North Shore Arts Scene

“From the back roads of Cook County”  by Thomas Spence..

It’s pretty quiet in Cook County this week, which is good. It gives us all a chance to recharge.

There’s plenty of snow, with more to come, making it picture-perfect for the Holiday Season. The night life is pretty good, too. Look for great music at all the venues over the weekend, and lots of New Year’s Eve parties on New Year’s Eve. (See schedule, below).

For Thursday, Dec. 27, consider participating in a “Let’s Paint” at Lutsen Resort. The wine-art event is hosted by Kathy Fox Weinberg from 1-4 p.m. on Thursday. Participants will learn the basics of painting landscapes with acrylic, and walk away with a landscape painting featuring the resort’s historic Poplar River Bridge. The best part? You don’t have to be an artist to have an awesome time (or drink wine).

Frosty Morning at Poplar River Bridge by Kathy Fox Weinberg.

The cost of the wine-art event is $40. All invited. For more info and to register, click here.

And from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, North House Folk School will hold an open house to view a Tiny House built in the Boat Barn, the new classroom at North House. It is located in the Morton building behind Dockside Fish Market. The Tiny House, a Mark Hansen-inspired design, was built with timbers milled at Hedstrom Lumber Company by instructor Andy Keith and resident artisans Angela Robins and Mike Loeffler.

This Tiny House designe was inspired by Mike Hansen and will be on-view at an open house in the in the Boat Barn at North House Folk School from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 28.

Angela Robbins works on the Tiny House being constructed in the Boat Barn at North House. It is finished and will be on view on Friday.

Art Museums, galleries and shops have different hours over the next week… many will be closed, at least, on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, but when they’re open, here’s what you can see:

“The Remains of the Lake & Northern Landscapes” with photographs by John Gregor and Tami Phillippi continues at the Johnson Heritage Post through Jan. 13.

Gregor’s stunning black & white photographs document old industrial sites on Lake Superior, while Phillippi’s North Shore colorful landscapes inspire. It’s an interesting exhibit.

Taconite Dock in Marquette, Mich. by John Gregor.

Hollow Rock Sunrise by Tami Phillippi.

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

Betsy Bowen’s Studio and Galleries is open all winter, Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Holiday Art Underground show continues at the Betsy Bowen Gallery and Studios featuring work by more than 20 local and regional artists. Mary Reichert made these silk and wool scarves.

The Holiday Art Underground show continues at the gallery through the first of the year.

This is the final week to see two exhibits at the Duluth Art Institute: Patrick Luber’s “Exceptionally Ordinary,” and Darren Houser’s “Real-Unreal.” They close Dec. 30. Also on view, “Alien Ship” by Stephanie Wilcox, a pencil and ink drawing.

Stephanie Wilcox pencil and ink drawing: “Alien Ship.:

The Duluth Art Institute‘s Annual Member Show opens Jan. 24. Stay tuned for details.

The Thunder Bay Art Gallery continues its three exhibits: “21 Pillows,” an installation by Cheryl Wilson-Smith, From the Permanent Collection; Carl Beam’s “Exorcism,” “Reclaimed,” an exhibition of hand restored axes, hatchets, and sledges and “Lessons: The Artistry of Learning.”

The exhibit “Lessons: Artistry of Learning,” features work by artists dedicated to the accumulation and sharing of knowledge, and includes works by Moses Amik Beaver (1960-2017), Zoe Gordon, Sarah Link, Jean Marshall, Riaz Mehmood, Crystal Nielsen, Frank Shebageget and Mavourneen Trainor.

“Birth of an Idea” by Movourneen Trainor, digital print.

The exhibits at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery continue through March 3.

Upcoming:

 The Grand Marais Public Library will hold two winter programming lineups this year: Friday Night Reels, a series of films screened on Friday nights. The series starts on Jan. 4, and Winter Wednesdays, a series of presentations Jan. 9.

Next Friday, Jan. 4, “Neither Wolf Nor Dog” will be screened at 6 p.m.. It based on Kent Nerburn’s novel. Because “Neither Wolf Nor Dog” is only available for licensed viewing, this may be the only chance people from Cook County will have to see the film without having to travel to a more metropolitan destination where it might play in an arthouse style theater. Free. Here’s a trailer:

 Friday. Jan. 4., 6 p.m., Grand Marais Public Library. Free.

The first Winter Wednesday event is scheduled to be a reading of a play, Henrik Ibsen’s “An Enemy of the People,” in conjunction with the Grand Marais Playhouse. Stay tuned for details.

Also next weekend, the Gunflint Mail Run Sled Dog Race will be held at Trail Center. This is always an exciting time for mushers and is a fun race to watch. Details next week.

Also, a new exhibit opens in the Great Hall at Tettegouche State Park with a reception on Friday, Jan. 4 at 7 p.m. The exhibit features work by the Finland Group of Painters: Gary Olson, Marc Smith and Deb Birkeland, oil painters, and Sandy Maxwell, watercolorist.

‘March Marigolds” by Marc Smith.

The exhibit will continue through January.

The first organizational meeting of the North Shore Arts League will be held at the Johnson Heritage Post from 11 a.m to 1 p.m on Tuesday, Jan. 8.

The first meeting of the North Shore Arts League will be held at the Johnson Heritage Post from 11 a.m .to 1 p.m. Jan. 8

According to a statement about the meeting, “artists are integral to the culture and history of the North Shore, while also playing a important role in today’s economy. To thrive and assure a vibrant art force, it is important that artisans have a nurturing, supportive community dedicated to their personal, social, educational and informational needs. The arts league will be a self-facilitated group organized by artists for artists. It will be organized as the group desires and based on the needs of the group.” All artists are welcome.

At the first meeting, the group will be considering and deciding on its first show/member exhibition with space offered by Johnson Heritage Post for April 12-May 5, 2019. For more info, click here.

Music:

Here’s the music for the week:

Thursday, Dec. 27:

• Apres-Ski Acoustic with Bug Dope, Papa Charlie’s, 3:15 p.m.
• Gordon Thorne & Friends, North Shore Winery, 6 p.m.
• Briand Morrison, Papa Charlie’s, 6:30 p.m.
• Maria Nickolay, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 28:

• James Moors, Papa Charlie’s, 3:15 p.m.
• Joe Paulik, Papa Charlie’s, 6:45 p.m.
• Plucked Up String Band, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 29:

• Eric Frost, Papa Charlie’s, 3:15 p.m.
• Jim McGowan, Cascade Lodge Pub, 6 p.m.
• Jon Cron, Papa Charlie’s, 6:45 p.m.
• Jim & Michele Miller, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Dance Party with DJ Beavstar, Papa Charlie’s, 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 30:

• Briand Morrison, Mogul’s Grille, 10 a.m.
• James Moors, Papa Charlie’s, 3:15 p.m.
• Open Stage with Joe Paulik & Pat Flack, Wunderbar, 6 p.m.
• Michael Monroe, Log Cabin Concert, rural Grand Marais, www.michaelmonroemusic.com, 7 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 31:

• New Year’s Eve Celebration, Cascade Lodge Pub, 5-9 p.m.
• New Year’s Eve, Gunflint Lodge, 5:30-11 p.m.
• Boyd Blomberg, Papa Charlie’s, 6:45 p.m.
• Michael Monroe, Log Cabin Concerts, rural Grand Marais, www.michaelmonroemusic.com, 7 p.m.
• New Year’s Eve at Grandma Ray’s, Rich Mattson & the North Stars, 8:30 p.m.
• New Year’s Eve Karaoke, Gun Flint Tavern, 9 p.m.
• New Year’s Eve Dance Party with DJ Beavstar, Papa Charlie’s, 9:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 1:

• Timmy Haus, Poplar River Pub, 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 2:

• Singer/Songwriter Series, Papa Charlie’s, 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 3:

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

Friday, Jan. 4:

• Ski Party Weekend at Papa Charlie’s, Erik Koskinen, 9 p.m., Trampled by Turtles, 10:45 p.m.

Photographs:

 We found a few photos this week. Here’s a selection:

Let’s start with wildlife–all birds this week.

“Man, does she have legs!” by Christian Dalbec.

Boreal chickadee by Angela Botner.

Another shot from the owling adventure … female Snowy Owl by Scott Shelerud.

Lady Cardinal .. A bit camouflaged in the woods by J. Diana Martinson Middleton.

Barred Owl by David Johnson.

Catching wildlife….this is one in the series by Christian Dalbec.

 Herring catch on Lake Superior by Christian Dalbec.

The Winter Solstice:

Solstice moon rise over Lake Superior, by Tom Spence.

Winter landscapes:

Missing the North Shore by Margie Deadrick.

A frozen sunrise by Tischer Photography.

Rising moon, stars and a cool ice formation by Bryan Hansel.

Pancakes at twilight by Dawn LaPointe.

“Found the perfect tree. Will leave to enjoy next year” by Christian Dalbec.

Saturday morning at Tettegouche State Park by Jim Sockhko.

Lighthouses:

Going to be a. bright, bright sunshine day by Matthew Pastick.

Quiet reflections by Jeffrey Doty.

Grand Marais Harbor by Paul Sundberg.

Christmas Eve morning at Split Rock by Roxanne Distad.

Winter birches by Adam Brock.

Christmas morning by Jeffrey Doty.

And last, but not least, this photograph, taken by a high school student as part of a photo assignment… a chicken at dawn.

Chicken at sunrise by Doug Determan’s daughter.

Happy New Year! Best wishes for 2019.

(BTW: If you’d like to help support NorthShore ArtScene, you can donate at the button below. And thank you!)

The Indiana Harbor arriving in Two Harbors Dec. 15.

Happy Winter Solstice! And Merry Christmas! Lots to celebrate this weekend!

There are lots of Winter Solstice celebrations scheduled for this week, as winter makes its official entry into our calendars. And Christmas is Tuesday!

And although it is wintery on Lake Superior (see photo, above), it’s been much warmer on the shore. That “heat wave” (around 32 degrees) is scheduled to last for awhile, or at least until Christmas. so getting out for events and/or final shopping should be pretty easy.

First up this week is a great opportunity for Cook County artists to learn about grant opportunities offered by the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council.

On Friday, Dec. 21, Holly Hackett-Rich, the grants manager at ARAC, will talk about its artistic grant programs at the Grand Marais Art Colony starting at noon. All artists are invited, whether they’re dancers or potters or writers, or sculptors or fiber artists, printmakers, painters or poets — the grant programs are open to all.

