“Melting” by Bryan Hansel.

Spring on the North Shore:

Greetings from the North Shore, where spring is slowly making its way through snowdrifts and icefalls, creating fascinating contrasts in the landscape. Here are two photographic examples, taken by Maryl Skinner on the same day.

First, yoga on a frozen lake:

A yoga pose and an ice-covered lake by Maryl Skinner.

And second, the photograph below was taken in Skinner’s garden on the same day. Her garden is on the lake side of the hilly divide between Lake Superior and the Gunflint Trail.

Glory of the Snow by Maryl Skinner.

Welcome to spring in the Northwoods!

Cook County Update:

First, though, let’s give an update on Cook County. Business hours, cancellations and other pertinent information is available in a number of places, and the lists are updated frequently. Check Exploring the Shore, Visitcookcounty, and WTIP Community Radio for the latest information.

And, just to be obnoxious, this is a reminder to fill out your 2020 census form. If you’re a Cook County resident and receive your mail through a PO box, you will not receive a census form through the mail.  The 2020 Census forms are not mailed out to Post Office boxes, so you can either fill it out online (takes five minutes, tops), or wait until it is safe for a census worker to knock on your door and hand you one. To fill out the form, click here. (Note: Currently, Cook County has the worst census response rate in the state.)

And finally, a new $1,200 grant for Cook County artists is now available through the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council. The grant will pay personal or artistic expenses for artists who live in Cook County. The first round opened on Tuesday, April 21, and continues through Monday, April 27. A second round will be held if funding is available.

The Arrowhead Regional Arts Council has opened a grant specifically targeted to artists in Cook County.

This fund has been created with a gift from a generous funding partner to provide critical relief for artists within Cook County struggling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the purpose of this program, artist is defined as writers, performers, musicians, visual artists, and crafts people who live in the county, including Grand Portage. Program partners include the Cook County/Grand Marais EDA, the Cook County Creative Economy Collaborative, and the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council.

To apply for the grant, click here. It is simple to fill out.  

ARAC has other grants to help artists and organizations during the Covid-19 crisis. Click here to learn more. Other resources for artists include Springboard for the Arts, Minnesota Disaster Recovery Fund,  Americans for the Arts. And get on Pat Campanero’s email list. She is the Small Business Development Center representative for Cook County and is posting all the latest information on loans and grants. You can email her at pcampanaro@gmail.com and get on the list.

In other news, fundraising continues for the three downtown businesses in Grand Marais that were destroyed in a fire last week: The Crooked Spoon, Picnic & Pine and White Pine North. The Grand Marais State Bank is accepting donations by check. The online Gofundme Grand Marais Fire Relief Fund has raised $51,00o so far. Halfway to its goal. You can find it here.

And Odyssey Resorts East Bay Suites is hosting a live, virtual performance and benefit concert for the family owned businesses that were destroyed by the fire. Timmy Haus will perform. The concert is from 7-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 23.

To view the concert and participate in the fundraiser, visit the Odyssey Resorts Facebook page, here.

And, believe it or not, we found two other local, but virtual, musical performances that will be held this week.

Boyd “Bump” Blomberg will be on WTIP’s The Roadhouse on Friday night. He will be performing from his home. People can listen on-air or stream the program and/or watch the video on WTIP’s Facebook page.

Boyd “Bump” Blomberg will be virtually live on WTIP’s The Roadhouse on Friday night.

The Roadhouse airs from 5-7 p.m.

And Michael Monroe will host his second virtual Log Cabin Concert on Saturday night from 7-8:30 p.m.

Michael Monroe will do a live-stream Log Cabin Concert on Saturday from 7-8:30 p.m.

Tickets are by donation. The concert will be streamed through his Facebook page. Check it out here .

There are other fun local opportunities this week, too. North House Folk School continues its Crafting in Place series, offering free tutorials and information sessions in a variety of crafts. First up this week: Mending Sweaters and Socks with Yarn with Tasha Miller Griffith.

Tasha Miller Griffith will teach how to repair sweaters and socks with yarn in this Crafting in Place event through North House Folk School.

The video will go live at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 23 on the Folk School’s Facebook and YouTube pages.

Then, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Angela Robbins, an instructor at the Folk School, will be live on Instagram with “Wild Stools with Just A Few Tools.”  She will demonstrate how to make a simple 3-legged stool with a chunk of wood and branches. If folks don’t have access to logs and branches, scrap boards and dowels also work. This makes a great project for youth, and these techniques can be applied to make miniature furniture too.

Art & Artists:

 Our local artists continue to make work during this stay-at-home time. Here is what we gathered this week.

Mary Bebie is one of the glass artists who was scheduled to exhibit at the Johnson Heritage Post May 1. That show has been cancelled (rescheduled for next year), but all the glass artists had been working hard this winter to get ready for it. Here’s one of Mary’s pieces. She can be reached by emailing marybebie@hotmail.com

Fused glass plate, on-edge technique by Mary Bebie.

 Keith Morris has been doing some drawing this winter. Here are two of his pieces. One is called “Good Hare Day,”‘ and one is called “Bad Hair Day.”

“Good Hare Day” by Keith Morris.

“Bad Hair Day” by Keith Morris.

Tim Young was among the artists and community members who turned out for a chalk art social-distancing event in Harbor Park. Here’s what he created:

Chalk art by Tim Young.

 Paula Sundet Wolf has been painting.

Study of Georgia O’Keefe’s Yellow Cactus Flowers by Paula Sundet Wolf.

Betsy Bowen is continuing her” Comfort” series. She posts an image a few times a week, at least, on her Facebook page. Here’s her illustration in honor of all those making face masks.

Comfort. Sewing. A soft craft by Betsy Bowen.

Kim Knutson will set up a little stand in the entry way to Oddz & Ends. Under her brand name, TF Goodness, she is donating “organic, locally grown and made balms, butters and solid lotions to anyone who lives in Cook County; especially to those people who have to wash their hands continually…….you all know who you are.  So if you have dry, itchy, cracked skin come get some, your skin will love you for it.”

Kim Knutson (TF Goodness) is donating her organic products for residents of Cook County in the foyer of Oddz & Ends.

The donations are available Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “If you and your hands need comforting in these interesting times,” she writes, “Stop in and pick something up. It’s free, but if you really want to, we’ll accept donations.”

The Crooked Spoon had a lot of local art on the walls, including a great collection of Heidi Sobanja’s work, which was all lost. Another painter, Jan Attridge, lost this painting she did of the restaurant’s scrumptious French onion soup.

French onion soup by Jan Attridge.

 Virtual

OK.  This is Potpourri V … onward!

Bryan Hansel produced a video for North House Folk School on how to photograph work with natural light at home.

Bryan Hansel provides tips and advice on how to take photographs of art and craft items at home in natural light.

Check Hansel’s video out here.

Here’s a video from the Vimeo Video School about how to create a video with your phone.

Layne Kennedy was recently featured on Almanac on how to be creative with your time.

Here’s an amazing PBS series about the unsung women who changed America. It’s titled “Unladylike 2020.” The series covers Arctic explorers, sculptors, fashion icons, botanists …

Louise Arner Boyd was the first woman to lead Arctic expeditions. This episode includes lots of great clips and photos from the turn of the century in the Arctic.

Here’s the link to see the episode on Louis Arner Boyd and the rest of the episodes in the series.

Here’s another PBS piece.. The Quarantine Art Challenge. People were challenged to re-create their favorite piece of art with what they could find at home. It’s pretty funny.

The Daily Art Magazine published “The Long Wait” collection, paintings that best depict waiting. Here’s one.

“Waiting,” painting by Frederico Zandomeneghi from the Daily Art Magazine.

 To see the whole collection of paintings, click here.

Here’s a short dance video, entitled “The Six Sides of Merce Cunningham.” it documents the dancer’s life and his impact on the world.

And here’s a wonderful twist on a poetry reading. In this production, we see the poet, and then the poem itself and can read along as he/she reads their work. It’s production of the Poetry Foundation.

 Music:

There are lots of music videos out there. So here’s just a quick selection.

Lizzo in a Tiny Desk Concert.

 Grand Marais’ Marco Good sings “Spanish Pipedream” from the back 40.

Nina Simone singing “Feelin’ Good.”

And a very sweet, virtual stay-at-home concert:

Hope you enjoyed those. Next …

Photographs:

Let’s start with a photo by Duluth abstract photographer Michael Dahmen that first appeared on Stephen Colbert’s Twitter feed. Dahmen said he was asked for a photograph of the soap you used to wash your hands. So he produced this. He reports that more than 35,000 saw it.

Stay-at-home soap by Michael Dahmen.

Next: Wildlife

Ancient rock carvings in Greenland by P G Ehlinger.

Loon couple by Tom Walker. Photograph originally published in Alaska Magazine.

John Gregor, Day 15, swans.

Happy Earth Day! 3-day-old bison calf by Lori Sparkly Franklin.

Ruffed Grouse by Paul Sundberg.

Spring. By Jas Grassin.

“Prickles,” the Australian sheep who ran away seven years ago during a bushfire, returns home, Photo by Alice Gray.

Not much activity today with the pelicans by Jamie Rabold.

Landscapes, snowscapes and waterscapes:

Stay near the serenity of the lake by Roxanne Distad.

Pussy willows by Chris Artist.

Social distancing by Bryan Hansel.

Late afternoon in Grand Marais by Joan Farnam.

Lake Superior beach glass by Ann Primozich.

Earth Day in Tate Lake by Judi Barsness.

The walk back by Jeffrey Doty.

Beautiful Grand Marais by Roxanne Distad.

Maple Hill Church by David Welch.

Cedar Trees at Goosberry Falls by Susanne Von Schroeder.

Have a good weekend, everyone! Stay Safe!

Artists, please send images of what you’ve been working on this month to me at Joan.farnam@gmail.com

Also, if you’ve often considered donating to NorthShore ArtScene, now might be a good time, if you’re able to do it. And, thank you!

Grand Marais in April, by Jessica Markusen.

How newsy is NorthShore ArtScene? That’s a question we’ve been asking this week, as we face reporting on a devastating fire that destroyed three family businesses in downtown Grand Marais on Monday, April 13. White Pine North, owned by Jessica & Tyler Dean, The Crooked Spoon owned by Sara & Nathan Hingos and Picnic and Pine, owned by Kelsey Kennedy & Peter Klinker were destroyed in the fire. The cause of the fire is not known at this time. No one was injured.

