• Eric Frost, Bluefin Bay, 9 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 26:

• Pete Kavanaugh, Bluefin Bay, 9 p.m.

Photographs:

Here are some of the photos we found this week:

First: Wildlife…

A few feathered friends this morning (Spruce Grouse) by Thomas Spence.

Trumpeter Swans by Kelly Marquart.

One of my favorite fall visitors by Nancy Seaton.

Loon family fishing for breakfast by Thomas Spence.

And, evidence of wildlife activity…

Always fun to find different types of spider webs by David Johnson.

Plants and trees:

Found Painting by Kristofer Bowman.

A Cook County hemlock by Sandra Updyke.

Lighthouses:

Looking for a pot of gold by David Johnson.

Fired up by Christian Dalbec.

Skyscapes:

Aurora, Caribou Lake by Paul Sandberg.

The Milky Way and Mars as seen over Grand Marais by Larry Paulson.

The Big Dipper and a Thunderstorm by Ryan Wystepek.

Water:

Good morning North Shore by Jan Swart.

Morning magic on the beaver pond by Thomas Spence.

Mashkiziibii-Shoreline by Mike Wiggins, Jr.

New Discoveries by Travis Novitsky.

And last, but not least, Fall begins.

Foggy Fall Morning by David Johnson.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

The first signs of autumn by Thomas Spence.

Ah, the second week of September is here, and we can look forward to two stellar events:  Plein Air Grand Marais and North House Folk School‘s Unplugged xvii. Lots to do and see. And, of course, as the photograph above shows, fall colors are starting in the woods, and the weather has been perfect.

Plein Air Grand Marais, co-sponsored by the Johnson Heritage Post and Outdoor Painters of Minnesota, has been on-going for almost a week now and early paintings from the artists’ work are beginning to be emerge.

On Wednesday night, Yellow Bird Fine Art held an opening exhibit for the painters in the Open Class at the gallery’s annex.  Plein air painter Marge Brackin won first place with her painting, “Red Cliff.” The award includes an invitation to participate in the juried competition next year.

“Red Cliff” by Marge Brackin won the Plein Air Open Class award. The Open Class paintings will be on exhibit at Yellow Bird Fine Art Gallery through Sunday.

All the paintings submitted for the Open Class show will be on exhibit at Yellow Bird Fine Art Gallery through Sunday.

Meanwhile, Plein Air Grand Marais continues. First up is a panel discussion with three of Minnesota’s internationally-acclaimed painters – Jeffrey T. Larson, Mary Petti  and Andy Evansen at the Johnson Heritage Post at noon on Thursday. They will discuss the history and importance of plain air painting. The public is invited.

Then, at 3 p.m. on Thursday, the painters will gather on Artist’s Point for one of the most popular events of the week: The Quick Paint. Painters are given an hour to complete a painting and then display them along the shore. The public is invited to watch as empty canvases are transformed into beauteous renditions of the North Shore and Lake Superior. The event is held from 3-5 p.m.

The Quick Paint on Artist’s Point starts at 3 p.m. on Thursday. The public is invited.

Afterwards, the painters will gather at the Harbor Picnic Shelter at the Grand Marais Municipal Campground to sing, play music along with OPM’s ad-hoc band “The Plein Errors,” and celebrate the week’s painting achievements.

On Friday, look for the gala opening reception at the Johnson Heritage Post from 6-8 p.m., where more than 300 paintings by 75 plein air painters will be on exhibit through Oct. 7. It will be a fun time as the paintings themselves are extraordinary, and there’s lots of excitement as the awards are announced. Overall awards will be given for 1st-3rd place, as well as Best Historic Place and the Sense of Place Award. There will also be Night Paint awards and Quick Paint Awards as well an award for the winner of the Berney Quick Artist’s Choice competition.

It’s a little early to show what the painters have done, but we did find two great Night Paints. Look for more photos of the paintings next week.

“Work Hard. Play Hard.” by Neil Sherman.

Night paint by David Gilsvik.

Meanwhile, North House Folk School‘s Unplugged xvii, is on-going as well. This very popular event  runs from Sept. 14-16, and features lots of music, craft, and storytelling as well as classes, a Folk Artisan Marketplace and an on-line auction.

The Folk Artisan Marketplace opens on Friday from noon to 7 p.m. and will also be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday. Look for baskets, felted goods, carved bowls and spoons, jewelry, leather goods, and more.

The Folk Artisan Marketplace will be held at North House Folk School on Friday and Saturday. Pictured above are brooms by Marybeth Garmoe.