Local artists who have recently been awarded ARAC grants include Corrie Steckelberg, Hovland; Mary Beth Garmoe, Grand Marais; Greg Mueller, Lutsen; Mike Smieja, Grand Marais; Melissa Wickwire. Grand Marais, Elizabeth Belz, Grand Marais; Briand Morrison, Grand Portage and Neil Sherman, Grand Marais.

Hackett-Rich will give a presentation and then be available for questions. This is a free lunch-time event, and participants are welcome to bring their own brown bag lunch. To learn more about ARAC, click here.

And Russell DuFresne, who’s playing a Tom Petty Tribute Show at the Wunderbar on Friday night will be on WTIP’s The Roadhouse to talk about his music and play a few songs. The Roadhouse airs from 5-7 p.m. on Friday nights.

Not to be missed,  the Good Harbor Hill Players will present its annual Winter Solstice Shadow Puppet Show at North House Folk School on Friday night starting at 6 p.m. This show is always a great community event, and includes live music, crazy plots, funny shadow puppets, a bonfire, a potluck and a surprise or two.  The title of this year’s show? “Vexed by Beavers.”

The Good Harbor Hill Players will present the shadow puppet show,”Vexed by Beavers” at North House Folk School starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 21. (Illustration by Betsy Bowen.)

The bonfire is lit after the show and the audience is invited to toss in their “gloomies,” handwritten notes about things they’d rather forget, things they want to change in the coming year, even things they are thankful for. Then everyone retires to the Blue Building for a celebratory potluck. (Please bring your own utensils.) All invited. Free.

If you’re going to be in Duluth on Friday night, check out the Downtown Duluth Winter Solstice Arts Walk which features exhibits, music, glass blowing, photography, card-making, art shopping and more from 5-8 p.m. in a variety of studios and galleries downtown.

Nordic ornaments, cards and more will be featured at Jon Hinkel’s Tight Squeek Press, 128 W. 1st St., in Duluth during the Downtown Duluth’s Winter Solstice Arts Walk, one of many galleries and art studios open on Friday from 5-8 p.m.

Click here to see a map of all the venues.

This is the final weekend before Christmas, and it’s going to be pretty quiet in Cook County, as people make final preparations and shop for the Tuesday event.

At The Big Lake on Saturday, starting at 3 p.m., the shop will celebrate the first full moon of winter with the Cold Moon Fest. There will be refreshments, kids crafts, drawings and more starting at 3 p.m.

“Sister Moon” by Jana Vashti. (detail)

The Full Moon in December is traditionally called the Cold Moon.

There’s lots of great live music for the rest of the week, too, see the music schedule, below.

Exhibits: 

The exhibit, “Remains of the Lake & the Northern Landscape” continues at the Johnson Heritage Post through Jan. 13. The exhibit includes beautiful black and white photographs by John Gregor detailing industrial “leftovers” in Lake Superior as well as a series of colorful landscapes by Tami Phillippi.

“Timbers” by John Gregor.

The northern sky by Tami Phillippi.

The Johnson Heritage Post is open from 10 am. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and from 1-4 p.m. Sunday.

Also on exhibit is the Holiday Art Underground Show at Betsy Bowen Gallery and Studios, featuring work by more than 30 local and regional artists.

Bonnie Gay Hedstrom has colorful hand felted pins in the Holiday Art Underground Show at Betsy Bowen’s Gallery & Studios.

The gallery is open from 11 a.m. 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. After Christmas, it will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m Thursday through Saturday, all through the winter.

At Tettegouche State Park, watercolor painter Dennis Murnyak is exhibiting a selection of his work in the Great Hall.

Painting by Dennis Murnyak.

The exhibit continues through December.

The Tweed Museum of Art in Duluth continues its exhibit, “Intersections,” featuring work from its collections of Native American art.

Frank Russell Big Bear is exhibiting work in the” Intersections” show at the Tweed Museum of Art.

The Duluth Art Institute is exhibiting a variety of art at the Duluth City Hall through March in collaboration with the Duluth Public Arts Commission.

One of the paintings at the Duluth City Hall on exhibit through March.

In Thunder Bay, this is the last weekend to see the Definitely Superior Art Gallery‘s exhibits, the annual juried exhibit of DefSup members as well as works by Sarah Mason.

This painting by Sarah Mason is at the Definitely Superior Art Gallery in Thunder Bay.

The Thunder Bay Art Gallery has opened a group exhibition, “Lessons: The Artistry of Learning.” which will be on view through March 3. The exhibit showcases works by seven artists from Thunder Bay and the region, including pieces by the late Moses Amik Beaver (1960-2017).

“Lament of the Loon” by Moses Amik Beaver is on exhibit at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery.

Upcoming:

Lots of places have scheduled New Year’s Eve Parties on Dec. 31. Check out them out here. And stay tuned for details next week.

Trampled by Turtles will be at Papa Charlie’s Friday, Jan. 4, to perform as part of Lutsen Mountains Ski Party Weekend, Jan.4-5. Erik Koskinen will also play on Friday night.  Details and tickets, here.

Here’s a video of this exciting band.

Also coming up that weekend, the popular Gunflint Mail Run Sled Dog Race, sponsored by Trail Center Jan. 5.

A new arts organization is forming to provide networking for artists in the county. The North Shore Arts League will have its first organizational meeting at the Johnson Heritage Post from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 8. All artists welcome.

And finally, the Winter Gathering and Dance with the SplinterTones will be held at the Hovland Town Hall Jan. 19. It is sponsored by the North Shore Music Association.

Window Shopping:

Here is just a taste of a few tidbits you will find at galleries and shops in the county this weekend.

Split Rock Lighthouse in the Snow, watercolor, by Tom Soucek is at Kah-Nee-Tah Gallery in Lutsen.

A New Book, giclee print of a painting by Adam Swanson, is at Sivertson Gallery.

Lake Superior Trading Post has a great collection of North Shore ornaments.

Music:

Here’s the music for the week:

Thursday, Dec. 20:

• Eric Frost, North Shore Winery, 6 p.m.
• Briand Morrison, Poplar River Pub, 6 p.m.
• Gordon Thorne & the Wildcats– Holiday Show, Gun Flint Tavern, 7 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 21:

• Matt & Laurel, Voyageur Brewing Co., 4 p.m.
• A Very Petty Christmas with Free Falling, Wunderbar, 7 p.m.
• Pushing Chain, Gun Flint Tavern, 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 22:

• Matt & Laurel, Wunderbar, 7 p.m.
• Joe Paulik, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Mysterious Ways, Gun Flint Tavern, 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 23:

• Briand Morrison, Mogul’s Grille, 10 a.m.
• Open Stage with Joe Paulik, Wunderbar, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 25:

Merry Christmas!

Wednesday, Dec. 26:

• Apres-ski Acoustic with Boyd Blomberg, Papa Charlie’s, 3:15 p.m.
• Tim Fast, Gun Flint Tavern,  7 p.m.
• Briand Morrison, Bluefin Bay, 8 p.m.

Photographs:

We are so lucky to have great local and regional photographers who are willing to share their work with us. Here are some of the photos we found this week:

First, wildlife:

Paul Sundberg met this momma bobcat and her kitten the other day.

Bobcat Momma and kitten by Paul Sandberg.

Then another one showed up.

Bobcat kitten by Paul Sandberg. (We want to name him/her “The Flirt.”)

Female Snowy today ty David Johnson.

Bohemian waxwing by Tom Berg.

Here’s a photograph that looks like it’s been photoshopped, but the photographer says it wasn’t… just happy chance. He was taking photos of this Snowy Owl perched on the roof of a hospital in Superior, Wis., with the moon behind it, when an airplane flew into the frame.

A progression of flight by Scott Shelerud.

Frozen water:

Upper Falls, Gooseberry State Park by Tracy Jonson.

Nice ice by Mark Tessier.

Here’s one from another Big Lake… Lake Michigan.

Frozen lighthouse, Lake Michigan by Thomas Zakowski.

“Winters with Lake Superior are rich with beauty and suprises,” by Dawn LaPointe.

Rushing Water:

Tofte, MN by Chris Williams Suomi.

Happy SUNday by Bryan Hansel.

Curling water:

Fun in the Park; Split Rock Lighthouse by Christian Dalbec.

Quiet water:

The North Shore by Matthew Pastick.

Beauteous skies:

Never Gets Old by Lin Salisbury.

Meteor skies:

Geminid meteor by Thomas Spence.

The moon as ornament:

The moon on top of Grand Marais’ Christmas tree by Neil Sherman.

And finally, what you do when the lakes freeze over.

Kjersti Vick skates on Gunflint Lake. (Photo by Kjersti Vick.)

Have a great weekend, everyone! And Happy Holidays!

(Holiday giving? Donate to NorthShore ArtScene today. And Thank You!)

Happy Sunday from Artist’s Point by Bryan Hansel. Bryan and Grand Portage photographer, Travis Novitsky, will host “Dueling Photographers” at North House Folk School on Saturday, one of the events in the Dark Sky Festival this weekend. See below for details.

Never underestimate the creativity of people in Cook County. This weekend is no exception. On tap is the Dark Sky Festival, Wunderbar’s Holiday Market, a Curry Cook-off and Broadway Showcase, and a Holiday Character Dress-Up Contest, just to name a few things scheduled for this weekend.

Let’s start with author Tim Cochrane, who will give a presentation about his latest book, “Gichi Bitobig, Grand Marais: Early Accounts of the Anishinaabeg and the North Shore Fur Trade” at the Heritage Visitor Center at the National Monument in Grand Portage from 2-4 p.m. on Thursday. All invited. Free. The book is available at local booksellers as well.

Tim Cochrane will give a presentation on his new book in Grand Portage on Thursday.

On Thursday night, Wunderbar hosts more than 20 artists, artisans, local businesses and galleries for its second annual Holiday Market.

Wunderbar’s Holiday Market is on Thursday from 5-8 p.m.

Local artists at the Holiday Market include painter Anna Hess, potters Hannah Palma, Natalie Sobanja and Kari Carter, weaver Julie Arthur, illustrator Kari Vick, felter Mary Reichert, author Rose Arrowsmith Decoux and Mueller Studio and Sannerud Studios Furniture. Local galleries and shops, even a few restaurants will be there. Open to all.

On Friday and Saturday, Grand Marais will host the first annual Dark Sky Festival, honoring the fact that Cook County has one of the darkest skies in the nation.