Three local businesses, Picnic and Pine, The Crooked Spoon and White Pine North were destroyed in a fire in downtown Grand Marais on Monday, April 13. Photo by Paul Sundberg.

Whipped by winds gusting over 20 mph, volunteer firemen from four different volunteer fire departments, Grand Marais, Maple Hill, Colvill and Lutsen, battled the blaze. The three businesses could not be saved. Sven & Ole’s, which is across the alley, was saved and suffered only minor damage.

A volunteer fireman pulls a hose along the street in front of the debris from the fire. Photo by CJ Heitoff.

The horror, heartbreak and sadness at first overwhelmed this small community, already reeling from the closures of local businesses due to Corvid-19.  But, like the strong community that it is, Grand Marais has rallied to help in any way it can.

Betsy Bowen posted this on her Facebook page as a way to support and comfort the community. She titled it “Love comes together in hard times.”

A GoFundMe Fire Relief Fund, launched by Abby Tofte and Tina Hegg Raway, has been set up to accept online donations to help the businesses get back on their feet. As of this morning, it had raised more than $25,000 from donations across the region and the country.  Click here to donate and find out more about the fundraiser. Grand Marais’ mayor, Jay Arrowsmith DeCoux, set up three accounts at the Grand Marais State Bank for relief donations as well. Checks can be sent to Grand Marais State Bank, PO Box 100, Grand Marais, MN 55604.

There is more to report, unfortunately.

The Hovland Arts Festival, scheduled for the July 4th weekend, has been cancelled. “We waited as long as we could to make this difficult decision.” the Hovland Arts Festival Committee wrote to its neighbors. “It’s based on the evolving COVID-19 public health threat. Just having one person get sick if we proceed is too many. Please join us next year on the 4th of July weekend!”

North House Folk School has cancelled all courses through June 19. They write: “We are extending our course cancellation period through June 19 to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and protect our students, instructors, staff, and neighbors. If you are registered for a course during this time frame, you should have received an email regarding your refund options. If you didn’t, please email us at info@northhouse.org or call us at 218-387-9762.”

The Grand Marais Art Colony has cancelled all programming through Aug. 31, “including all on-site classes and activities, and our annual Arts Festival, in order to protect the health and safety of your community. We are exploring ways to pivot our programming to an online platform. Look for GMAC on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to find information and ways to engage.”

And the Cook County Market, featuring work by a variety of local artists and artisans, will postpone its opening at least through July. The Market, which is held in the Senior Center parking lot, usually opens over Memorial Day Weekend.

For all updates on cancellations, new hours of operations for local businesses, check visitcookcounty.com , WTIP Community Radio, and Exploring the North Shore. You can also check these sites for re-openings and new events.

We are hopeful, here on the North Shore — the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness will open Tuesday, May 5 and the Fishing Opener is Saturday, May 9.

“Soon the walleye will spawn.” New work by Christi Belcourt.

And, since we are still in stay-at-home mode, here is this week’s potpourri to watch and enjoy this week:

Virtual:

North House Folk School has developed a series of online videos entitled “Crafting in Place.” This week’s offerings:

Watch Beth Dooley make a quick and easy Spiced Lentil Stew on Facebook and YouTube starting at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 16.

“Get to Know Beans” with Beth Dooley will be shown at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 16 on North House Folk School‘s Facebook and YouTube accounts.

Click on the links to see:

• Live at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 16: Life Aboard a Sailboat with the Gordon Family Zoom Webinar
• April 17, 10 a.m., Seed Starting with Ian Andrus of Creaking Tree Farm video on Facebook and YouTube.

The Arrowhead Regional Arts Council is holding a Virtual Town Hall for the Arts on Thursday April 16 at 4 p.m. ARAC will talk about two new emergency grant programs they have developed as well as other ways it can help artists and arts organizations and give a preview of what to expect from the state funding system in the next six months. It’s a town hall, so they’re asking artists to weigh in. What are your challenges? How are you helping each other? It’s Zoom meeting, so everyone is invited. To sign up, just send an email to info@aracouncil.org and we’ll send you the virtual sign-in information.

The American Craft Council is holding a Zoom conference/forum at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 17, on education disruptions and opportunities.

The American Craft Council is holding a Zoom forum on Friday.

To register, click here. 

The Duluth Art Institute is hosting a free,  in-depth seminar entitled  “Visual Arts on Camera with Philip Gilpin Jr from Catalyst Stories.” It will include practical details on the steps of development, writing, physical production, post-production, and distribution of your videos. Click here to register. Free.

Watch a movie:

Watch an Artist’s Talk by Nan Onkka, as she describes the pieces she was scheduled to show at the Johnson Heritage Post Gallery this month. When the gallery closed, she rescheduled her show to 2021, and decided to to a virtual opening this month, too.

Here’s a music/dance video filmed in Iceland that might be of interest:

 How about watching Shakespeare at the Globe Theater in London? They’re streaming The Bard’s greatest plays on YouTube.

 Or, watch the “Les Miserables” cast, in concert (and in costume) on this video.

 Artists:

Artists continue to work, too. Here’s a look at what some of them are doing.

Lee Ross has completed a series of works in glass for a glass exhibit that was scheduled for May at the Johnson Heritage Post. That show has been rescheduled, but the artists involved had already made lots of work for it. Here’s one of her pieces.

Fused glass boat by Lee Ross.

Dave Steckelberg has been working in his studio.

Wood, steel by David Steckelberg.

Jo Wood has been working as well

New beadwork by Jo Wood.

Duluth painter Adam Swanson‘s latest:

Tending the sap boil by Adam Swanson.

Also in Duluth, Carolyn Olson has been documenting the times:

Grocery Store Cashier Bagger–Essential Worker 1 by Carolyn Olson,

Potter Jason Trebs is getting ready for the St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour, which is online this year over Mother’s Day weekend. Click here to learn more.

Trays drying in the studio by Jason Trebs. They will be glazed and fired for the St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour, which is online this year.

Marty Harris is still printing beautiful work in his Minneapolis studio.

Flowers by Marty Harris.

And thank you! to Betsy Bowen for regularly posting inspiring work in her Comfort series on her Facebook page.

Comfort … Hand Made by Betsy Bowen.

And here’s an image from a long time ago. The Tweed Museum of Art, which is also closed, has been posting images of works from its collection. This is one:

“Mt. Fuji from Yasuda Shimoza (from Thirty-six views of Mt. Fuji),” 1858, by Ando Utagawa Hiroshige. Woodblock print on paper.

There are grants and opportunities to help artists during this difficult time. Click  and scroll down here to find resources.

Music:

Here are just a few music videos for you to enjoy. Again, a potpourri.

Bochelli in Milan:

 Trampled by Turtles:

Blues: Taj Mahal and Keb Moe, filmed in the French Quarter:

 Sami singer, Mari Boine:

 Photographs:

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

Let’s start with this photograph we found on space weather.com. It’s a sun halo. The photographer was stunned to see this on Easter morning.

Easter solar halo by Goran Strand.

And here are some favorite wildlife shots.

Ruffed grouse trying to impress a few hens by David Johnson.

Fox, by Chris Artist.

A raven’s meal by Chris Artist.

Big paws by David Johnson.

Junco jamboree by Janice Latz.

Day 31. Battling Bull Elk by Keith Crowley.

White pelicans take a breather on Lake Superior by Debbie Benedict.

The photographer was lying on the ground, trying to shoot the ceiling. The pigeons were concerned. Photography by Alex Kogan.

Landscapes and lakescapes:

Carefully stacked and ready, Photo by Tom Fiero.

Steady companions by Tijhe Fireweed.

You’ve got to admit it’s beautiful, right? by Sally Nankivell.

Grand Marais Reflections by Paul Sundberg.

A beautiful day for a hike by Paul Pluskwik.

Bridge over the falls–Amity Creek, Duluth by Ken Harmon.

A brief escape into the sunshine and the forest by Barb Farley.

End of the Day, by Bruce Block.

And finally, a little levity for you:

May your week go well. Be Safe.

P.S. Send me images of what you’ve been doing in your studio! Email me at Joan.farnam@gmail.com

Also, if you’d like to help support NorthShore ArtScene, click on the icon below to donate. And thank you!

The High Falls at Grand Portage this week by Kim Nelson.

So we’re allowed to get quirky in these changing times.

In this case, quirky means posts from all over the place: music videos, artists’ stuff, grand scenes from the Northwoods, tender garden pop-ups, the last commercial sailing vessel to round the Cape, online learning opportunities, lists of the shops, stores and restaurants doing curbside and when,  highway poetry, sketches for comfort, opera concerts in Europe and, of course, wildlife and landscape photographs. So, yep, lots of interesting stuff is popping up on social media this week. Here’s a taste:

Let’s start with updated information about area business hours and cancellations in the county, compiled by WTIP Community Radio. Click here to learn more.

Visitcookcounty.com has also included a lot of information, too. Click here to see.

That being said, a fair number of events/activities are going virtual, and the offerings are increasing. North House Folk School, for example, has set up a series of lunch and learn programs that can be watched on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube. This is an on-going, to-be-announced series entitled “Crafting in Place,” and features demonstrations and tutorials with instructors online.

On Thursday, April 9, check out the video: Scandinavian Folk Art Style Primer: Rosemaling and Dalmalning with Kim Garrett on Facebook and YouTube.

Kim Garret will talk about rosemaling techniques in an online video on Thursday. Pictured is a piece in the Valdres style.

At 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jim Sannerud will Turn a Bowl from a Log on Instagram,

Jim Sannerud will do a bowl turning demonstration at 7 p.m. Thursday night.

And on Friday, April 10, Marybeth Garmoe will give a studio tour of her broom making.

Marybeth Garmoe will talk about and demonstrate making brooms.

The video can be seen Facebook and YouTube .

The North Shore Winery is planning to hold Virtual Date Nights with Gordon Thorne on Thursday nights on its Facebook page.

Gordon Thorne and Chuck Corliss will be in virtual concert for the North Shore Winery at 6 p.m. Thursday night on the winery’s Facebook page.

This week Chuck Corliss joins Gordon for the evening of music at 6 p.m. To listen, click here.