Artisans this year will include Beth Dow, Carol Dunn, Marybeth Garmoe, Todd Hawkinson, Mike Loeffler, Cathryn Peters, Alex Yerks, Kim Garrett and Rebecca Utecht.

Also on Friday night, North House will host the Birchbark Bash from 5-9 p.m. featuring a live craft performance by Jögge Sundqvist, a multi-course dinner by Scott Graden of the New Scenic Cafe and a live auction. All proceeds go to support the educational mission of North House. Tickets are still available! Call 387-9762 for more info.

There are a wide variety of classes and min-classes offered on Saturday, too, including a chance to join the choir for a performance on Saturday night, learn about the Ukulele with Prudence Johnson as well as a Viking cooking demonstration.

On Saturday night is the Unplugged performance, which begins at 7 p.m. This year’s line-up includes storyteller Kevin Kling and singer/songwriters Marc Anderson, Dan Chouinard,  Bradley Greenwald, Prudence Johnson, Simone Perrin, Claudia Schmidt and Dane Stauffer will perform. This is always a great concert and fills the big tent at North House.

Unplugged xvii is this weekend.

Tickets are still available. Click here for more info and tickets.

There are other activities and events this weekend, too.

On Friday, the Minnesota Zoomobile will be at the Grand Marais Public Library from 4-5 p.m. The Zoomobile includes live animals, storytelling, research techniques and audience participation to create a fun program for all ages. All invited. Free.

On Saturday, the Cook County Market, featuring work by a variety of local artists and artisans, opens in the Senior Center parking lot at 9 a.m. and runs to 1 p.m.

The Cook County Market runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday in the Senior Center Parking lot, featuring work by a variety of local artists and artisans. Pictured, above, is work by Jeff Liljestrand of Papa’s Hands..

Up the Gunflint Trail, Gunflint Lodge will host a Fall Color Ride from 9:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on trails in the Superior National Forest. Call 388-2294 for reservations.

Gunflint Lodge will host a Fall Color Ride on Saturday.

Also on Saturday, Amy Lucas-Peroceski, who wrote “Arthur Zac’s Amazing Zebras,” will talk about her book at the Grand Marais Public Library at 10:30 a.m.

Amy-Lucas-Peroceski will talk about her book at the 10:30 a.m. at the library.

The second part of the program will feature how to draw a zebra on 8 1/2 x 11 cardstock. Preschoolers will paint with water soluble oil pastels. Adults will further enhance their zebra by adding background to the picture. The event is free and open to the public.

And at 2 p.m.on Saturday, Staci Drouillard will give a presentation at Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center on the Gunflint Trail.

Staci Drouillard will give a presentation at Chik-Wauk on Saturday at 2 p.m.

Drouillard’s grandfather, Fred Drouillard and grandmother, Lola, had worked at Chik-Wauk Resort in the 1930s and 1940s. Fred was a fishing guide on Saganaga Lake and Lola cooked three meals a day at the resort. Fred and Lola would spend every summer at Chik-Wauk living in the Raven’s Nest cabin. Staci’s father, Francis, started work as a bait and dock helper at Chik-Wauk and by the age of 16, was working as a fishing guide alongside his dad. The presentation is free.

Exhibits:

 Landscape painter Greg Prelicka  is exhibiting his work in the Great Hall at Tettegouche State Park through October.

Painting by Greg Prelicka. The artist is exhibiting at Tettegouche State Park through October.

In Duluth, the Duluth Art Institute will host an opening reception for two new exhibits from 6-9 p.m. on Thursday. “Land/People” by Amanda Breitbach explores the decline of family farming and the emotional and spiritual issues that underlie the human relationship to land, making larger, universal relationships visible through Breitbach’s, and her family’s own experiences in Montana.

One of the photographs in Amanda Breitbach’s exhibit at the Duluth Art Institute, which opens on Thursday.

The DAI is also opening an exhibit by Aaron Squadroni entitled “Mesabi Land Portraits.” His work is centered on mining imagery and metalpoint drawing techniques. This particular exhibit focuses on the Hull Rust mine in Hibbing, one of the largest open-pit mines in the world.  Both artists will be at the opening reception. All invited.

In Thunder Bay, Christi Belcourt‘s exhibit: “Uprising: The Power of Mother Earth, A Retrospective with Isaac Murdoch” continues at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery with a great selection of her work.

“What we teach our children? Revisted” by Christi Belcourt.