UMD’s Traveling GeoDome, which provides guided tours through the night skies, will be set up at Voyageur Brewing Co. on both days. The GeoDome will be open from 5-9 p.m. on Friday and from 8-10 p.m. on Saturday. There will be telescopes set up outdoors as well, weather permitting. On Saturday, photographers Bryan Hansel and Travis Novitsky will host “Dueling Photographers,” a friendly showing of their nightscape photographs. The “duel” will be held at North House Folk School from 5-6:30 p.m.

A quiet night at Esther Like by Travis Novitsky. Novitsky and Bryan Hansel will present their night sky photographs in “Dueling Photographers” at 5 p.m. Saturday at North House Folk School.

At 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jim Rock and Joel Halvorson will present “Native Skies: The Stars and Indigenous Peoples,” also at North House. After the presentations, there will be a bonfire and s’mores as well as more stargazing, weather permitting, and the GeoDome will re-open at Voyageur’s. And finally, Wunderbar will Twilight Zone Move Marathon starting at 9 p.m.

Also on Saturday, the Grand Marais Art Colony will hold Community Ink Day, a chance to learn about making prints and create one of your own. It will be held in the Art Colony’s print studio from 1-3:30 p.m.

The Grand Marais Art Colony will hold a Community Ink Day in the print studio on Saturday from 1-3:30 p.m.

Everyone is invited, but children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. This is a drop-in event — no registration is required — but a $5 donation to cover materials expenses is requested.

And, an added perk for the weekend, the annual Curry Cook-Off and Broadway Showcase, a fundraiser for the Grand Marais Playhouse, will be held at the 1st Congregational Church on Saturday, Dec. 15.

The annual CurryCook-Off and Broadway Showcase will be held at the First Congregational Church on Saturday.

This is always a tasty event, in more ways than one. This year, 10 different curries will be in competition, and the public is invite to vote for their favorite. The tasting feast is followed by holiday and Broadway music performances by  local actors. The curry tasting starts at 6:30 p.m, the showcase is at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices vary. The event is a fundraiser for the Playhouse. It will hold a membership meeting at 5:30 p.m before the event. For details, click here.

Also on Saturday night, Voyageur Brewing Co. will hold a Holiday Character Costume Contest and Elves off the Shelves Party starting at 5 p.m. Everyone is invited to come dressed as their favorite holiday character, whether Frosty, Rudolph, the Grinch, Santa or ??? Best costumes will win gift cards, judging is at 7 p.m. Bring along your elf and some props to create a winning scene for a prize. Judging is at 7:30 p.m.

In Duluth, raku potters Richard Gruchalla and Carrin Rosetti will be having their annual Christmas sale at their studio in Duluth  Dec. 14-16, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Raku potters Richard Gruchalla and Carrin Rosetti will hold their annual Christmas sale in their studio in Duluth this weekend.

The raku artists are well-known in Grand Marais. They hold a “Do You Raku? We Do” event at Siverston Gallery every fall. Their studio in Duluth is located at 1600 London Rd. It’s at the east end of the building, lower level.

On Wednesday, Dec. 19, the Grand Marais Art Colony will host “Community Conversations with Neil Sherman: Let’s Finish It!” from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Sherman, a plein air painter, will lead a discussion on how to finish two-dimensional pieces with the most appropriate and long-lasting framing materials. He will be demonstrating as well. Everyone invited. Free.

Also on Wednesday, Voyageur Brewing Co. will host the Artisan Spotlight and Sale from 4:30 pm. to 6:30 p.m. at the brewery. The artists include potter Kari Carter and jewelry maker Terry Lord-Lewis.

Potter Kari Carter will be one of the artists at Wednesday’s Artist Spotlight at Voyageur Brewing Co.

Terry Lord-Lewis will be showing her jewelry at the brewery as well.

The Artist Spotlight and Sale runs from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Exhibits:

The exhibit, “Remains of the Lake & the Northern Landscape”continues at the Johnson Heritage Post. The exhibit features work by photographers John Gregor and Tami Phillippi. Gregor’s pieces feature his work in black and white highlighting Lake Superior’s past. Phillippi’s photographs focus on colorful northern landscapes.

Taconite Dock, Marquette, Mich., by John Gregor.

 This is a highly regarded exhibit and a must-see. Gregor shows us parts of Lake Superior we’ve never known about or noticed, while Phillippi celebrates the beauty of the North Shore. The exhibit continues through Jan. 13. The Heritage Post is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday.

A new exhibit has opened in the Great Hall at Tettegouche State Park. Watercolor painter Dennis Murnyak has a wide variety of work on view.

Painting by Dennis Murnyak. He is exhibiting his watercolors at Tettegouche State Park.

Murnyak’s exhibit will be up through December.

In Duluth, the Tweed Museum of Art continues its exhibition of Manifest’o, an installation by Jonathan Thunder. There are three animation vignettes featuring Anishanaabe stories:” Supernaut Becomes The Water Lily”; :The Mishu Bizhiw Awakens” and “Goldfinch Counts Leaves.”

One of the vignettes from Jonathan Thunder’s exhibit, Manifest’o, currently on view at the Tweed.

Three are three exhibits currently on view at the Duluth Art Institute: Patrick Luber’s, “Exceptionally Ordinary,” Darren Houser’s, “Real-Unreal” and Nik Nerburn’s,  “Nik Nuerburn is a Camera.” All the exhibits continue through Dec. 20.

One of Darren Houser’s pieces in his exhibit. “Real and Unreal,” at the Duluth Art Institute.

Also, Alyssa Johnson has opened a photography exhibit at the Red Herring Lounge entitled “Once Upon an Imagination.”

Alyssa Johnson opened an exhibit at the Red Herring Lounge in Duluth which continues through February.

In Thunder Bay, the Thunder Bay Art Gallery has opened three new exhibits this week including “21 Pillows,” an installation by Cheryl Wilson-Smith, “Lessons: The Artistry of Learning” and “Carl Beam’s Exorcism,” from the Permanent Collection.

One of the pieces from Cheryl Wilson-Smith’s installation “21 Pillows” at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery.

Window Shopping:

Black Bear recommends “The Mukluk Ball” by Katherine Johnson, illustrated by Alicia Schwab. Copies can be found at Drury Lane Books.

Charming mini pots by Wisconsin potter Evan Hestekin are at Betsy Bowen’s Studio Gallery.

This labradorite ring by Ron Piercy is at Yellow Bird Fine Art.

Upcoming:

One of the finest celebrations of the winter: The Winter Solstice Shadow Puppet Show by the Good Harbor Players is Friday, Dec. 21 at 6 p.m. outside at North House Folk School. All invited. Free.

The Shadow Puppet Show is on for Dec. 21 at North House Folk School. Here’s one of the shadow puppets used in past years.

The Shadow Puppet Show always includes great puppets, a funny storyline and music. And not to forget, the bonfire to throw in your “gloomies” and a community potluck afterwards. Partiipants are asked to bring their own plates and silverware to the potluck. Stay tuned for details.

The 2019 Winter Plein Air Retreat at YMCA Camp Menogyn is set for Jan. 27-Feb. 1 this year, with an exhibit at the Johnson Heritage Post to open Feb. 1.

Winter Plein Air painters post after painting for a week at YMCA Camp Menogyn last year. The deadline to apply for this winter’s event is Dec. 24.

The application deadline is Dec. 24. To find out more and to apply, click here.

Music:

Here’s the music for this week:

Thursday, Dec. 13:

• Maria Nickolay, Poplar River Pub, 6 p.m.
• Gordon Thorne & the Wildcats, North Shore Winery, 6 p.m.
• Plucked Up String Band, Gun Flint Tavern, 7 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 14:

• Nate Weiler, Voyageur Brewing Co., 4 p.m.
• Plucked Up String Band, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Shakey Ground, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.
• Snowball Music & Ski Festival, Papa Charlie’s,  Jon Wayne & The Pain, 9 p.m.; WookieFoot, 10:45 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 15:

• Snowball Music & Ski Festival, Papa Charlie’s, Smokin’ Joe, 12:30; The Limns, 2 p.m., Jon Wayne, 4 p.m.; Heatbox, 9 p.m., Wookiefoot, 10:45 p.m.
• A Hovland Family Christmas,  Hovland Town Hall, 7 p.m.
• Gordon Thorne, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Eric Frost, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.
• Plucked Up String Band, Wunderbar, 8 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 16:

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

Monday, Dec. 17:

• Holiday Show with the North Shore Community Swing Band, Wunderbar, 6-8 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 18:

• Gordon Thorne, Poplar River Pub, 68 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 19:

• Jam Session, Gun Flint Tavern, 6:30 p.m.

We found some interesting photos this week. Here’s a selection:

Wildlife:

“Good morning, beautiful” by Sarah Hamilton.

“Nibbles” by Janice Latz.

Catching wildlife:

On the Job. Eric Sve on the Big Lake pulling in the catch. Photo by Christian Dalbec.

Ice photos:

Nature’s fractals by Jakub Sisak.

Ice on the lake by Mike Wiggins, Jr.

Frosty window by Sharon Frnak Wichman.

Sunset by Paul Sandberg.

The cross on the Brule by Bryan Hansel.

Frozen Flow by Wayne Ortloff.

Lake Superior:

Awesome morning at the office by David Johnson.

Morning stack at Tettegouche State Park by Christian Dalbec.

Potpourri:

International Space Station flies over by Thomas Spence.

Sun dogs in Wisconsin by Susanne Von Schroeder.

Fireball sunset by David Johnson.

Santa’s view by Christian Dalbec. (A drone photo)

And, a photo for the season.

First run of the season by Kjersti Vick.

Enjoy your weekend!

(Greetings everyone! If you enjoy receiving NorthShore ArtScene every week, please consider giving a donation today. Thank you!)

Hollow Rock Beach by Bill Donovan.

The holiday season is in full swing on the North Shore.  This week look for two holiday concerts, an art opening, an artisan spotlight, art shopping, art exhibits and more.

First up is a new exhibit at the Johnson Heritage Post which opens with a reception from 5-7 p.m on Friday, Dec. 5, and then continues through Jan. 13.

Entitled “Remains of the Lake & The Northern Landscape,” this exhibit is pretty amazing. On the one hand, it features a collection of black and white photographs by John Gregor documenting what historic sites on Lake Superior look like today, as well as colorful landscapes and macro-photography by Tami Phillippi.