There are lots of other virtual live concerts on social media these days, too.  Here’s a link to some of the choices.

And Andrew Lloyd Webber is streaming his musicals for free on YouTube. The series is entitled “The Shows Must Go On.” This Friday, April 10, the 2012 production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” with Tim Minchin, Melanie C and Chris Moyles will be streamed starting at 7 p.m.

The 2012 production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Jesus Christ Superstar”will be streamed on YouTube this weekend.

It will be available for 48 hours. To see it and read more about the series, click here.

And, on Easter Sunday, Andrea Bocelli will perform a virtual concert in Milan, “Music for Hope” beginning at 1 p.m. ET.

Andrea Bocelli will give a virtual concert, “Music for Hope” in a cathedral in Milan on Easter Sunday on his YouTube channel.

 To watch and/or find out more, click here.

And finally, for those who are spending a lot of time in meetings on Zoom, Skype or other platforms, Visitcookcounty has created some custom virtual backgrounds for you, including photographs of waterfalls, the northern lights, the Boundary Waters and more. There are also videos of Cook County to download.

VisitCookCounty’s Kjersti Vick stands in front of one of the photographs you can download to act as a background during Zoom or Skype meetings.

They have even included instructions on how to use these backgrounds on Zoom.  Click here to make your choices and find out more.

Artists:

Homebound artists are often studio-bound artists, and many have taken the opportunity to continue to work. Here are a few examples.

Musician Martha Marnocha, who plays with a variety of bands in the county, said she has connected with new friends in Sussex, England and is playing with them via an online live-practice program.

Martha Marnocha is online doing live practicing with new friends in Sussex,England.

Potter Natalie Sobanja has set up a studio at her home and is making some cool pieces.

The latest pieces by Natalie Sobanja, drying in her home studio.

 Nancy Seaton is working in her new glass studio at her home at Hungry Jack Outfitters.

Nancy Seaton is working in her home studio. “Spring is a little late this year,” she says, “So I made my own.”

Ron Piercy has been really busy in Washburn, Wis., setting up an art center which includes five working artist studios, teaching studios for ceramics, silver and goldsmithing, a classroom with live streaming audio and video, a large art gallery and … a craft beer bar.

Ron Piecy’s new gallery in Washburn is called the Karlyn Yellowbird Gallery.

The complex includes an art supply store. Check out it out here.

Paula Sundet Wolf has been working as well.

“If I must stay home, then I shall paint” by Paula Sundet Wolf.

And Betsy Bowen has continued her Comfort series of paintings which she posts frequently on Facebook. Here is one.

Comfort. On a gray day, tea and yoga. By Betsy Bowen.

Painter Jan Attridge completed this.

Full Moon–Luna by Jan Attridge.

And for those who just feel like coloring something this week, check out the North Shore Coloring Book by Mark Klein.

It’s available at Drury Lane Books, which delivers in town.

Here’s an interesting challenge. The Grand Marais Art Colony has a call for artists to create a piece addressing the idea of Habitat, the Art Colony’s theme this year.

The Grand Marais Art Colony has put out a call for artists to create a piece speaking to Habitat.

In its explanation for the call, the Art Colony writes:

HABITAT: the places we live and those we share it with

We had no idea that when we set this theme that all of our habitats would necessarily be altered so drastically. What changes have been made to yours? What new patterns, rhythms, or routines are surfacing? What is aggravating you? What is sustaining you?

An invitation: use these questions to create a unique, 4 x 6-inch painting, mixed-media piece, poem, photo, etc, etc. and send it in by May 31. Include your name and the medium on the back of the piece. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want your piece returned. We will exhibit them in the windows of our new building. Send to: P.O. Box 626, Grand Marais, MN 55604. (Please refer to USPS for guidelines on how to safely send things in the mail.) For more information, email programs@grandmaraisartcolony.org

It is a rocky time for artists and arts organizations, for sure. Cancellations of exhibits, art festivals, music festivals, plays, dance performances, concerts. and gigs at bars and other venues is definitely a challenge for everybody. But there is help out there. Federal and state programs are available for self-employed artists and arts organizations. Pat Companero has a handle on all of this and is eager to help. You can email her at pcompanero@gmail.com

The Arrowhead Regional Arts Council and Springboard for the Arts are great resources, too, and both have developed special grants for artists and arts organizations during this time. Also, check out the Artist Relief Fund, which is offering $5,000 grants to artists.

And, being human, we can’t help noticing that spring is coming anyway, and we still laugh at each other’s jokes, even if they’re virtual or on the phone, wave when we see friends on our walks, stand in wonder as the pink moon floats overhead …

And so, just for some levity and silliness: “This Too Shall Pass Rube Goldberg Machine.”

And since this is Easter weekend, let’s give a bow to the Easter bunny, here captured in this photo of the bunny collection of Duluth raku artists Richard Gruchalla and Carrie Rosetti.

Richard Gruchalla writes: Happy Spring! Here’s a group of our bunnies (Top) Platter by Sue Terrill; (Front left and center) Two long-eared rabbits by Robin Murphy; (right) White rabbit by unknown artist, (center) Small blue bunny by VanBriggle; Small brown rabbit by unknown artist; (Middle ground) “Startled Rabbits,” painting by Adu Gindy.

And here’s a bow to sadness and greatness, as we find out that legendary American folksinger John Prine died of complications from Covid-19 this week. He was 73.  To read about him, details of his life and a few interviews, click here.

Betsy Bowen put it this way:

Comfort. The Moon … How it was last night. You go now John Prine, you fly with that Angel.

Another great way to pay homage to John Prine is to listen to his music. Here’s his Tiny Desk Concert, recorded in 2018 in the NPR studios.

In this Tiny Desk concert he plays four songs, including “All The Best.” And for your pleasure, click around on the site and listen to more, if you wish. What a gift he was to us.

Photographs:

Our photographers have been out and about, or staying at home, sifting through past work. We get to enjoy both. First, wildlife:

Ruffed Grouse by Bryan Hansel.

Fisher out hunting by David Johnson.

Not a Dog by Kristofer Bowman.

Here’s another one from a couple of years ago by Nace Hagemann.

Foxy by Paul Sundberg.

Robins have magnificent wings by Lori Sparkly Franklin.

Day 23: Loon Family — in honor of the first loon sighting of the year here in Northwest Wiscnsin by Keith Crowley.

Mountain Bluebird, Yellowstone, 2017 by Sparky Stensaas.

Spring:

Spring is coming by Kristofer Bowman.

These little beauties popped up by Sarah Allen..

Just spotted these in my yard! By Annie Possis.

The start of fishing season. Eric Brisson, Tyler Smith and Zach Smith are ready for their first catch of the season. Photo courtesy of North House Folk School.

And here are a few fun photos we found:

How much is that doggie in the window? By Steve Ortmann.

Joe Christensen at work. Photographer unknown.

The tallest snowman around, Pike Lake Rd. by Nate Slettedahl.

The world’s last commercial sailing ship, The Pamir, rounding Cape Horn for the last time in 1949.

The Full Pink Moon:

Caught the moonrise in the glooming by Lori Sparkly Franklin.

Mookaam — Moonrise by Robert Desjarlait.

Full moon in South Dakota by Amanda Takes War Bonnett.

Landscapes and Waterscapes:

Park Point this week by Scot Bol.

The rivers are starting to thaw and the birds are returning. Spring is in the air by Dave and Amy Freeman.

Peace and tranquility–Ellingson Island at Split Rock Lighthouse by Roxanne Distad.

What a great morning by Lin Salisbury.

I hope everybody is safe by Jamie Rabold.

Light at the end of the tunnel by Jeffrey Doty.

And finally, we found this:

Have a good weekend, everyone. Be safe. Be smart. Be well.

P.S. Email me with ideas/links for next week’s blog– joan.farnam@gmail.com

P.P.S. If you would like to contribute to NorthShore ArtScene, click on the logo below. And thank you!

“Calm, powerful, beautiful. Relax, take stock, go with the program,” by Phil Kruse.

Greetings from the North Shore, where all is quiet on the Western Front, so to speak. Absolutely. People are taking the Stay-At-Home to heart here. In fact, some are joking that if this keeps up, they’ll forget to look both ways when crossing Hwy. 61. Not good news for all the small businesses and artists up here, though. But, resiliency is the name of the game, and people are going virtual, curbside and practicing vigorous social distancing.

Businesses are being really creative, too, as is the county and city administrations, so things are changing by the week, and it’s good to keep up on the latest. For example, Hungry Hippie Tacos, which was closed for awhile, is now going to offer a special menu curbside Thursday through Saturday, and the Grand Marais Liquor Store opened on Wednesday, also offering curbside service.

For that info and more, check out Exploring North Shore by clicking here. The site will include information, phone numbers and emails to contact the businesses and arrange for pick-up.

Cook County has set up a Coronavirus Response Hub at the Cook County Community Center, which is closed to the public, BUT it has launched a web site that provides all kinds of information: latest updates on the virus and the community, how to find food and other necessities, community information, health information, including health care providers, videos and much more. It’s a very flexible site and changes daily. Check it out here.

And WTIP Community Radio at 90.7 FM  always has lots of  great information and interviews during the day.

Facebook and Instagram have also been really important in communicating information, ideas, projects and more over the last few weeks. Add to that — Zoom meetings are being held everywhere.

And since everybody is staying at home, artists are doing some interesting work. Here are a few examples.

Julie Arthur has been dyeing yarn.

Julie Arthur’s newly dyed yarn hangs from a clothesline in a snowy landscape.

Mona Abdel-Rahman made some new dishrags.

New dishrages by Monday Abdel-Rahman.

Potter Jason Trebs has been busy.

Potter Jason Trebs is in his studio. Here a tray begins to take shape.

 Tim Young continues to paint.

What do you see? by Tim Young.

ISD 166 student Hazel Oberholtzer said she has really appreciated being able to do more art at home. Here’s a piece she did for an assignment by her teacher Mila Horak.

Illustration of a Great Horned Owl’s song by Hazel Oberholtzer.

Paula Gustafson has been painting.

Pristine Path by Paul Gustafson.

Authors have a local champion. too–Gwen Danfelt at Drury Lane Books.

Gwen Danfelt of Drury Lane Books is making home deliveries for everyone’s reading pleasure.