Also in Thunder Bay, check out the new art murals by the diE Active Art Collective on Cooke Steet in Waterfront District downtown.

Members of the diE Active work on one of their murals on Cooke Street in Thunder Bay.

 Also in Thunder Bay, the Baggage Building Arts Center is exhibiting costumes created for the plays they have produced there.

Costumes created by Patsy and Beth are on display at the Baggage Building Arts Center as a tribute to them.

 Upcoming:

 The North Shore Music Association is bringing Pura Fé to the Arrowhead Center for the Arts on Sept. 22. Co-founder of the Indigenous women’s a capella trio Ulali and member of the Tuscarora Indian Nation, Pura Fé is recognized for bringing Native contemporary music to the forefront of the mainstream music industry. Her group, Ulali, played the music for Sherman Alexie’s movie, “Smoke Signals.” She will perform at solo concert starting 7:30 p.m. Here’s an example of her music:

And, starting on Sept. 28 and running through Oct. 7, the Fall Studio Tour will be held in Cook County. Featuring work by more than 50 local artists in studios and galleries throughout the county, the tour offers visitors the chance to see new work and talk to the artists who made it.

“Meandering,” bead art by Jo Wood, who is one of the artists participating in the Fall Studio Art Tour.

For many featured artists, these 10 days are the only time they open their studios to the public all year. Access to some of the artists featured on the fall art tour is limited, since they do only a few art shows per year and limited online sales.  “We have had customers fly in from around the country to come to the Studio Tour,” said Dan and Lee Ross, who are sculpture and print artists. This year, Lee Ross will debut her new glass work.

Lee Ross will debut her new glass work during the Fall Studio Tour, which runs from Sept. 28 through Oct. 7. Pictured are two of her owls.

Last year, there were more than 1,350 fall art tour visitors. The art tour also features a variety of demonstrations and talks by the artists. Stay tuned for details. For more info, click here.

Music:

Here’s the music schedule for this week:

Thursday, Sept. 13:

• Gordon Thorne & the Wildcats, North Shore Winery, 6 p.m.
• Frozen Britches, Cascade Lodge Pub, 6 p.m.
• Plucked Up String Band, Gun Flint Tavern, 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 14:

• Kyle Ollah, Voyageur Brewing, 4 p.m.
• Jim & Michele Miller, Bluefin Grille, 9 p.m.
• Don Juan Trio, Wunderbar, 8 p.m.
• TBA, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.
• The Millers, Bluefin,  8 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 15:

• Jim & Michele, Cascade Lodge Restaurant, 6 p.m.
• Cook County’s Most Wanted, Grandma Ray’s, 7 p.m.
• Ghost Wagon, Wunderbar, 8 p.m.
• Dance Party with DJ Beavstar, Papa Charlie’s, 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 16:

• Briand Morrison, Mogul’s Grille, 10 a.m.
• Ghost Wagon, Wunderbar Brunch, 11 a.m.
• Eric Frost, North Shore Winery, 2 p.m.
• Open Stage with Joe Paulik, Wunderbar, 6 p.m.
• Jim & Michele Miller, Gun Flint Tavern, 7 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 17:

• Trevor James Americana Rebel, Monday Night Songwriter Series, Papa Charlie’s, 8:30 p.m.
• Joe Paulik, Bluefin Bay, 9 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept, 19:

• Gordon Thorne, Bluefin Bay, 9 p.m.

We found lots of photos this week:

First, a flower:

“Fragrant Cloud,” by Jim Boyd.

And a mushroom:

Amanita by Maria Isley.

And a sunrise spider web:

A spider web at sunrise by Kjersti Vick.

We found a few wildlife shots:

The snow geese are migrating! Photo by Maryjane Van Den Heuvel taken at the Silver Bay airport.

Canada lynx hunting by Thomas Spence.

Here are some sunrises and sunsets.

A pretty sunrise at Split Rock by Jamie Rabold.

Morning mist by Don Davison.

Sunrise in layers by Jan Swart.

This morning at Kitchi Gammi Park by Zoey Cohen Leege.

And a great northern lights shot:

Northern lights by David Johnson.

And here is water:

Upper Goosberry Falls in the early morning light by Jim Sochoko.

The Ghost of Two Harbors by Matthew Pastick.

And finally, this beauty:

At the top of the High Falls at Tettegouche by Jim Sochoko.

Enjoy your weekend, everyone!

(Psst: If you enjoy reading NorthShore ArtScene every week, consider making a donation today. And Thank You!)