Gregor’s photographs are stunning and unusual. The photographer, who has worked around the world and runs Cold Snap Photography from his studio in Two Harbors, traveled to parts of the Big Lake that used to be thriving commercial enterprises that are no more. Here is an example:

Split Rock Harbor by John Gregor.

  The exhibit features his exploration of Lake Superior’s past in a black and white format, giving the photographs a strong historical feel. At the same time, we’re intrigued by the settings, which say “Beautiful Lake Superior,” even in B&W.

Phillippi’s photographs, on the other hand, document the North Shore in all its colorful beauty.

Hollow Rock Sunrise by Tami Phillippi.

The exhibit continues through the holiday season, closing Jan. 13. The Heritage Post is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and from 1-4 p.m. Sundays.

Also on Friday, SVEA, the fantastic a cappella singers, will present a Holiday Concert at the Grand Marais Art Colony from 7-8:30 p.m. The event will feature a cappella Swedish folk songs as well as poetic storytelling, sweet treats and mulled wine.

The SVEA holiday concert is at the Art Colony on Friday night.

SVEA is Rose Arrowsmith DeCoux, Tina Hegg Raway, Elunia Steckelberg, and Erika Ternes. Suggested ticket price is $10 per person, $20 family. All invited. It should be a great show.

Saturday is pretty busy this weekend, too.

It starts off with two fun glass classes for students at the Grand Marais Art Colony. Entitled “Youth Glass Selfies,” the class features instruction by Nancy Seaton on how to make a “selfie” out of pieces of glass. The pieces will then be fired in the glass studio kilns and be ready for pick-up the next day.

Students are invited to make a glass “selfie” at the Art Colony on Saturday.

 There will be two sessions: at 9 a.m., for students from 7-11 years-old, and at 1 p.m., for students from 12-16 years-old. For more information and to register, click here or call the Art Colony at 387-2737. Cost of the class is $38.

Also on Saturday, Rose Arrowsmith DeCoux and Kari Vick will be at Drury Lane Books to sign their book, “The Sock Goblin” from  11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Author Rose Arrowsmith DeCoux and Illustrator Kari Vick will be at Drury Lane Books on Saturday to sign their book, “The Sock Goblin.”

There’s an added perk: Arrowsmith DeCoux might read sections from the book if asked.

And finally on Saturday,, take a chance to learn about pottery with a partner or friend and make a few things in the ceramic studio with Natalie Sobanja. The class, entitled “A Night Out in the Studio with Natalie Sobanja” will be held from 6:30-9:30 p.m. in the Grand Marais Art Colony‘s ceramic studio. Couples, singles and friends are welcome to join her in the studio to learn the ins and outs of wheel throwing and hand building. Their pieces will be available for pick-up a week later. Dessert and wine will be served. The cost is $70 and includes all supplies. Call 387-2737 to register or click here.

And, not to forget, this is the weekend the Borealis Chorale and Orchestra will present its Christmas Concert at Bethlehem Lutheran Church with performances at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, and Monday, Dec. 10. The concert features more than 70 singers and musicians who will perform a variety of traditional songs as well as compositions by composer/conductor William Beckstrand.

The Borealis Chorale and Orchestra will perform a Christmas Concert at Bethlehem Lutheran Church at 7 p.m. Dec. 9 & !0. Free, but donations are welcome.

With the theme “Songs of the Season,” the performance will include Beckstrand’s “People Look East” and “Grace on Grace,” John Rutter’s “Donkey Carol,” and Daniel Pinkham’s “Christmas Cantata” accompanied by brass ensemble. Gifted local soloists, youth and adult, will also perform. All invited. Free, but freewill donations are accepted. For more information about the Borealis Chorale, click here. The event is sponsored by the North Shore Music Association. (Hint: Come early to get a good seat.)

And next Wednesday, Dec. 12, three artists will be participating in Voyageur Brewing Co.’s Artisan Spotlight and Sale, which is held in the brewery from 4:30-6:30 p.m. The artists include potter Natalie Sobanja, weaver Julie Arthur and bead painter Jo Wood.

Natalie Sobanja will feature mugs and jars at the Artisan Spotlight.

Julie Arthur will be showing her weaving at the Spotlight sale.

Jo Wood will have her bead painting pieces at the Spotlight sale next Wednesday.

 Exhibits:

 In Duluth, plein air artist Matt Kania’s one-man show continues at the Zeitgeist Cafe in Duluth.

Parisian Portraitist by Matt Kania. Part of his exhibit at the Zeitgeist Cafe entitled “Doing: A Labor of Love.“

The exhibit, entitled “DOing: A Labor of Love” features portraits of artists and artisans doing what they love. It continues through Jan. 11.

Also in Duluth, the Tweed Museum of Art has opened a new exhibit of work by first year art students at UMD. Entitled “Fresh Foundations: Elements and Principles,”the exhibit continues through December.

A few of the works in the freshman student show, Fresh Foundations” currently on exhibit at the Tweed Museum of Art on the UMD campus.

The Tweed’s other two exhibitions, “Intersections,” works by Native American artists in the Tweed collection, and “Manifest’o,” a multi-media installation by Jonathon Thunder, continue as well.

“Dances with Sweet Grass 2015″ (detail) by Leah Yellowbird is one of the works in the “Intersections” exhibit at the Tweed.

In Thunder Bay, the Definitely Superior Art Gallery is featuring two exhibitions: “Untamed: The 30th anniversary Juried Exhibition,” and the “Sarah Mason Retrospective.” The exhibits continue through Jan. 13.

One of the painting in the Juried Exhibition at the Definitely Superior Art Gallery in Thunder Bay.

Upcoming:

 The Wunderbar Holiday Market, featuring 20 artists, artisans and vendors, will be held on Thursday, Dec. 13, from 5-7 p.m. at the Wunderbar. Stay tuned for details.

Dueling Photographers: Bryan Hansel Photography and Photography by Travis Novitsky, a presentation by two of the most talented night photographers in Cook County, will be from 5-7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 15, at North House Folk School.

Photo by Bryan Hansel. He is one of the photographers who will be featured in the Dueling Photographers presentation at North House Folk School Dec. 15.

The presentation is part of the Dark Sky Festival, Dec. 14-15. Stay tuned for details and/or click here.

The Hovland Family Christmas Concert will be held in the Hovland Town Hall starting at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15.

Art Shopping

 Here are this week’s ideas for art shopping for the holidays. Photographers Bryan Hansel, David Johnson, Thomas Spence and Nace Hagemann are all offering calendars this year. Click on their links to find out more.

Joy and Company has a great selection of new art supplies.

Joy and Company has just received a new shipment of art supplies.

 Sivertson Gallery has small, framed giclee prints by the North Shore’s favorite artists.

“My place and the Milky Way” by Dave Gilsvik, is available in a small, framed giclee at Sivertson Gallery.

And there are lots of things to choose from at Betsy Bowen’s Gallery and Studio, including these charming bottles by Bob LaMettry.

Bottles by Bob LaMettry are at the Betsy Bowen Studio.

 Music:

Here’s the live music schedule for this week:

Thursday, Dec. 6:

• Joe Paulik, Poplar River Pub, 6 p.m.
• Gordon Thorne & the Wildcats, North Shore Winery, 6 p.m.
• Plucked Up String Band, Wunderbar, 7 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 7:

• Maria Nickolay, Voyageur Brewing Co., 4 p.m.
• SVEA Holiday Concert, Grand Marais Art Colony, 7 p.m.
• Eric Frost, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.
• Brothers in Arms, Wunderbar, 8 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 8:

• Eric Frost, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Christopher David Hanson Band, Wunderbar, 8 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 9:

• Briand Morrison. Moguls Grille, 10 a.m.
• Open Stage with Joe Paulik, Wunderbar, 5:30 p.m.
• Borealis Chorale and Orchestra Christmas Concert, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 7 p.m.
• Eric Frost, Gun Flint Tavern, 7 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 10:

• Borealis Chorale and Orchestra Christmas Concert, Bethlehem Lutheran Church,  7 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 11:

• John Russ, Poplar River Pub, 6 p.m.

We found some great photos this week. Let’s start with some wildlife shots:

Our beautiful visitor is back by Ritalee Walters.

Ravens by Nace Hagemann.

Good morning, sleepy head by David Johnson.

The cutie: American Marten by Paul Sundberg.

And living on the wild side….

Jake Boyce surfing on the wild side by Kirk Schleife.

Not exactly wild, but wild.

Snowman and the lighthouse by Paul Boatman.

A wild Lake Superior …

Winds, Waves, Winter … Wow by Dawn LaPointe.

 And here are some other great photos we found:

Surf’s Up by Mary Amerman.

The November beach by Jan Swart.

It’s a frosty Tuesday by Roxanne Distad.

Happy Holidays by David Johnson.

Wave and ship by Michael Mayou.

 And this week, we sort of broke a rule and are posting photos that are not from this area. But the photographs were so beautiful, we couldn’t resist.

Here’s the first one:

Ole Salomensen of Arctic Light Photos in Norway, took this awesome shot of northern lights turning a pitch-black valley emerald green. It was posted on www.spaceweather.com

And here’s the second:

Dance of the Great Egret by Philippe Rouyer. Rouyer is based in France.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

(Greetings everyone! If you enjoy receiving NorthShore ArtScene every week, please consider giving a donation today. And thanks!)

The Cascade River is starting to freeze up by Bryan Hansel.

Grand Marais will be hopping with holiday events and sales for the next few weeks.  Here’s what’s happening this weekend.

First up is the Sneak Peek of the Holiday Art Underground Show at Betsy Bowen’s Gallery Studio on Friday from 5-7 p.m. The show, which features work by a variety of local and regional artists, technically opens on Saturday, Dec. 1. The Sneak Peek on Friday night is a perk, and includes a chance to get the first look at the variety of work on display as well as enjoy refreshments and a glass of wine with neighbors and fellow art lovers — and Betsy! The show continues at the gallery through Dec. 23.

The Art Underground Holiday Sale opens at Betsy Bowen’s Studio this weekend with a Sneak Preview on Friday from 5-7 p.m.

Also on Friday, the annual Christmas play mounted by the Grand Marais Playhouse at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts opens for a weekend run.  “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” features a cast of more than 30, including adults and children. The play is a vast community celebration of the holiday season. Plus that, it’s a pretty funny.