And Betsy Bowen has been uploading “Comfort” drawings to her Facebook page frequently. Here are a few:

Comfort. Pear. By Betsy Bowen.

Comfort. Seeds. By Betsy Bowen.

Comfort. Music. John Prine. By Betsy Bowen.

Comfort. Dreaming. By Betsy Bowen.

Virtual events have also blossomed.

North House Folk School  is organizing “Crafting in Place,” a series of  live videos featuring crafters doing their work or teaching a technique on Facebook or Instagram. That schedule is being constantly updated. So far this week:

• April 2: Live at 7 p.m.: At the Forge with Elizabeth Belz – Instagram
• April 3: How to Sew a Button on with Tasha Miller Griffith – Facebook

The Grand Marais Writer’s Guild has gone virtual too, through Zoom. Writing sessions will be held every Sunday and Tuesday at 2 p.m. via Zoom.

The Grand Marais Writer’s Guild has gone virtual, with Zoom sessions every Sunday and Tuesday at 2 p.m.

The guild is open to everyone who writes anything. One of the writer’s prompts that will be used in these sessions: “Pick a book, open at random, close your eyes and touch the page, then  open your eyes and use the part of the sentence you touched to start writing.” To connect with this writing opportunity, click on the Zoom link at 2 p.m. on Sunday and Tuesday, and then enter the Meeting ID: 266 766 226 and the Password: 976225.

Printmaker Nan Onkka was scheduled to open an exhibit of her work at the Johnson Heritage Post this month, but that is not possible. So instead, she re-scheduled her exhibit for next year and will hold a virtual exhibit on April 10 on Etsy, Instagram and Facebook.

Nan Onkka will hold a virtual event featuring new work on April 10.

Stay tuned for details.

And abstract painter Tara Austin, who recently exhibited work at the Johnson Heritage Post, is exhibiting new work at the Joseph Nease Gallery in Duluth. The exhibit is virtual on the gallery’s web page.

“Green Mantle” is one of the pieces at the Joseph Nease Gallery in Duluth, which is providing a virtual tour of the exhibit on its web page.

The title of the show is “Boreal Ornament III.” Click here to see the exhibit.

We invite you to check out your favorite gallery’s Web sites. Many of them are incorporating virtual tours and interviews with artists. And the Downtown Duluth Arts Walk Facebook page has great virtual tours of a number of exhibits in the city. Check it out here.

For those wanting to just paint something, here’s a free coloring page with art by Christi Belcourt, thanks to the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. Click on the image and you can download it to your printer. Make copies for everyone for a fun family project. If you can’t print it, try saving it as a digital file and using a “paint” app or program to paint it digitally. Enjoy! Here it is. It is from Belcourt’s painting “Joy” and was turned into a colouring page by Mariah Meawasige.

Christi Belcourt’s coloring page, from her painting “Joy.”

Music:

And here are a few (virtual) music selections for the week:

Playing for Change: “Higher Ground”

Here is “Helplessly Hoping,” a song by Crosby, Stills & Nash, performed by Italian students from their homes.

Here’s Cat Stevens performing “Peace Train.”

Check out this video of two Mayo Clinic doctors, Elvis Francois and William Robinson, performing John Lennon’s “Imagine. 

And for some Blues, here’s Duane Allman and Boz Scaggs, “Loan Me a Dime.”

 Photographs:

 Thomas Spence has posted a compilation of photographs he calls “Stay Connected to the North Shore from Afar.” You can look at them here.

Good morning from Tofte by Thomas Spence.

Wildlife shots.

Otters in spring by David Johnson.

As long as I’m home; Day 13, American Kestral by Keith Crowley.

Hooded Merganser displaying for hen by Michael Furtman.

When her ears went back and the hair on her neck stood up, I slowly backed away and talked to her in a low-soothing voice until she relaxed, by Sparky Stensaas.

Northern Saw-Whet Owl by Paul Sundberg.

Spring has arrived on the North Shore.

Vicki’s Gift by Shawn Perich.

On my walk by Kristofer Bowman.

Sunrise over Lake Superior by Bryan Hansel.

Spring break-up on Tischer Creek in Duluth by Karen Sunderman.

I found my car by Therese Misgen.

Lake Superior gems by Roxanne Distad.

The Lee A Tregurtha, 78-years-old. Pushing hard today by Gordon Salisbury.

Have a good day by Ilena Berg.

Lots of great energy on the Big Lake today. How can we put it to use? by Scot Bol.

And finally, this song by John Prine, who has been hospitalized with coronavirus but is in stable condition at last report.

May the week go well for you and your loved ones. Stay safe!

P.S. Email me with ideas/links for next week’s blog– joan.farnam@gmail.com

P.P.S. If you would like to contribute to NorthShore ArtScene, click on the logo below. And thank you!

“And the sun still shines.”  Photo by Lin Salisbury.

Potpourri is a combination of many elements. Sometimes there are so many you need to come back and sample them again. This week’s ArtScene is an example of that. Lots of research and lots of posts on social media have yielded lots to look at. Enjoy. And be safe, be well.

Cancellations of events and closures of restaurants and bars, shops and galleries has certainly had an impact on the world, the country and the North Shore. (For up-to-date listings for Cook County, click here.)

At the same time. people have rallied, been creative and supported each other as best they can. And artists continue to work, Here are a few examples:

Members of the Northwoods Fiber Guild are sewing masks for medical workers.

Linda Blaine Otis is one of the members of the Northwoods Fiber Guild who is sewing masks for medical workers.

 Betsy Bowen has been posting daily “Comfort” drawings on Facebook. Here’s an example.

What is comfort today? by Betsy Bowen.

She also sent in a draft of her new book for final proofreading to the publisher. She illustrated “The Bowser Chronicles” by Glenn N. Sandvik, which  is a narrative poem about Bowser, the renegade cat, a tugboat and Lake Superior in the 20th century.

Betsy Bowen has illustrated a new book and sent it off for final proofreading.

Joy & Co. is closed, but if artists call, owner Jill Terrill will find a way for them to get the supplies they need. Here’s a link to the Facebook page to learn more.

Joy & Co. posted this drawing on Facebook recently. The shop is closed, but is finding ways for artists to get their supplies curbside.

The Grand Marais Art Colony closed this week (until at least April 6), but artists in the glass studio worked until the last minute preparing for an upcoming show at the Johnson Heritage Post May 1. Here’s a piece that Lee Ross made in the last week the glass studio was open:

“Rocking Man,” by Lee Ross.

Some artists have had to set up studios at their home. As one artist put it, “I am no longer calling this shelter in place. I am now an artist in residence.” Others have had their own studios and continue to make pieces for the summer season.

Hovland woodturner Lou Pignolet writes on his Facebook page: “My approach to dealing with the coming Covid-19 invasion is to distance my self from crowds by working in my shop and trying to show the wonderful beauty in wood and to share that with everyone.”

Box Elder burl bowl by Lou Pignolet.

Another Hovland artist, Terry Lee Lewis, continues to work from her studio as well.

Glass window hanging  by Terry Lord Lewis.

Being creative is the name of the game for artists everywhere for sure. We found this great photo of Henri Matisse (1869-1954) drawing from his bed when he had the flu.

Henri Matisse in bed with the flu. Photo courtesy of the Academy of Art Creativity Consciousness.

Some artists, like art educator and printmaker Nan Onkka, have set up kids art projects to help parents who are now homeschooling their children. Click here to learn more and see the projects.

Printmaker Nan Onkka has set up art projects for kids on her website.

Social media, especially Facebook, has really come into its own over the last two weeks, as artists post latest pieces,  organize to help out each other and the community, hold virtual concerts, virtual art shows and more.

Painter Christi Belcourt, for example, has been posting examples of recent work.

Language Is Alive,” detail, by Christi Belcourt.

Here are a few other recent posts by Duluth artists:

First, Adam Swanson.

“Crystal Darter” by Adam Swanson.

And here’s a detail from a painting by Martin DeWitt.

Martin DeWitt, former director of the Tweed Museum of Art, has been posting details of his latest abstract art.

The Johnson Heritage Post is closed, but it is posting photographs on its Facebook page of work by Rita Corrigan, who has an exhibit in the space. It also has been posting photos and information about work in its gift shop and giving patrons an opportunity to purchase them.

This painting by Rita Corrigan is on exhibit at the Johnson Heritage Post. The art gallery is closed, but posts photographs of the work on its Facebook page.

But that’s not all that’s happening on Facebook and the Internet. Artists are really doing some neat things to share their work. Here are some examples.

Music:

Some musicians are putting on free virtual concerts from their homes in order to encourage people to stay at home and stop the spread of the coronavirus. Here’s John Legend  doing a few songs and talking about his life. He is joined by his wife Chrissy Teigen. It’s a one of many #TogetherAtHome concerts to check out.

NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts are always a treat, and there are lots to choose from. Here’s Booker T Jones playing “Green Onions” and other favorites at his Tiny Desk concert.

For classical music lover, here’s a virtual concert of  the finale of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony by members of the Rotterdam Philharmonic.  All the musicians were playing their parts at home.

America cellist Yo-Yo Mas has been regularly posting pieces on his Facebook page for home viewers. Here he is with Kathryn Stott playing a favorite Saint-Saens piece.

Here’s link to the complete archive of folk music for all countries.

There’s a great site for the complete archive of folk music for all countries.

Check out the site here.

Watch the 58th Ann Arbor Film Festival online. The film festival was cancelled and the organizers decided to live stream the event. Watch it here.

Here’s a link to a virtual tour of museums around the world.

Museé d’Orsay in Paris is only one of the museums on this virtual tour of museums around the world.

And finally, check out this link to free Online Courses, Audio Books, eBooks, Movies, Coloring Books & More. Click to see.

Photographs:

We found a wide variety of photographs this week. Some of the photographers were spending the time at home going through their files and posting favorites. Others were taking social distancing time and hiking in the woods or exploring Lake Superior.

Let’s start with wildlife:

Now he’s just showing off by Lori Sparkly Franklin.

Taking a peak by David Johnson.

Day 9 of “As Long As I”m Home Project,” Female Great Horned Owl with Owlet by Keith Crowley.

Sandhill Cranes at Apache National Wildlife Refuge by Sparky Stensaas.

Recycled by Nace Hagemann.

New condiminium under construction by Pileated, Inc. Photo by Dale Moe.