Boundary Waters sunset by Matt Herberg.

September is always busy on the North Shore, with music festivals and art events, as well as the beauteous colors of fall that start popping out all over. We are already getting reports of Moose Maples turning red and some maple trees have already started declaring that fall is here.

Meanwhile, we get to enjoy a lot of art and music. This month, look for the WTIP’s Radio Waves Music Festival this weekend and North House Folk School‘s “Unplugged” next weekend. Also, the Grand Marais Plein Air Competition and Exhibit starts on Friday as artists get their canvases and set out to paint the county for a week. Their work will be on exhibit at the Yellow Bird Fine Art Gallery next Wednesday and at the Johnson Heritage Post on Friday. At the end of the month, the Fall Studio Tour opens, with art events up and down Cook County through Oct. 7.

Here are some details:

First up is the on-going instructor-in-residence program at North House Folk School, where instructors give demonstrations of their work on Thursday through Sunday and offer a mini-class on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. This week, Jess Hirsch will talk about and demonstrate natural dying of wood.

Jess Hirsch is the instructor-in-residence at North House Folk School this weekend.

The public is invited to come watch her work. To register for the min-class, call North House at 387-9762 or drop by. All welcome.

This is the weekend for WTIP’s 11th annual Radio Waves Music Festival, which draws hundreds of people to Sweetheart’s Bluff in the Grand Marais Recreation Park to listen to an incredible variety of music for three days.

Radio Waves  kicks off at 4 p.m. on Friday  with the Cook County Community Swing Band. More than 30 acts are scheduled to perform during the 3-day festival.

This music festival is a great opportunity for the community to get together and celebrate. There is children’s tent, food vendors and campsites available for those who want to spend the entire weekend enjoying the music.

Local bands are always well represented at this music festival and this year is no exception. There are also bands from around the region and the Carpenter Ants, which are coming from West Virginia to play the Saturday night show and the Gospel Hour on Sunday morning.

Here is the complete schedule of music for the weekend, courtesy of WTIP Community Radio.

Friday, Sept. 7:

 Saturday, Sept. 8:

Sunday, Sept. 9: 

Tickets are $10 per day, $20 for the entire weekend and can be purchased at the door. See you there!

Also this weekend, Grand Marais Plein Air begins. This year, the event is a collaboration between Outdoor Painters of Minnesota and the Johnson Heritage Post. More than  75 plain air painters have registered for the event, and they will be painting throughout the county for the next week. Their work will be exhibited in two galleries this year: Yellow Bird Fine Art Gallery will hold an opening reception from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 12, for the plain air painters registered for the Open Class. A gala reception and award event will be held at the Johnson Heritage Post from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 14, featuring up to 300 plain air paintings by artists juried into the show. Jeffrey T. Larson is the juror this year.

Plein air painters will be swarming all over Cook County during Grand Marais Plein Air, which starts on Friday. Their work will be exhibited at the Johnson Heritage Post and Yellow Bird Fine Art next week. Stay tuned.

This year’s Plein Air festival will have a number of new features, including demonstrations, art events for kids, daily paint-outs at locations around the county, and 13 mini workshops taught by well-known plein air artists throughout the region. David Gilsvik starts out the workshop series on Saturday. Other well-known presenters include Neil Sherman, Lisa Stauffer, Michele Combs, Tom McGregor, Kami Mendlik, Matt Kania and more. The cost of a workshop is $50. To find out more, see www.outdoorpaintersofminnesota.org.

There will be a Quick Paint on Artist’s Point again this year. It will be held from 3-5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 13, and is open to the public. For more information and to see the complete schedule, click here.

Also this weekend, visit the Cook County Market in the Senior Center parking lot from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. The market features a wide variety of arts and crafts by local residents.

And on Wednesday author and environmentalist Grant Merritt will be at the Grand Marais Public Library at noon to discuss his recently published book, “Iron & Water.”

Exhibits:

The exhibit, “Fragments of the North: Oil Paintings by Reid Thorpe” continues at the Johnson Heritage Post gallery through Sunday.

Fragments of the North: Paintings by Reid Thorpe continues at the Johnson Heritage Post.

The Heritage Post id closed on Tuesdays. It is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays through Saturdays, and from 1-4 p.m. Sundays.

An abstract painting exhibit is currently on view in the studio gallery at Yellow Bird Fine Art.

“Ice Houses” by Kim Dayton is at in the studio gallery at Yellow Bird Fine Art.