The cast of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” More than 30 community members, including students, are in the play, which opens on Friday at 7 p.m. Performances are at 5 p.m. on Saturday and 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” runs through this weekend. It opens on Friday with a performance at 7 p.m. There are performances at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1, and at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $10 adults, $5 youth (12-17) and $1 for children under 12. Advance tickets are on sale at grandmaraisplayhouse.com. The Sunday 4:30 p.m. performance is donation at the door. Advance tickets for Sunday are regular price.

In other Friday news,  Angela Robins will open an exhibit, “Chasing the Curve,” chronicling her experiences as a resident in North House Folk School’s Artisan Development Program at 5:30 p.m. on Friday.

Angela Robins will exhibit her work, “Chasing the Curve” in an exhibit at North House Folk School Nov. 30. The opening reception is from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Robins is both a woodturner and a woodcarver, and she pursued her craft from Maine to Scandinavia during the program sponsored by North House. She will give an artist talk at 7 p.m., where she will highlight the projects, people and places from her year and a half as a student, teacher and traveler. Her work will be on display as well. The reception starts at 5:30 p.m. All invited.

Also on Friday, folksinger Jim McGowan will be a guest on WTIP’s The Roadhouse on Friday to talk about his music and play a few songs. Lee Svitak Dean, co-author of the “Great Minnesota Cookie Book” will also be a guest via phone, where she will talk about the cookies we love to eat this time of year and how to make them.

And, a little farther afield, Kristofer Bowman of Upstate MN is opening a new shop in Minneapolis, “Show & Tell”  on Friday.

Kristofer Bowman’s new shop, Show & Tell, opens on Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The shop is located at 5257 Chicago Ave. S. in Minneapolis.

The shop will feature lots of well-loved small makers as well as new goods. It is located at 5257 Chicago Ave. S., in Minneapolis. To see its new Facebook page, click here. UpState MN in Grand Marais will re-open after Memorial Day.

And Neil Sherman is one of the artists featured at the Grand Hill Gallery Holiday Show in St. Paul.

“The Sun Sets Again,” oil, 12″ x 18″, by Neil Sherman, is one of the pieces that will be in the Grand Hill Gallery Holiday Show which opens on Thursday.

He joins six other Minnesota artists for the exhibit, which opens with a reception at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 29, and runs through Dec. 24. The Grand Hill Gallery is located at 333 Grand Ave. in St. Paul.

Saturday will be a great art/artisan shopping day in Grand Marais.

First up is the Northwoods Fiber Guild’s Holiday Sale & Open House at the Grand Marais Art Colony on Saturday. The doors open at 9 a.m. in the Founders Hall, which will be overflowing with beautiful handmade items. From mittens to scarves, hats to sweaters, handmade books and more, this exhibit by the Fiber Guild members is always a must-see.

The Northwoods Fiber Guild’s Holiday Sale & Open House is at the Grand Marais Art Colony on Saturday. It runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

There are perks, too. Members bring in delicious cookies and bars, there’s a hand’s on learning area where participants can make cool things. There are also weaving and spinning demonstrations. All invited.

Santa’s Workshop, hosted by the Grand Marais Girl Scouts, will also be held on Saturday in a new location: the Cook County Community Center. It starts at 8 a.m. with a pancake breakfast. A chili lunch and a bake sale will also be held. There is a special shopping area for children, and the Girl Scouts will be selling crafts. Santa comes at 11 a.m for pictures.

This is the second year that the Grand Marais Craft Bazaar will be held at the Cook County Senior Center, featuring artists and artisans from the Hovland Arts Festival, the Grand Marais Market and other talented artists from the community. Artists include Grand Marais potter Hannah Palma Laky and Hovland jewelry designer Terry Lewis.

The Grand Marais Craft Bazaar is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Senior Center on Saturday.

The Bazaar features pottery, felted items, wools mittens, photography, glass jewelry and more. It is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All invited.

And finally, author Tim Cochrane will be featured at Drury Lane Books on Saturday at 5 p.m., to talk about and read from his newest book, ““Gichi Bitobig, Grand Marais: Early Accounts of the Anishinaabeg and the North Shore Fur Trade.”

Tim Cochrane will talk about and read from his newest book, Gichi Bitobig, Grand Marais” at Drury Lane Books from 5-6 p.m. on Saturday.

Through the words of long-ago witnesses, “Gichi Bitobig, Grand Marais” recovers the overlooked Anishinaabeg roots and corporate roots of Grand Marais. Using journals from 1823-25, it reveals how the lives of local fur traders and the area’s indigenous people were shaped and influenced by Lake Superior and its watershed. It is a fascinating read. Open to all. Free.

And last, but not least, a fantastic film about “Hoji,” the Canadian ski legend who effortlessly skis down impossible mountains. Produced by Matchstick Productions, the film documents Eric Hjorleifson’s (Hoji’s) daring skills on white, fluffy terrain. The film will be screened at Papa Charlie’s on Saturday. The doors open at 6:30 p.m., the film starts at  7:30 p.m. on Saturday. Watch the trailer. You will be amazed.

HOJI – Official Trailer 4K – Matchstick Productions from Matchstick Productions on Vimeo.

In Duluth, Glensheen Mansion will hold it’s annual Winter Village on Saturday and Sunday, featuring more than 40 vendors from the Duluth area, a bonfire, music and more.

And on Monday in Duluth, Matt Kania, a Duluth plein air artist who is a favorite in Grand Marais, will open an exhibit at the Zeitgeist Atrium Gallery, 222 East Superior St., with a reception from 5-7 p.m. The exhibit is entitled “DOing: A Labor of Love.”

One of the paintings in Matt Kania’s show, “DOing: A Labor of Love”‘ which opens at the Zeitgeist Atrium Gallery in Duluth on Monday.

The exhibit continues at the Zeitgeist through Jan.11.

And on Wednesday, the Local Artisan Spotlight and Sale at Voyageur Brewing will feature the work of fused glass artist Nancy Seaton and potter Joan Farnam.

Fused glass totems by Nancy Seaton.

Single scoop ice cream bowls by Joan Farnam.

The Artist Spotlight event at Voyageur’s is from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Dec. 5.  All invited.

Exhibits:

 This is the last weekend to see “Listening to Lichen & Sculptural Baskets|Elise Kyllo and Patricia Beilke” at the Johnson Heritage Post. The exhibits features a wonderful variety of felted pieces by Kyllo as well as creative baskets by Beilke.

One of Elise Kyllo’s felted pieces on view at the Johnson Heritage Post.

A basket by Patricia Bielke on view at the Heritage Post.

The Yellow Bird Fine Art Gallery is currently exhibiting tea pots by local and regional artists, including work by Canadian potters Fritz Lehmberg and Tim Alexander.

Tea pots by Tim Alexander (front) and Evan Hestegan are at Yellow Bird Fine Art Gallery through Dec. 23.

Wisconsin potter Even Hestegan also has work in the show as does a 15-year-old potter, Ben Matten.

The Grand Marais Art Colony‘s Gallery Store will be mounting a new exhibit of member artists’ work that opens this Saturday.

The Grand Marais Art Colony Gallery Store features work by member artists. A new exhibit opens on Saturday.

Grand Marais artist Kim Knudsen has work at Kah-Nee-Tah Gallery in Lutsen.

“Four Fish” by Kim Knutsen. Stitched original on stretched canvas.

In Duluth, “Intersections,” an exhibit of Native American art from the Tweed Museum‘s collection continues through December.

A George Morrison wooden sculpture is in the “Intersections” show at the Tweed Museum of Art.

Holly Johnson Beaster, a former program director at the Grand Marais Art Colony, is exhibiting the work she did last year for the 100-Day Project at the Pilgrim Congregational Church in Duluth.

Holly Johnson Beaster is exhibiting the drawings she did for the 100-Day Project last year at the Pilgrim Congregational church in Duluth.

The 100-day project challenges artists to create every day for 100 days to stimulate their creativity. For more info on the 100-Day Project, click here. The Grand Marais Art Colony is sponsoring the project, too. For more information, stayed tuned. Call the Art Colony 387-2737. There will be an informational meeting about the project at noon on Jan. 16.

Upcoming:

Wonderful music experiences are planned for next week–The SVEA Holiday Concert at the Grand Marais Art Colony on Friday, Dec. 7. This concert features Swedish folk songs and Christmas treats and stories. SVEA is Rose Arrowsmith DeCoux, Tina Hegg Raway, Elunia Steckelberg, and Erika Ternes. The group sings 4-part harmonies and read poetic translations of traditional Swedish folk songs. All invited. A $10 donation is accepted.

And then, on Dec. 9 & 10, the Borealis Chorale and Orchestra will present a Christmas Concert at Bethlehem Lutheran Church featuring 70 talented Cook County singers and musicians under the directorship of composer/conductor William Beckstrand. The music starts at 7 p.m. Stay tuned for details.

Music:

Thursday, Nov. 29:

• Gordon Thorne & the Wildcats, North Shore Winery, 6 p.m.
• Maria Nickolay, Poplar River Pub, 6 p.m.
• Joe Paulik, Gun Flint Tavern, 6 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 30:

• Timmy Haus, Voyageur Brewing Co., 4 p.m.
• Wunderdogs, Wunderbar, 7 p.m.
• Space Monster, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 1:

• Pete K, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Timmy Haus, Wunderbar, 8 p.m.
• Space Monster, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.
• Cook County’s Most Wanted, Grandma Ray’s, 8 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 2:

• Briand Morrison, Mogul’s Grille, 10 a.m.
• Open Stage with Joe Paulik, Wunderbar, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 4:

• Fred Anderson, Poplar River Pub, Lutsen Resort, 6 p.m.

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

First, this great photo by Christian Dalbec,which really shows the beautiful wing patterns on a mature Bald Eagle.

Bald Eagle by Christian Dalbec.

And this great shot of a snowshoe hare —

Snowshoe hare by Dan Newcomb.

An early adult male Snowy Owl  finds plenty to eat on the North Shore by Michael Furtman.

Backyard visitors by Thomas Spence.

Nature’s own touch by Matthew Pastick.

The High Falls in Grand Portage by Barbara Lokken.

Feeling the Gray by Lin Salisbury.

Cascade River State Park by Paul Sandberg.

Along the Aquasabon River in Terrace Bay, Ont. by Lisa A. Jacques.

And finally, this beauty:

That little shack at Sunset by Christian Dalbec.

Enjoy your weekend!