And here are some landscapes.

Pussy willows– spring has arrived by Lee Ross.

Lake Superior by Thomas Spence.

Spring by Teresa Chmelik.

Waiting for Spring at Fall River by Bruce Block.

The Northwoods by Jonas Heinzerling.

Sunrise Icicles by Ron Benson.

Incoming storm by Paul Sundberg.

Tonight — playing with Painnt bay Don Davison.

Good morning homies by Thomas Spence.

Enjoyed being late for work again this morning by Jamie Rabold.

Got Waves by Bryan Hansel.

And here are two more wildlife photos:

The muskrat and the damselfly by Keith Crowley.

 This great shot of a buffalo appeared on a friend’s Facebook page without attribution. We just had to include it.

Buffalo. Photographer unknown.

Stay safe, everyone.

P.S. Email me with ideas/links for next week’s blog– joan.farnam@gmail.com

P.P.S. If you would like to contribute to NorthShore ArtScene, click on the logo below. And thank you!

Keep calm –This too shall pass by Michele Munson.

Greetings from the North Shore, where our lives, and undoubtedly yours, have changed a lot in the last few weeks. But we’re carrying on. Bars and restaurants, shops and art galleries might be closed, but some have organized take-out and/or curbside sales. And grocery stores, gas stations and the pharmacy are open as are a few other businesses, so people can get essentials. There’s a lot of communication in the community, too, especially on Facebook, WTIP Community Radio, VisitCookCounty.org and Boreal Access about how to share and support each other in the coming days and weeks ahead.

Many events and activities have been cancelled. Here’s an early list from VisitCook County.

• All music at Lutsen Mountains thru April 12
• Music in the North Shore Winery taproom through the end of March
• All events at the Hub/Senior Center are canceled.
• North House Folk School courses and events from March 19 – April 12 including the Shave Horses Skill Care on 3/19, and the film screening of KONELINE on 4/9, cancelled. Check www.northhouse.org for more info
• Grand Marais Ole Opry is cancelled
• Johnson Heritage Post, open by appointment only
• Michael Monroe Log Cabin Concert 3/21
• All restaurant/bar-hosted music for the next two weeks due to the closure of public meeting spaces
• The Grand Marais Art Colony is closed to the public through April 6. The Members Show, set for April 24, has been canceled for this year. To see the complete list, click here.
• The Lake Superior Community Theater is postponing  the play “Junie B. Jones The Musical“  at William M. Kelley High School in Silver Bay. The performances were to begin this week. Rescheduled dates will be announced. Those who’ve reserved tickets for the show through tix.com will have their purchases credited back to their cards. LSCT House Manager Sue Churack can answer additional questions at 218-220-9942.

And, for more Cook County information, to find out where there is pickup and curbside deliveries in restaurants and for retail store hours, click here. Exploring the North Shore is also posting information. Click here to see. And stay tuned for the next few weeks for updated information, too.

Meanwhile, there’s always the internet. On-line viewing, listening and learning opportunities are just popping up all over the place.

The Metropolitan Opera, for example, is streaming operas nightly through March 22.

Bizet’s “Carman” is one of the operas the Metropolitan Opera is streaming for free this week.

Check out the opera schedule here.

And for other classical music, Minnesota Public Radio is streaming free classical concerts that you can listen to and watch online.

And not to forget, the great collection of local and regional singers and songwriters on WTIP Community Radio. Click here to browse.

Playbill has just put up links to 15 Broadway plays and. musicals you can watch from home. Some are for rent, some are free on YouTube. There is lots more on that site, too. Check it out here.

Here’s a link to a virtual tour of 12 museums around the country that are closed because of the coronavirus, including the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C.

The Smithsonian has set up a virtual tour of its portrait gallery. Seen here are the portraits of former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

And the Art Institute of Chicago has put 44,000 works online that can be viewed for free.

Grant Wood’s “American Gothic” is one of the paintings on view through the Art Institute of Chicago’s Open Culture page.

Check out the page here.

There are all kinds of learning opportunities for kids already online, and more have been added in the last few weeks, including a Scholastic Learn At Home curriculum.

A Scholastic Learn at Home curriculum is available for free.

Click here to learn more. PBS has uploaded programs for kids this week, too, as have education companies. Google should be very helpful there, as is YouTube.

And the arts community has rallied to help artists and musicians survive as well.

The Arrowhead Regional Arts Council has just introduced a new emergency grant for artists with cancelled or postponed projects. Check out the info here. ARAC is closed to the public, but the staff is available on-line.

Springboard for the Arts is expanding its Personal Emergency Relief Fund to include lost income due to cancelation of opportunities due to Coronavirus/COVID-19. The organization has also created a resource list for artists, arts organizations, and its partners during this time, and will be updating it when possible. Click here for details.

For readers, Drury Lane Books is closed for browsers, but invites its patrons to browse online. They will deliver in Grand Marais or ship to your door.

Other online book opportunities, abound, including getting a copy of the newly released audio book by Staci Lola Drouillard:  “Walking the Old Road: A People’s History of the Chippewa City and the Grand Marais Anishinaabe.” Drouillard is reading the book.

Staci Drouillard has recorded the audio version of her book, “Walking the Old Road.”

Click here to find out more.

One of the keys to stopping Covid-19, or at least flattening the curve so we don’t overwhelm our medical system, is social distancing, and the art world has responded to that. too. The Tweed Museum of Art in Duluth posted this link the other day capturing the ennui and difficulties of social distancing with 15 artworks.

René Magritte’s “The Lovers.”

Click here to see all of them.

And perhaps the most powerful message of how social distancing can save lives comes from this video produced by California artists Juan Delcan and Valentina Izaguirre. It’s called “Safety Match.” It’s 12 seconds long.

The artists are interviewed about making this video here.

Music:

The music schedule is your choice this week. Play those CDs you haven’t listened to in awhile or search your favorite artists on YouTube to watch them play or check out their Websites for even more. I am looking forward to it.

Photographs:

The outdoors is open and photographers have been out and about. Here’s a selection of what they found.

First, wildlife:

Shadow’s fawn by Sandra Updike.

Male Spruce Grouse by Thomas Spence.

Pileated woodpecker by Bohdan Tkaczyk.

Stalker by Thomas Spence.

Working on lunch by Natalie Sobanja.

Skyscapes, lakescapes and landscapes:

Morning’ by Jan Swart.

Light of a new day by Monica Hall.

Superior artistry by Andrea Stedman.

Moon reflection on water by Marisol Mendiola Madrano.

Artist’s Point by Don Davison.

Winter’s Edge–Adrift in the waters of Gitchi Gami by Tim Beaulier.

Ice leaving the harbor in Duluth by Nathan Klok.

This morning’s sunrise this morning by Bryan Hansel.

March Super Moon by Paul Sundberg.

“Hope” by Pat Burke.

May the week be healthy for you.

“Big Blue” by Christian Dalbec.Dalbec is currently showing his photographs in the Great Hall at Tettegouche State Park.

It’s clear we’re in for another busy week on the North Shore. In fact, there are activities and events for all ages.

First up, the  Story Scouts Club, a free, fun, kids’ Pop-Up Publishing Club that opens Thursday, March 12, in the lobby of the Cook County YMCA in Grand Marais. The Story Scouts Club offers child authors and illustrators the chance to write and/or draw messages to share with the world.

The first Scouts Story Club will meet in the lobby of the YMCA from 3-7 p.m. Thursday, March 12. The club is open for kids in grades 2-8 and will meet every Thursday through May to write/illustrate messages to the world.

Staffed by award-winning author, publisher and science writer, Anne Bratass, who is also a part-time Grand Marais resident, the Story Scouts Club will meet for the first time at the YMCA from 3-7 p.m. on Thursday, March 12,  and then every Thursday through May. Kids from grades 2-8 are invited to stop by the pop-up table and see what’s happening. To learn more about the  Story Scouts Club and Anne Bratass, click here.

Also on Thursday, Over the Waterfall will play for a Contra Dance in the Blue Building at North House Folk School from 6:30-9 p.m.

A Contra Dance will be held in the Blue Building at North House Folk School from 6:30-9 p.m. on Thursday, March 12.

.This is a community dance and open to everyone. There will be live music and a caller to teach you, no experience needed. No partner is required, either. Easier, more family friendly dances will be featured at the start of the night. Come alone or bring a friend and warm up on a cold winter night. There is a $5-$10 donation at the door.

On Friday, The Hub/Senior Center will hold Friday Matinees movie starting at 12:45 p.m. Free, open to all, and popcorn is included.

And on Friday, WTIP’s The Roadhouse will have live music in the studio from 5-7 p.m. The all-music show will feature Jim McGowan  in the first half and Rich Mattson & the Northstars in the second. The Roadhouse airs on WTIP Community Radio from 5-7 p.m. on Fridays.

Also on Friday, the Grand Marais Playhouse opens “Cinderella Tales,” a Community Youth production featuring a cast of 25 from grades 3-8.

Cinderella Tales, a production of the Grand Marais Playhouse will be performed this weekend only at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts. Showtimes are at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday.

The play was written by Rose Arrowsmith DeCoux and is based on Cinderella tales from Egypt, China, Norway, Germany and Russia. Besides a talented group of young actors, the play also features lots of trolls and puppets made by local artists. It should be fun. The play will be performed this weekend only, with shows at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $12 adults, $5 youth and $3 under 12. Advance tickets available online at grandmaraisplayhouse.com

And not to forget, this is St. Patrick’s Day weekend, so plan on visiting Cascade Lodge on Saturday starting at 3 p.m. for an Irish celebration.

Cascade Lodge will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on Saturday with live music, Irish food and drink specials.

The live music starts at 3 p.m. on Saturday. The lodge will also feature a special Irish menu all weekend.

On Sunday, the Spanish class at Cook County Higher Ed is hosting a screening of the  Spanish film “También la lluvia” (Even the Rain)  starting at 2 p.m. This award-winning film tells the story of a Spanish film company that goes to Bolivia to make a film about the colonization of the New World and discovers that not much has changed. It’s a powerful, many layered film. The film has English subtitles so those of varying Spanish language skills can participate together. Carrie Jansen will be a host during the event to answer any Spanish language questions that come up. She will also be providing a handout that includes some items to consider while watching it.