It’s one of those “by chance,” exhibits… It will be up until Sept. 12, and then up again after Sept. 15 through Sept. 28. Worth checking out.

Betsy Bowen will be exhibiting her work at The Edge Center for the Arts in Big Fork, with a reception set for Friday, Sept. 9 from 5-7 p.m. The exhibit continues through Sept. 29.

Betsy Bowen will exhibit her wood block prints at The Edge Center for the Arts in Big Fork.

In Thunder Bay, Christi Belcourt’s exhibit, “Uprising: The Power of Mother Earth” continues at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. Here are two of her paintings included in the exhibit.

View from the Canoe #1 by Christi Belcourt.

View from the Canoe #2 by Christi Belcourt.

Upcoming:

 Tickets are still available for both North House Folk School‘s music weekend, “Unplugged,”  Sept. 14-15.

“Unplugged” at North House Folk School will be held under the Big Tent Sept. 14-15.

There are all kinds of events and courses being held that weekend, too, including the Birch Bark Bash, featuring Rhythm & Slöjd, a one-of-a-kind live craft and music experience by Swedish guest instructor Jögge Sundqvist.  Also included are a multi-course dinner by chef Scott Graden of New Scenic Cafe, beverages by Fulton Beer, North Shore Winery, and Voyageur Brewing, and a live auction of unique craft items and “fund-a-need” opportunities supporting North House’s programming.

On Saturday, Sept. 15, storyteller Kevin Kling, Marc Anderson, Dan Chouinard,  Bradley Greenwald, Prudence Johnson, Simone Perrin, Claudia Schmidt and Dane Stauffer come to the Unplugged stage for a show featuring stories, music, and more.

The Unplugged weekend also includes mini-courses, a speaker series, and the Folk Artisan Marketplace. For more info, click here.

Kudos:

Jim Sannerud built these great tables for Mila Horak’s art room at ISD 166.

This painting by Jeff Niesen is one of five paintings commissioned by Care Center resident Marcy Podas, for the new hospital/care center. Niesen is Podas’ grandson. A reception honoring the artwork was held earlier this week.

Here’s the music schedule in venues in Cook County this week:

Thursday, Sept. 6:

• Jim & Michele Miller, Cascade Lodge Restaurant, 6 p.m.
• Billy Johnson, Gun Flint Tavern, 7 p.m.
• Gordon Thorne & the Wildcats, North Shore Winery, 7 p.m.
• Plucked Up String Band, Wunderbar, 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 7:

• Tim Fast, Voyageur Brewing, 4 p.m.
• 11th Annual Radio Waves Music Festival, Sweetheart’s Bluff, Rec Park, Grand Marais, starts at 4 p.m. and runs through Sunday.
• Al & Rod, Bluefin Grile, 8 p.m.
• The Dead Pigeons, Wudnderbar, 8 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 8:

• Radio Waves Music Festival, Sweetheart’s Bluff, Rec Park, Grand Marais
•  Sonofmel, Cascade Lodge Restaurant, 6 p.m.
• The Dead Pigeons, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.
• The Cruisers, Wunderbar, 8 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 9:

• Radio Waves Music Festival, Sweetheart’s Bluff, Rec Park, Grand Marais
• Billy Johnson, North Shore Winery, 2 p.m.
• Cookie, Skyport Lodge, 4 p.m.
• Open Stage with Joe Paulik, Wunderbar, 6 p.m.
• Tony Petersen & Jill Zimmerman, Gun Flint Tavern, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 12:

• Eric Frost, Bluefin Bay, 9 p.m.

We found some interesting photos this week.

Let’s start with a wildlife shot:

Gray fox by Janice Made.

Flowers and mushrooms:

Fireweed by Paul Sandberg.

Chanterelles by Alisa Berns.

Goldenrod wave by Janice Made.

Light shows:

Painting with light by Jamie Rabold.

A sparks show by Jeff Henningsgaard.

Landscapes and skycapes:

A beautiful day in the neighborhood by Don Davison.

Looking for moose by Jeffrey Doty.

Tree tops and roof tops— layers in the fog by Thomas Spence.

Milky Way & Mars by Kirk Schleife.

Early September Sunset by David Johnson.

Paradise Beach by Roger Gustafson.

September Sunset–Hollow Rock Creek by Travis Novitsky.

Super wave at Split Rock by Christian Dalbec.

Morning Commute by Kristofer Bowman.

Grasses and the lake by Deb Moon Akason.

And last, but not least:

This one woke up the town by David Johnson.

Have a great weekend, everyone!