(Greetings everyone! If you enjoy receiving NorthShore ArtScene every week, please consider giving a donation today. And thanks!)

Rainbow sunrise by Jan Swart.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

This weekend marks the official beginning of the holiday season all over the country, and Cook County is no exception.

It begins on Thanksgiving Day, with Thanksgiving meals at venues all over the county, including the Wunderbar Thanksgiving event, which includes a Thanksgiving buffet, family friendly football, a kiddo craft tables and more. Gunflint Lodge and Lutsen Resort also feature a Thanksgiving meal. Naniboujou is open this weekend as well. Other restaurants are open, too. Click here for more info.

And not to forget the free Community Thanksgiving Dinner at the First Congregational Church in Grand Marais on Thanksgiving Day. This is the 45th  year the Congo Church has sponsored this traditional meal, served family style in the downstairs Social Hall at the church. The meal begins promptly at 1 p.m. and is always delicious. It’s also free, thanks to the generous donations from church members.

The Community Thanksgiving Dinner will be held at the First Congregational Church at 1 p.m. on Dec. 22. All invited. Free.

The church is located at the corner of Third Avenue West and Second Street in Grand Marais. Information about home-delivery, take-out meals and rides to the dinner is available by calling the church office at 387-2113.

On Friday, the day kicks off with author Mary Casanova, who will sign her new book, “Hush Hush. Forest” at The Big Lake from noon to 1 p.m.

Mary Casanova will sign her new book at The Big Lake Nov. 23.

“Hush Hush, Forest” includes woodcuts by Nick Wrobewski. Casanova will also be signing her other books at the shop.

A Christmas Market will be held at the North Shore Winery on Friday, as well, featuring music by Briand Morrison and a variety of local vendors. Look for great gifts, food and wine tasting during this event, which runs from noon to 6 p.m.

The famous Twice-around-the-block Christmas Parade in Grand Marais begins at 5:30 p.m. on Friday night. Entitled “Oh Ole Night,” the parade celebrates the community’s Nordic heritage à la Sven & Ole. Businesses, friends and others decorate floats or themselves to reflect their Scandinavian heritage. It’s always a lot of fun. After the parade, there will be a tree lighting in Harbor Park followed by fireworks. There’s an after-parade party at Voyageur Brewing, too, with complementary hot chocolate as long as it lasts.

Also on Friday night, the New Standards Holiday Show is on-stage at Papa Charlie’s starting at 8:30 p.m. Celebrating its 12th anniversary season, the show rings in the yule with a unique twist on traditional holiday concerts – one part variety show, one part homage to the season, one part irreverent, free-wheeling spectacle. The trio is joined by a supporting cast replete with vocalists and instrumentalists – and as always – a dazzling lineup of special surprise guests.

The New Standards Holiday Show is at Papa Charlie’s on Friday Night.

Tickets are $20 in advance, $26 the day of the show. Click here for tickets.

Saturday is Shop Local day, and it will be really busy all over Cook County. Start the day by checking out the Hovland Arts Festival Christmas Sale in the Hovland Town Hall. It starts at 10 a.m. and runs through 4 p.m. with lots to see.

The Hovland Arts Festival Christmas Sale is Saturday, Nov. 24 and runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This Christmas Sale features work by a wide variety of art and artisans including photography, fiber art, birchbark weaving, pottery, jewelry, woodworking, glass creations, beeswax candles and more. The event is held at the Hovland Town Hall in Hovland. To find out more about it, click here.

The annual Holiday Craft Sale at the Cook County Community Center is from  11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. The sale features holiday baked goods, wood carvings and handmade wearables.

New this year: An open house and sale at 108 1st Ave. West (just up  from the library) featuring prints and artwork by Noah and Aaron Prinsen as well as furniture and unique gift items by Dave and Aaron Prinsen.

The house: 108 1st. Ave. W.

The art: A print by Noah Prinsen. He will be showing new work at the Open House.

This open house will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 24 and Saturday, Dec. 1. All invited to stop in for a cup of coffee and see the artwork.

The Holiday Craft Market at Voyageur Brewing Co. will be held from 1:30 -4:30 p.m. on Saturday featuring work by a number of local artists, including pottery by Hannah Palma Laky, ceramics by Melissa Wickwire and fiber art by Julie Arthur. Hannah will also be the featured artist next Wednesday, Nov. 28, in the Taproom at Voyageur’s.

Hannah Palma Laky is one of the artists doing the Holiday Craft Market at Voyageur Brewing on Saturday.

The 2nd annual Light Up Lutsen! event will be held from from 2-6 p.m. on Saturday featuring receptions and welcomes by the local businesses in downtown Lutsen as well as food and lots of gift choices.

Light Up Lutsen! will be held from 2-6 p.m. in downtown Lutsen on Saturday.

At 4 p.m., there will be a bronze pour at the Mueller Studio, followed by Christmas tree lighting and music with Pushing Chain. All invited.

In Thunder Bay, the Thunder Bay Potters Guild will hold its annual holiday sale at the Baggage Building Arts Centre at Marina Park in Thunder Bay from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Bowl by Joanne Kelly. She is one of the potters who will be exhibiting at the annual Thunder Bay Potters Guild Sale this weekend.

The Potters Guild was founded in 1975 and has a mandate to help and promote each other. The show will feature a wide selection of pottery and pottery styles.

Exhibits:

 The exhibit, “Listening to Lichen & Sculptural Weaving|Elise Kyllo and Patricia Beilke” continues at the Johnson Heritage Post through Dec. 2.

A sculptural weaving by Patricia Beilke is on exhibit at the Johnson Heritage Post.

The exhibit features an amazing collection of felted pieces by Kyllo as well as inspiring baskets and sculptures by Beilke. The Heritage Post is open from Thursday through Sunday during the winter.

In Duluth, the Tweed Museum of Art is featuring a great selection of Native American art from their collection, entitled “Intersections.” It also is showing a multi-media installation by Jonathan Thunder.

This painting by Jim Denomie is one of the works on exhibit in the “Intersections” exhibit at the Tweed.

 Upcoming:

Next weekend is just as busy with holiday art openings and events.

On Friday, Nov. 30, Angela Robins will open an exhibit chronicling her experiences as a resident in North House Folk School’s Artisan Development Program. From woodturning to woodcarving, Maine to Scandinavia, she will highlight projects, people and places from her year and a half as a student, teacher and traveler.

Angela Robins will exhibit her work, “Chasing the Curve” in an exhibit at North House Folk School Nov. 30. The opening reception is from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Robins will give an Artist Talk at 7 p.m. Nov.30 at North House. The exhibit continues through Dec. 15.

On Saturday, Dec. 1, the Northwoods Fiber Guild will hold its annual Open House and Holiday Sale at the Grand Marais Art Colony.

The Northwoods Fiber Guild Open House and Holiday Sale will be at the Grand Marais Art Colony Dec. 1.

This sale features a wide variety of fiber work, from knitting, felting, paperwork, weaving and more. It’s also a great sale for holiday shopping. There are demonstrations, a craft table and lots of homemade holiday treats. The doors at the Grand Marais Art Colony open at 9 a.m. The sale runs until 2 p.m.

The Art Underground Holiday Sale will be held at Betsy Bowen Studios and Gallery with a Sneak Peak at 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 30. The exhibit is open on Dec. 1 and continues through Christmas, and features work by more than 30 local and regional artists.

The Grand Marais Craft Bazaar will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at the Cook County Senior Center featuring pottery, felted items, photography, jewelry and more. All invited.

And, at the Groveland Gallery in Minneapolis, Lee and Dan Ross will be exhibiting their work in an upcoming show entitled “Sense of Place.” Other artists include Joshua Cunningham,  Paula Schuette Kraemer, Tom Maakestad, Barbara McIlrath, William Murray, Carl Otvedt, Amy Rice,  Gaylord Schanilec, Clara Ueland and Larry Welco.

This bison print by Lee and Dan Ross was recently featured in the Minnesota Conservation Volunteer Magazine and will be in the Groveland Gallery exhibit.

The exhibit is being held in collaboration with the Minnesota Conservation Volunteer Magazine. The opening reception is from noon to 5 p.m. on Dec. 1. The gallery isolated at 25 Groveland Terrace in Minneapolis.

And finally, the Grand Marais Playhouse will present the play, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts with performances at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1 and at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 2. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

FYI:

So, we’ve all been told that Christopher Columbus crossed the Atlantic in search of a new spice route. But did you know he was looking for a new way to get black pepper, a favorite and expensive European luxury?

Christopher Columbus left from Europe in search of a new trade route to get black pepper.

We all know he didn’t find that route, nor did he find black pepper. But listen to what he did find and what happened next in this special Audio Postcard from WTIP Community Radio.

Music:

Friday, Nov. 23:

• Briand Morrison, North Shore Winery, 1 p.m.
• The New Standards Holiday Show, Papa Charlie’s, 7:3o p.m.
• Pushing Chain, Voyageur Brewing, 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 24:

• Pushing Chain, Mueller Studio, Lutsen, 5 p.m.
• Michael Monroe Log Cabin Concert, rural Grand Marais, 7 p.m., www.michaelmonroemusic.com
• Jon Kallberg, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Mysterious Ways, Wunderbar, 8 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 25;

• Briand Morrison, Mogul’s Grille, 10 a.m.
• Open Stage with Joe Paulik, Wunderbar, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 27:

• Timmy Haus, Poplar River Pub, 6 p.m.

And here are some photos we found this week:

First, wildlife:

Bobcat kittens try out ice in Kansas by Joyce Shupe.

Juvenile Great Gray Owl by Heidi Pinkerton.

Belted Kingfisher at Silver Creek by Edward Lee.

A Canada lynx contemplates a creek crossing by Thomas Spence. Spence noted that the lynx changed its mind and went further up-stream to cross without getting its feet wet.

Here’s one from New York City. This Mandarin Duck created a sensation when it showed up.

Mandarin Duck in NYC  by Karyn Tuercki.

And lots of water…

A window into winter–Illgen Falls by Terry Season.

The Flute Reed in early winter by Sandra Updike.

The North Shore by Julie Dodge.

Snowfall at Four-Mile Creek by Thomas Spence.

A brief Brighton Beach sunrise by Jeffrey Doty.

At Tettegouche State Park by Jake Schlagheck.

Sliding into Monday by Christian Dalbec.

Have a great Thanksgiving, everyone! And enjoy your weekend!

(Interested in supporting NorthShore ArtScene? Click on the link below.)