Check out the trailer below:

On Monday, Haley (Bonar McCallum) will be featured at Papa Charlie’s in its Songwriter Series starting at 8 p.m.

Haley (Bonar) will be in concert at Papa Charlie’s for its Monday Songwriter Series. The music starts at 8 p.m.

In an effort to create the listening room environment, Papa Charlie’s asks all guests in the main room to limit conversation during the performance. All invited. Free.

Exhibits:

 Landscape painter Rita Corrigan continues her exhibit at the Johnson Heritage Post. The exhibit, entitled “Northern Landscapes,” features a variety of work from all of the seasons on the North Shore.

Landscape painter Rita Corrigan is exhibiting her work at the Johnson Heritage Post.

The Heritage Post is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and from 1-4 p.m. Sunday. The exhibit continues through April 5.

Members of the Northwoods Fiber Guild are exhibiting work at the Cook County Courthouse for the next few months. The works include everything from bead paintings to quilts.

“Best Friend.” This quilt by Carol Morgan is on display at the Cook County Courthouse.

Nan Onkka is exhibiting her prints at the North Shore Winery through March.

“First Snow.” Print by Nan Onkka. She is currently exhibiting her work at the North Shore Winery.

Two Harbor photographer, Christian Dalbec, has a show of his photographs in the Great Hall at Tettegouche State Park this month.

A great selection of Christian Dalbec‘s photographs are on exhibit at Tettegouche State Park through March. (Photo by Don Davison.)

The Duluth Art Institute will hold Artist Talks from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, featuring a number of artists who are exhibiting in the galleries there.

The exhibits include: Emerging Photographers 2020, featuring 10 UMD photography students, including Michael Dahmen, Jason Fredrickson, Alayna Heglund, Eema Ibrahim, Samantha Maynard, Dannyelle Moon, Emily Paulson, Sarah Roesler, Stevie Twining and Alison Wieber.

“Somewhere Downtown with Buddha #12″ by Michael Dahman is one of the works in the Emerging Photographers show at the Duluth Art Institute.

Ely artist Andy Messerschmidt is also exhibiting work at the Duluth Art Institute this month and will be presenting at the Artist Talk on March 17.

“Morecore” by Andy Messerschmidt, is on exhibit at the Duluth Art Institute.

Messerschmidt operates the Ornamental Hermit Studio in Ely, where he creates and displays his artwork. Represented throughout the United States and abroad, he has appeared in multiple solo and group shows, including being awarded first place in the 2012 Arrowhead Regional Biennial.

Ojibwe artist Shaun Chosa is exhibiting at the Duluth Art Institute with acrylic paintings from his series, “War Paint.”

“Survivor” by Shaun Chosa.

Chosa writes: “War Paint is a social commentary on popular culture and its intersection in Indian country. Some blatant, some coded in ways only those people growing up on the Red Road would understand.”

Chosa will also attend the Artist Talk at the Art Institute on March 17.

The Lakehead University Honours Exhibit is currently on view at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery in Thunder Bay this month, featuring a wide variety of work.

“Trophy,” ceramic and wood, by Katy Poirier, is one of the pieces in the Lakehead University Honours Exhibit at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery.

The exhibit is a culmination of what the fourth year honours students have worked towards since their first year. Much of their work explores complex emotions and their identities in relation to their heritage or experiences. The exhibit continues through March 29.

Upcoming:

North House Folk School will screen “KONELĪNE: Our Land Beautiful,” a cinematic celebration of northwestern British Columbia. at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 19.

Set deep in the traditional territory of the Tahltan First Nation, this documentary captures beauty and complexity as one of Canada’s vast wildernesses undergoes irrevocable change. An art film with politics, drama and humour, “KONELĪNE: Our Land Beautiful” explores different ways of seeing – and being.

Check out the trailer here:

The film is free and will be screened in the Blue Building. Popcorn is provided.

Artist News:

Staci Lola Drouillard’s “Walking the Old Road: A People’s History of Chippewa City and the Grand Marais Anishinaabe” is now available as an audio book. Drouillard reads the book herself. The recording was produced by Cathy Quinn.

Staci Drouillard’s “Walking the Old Road” is now available as an audio book on Amazon.com Drouillard reads the book herself.

You can order the audio book here:

Music:

Here’s the music schedule for this week:

Thursday, March 12:

• Joe Paulik, Poplar River Pub, 6 p.m.
• Gordon Thorne, North Shore Winery, 6 p.m.
• Contra Dance with Over the Waterfall, North House Folk School, 6:30 p.m.
• Kevin Buck, Wunderbar, 7 p.m.

Friday, March 13:

• Portage, Grandma Ray’s, 6 p.m.
• Pete K, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Rich Mattson & the Northstars, Gun Flint Tavern, 8:30 p.m.
• Billy Johnson, Papa Charlie’s, 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 14:

• Billy Johnson, North Shore Wintery, 3 p.m.
• Eric Frost, Papa Charlie’s, 3:15
• John Gruber, Papa Charlie’s, 6:45
• Briand Morrison, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Brothers in Arms, Grandma Ray’s, 8 p.m.
• Richard Mattson & the Northstars, Gun Flint Tavern, 8:30 p.m.
• Dance Party with DJ Beavstar, Papa Charlie’s, 10 p.m.

Sunday, March 15:

• Briand Morrison, Mogul’s Grille, 10 a.m.
• Them Coulee Boys, Papa Charlie’s, 3:30 p.m.
• Billy Johnson, Gun Flint Tavern, 7 p.m.

Monday, March 16:

• Jim McGowan, Voyageur Brewing, 5 p.m.
• Haley (Bonar/McCallum, Monday Night Songwriter Series, Papa Charlie’s, 8 p.m.

Tuesday, March 17:

• John Gruber, Poplar River Pub, 6 p.m.

Photographs:

 We were lucky to find some great photographs again this week. Here’s a selection:

First, wildlife:

Waiting for Spring by Jeffrey Doty.

Red Squirrel by Paul Sundberg. Sundberg saw this squirrel scramble out of the way of a hungry Pine Marten last week. As of Wednesday of this week, the squirrel is still in top form.

“We spotted a Lynx on the Gunflint Trail this morning.” Photo courtesy of the Gunflint Trail Association.

Check out this photo of a wolf and two coyotes, just to give you an idea of their different sizes. We couldn’t find who took this photograph or where it was taken,  but we are pretty sure it wasn’t staged.

  “Oops. We’re out of here. ” Wolf vs. Coyote. Photographer unknown.

We found some beautiful full moon shots, too.

The full moon over the lake last night by Lin Salisbury.

Full of it–Full Worm Moon by Christian Dalbec.

The first supermen of 2020 by Donald Jay Olson.

Moon over the St. Louis River in Fond du Lac by Jamie Rabold.

And check out these landscapes/seascapes.

Beautiful rocks, beautiful sky, beautiful lake by Roxanne Distad.

Cotton Candy Sunrise by Martin Jr Ramirez.

“No one rises suddenly in the world, not even the sun” by Wayne Ortloff.

Moody Sunset in Grand Marais by Justin Vrba.

Two Harbors Lighthouse by Angel Hartman.

Sunrise Taker by John Keefover.

And this beautiful Lake Superior wave shot:

“Lake Superior’s green monster was found” by Matthew Pastick.

And then this, an “overscape.”

“Icy Flow” by Nathan Klok. Strong winds pushes ice from the Duluth Harbor into Lake Superior.

And finally this:

Only in Minnesota–skating down the breakwall in Two Harbors by Susanne Von Schroeder.

Have a great weekend, everyone!!

(Note: If you enjoyed NorthShore ArtScene this week, consider making a donation to support this volunteer effort. Just click on the icon below.)

Waiting to leap into spring. Photograph by Tom Fiero.

sIt’s probably a little early to declare, but this weekend sure seems like the “season” in Cook County has already started. There are all kinds of things to do: there’s a grazing feast that’s also a fundraiser, an art opening, a conference for artists, a dog derby AND a trout derby, a celebrated brass band concert, not to mention lots of live music in venues across the county. Plus, the snow on the trails and hills is great!

Here are the details:

First up is 2020 EATS (Enriching Academics Through Sustenance), the very popular fundraiser for the ISD 166 Education Foundation. The event will be held at the Cook County Middle/High School in Grand Marais from 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 5.

EATS 2020 wil be held Thursday, March 5, at the Cook County Middle/High School for 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 5.

Participants will sample a delectable array of finger foods prepared by local restaurants and food vendors as well as bid on quality silent auction items. There will also be live music. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased at the Java Moose, the Bluewater Cafe and at the school. There just might be a few left.

This is always a fun, tasty and worthwhile event– highly recommended. The ISD 166 Education Foundation awards grants for projects and activities that enhance the curriculum.  A total of $189,000. in grants has been provided by this foundation to projects at ISD 166.

Also on Thursday, North House Folk School continues its Thursday community programs with Wood Week Open Carving Night.

As a special perk of Wood Week, North House will be open for students and community members to carve away the evening. Bring a half-finished spoon and some stories to share. Note: some hand tools will be available for use, but folks are encouraged to bring their own. Location: Red Building, Free.

Friday evening events are launched by WTIP’s The Roadhouse, which will feature an interview with Bill Hansen, who is currently serving in the Peace Corps in Uganda.

Bill Hansen takes a turn on learning to play the khyihilili. a traditional fiddle in Uganda.

Hansen will give an update on what he’s been doing and learning this winter. Also, the Josh Cleveland and the Cedar Street Band will be in the studio to talk about their music and play a few songs. The Roadhouse airs from 5-7 p.m.

The rest of Friday evening is packed with events.

First, the Johnson Heritage Post opens what should be a spectacular painting exhibit with works by Rita Corrigan.

This painting by Rita Corrigan is one of many works that will be on exhibit at the Johnson Heritage Post. The exhibit opens with a reception from 5-7 p.m. Friday and continues through March 29.

The landscape artist has just completed a popular exhibit at Tettegouche State Park. This exhibit is called “Love of the Northern Landscape.” The gallery at the Heritage Post will be filled with a wide variety of her paintings. The opening reception is from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, March 6, and continues through March 29.

Also on Friday, the Grand Marais Public Library continues its Friday night film series with “Stay Human” with Michael Franti and Spearhead. The film examines the idea of staying human in these times, when we’ve all embraced cynicism and fear.  Check out the trailer below.