Lighting the beacon at Split Rock Light House Nov. 10. Dawn LaPointe took this photo last year.

Winter has arrived and the fun starts on the North Shore with Winterer’s Gathering at North House Folk School, an action-packed event that draws people from all over the country. Also this week, Empty Bowls, a fundraiser to help feed the hungry in Cook County is set for Thursday, there’s a panel discussion on Lake Sturgeon and an art show to go with it, an author talk, a gala art opening in Duluth and a Buddy Holly Winter Dance Party in Silver Bay. Here are the details:

First up is the Empty Bowls fundraiser on Thursday, Nov. 15.

The Empty Bowls fundraiser will be held at St. John’s Catholic Church on Thursday, Nov.15. There are two seatings: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5-7 p.m.

Each year, Empty Bowls works to raise awareness of and funds for the Cook County Food Shelf and other community organizations addressing Cook County’s critical hunger needs. It features a simple soup and bread meal provided by local restaurants as well as beautiful handcrafted bowls made at the Grand Marais Art Colony. There’s also a bake sale with homemade goodies. There are two seatings: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. The soup meal is $5. Bowls are $10 and up. This is always a fun community event, and the soups are delicious. All invited.

Winterer’s Gathering at North House Folk School celebrates the crafts, customs, landscape, history and stories of winter travel and traditional life-ways in the North.

Winterer’s Gathering will be held at North House Folk School this weekend, Nov. 16-18.

The event draws people from all over the country to celebrate all things winter. It features winter-centric coursework, a winter tent camp, a gear swap, dancing, an Arctic Film festival, speakers, winter skill presentations and more.

On Friday, look for coursework and presentations, the screening of several films, including the award-winning film “The Eagle Huntress,”  (4 p.m. Friday), as well as skill shares and more. The Intern Portfolio Gallery, which highlights the work and creativity of North House interns, will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. At 7 p.m., there will be a contra dance with Over the Waterfall, and the Cold Snap Poetry Slam will be at 8 p.m.

On Saturday, the Great Gear & Ski Swap is held at 10:30 a.m. in the Commons at North House. This is a good place to find everything from wool sweaters to ski equipment and is open to all. There will be lots more presentations and films, including the screening of “Virginia, Minnesota,” at 4 p.m., which includes scenes from Grand Marais and cameos by local residents. Check out the trailer here.

VIRGINIA MINNESOTA – Trailer from Daniel Stine on Vimeo.

At 6 p.m.on Saturday, there’s the Winterer’s Gathering Chili Feed followed by a presentation by Sam Cook, the recently retired outdoors writer and columnist for the Duluth News-Tribune. Cook will give a presentation entitled “Why We Couldn’t Move Back to Kansas.”

Sam Cook will give a presentation at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at North House.

He is also teaching a writing class during the event. He will be interviewed on WTIP’s The Roadhouse” on Friday night. (BTW: Brothers in Arms will also be on the WTIP show to talk about their music and play a few tunes.)

To see the complete schedule of events during Winterer’s Gathering, click here.

There’s lots more happening in the community this weekend, too.

On Friday at 5 p.m., author Tim Cochrane will give a presentation on the release of his new book,  “Gichi Bitobig, Grand Marais: Early Accounts of the Anishinaabeg and the North Shore Fur Trade” at the Johnson Heritage Post.

Tim Cochrane will give a presentation about his new book at 5 p.m. Friday at the Johnson Heritage Post.

Cochrane will give a slide presentation, read passages from the book, and answer questions. He has worked as a backcountry ranger, historian, anthropologist, and superintendent for the National Park Service in Alaska, Minnesota, and Michigan. He has worked extensively with Native American tribes, most recently with the Grand Portage Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa as superintendent at Grand Portage National Monument. His books include “A Good Boat Speaks for Itself”  (Minnesota, 2002) and “Minong–The Good Place: Ojibwe and Isle Royale.”

At 7 p.m. on  Friday, the Grand Marais Art Colony will host a panel discussion about lake sturgeon, the leviathans of freshwater fish, which are slowly coming back into our lakes and streams, thanks to the Clean Water Act and rigorous reintroduction projects involving habitat restoration and stocking. The Art Colony is featuring an exhibit of work by artists from all over the country who were asked to do their take on this great fish. Entitled “Black Gold” and curated by Ryuta Nakajima and Darren Houser of the University of Minnesota-Duluth’s Department of Art and Design, the artwork in this juried exhibition is from numerous artists who are helping to mark this success, record history, and inspire the next aquatic conservation effort.

A print of one of the lake sturgeon drawings currently on view in the Founders Hall at the Art Colony. The prints are for sale for $25 each.

Houser will be joined by Sharon Moen, senior science communicator for Minnesota Sea Grant and Don Schreiner, fisheries specialist for Minnesota Sea Grant for the panel discussion at 7 p.m.

The exhibit has prints of posters and drawings … and photographs.

One of the prints in the “Black Gold ” exhibit at the Art Colony: Vladimir Putin kissing a young sturgeon. The sturgeon is a valued source of caviar in Russia, and the world, hence the title of the exhibit–Black Gold.

The exhibit continues at the Art Colony through Nov. 28. The Art Colony is open daily from 9 am. to 4 p.m.

If you like to dance, the Northern Lake County Arts Board is hosting the Buddy Holly Winter Dance Party at the William Kelley Auditorium in Silver Bay starting at 7 p.m. Friday.

The Buddy Holly Winter Dance Party will be held at the William Kelley Auditorium in Silver Bay on Friday night.

Exhibits:

“Listening to Lichen & Sculptural Weaving/ Elise Kyllo & Patricia Beilke” continues at the Johnson Heritage Post Gallery through Dec. 2. This is a not-to-be-missed exhibit, with extraordinary work by both artists.

A felted lichen piece by Elise Kyllo, one of many intriguing and often playful shapes crafted by this artist.

An antler basket by Patricia Bielke. She has a number of antler baskets are well as sculptural pieces on exhibit.

Winter Hours at the Johnson Heritage Post are 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

In Duluth, the Tweed Museum of Art opens two Native American-focused exhibits this week: “Manifest’o,” an animated series of panels by Jonathan Thunder which focuses on the bridge between two worlds, myth and art, , and “Intersections,” a new exhibition derived from the museum’s extensive collection of works by Native American artists. Artists include George Morrison, Patrick Desjarlait, Carl Gawboy, Dyani White Hawk, and Andrea Carlson, Jim Denomie and Karen Savage, to name a few.

Karen Savage’s blue otter is one of the pieces in the “Intersections” show at the Tweed. It opens with a reception on Thursday evening at 5 p.m. and continues through December.

There are a number of exhibits at the Duluth Art Institute, too, including “Exceptionally Ordinary” by Patrick Luber.

One of the pieces from “Exceptionally Ordinary” by Patrick Luber, currently on view at the Duluth Art Institute. Photo by Ed Newman.

Luber’s work explores the relationship between religious symbols and art through time. The multi-media exhibit continues through December.

And, across the border, there are less than two weeks left to see Christi Belcourt‘s exhibit, “Mother Earth: A Retrospective” at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery.

Fall Harvest, 2011-2015 by Christi Belcourt.

Belcourt’s exhibit ends Nov. 25.

Upcoming:

 Next weekend, we can look forward to the start of holiday sales and events, Stay tuned for details, but here’s a short list:

• Christmas Market at the North Shore Winery,  noon to 6 p.m., Friday, Nov. 23
• Oh Ole Night Parade, downtown Grand Marais, tree lighting, parade, fireworks, start st 5:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 23
• The New Standards Holiday Show, Papa Charlie’s, Friday, Nov. 23, 7:30 p.m.
• Hovland Art Festival Holiday Sale, Saturday, Nov. 24, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Holiday Market at Voyageur’s Brewing, Saturday, Nov. 24.  1:30-6 p.m.

FYI

Dip your toes into art this winter at the Grand Marais Art Colony.

The Grand Marais Art Colony offers lots of opportunities to dip your toes into art this winter: artist talks, panel discussions, min-classes, artist services and winter reading groups are just a few things on the pallette. For more info, click here.

Music:

Thursday Nov. 15:

• Joshua Schmidt, Poplar River Pub, 6 p.m.
• Maria Nickolay, North Shore Winery, 6 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 16:

• Gene Lafond and Amy Grillo, Voyageur Brewing Co., 4 p.m.
• Jon Miller and the Home Brews, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.
• Brothers in Arms, Wunderbar, 8 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 17:

• Joshua Schmidt, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Jon Miller and the Home Brews, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.
• North Shore Community Swing Band, Wunderbar, 7 p.m.
• Aftershock, Grand Portage Lodge  Casino, 8 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 18:

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

Tuesday, Nov. 20:

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

Here are a few photos we found this week:

Warmer winters means the gray fox is hanging around the North Shore now. Photo by Paul Sandberg.

First-of-the-winter pine grosbeak by Michael Furtman.

Wild turkeys are heading north, too. An inquisitive deer checks out these birds. The photo was taken in Michigan by Sandra Updike.

A magnificent tree. “Cedar in Snow” by Sandra Updike.

Take a moment to meditate by Kathleen Gray-Anderson.

Fireweed and the silver sea by Jennifer Trowbridge.

Sunset at Canal Park by Curt Brown.

Morning hike at Devil’s Kettle by Chelsea Pusc.

Sunrise at the Grand Marais marina by David Johnson.

And finally, this beauty:

“Subtle” by Jamie Rabold.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

(P.S. Consider making a donation to keep this blog a vital part of your source for art news on the North Shore. Click on the link below, and Thank You!)

Tumbling Wave by Christian Dalbec.

The Lake Superior Storm Festival, the “Listening to Lichen” exhibit, and an opportunity to paint a bowl for Empty Bowls is on tap for this weekend. Later in the week, an artist talk at the Grand Marais Art Colony, an exhibit of sturgeon drawings and a panel discussion on the iconic fish of Lake Superior are scheduled. Here are the details.

The Lake Superior Storm Festival, an annual festival that honors the power and beauty of the Big Lake, kicks off with a winter storm showcase on Friday evening at Ben Franklin, Stone Wilderness Supply and Chelsea’s Aprons at 6:30 p.m. Then at 7 p.m., WTIP Community Radio will air a special Small Change Trivia show with tricky questions about Lake Superior and its storms.

David Johnson took this awesome storm photo earlier this year. The Lake Superior Storm Festival honors the power of Lake Superior.