The film will be screened at the library at 6 p.m. Free. Light refreshments will be served.

Also on Friday, the Grand Marais Art Colony launches its weekend arts conference, “For the Love Of It!” with a keynote address by Andrew Simonet at 7 p.m..

Andrew Simonet will give the keynote address at the opening of “For the Love of It!” conference at the Grand Marais Art Colony on Friday at 7 p.m.

Simonet is a writer and choreographer from Philadelphia. In 2016, he founded Artists U, an incubator for helping artists across Philadelphia, Baltimore, and South Carolina make sustainable lives. He also wrote: “Making Your Life as an Artist,” an open source guide to living as an artist. The title of his presentation is “The Artist’s Long Journey.”

Simonet will also moderate the lunchtime roundtable discussion on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. featuring Drew Digby from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, and artists Paul LaJeunesse, Greg Mueller and Lynn Speaker. Tickets for the keynote speech on Friday, March 6, and the Saturday round table remain open on-line through Thursday, March 5, and will be available at the door pending space. For more info about the conference, click here.

There’s lots to do on Saturday, as well.

First up if the Dog Days of Winter Sled Dog Derbies and Skijoring Races at Trail Center on Saturday. There are three classes of dog sled derbies and 2 classes of skijoring races.

The Go Dog North Shore derby and skijoring event will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 7 at Trail Center.

All skill levels and ages welcomed and encouraged to participate in this fun event, which is a fundraiser for Go Dog North Shore and Cook County Dog Mushers Inc. For more information and to register, click here.

Also on Saturday, the Annual Trout Derby will be held on West Bearskin Lake starting at 9 a.m. Proceeds will help support the local snowmobile club, the Cook County Ridge Riders, in maintenance and grooming of much of the over 400 miles of snowmobile trails in Cook County. Cash prizes for contest winners. Registration for the contest is from 9-11 a.m.. Contest closes at 2 p.m. sharp. Cost is $20/person, or $10/club member. For more info, click here.

And, on Saturday night, the Lake Wobegon® Brass Band, a traditional British band ensemble, will be in concert at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church at 7 p.m.

The Lake Wobegon® Brass Band will be in concert at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church at 7 p.m. on Saturday.

Over the past quarter century, the 30-member brass ensemble has toured the U.S. and England, performing concerts and at educators’ conferences. Tickets for LWBB’s Grand Marais performance will be for sale at the door. Tickets are $20 adults, $10 youth ages 18 and under. Bethlehem Lutheran Church is located at 417 1st Ave. W. The concert is sponsored by the North Shore Music Association.

On Monday, an educational mini-documentary about the the threat of sulfide-ore copper mining on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness will be screened at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts at 6 p.m.

The Patagonia film, “in Deep Water: The Fight to Save the Boundary Waters” will be screened at the ACA at 6 p.m. Monday. Photograph by Adam Fletcher.

The short film, entitled “In Deep Water: The Fight to Save the Boundary Waters,” was produced by Patagonia. The suggested donation is $10.  All invited.

On Tuesday, Mach 10, Beth Home Kraus, instructor-in-residence at North House Folk School, will teach a community class entitled “Birch Bark Folded Weaving”. Participants will make a money sheath to take home using local, sustainably harvested birch bark. Sign up in advance and bring a friend for a fun night out at North House. The class will be held from 6-9 p.m. in the Green Building. Cost is $10. To register, call 387-9762.

And finally, on Wednesday, March 11, author Joan Crosby will give a presentation at the Grand Marais Public Library on “How NOT to Write a Memoir.” The presentation will be held at 1 p.m. Crosby wrote “The Tucker Lake Chronicle: Thirteen Months in the North Woods,” which was published in 2019.

Joan Crosby, author of “Tucker Lake: Thirteen Months in the Wilderness” will give a presentation at the Grand Marais Public Library at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 11.

There is no wrong way to write a memoir, but plenty of hazards can trap a writer in the early stages of manuscript development, Crosby says. She will talk about these issues and more. Participants will complete short writing activities, and receive tips and resources to stay inspired after the session. Open to all, memoir writers or not. Free.

 Exhibits:

 “Love of the Northern Landscape,” paintings by Rita Corrigan, opens on Friday at the Johnson Heritage Post and continues through March 29.

One of Rita Corrigan’s paintings in her exhibit at the Johnson Heritage Post, “Love of the Northern Landscape” which opens on Friday.

The Northwoods Fiber Guild is exhibiting work by its members at the Cook County Courthouse.

“The Bees live in the Middle,” bead painting by Jo Wood, is currently on exhibit at the Cook County Courthouse.

 Christian Dalbec is currently showing his photographs of Lake Superior and the North Shore in the Great Hall at Tettegouche State Park.

Christian Dalbec is exhibiting his photographs at Tettegouche State Park this month. Photo by Don Davison

Emerging photographer Michael Dahman, who is a student at University of Minnesota, Duluth, is currently exhibiting work at the Tweed Museum of Art through March 15. He will be exhibiting at the Duluth Art Institute with other emerging photographers on March 17.

“Somewhere Downtown 9,” photograph, by Michael Dahmen is currently on view at the Tweed Museum of Art.

Shawn Chosa is currently exhibiting his work at the Duluth Art Institute.

“Electric Pow Wow,” acrylic, by Shawn Chosa is currently on exhibit at the Duluth Art Institute.

Pastel artist Michele Wegler will be exhibiting her work at the Duluth Pottery, 1924 W. Superior St. in Lincoln Park in Duluth.

Pastel artist, Michele Wegler, will open an exhibit of her work at the Duluth Pottery on Saturday.

The opening reception for the show is from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, March 7.

In Thunder Bay, The popular exhibit at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, The North Now, featuring contemporary works by Ontario artists, recently announced the People’s Choice Awards. It was a tie. See below for the winning pieces.

“Missing Lynx Drinks Table” by Christopher Stones. is one of two pieces selected for the People’s Choice Award at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery.

“Red Rock Cuesta,” by Taimi Poldmaa was also chosen for the People’s Choice Award in the North Now exhibit at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery.

 Upcoming:

 “Cinderella Tales,” a play by Rose Arrowsmith DeCoux incorporating stories from around the world that share similar themes, will be performed at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts next weekend, March 13-15. Look for trolls, puppets and lots of fun times in this Community Youth production of the Grand Marais Playhouse.

Lots of troll masks have been made for Cinderella Tales, which will be performed at the ACA next weekend.

Tickets are $12 Adults, $5 youth and $3 children under 12 and are available at the door. Stay tuned.

For Artists:

 Tettegouche State Park has put out a call for artists to participate in exhibits in the Great Hall at the Park. Kurt Mead, curator of the show and interpretive naturalist at the park, writes:

“We are seeking 2D art with a “North Woods Aesthetic” for a series of juried, one-month long shows at Tettegouche State Park. The artwork does NOT have to be of images of the park or even of the North Shore of Lake Superior, but it should be artwork that park guests would not be surprised to see at a state park.

Tettegouche State Park, along Lake Superior’s North Shore, is Minnesota’s only State Park with regular, monthly, art shows. You can hardly swing a stick along the North Shore without whacking an artist, but venues for showing art are limited. These shows have become quite popular and they get good visitation year-round..”

For more information about submission rules and deadlines, email Mead at kurt.mead@state.mn.us

Quetico Provincial Park has also put out a call to artists to submit requests for a summer residency at the park. For the park will host artists working in any media whose work relates to nature. The opportunity is open to Canadian artists as well as those from other countries.

In addition to access to a cabin, wilderness permits and other fees are waived for the artist (and one guest) for up to 12 days. Artists can choose to stay and work at the cabin, or explore the park, or use other accommodations. In exchange for the accommodations, artists are asked to share one piece of art with the park, and present a public workshop, reading, or other program.  Artists can also donate a piece of art to the Quetico Foundation for its fundraising purposes, and receive a $300 honorarium in return.

Last year, Grand Marais painter Tom McCann was an artist-in-residence at the park. He used his time to learn about snapping turtles in the park’s library. It influenced his understanding of the creatures, and inspired his work.

Chelydros, sumi-e painting, by Tom McCann.

For more information about the opportunity and to apply, click here.

And, just for a fun FYI, Duluth painter Adam Swanson taught a class at the Grand Marais Art Colony last weekend. Here is one of the demonstration pieces he did for the class.

“Breathe Deep,’ demo painting by Adam Swanson.

  Music:

Here’s the music schedule for this week:

Thursday, March 5:

• Eric Frost, Poplar River Pub, 6 p.m.
• Gordon Thorne, North Shore Winery, 7 p.m.

Friday, March 6:

• Josh Cleveland Band, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.
• Joe Paulik, Bluefin Grille, 8 p.m.

Saturday, March 7:

• Gordon Thorne, North Shore Winery, 3 p.m.
• Bug Dope, Papa Charlie’s, 3;15 p.m.
• Sky Blue Trio, Cascade Lodge Restaurant, 6 p.m.
• Gordon Thorne, Papa Charlie’s, 6:45 p.m.
• Lake Wobegon Brass Band, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 7 p.m.
• Common Ground, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Josh Cleveland Band, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.
• Cook County Most Wanted, Grandma Ray’s, 8 p.m.
• DJ Beavstar, Papa Charlie’s, 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 8:

• Briand Morrison, Mogul’s Grille, 10 a.m.
• Open Stage, Wunderbar, 6 p.m.
• John Gruber, Gun Flint Tavern, 7 p.m.

Monday, March 9:

• Vessel, Voyageur Brewing, 5 p.m.
• Actual Wolf, Monday Night Songwriter Series, 8 p.m.
• Eric Frost, Bluefin Grille, 8 p.m.

Tuesday, March 10:

• Rob & Jill,  Poplar River Pub, 6 p.m.

Photographs:

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

First: wildlife:

Racoons in Canada byKevin Biskaborn.

Spruce grouse striking a nice pose by David Johnson.

Bobcat: We have some pretty cool wildlife here by Dustin Lavigne.

“Does this coat make my eyes pretty?” Photo by Christian Dalbec.

A study in talons by Matthew Pastick.

Fox trot by Roxanne Distad.

And here are some beauteous landscapes, seascapes and skyscapes.

Sunrise at Hollow Rock by Martin Jr. Ramirez.