Then on Saturday, the Wave Dash will be held on the beach at Lutsen Resort. (Hopefully, the waves won’t be quite like the one pictured above), and participants will be rewarded with the chance to warm up by a bonfire on the beach.  Then, Liz Minor of the Great Lakes Observatory will speak about storms and Lake Superior at 3 p.m. at the resort.

At 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jim Shinners, an expert on shipwrecks in Lake Superior, will give a presentation at the Johnson Heritage Post with Stephen Daniel on Lake Superior Storms & Shipwrecks. These are fascinating stories. Here’s a recording of Shinners recounting the story of a shipwreck just off 5-Mile rock in 1953.  Shinner will also host 10 a Lakeside Poem and Remembrance Ceremony on Artist Point at 10 a.m. on Sunday. All invited.

And just to remind you of an artist’s take on Lake Superior, here’s a wave tile by Melissa Wickwire that is at the Kah-Nee-Tah Gallery in Lutsen.

Wave tile by Melissa Wickwire.

The Johnson Heritage Post opens a new art exhibit this weekend, too. Entitled “Listening to Lichen & Sculptural Weaving: Elise Kylo and Patricia Bielke,” the exhibit features a fantastic collection of felted pieces by Kyllo and basket sculptures by Bielke.

Felted painting by Elise Kyllo in her exhibit “Listening to Lichen.”

Sculptural basket weaving by Patricia Bielke, also in the Johnson Heritage Post show.

This is the first time that Kylo has exhibited her body of work at the Heritage Post, and her exhibit includes felted pieces, paintings and poems. She is also featuring an interactive table where people can try needle felting and add their own lichens to a landscape. There are also photos explaining the felting process and a hunt-and-seek table for kids and adults to explore. The opening reception is from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 9. The exhibit continues through Dec. 2.

On Saturday, the Grand Marais Art Colony will host Paint-A-Bowl for Empty Bowls in the Founders Hall starting at 11 a.m.

Susan Bragstad painted this bowl for Empty Bowls a few years ago. The public isn invited to try their hand at the Paint-A-Bowl event on Saturday.

Participants will have a chance to paint a bowl with lively colors, which will then be fired and donated to the Empty Bowls Fundraiser, which will be held at St. John’s Catholic Church on  Nov. 15. The Paint-A-Bowl event starts at 11 a.m. and continues until all 30 bowls are painted. Come early! A $5 donation is requested to cover materials cost. All welcome. You can register at 387-2737 or just show up.

On Thursday, Nov. 15, there will be two seatings for the Empty Bowls Fundraiser, which raises money to help the hungry in Cook County. The seatings will be from 11 a.m to 1 p.m. and from 5-7 p.m. The event features soups and breads, a great variety of handmade bowls, as well as a silent auction and bake sale. The soups are donated by local restaurants.

A few of the bowls that will be at the Empty Bowls Fundraiser Nov. 15.

Funds from last year’s Empty Bowls event were distributed to the Cook County Food Shelf, Birch Grove Community Center’s WE Connect, Cook County Youth Agency Coalition, Cook County Public Health and Human Services, local schools, Snacks and Packs, and the Violence Prevention Center to help nourish those in need.

There’s still time to sign up to volunteer, donate baked goods and/or become a sponsor. For more info, click here.

On Wednesday, Nov. 14, pastel artist Linda Ricklefs Baudry will give an artist talk at the Grand Marais Art Colony from noon to 1 p.m.

“Passing II” (detail) by Linda Baudry. The artist will give an Artist Talk at the Grand Marais Art Colony from noon to 1 p.m. Nov. 14.

She will share about her artistic journey and how she draws inspiration from both the internal and external worlds. Free. Open to all.

Exhibits:

 Black Gold, a Great Lakes Conservation Exhibit, has opened in the Founder’s Hall at the Grand Marais Art Colony.

Black Gold, an exhibit of prints of the lake sturgeon by a variety of artists, has opened in the Founders Hall of the Grand Marais Art Colony. A panel discussion about the Lake Sturgeon will be held at the Art Colony at 7 p.m. Nov. 16.

The juried exhibit focuses on the sturgeon, Lake Superior’s iconic fish, which have become scarce since the 1900s due to stressors, including overfishing and polluted waters. Today, thanks to the Clean Water Act and rigorous reintroduction projects involving habitat restoration and stocking, lake sturgeon are faring much better. A panel discussion about the exhibit and the lake sturgeon’s future will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, at the Art Colony. Stay tuned for details.

Painter/illustrator Keith Morris and photographer Jim Ringquist are exhibiting their work in the hallways of the North Shore Hospital and Care Center.

Painting by Keith Morris, one of his many works now on exhibit at the North Shore Hospital and Care Center.

An exhibit of photographs by Elizabeth Blair continues in the Great Hall at Tettegouche State Park.

Bog birch and cedar 5 by Elizabeth Blair.

Blair’s exhibit showcases her macro photos taken in small pools in a cedar forest. The exhibit continues through November.

Two new exhibits have opened at the Duluth Art Institute, including new work by Patrick Luber and Darren Houser.

“Hanged Man at the Veil of Paroketh,” adigital print and lithograph by Darren Houser, is one of the pieces in the new exhibist at the Duluth Art Institute.

Jonathan Thunder’s animated installation at the Tweed Museum of Art continues.

One of the tableaus in Jonathon Thunder’s installation at the Tweed Museum of Art.

Check out this short video clip to see what it looks like in motion.

In Thunder Bay, the Thunder Bay Art Gallery‘s Christi Belcourt retrospective, “The Power of Mother Earth” continues through Nov. 25. Here’s her take on the lake sturgeon.

“What the sturgeon told me,” by Christi Belcourt.

It is said the sturgeon wait until the frogs sing before they spawn. Belcourt observes that river pollution has damaged sturgeon habitat and that we must do all we can to protect the waters and restore balance for all creatures in these natural places.

Upcoming:

North House Folk School‘s Winterer’s Gathering is next week, Nov. 16-18, 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. To find out all the details, click here.

One of the highlights of the event is the Arctic Film Festival held throughout the weekend. Here’s a trailer from one of the featured films: “Virginia, Minnesota,” which was partly filmed in Grand Marais. Check out the trailer below:

VIRGINIA MINNESOTA – Trailer from Daniel Stine on Vimeo.

The film will be screened at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov, 17  in the Blue Building at North House.

Holiday Sales:

There are lots of holiday sales scheduled for the season. Here’s a list with dates. Stay tuned for details.

• North Country Craft Bazaar, Schroeder Town Hall, Nov. 17
• Hovland Holiday Arts Festival, Hovland Town Hall, Saturday, Nov. 24.
• Craft Showcase, Voyageur Brewing, Sunday, Nov. 25. Individual artist showcases set for Wednesdays.
• Northwoods Fiber Guild Holiday Open House & Sale, Grand Marais Art Colony, Saturday, Dec. 1.
• Art Underground Holiday Sale, Betsy Bowen Gallery & Studios, Dec. 1, with Sneak Peak Nov. 30.
• Community Art Showcase, Cook County Community Center, Dec. 1.

Check here over the next few weeks for lots more details.

Kudos:

Co-Directors at the Grand Marais Art Colony named: The Grand Marais Art Colony announced this week that Lyla Brown has been named the Executive Director of the organization, joining Artistic Director Ruth Pszwaro in co-directing the mission and direction of the Art Colony.

Lyla Brown has been named the Art Colony’s executive director.

Ruth Pzswaro has been named the Artistic Director of the Art Colony.

Brown comes to Cook County from Kent County, Maryland. Her experience has focused on a variety of issue areas, such as housing, civic engagement, land conservation, youth development and human services through her leadership roles in nonprofits and international development over the past 20 years. 

Pszwaro, who was the Program Director at the Art Colony, has already taken on her new role of Artistic Director. She has also served as Interim Executive Director since July.  She is entering her fifth year of stewarding the Art Colony mission. Together, the co-directors will manage operations, guide the board of directors, and lead strategic planning. While Pszwaro will focus on programmatic development and artistic direction, Brown will oversee communications and external relations, including fundraising and grant writing.

Brown will join  Pszwaro at the Art Colony Nov. 16.

In other news, The Big Lake, founded by Abby Tofte, was just named the Best Gift Shop in Minnesota in a Reader’s Choice survey for Lake Time Magazine.

Abbey Tofte’s shop, The Big Lake, was chosen as the Best Gift Shop in Minnesota in the Lake Time Magazine’s recent reader survey.

Betsy Bowen was recently featured in an article in the Minneapolis Star  Tribune entitled “Witnessing the Natural World Fuels Grand Marais Artist’s Work.”

Betsy Bowen in her Grand Marais studio.

Read the article here.

Music:

Thursday, Nov. 8:

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

Friday, Nov. 9:

• Joe Paulik, Voyageur Brewing, 4 p.m.
• Portage, Grandma Rays, 6 p.m.
• Tony Peterson and Colleen Myhre, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.
• Mysterious Ways, Grandma Ray’s, 8 p.m.
• Common Ground, Wunderbar, 8 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 10:

• Gordon Thorne, Lutsen Resort, 7 p.m.
• Tony Peterson and Colleen Myhre, Gun Flint Tavern, 8 p.m.
• Timmy Haus, Wunderbar, 8 p.m.
• Circuit Breakers, Grandma Ray’s, 8 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 11:

• Briand Morrison, Moguls Grille, 10 a.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 13:

• Eric Frost, Lutsen Resort, 6 p.m.

Photographs:

Here are some of the great photos we found this week:

Wildlife:

Golden eagle migrating through Hawk Ridge, Duluth by John R. Kelsey.

A rare cinnamon ruffed grouse by Paul Sundberg.

Bald Eagle with lunch by Matt Herberg.

My first otter by Jon Wood.

Sculpture has many purposes. Shelter is just one, by Marcia Hyatt.

Grouse by Sarah Hamilton.

Landscapes, Skyscapes and Waterscapes:

Sky over Lake Superior by Mary Lou Williams.

Morning Sunrise by Jan Swart.

This weekend at Split Rock Lighthouse by Matt Pastick.

Lake. Superior Sea Stack by Dan Dorland.

And leaves:

Frosty oak leaf by Charmaine Wistad.

And finally, a ghost ship:

A ghost ship in Two Harbors by Matthew Pastick.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

BTW: We are taking donations to help keep this blog a vital part of your art news source. Click below for more info.

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!