Lake Superior in winter by Stephen Wilson.

Shapes of sunset by Marcie Crain.

“Smell the sea and feel the sky/Let your soul and spirit fly,” Van Morrison. Photo by Roxanne Distad.

A walk on the Kadunce by Mark Tessier.

From Cove Point Lodge by Jamie Rabold.

If you don’t hear from me again, it was due to slippery shoes and not wearing my ya tracks this morning by Bruce Block.

Leap Day Sunrise by Presto Buechler.

Late morning at Sugar Loaf Cove by Tomas Alvarez.

And finally, this — a catscape.

Front Hallway at 5 below by Don Davison.

Have a great weekend, everyone!!

(I hope you enjoy NorthShore ArtScene. If you do, please consider making a donation to keep it alive and well. Just click on the icon below. Thank you!)

An icy island by Alisa Berns.

Greetings from the North Shore, where the sun is shining and the temps are hovering just around freezing…March begins on Sunday, and it looks like it’s coming in like a lamb. All to the good, for indoor and outdoor activities this week.

First up this week indoors is an Open Studio Night for the Artisan Development Program at the Betsy Bowen Gallery and Studios Building from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Open Studios at the Betsy Bowen Gallery and Studios is set for 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Drop by the studios at 301 1st Ave. W. to meet North House Folk School‘s resident artisans, see some of their current works-in-progress and enjoy light refreshments. The Artisan Development Program is a two-year professional development and residency program for craftspeople at North House. This month, meet the new first year artisans-in-residence and see what they’ve been doing. Free and open to all.

Also on Thursday, Duluth painter and muralist, Adam Swanson, will give an Artist Talk about science-centric art at 7 p.m. at the Grand Marais Art Colony.

Duluth painter and muralist Adam Swanson will give an Artist Talk at the Grand Marais Art Colony at 7 p.m. Thursday. Pictured above is one of the paintings he did during his residency on a research vessel in Lake Superior.

Swanson, who is teaching a class at the Art Colony this weekend, will talk about his recent three-week residency aboard the R/V Falkor with the Schmidt Ocean Institute. He will also relate his previous artistic experience aboard the R/V Blue Heron and show his subsequent series of science-centric paintings based on research happening in the Lake Superior Water Basin, All invited. Free. No registration required.

This week is WTIP’s winter membership drive and look for lots of live music in the studio. On Friday, the band Vessel with Kenna Rose, Eric Fontaine and Jay Tice will be in the studio on The Roadhouse to talk about their music and play a few songs. Check the music schedule below for other live music opportunities during this membership drive.

Also on Friday night, the Grand Marais Public Library will screen “The Professor” with JohnnyDepp at 6 p.m. as part of its Friday Night Reels series. Check out the trailer below.

The movie is free and starts at 6 p.m. It is rated “R.” Light refreshments will be served.

On Saturday night, Celtic music lovers are in for a treat at the Hovland Town Hall. Organized by Michele Miller and North Country Fair, “Celtic Crossings: An Evening of Celtic Music from Far and Wide” will feature a number of local groups as well as a Celtic band from Thunder Bay.

The music starts at 7 p.m. and features North Country Fair, Frozen Britches, Jim McGowan and TBay Trad. A Free-will offering will  benefit Be the Change Foundation.  Refreshments provided.  Bring a friend…..and a plate of cookies to share. The event runs from 7-9 p.m.

And, heads-up for artists–Registrations are still open for the workshops in “For the Love Of It!,” a professional development conference about creating a sustainable life as an artist. For the complete schedule, click here.

For The Love Of It! conference at the Grand Marais Art Colony is March 6-8.

The event will be held at the Grand Marais Art Colony March 6-8. Presentors include: Andrew Simonet, founder of Artist U and author of the open source guide, Making Your Life as an Artist; Drew Digby, director of the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, Kathleen Durbin, musician and creative coach, Paul LaJeunesse, painter, public artist, and assistant professor of art  at the College of St. Scholastica, Greg Mueller, sculptor and public artist and Lynn Speaker, mixed-media artist and former Women’s Art Resources of Minnesota mentor. Andrew Simonet will give the keynote address at 7 p.m. Friday, March 6 at the Art Colony.

Exhibits:

 A new community art exhibit opened at North Shore Health last weekend to accolades. The show, organized by the Spirit of the Wilderness Episcopal Church, is entitled “Kintsugi: Brokenness, Healing and Meaning,” and artists were encouraged to create works speaking to the concept. A panel discussion about art and healing was held at the opening reception last Friday as well.

“Sunburst,” mosaic, by Bonnie Gay Hedstrom, is one of the pieces in the Kintsugi show on exhibit at North Shore Health.

In this exhibit, look for a wide variety of inspiring work from every medium, including paintings, fiber art, mosaics, glass, pottery and more. The show is exhibited in the spacious halls of North Shore Health and is on view through April. Highly recommended.

(Note: The Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery is closed this week. It will re-open with an exhibit of paintings by Kat Corrigan on Friday, March 6. Stay tuned.)

Printmaker Nan Onkka is exhibiting her work at the North Shore Winery this winter.

“Fresh Tracks,” print by Nan Onkka. She is exhibiting her work at the North Shore Winery this winter.

Photographer Christian Dalbec opens an exhibit of his photographs of Lake Superior and the North Shore in the Great Hall at Tettegouche State Park this weekend.

“From the Bridge,” Photograph by Christian Dalbec. Dalbec is exhibiting his work at Tettegouche State Park.

The exhibit continues through the end of March.

The Duluth Art Institute has a number of on-going exhibits, including “Integrated Vision.”

The exhibit “Integrated Vision” featuring works by Laura Andrews and Paul Gudmundson continues at the Duluth Art Institute.

Upcoming:

Next Thursday, March 5, the ISD 166 Education  Foundation will present “EATS (Enriching Academics Through Sustenance),” an annual fundraiser for the foundation.

EATS 2020 wil be held Thursday, March 5, at the Cook County Middle/High School for 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 5.

The event will be held at the Middle High School from 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 5. This popular event features a delectable array of tasty samples from Cook County restaurants and food vendors, a silent auction and live music. Only 125 tickets will be sold and are available at the school office, Java Moose, Blue Water Cafe, or from any CCSDEF board member.

The ISD 166 Education Foundation awards grants for projects and activities that enhance the curriculum. A total of $189,000. in grants has been provided by this foundation to teachers and classrooms at the school.

And next weekend, the 2020 Dog Days of Winter will be held at Trail Center from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. featuring sled dog derbies as well as skijoring races. For more information, click here.

And finally, the Lake Wobegon® Brass Band will perform at Betlehem Lutheran Church, 417 1st Ave. W. at 7 p.m. next Saturday, March 7.  The Lake Wobegon® Brass Band is a traditional British band ensemble whose mission is “to promote British band music throughout the Midwest of the United States.” The group was formed in 1992 by three Twin Cities brass musicians. Over the past quarter century, the thirty-member brass ensemble has toured the U.S. and England, performing concerts and at educators’ conferences. The concert is sponsored by North Shore Music Association. Stay tuned for details.

Music:

Here is the music schedule for this week:

Thursday, Feb. 17:

• JonRuss, Lutsen Resort, 6 p.m.
• Date Night at the Winery with Gordon Thorne, North Shore Winery, 7 p.m.
• Vessel, Wunderbar, 7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 28:

• Jon Kallberg, Live on WTIP, 1 p.m.
• Eric Frost & Jim Elverhoy, Live on WTIP, 4 p.m.
• Vessel, featuring Kenna Rose, Eric Fontaine & Jay Tice, Live on WTIP,  5 p.m.
• Portage, Grandma Ray’s,  6 p.m.
• 4-Shore, Wunderbar, 7 p.m.
• Joe Paulik, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Cabin Fever Trio, Gun Flint Tavern, 7:30 p.m.
• Saints of Circumstance, Papa Charlie’s, 9:30 p.m

Saturday, Feb. 29:

• Spruce Roots, North Shore Winery, 3 p.m.
• John Cron, Papa Charlie’s, 3:15 p.m.
• John Russ, Papa Charlie’s, 6:45 p.m.
• Common Ground, Wunderbar, 7 p.m.
• Celtic Crossing: An Evening Celtic Music from Far and Wide, many bans, Hovland Town Hall, 7 p.m.
• Eric Frost, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Wunderdogs, Wunderbar, 7 p.m.
• Cabin Fever Trio, Gun Flint Tavern, 7:30 p.m.
• Dance Party with DJ D’Angelo, Papa Charlie’s, 10 p.m.

Sunday, March 1:

• Briand Morrison, Mogul’s Grille, 10 a.m.
• Al Oikari & Friends, Live on WTIP, 11 a.m.
• Ginstrings_ Sunday Bluegrass at Papa Charlie’s, 3:30 p.m.
• Open Stage with Joe Paulik, Wunderbar, 6 p.m.
• Granddad’s Favorite (Andrew Norcross, JennyMonfore, Heather Brown & Ben Byron). Live on WTIP, 6 p.m.

Monday, March 2:

• Brothers in Arms, Voyageur Brewing, 5 p.m.
• Erik Koskinen, Monday Night Songwriter Series, Papa Charlie’s, 8 p.m.
• Vessel, Bluefin Grille, 8 p.m.

Tuesday, March 3:

• Gordon Thorne, Poplar River Pub, 6 p.m.

Photographs:

It was a pretty quiet week for photographs and photographers. Here’s a selection of what we found.

First, a harbinger of spring:

Took this Feb. 23 in Superior, Wis. by James B. Hyde.

The deer were enjoying a quiet sunrise until I came along. Photo by Terri Lampi.

Caption this! Photo by Roxanne Distad.

And beauteous Lake Superior landscapes:

“Morning’ –in Grand Marais Minnesota” by Thomas Spence.

View of the lighthouse from the Grand Marais campground this morning. Photo courtesy of the Lake Superior Trading Post.

Storm by Paul Sundberg.

At Hollow Rock by Kate Bailey Keeble.

So many shades of blue by Tanya Marcella Truthseeker.

And finally, two skyscapes.

Here’s a unique shot: a moon halo. Brent McKean took this and it was featured as NASA’s astronomy photo of the day this week.

Enchanted Winter Night by Travis Novitsky.

Have a great weekend everyone!