Art in December!

December is bursting! Here's a quick peek at what I'm doing and where I'll be this month:

December 5-January 2Art on View
Esther Piszczek: Patterns, Superior Public Library, 1530 Tower Avenue
I'm drawing on the display window and can't wait to get started!

Saturday, December 15, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Down Home Creators Holiday Sale, 4042 Sandberg Road, Solway MN
This is my only sale this season!


Friday, December 21, 5-8 p.m.
Jazz@DFP featuring pianist Sam Chandler (5:30-7:30 p.m.), Duluth Fine Pianos, 331 W. Superior Street (next to Starbucks!)

Details on all of these events, and more, below! May your December be merry and bright!

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All events, including my classes, are listed in chronological order, click on colored text throughout to link to more information. Visit the Creative Education Opportunities page to find classes to explore and the Reoccurring Events page for events that happen routinely.

November 29, 6-7:30 p.m.
Artist TalkNik Nerburn: Nik Nerburn is a Camera, The Duluth Art Institute, Corridor Gallery, The Depot, 506 Michigan Street 
"Nik Nerburn’s exhibition features images pulled from two bodies of work produced regionally and presented as a work in progress. Nerburn’s practice is tied to early photographic traditions of the photographer as an earnest and well-intentioned record keeper of social events, places, and objects.

Friday, November 30, 5-8 p.m.
Jazz @ DFP with Ryan Frane & Friends, Duluth Fine Pianos, 331 W. Superior Street (next to Starbucks!)
Duluth Fine Pianos is participating in the Downtown Duluth Arts Collective's night of art and entertainment, featuring Downtown Duluth art galleries, eateries, bars and performance venues. Email manager@josephneasegallery.com or call 218-461-8380 for more information. My framed work on paper, glass, mirrors, and clay decorates the walls of Duluth Fine Pianos. Come out to hear the music, see the art, or just say hi! Downtown Duluth Arts Walk Google Map


6-8 p.m. Duluth Fine Pianos hosts Jazz ensemble, Ryan Frane & Friends: Ryan Frane, piano; Matt Mobley, Bass, and Sam Miltich, guitar

Friday, November 30, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Through Our Eyes: Youth Photo Exhibition, Dr. Robert Powless Cultural Center, AICHO, 202 W. 2nd Street
"The 2019 AICHO calendar is released alongside an exhibit honoring the Gimaajii youth whose photography is featured in it. Calendars will be available to purchase. $10 suggested donation. For more information, contact Moira Villiard at moira.aicho@gmail.com."

Friday, November 30, 2-9 p.m.
Saturday, December 1, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Lake Superior College Throw-a-thon, Lake Superior College Fine Arts Building, Ceramics Studio, 2101 Trinity Road
Open Clay Studio time to make bowls for CHUM's Empty Bowl Fundraiser. Bowls will be thrown on Friday and trimmed on Saturday. Clay provided. “We encourage everyone to come in and lend a hand. You don’t have to be experienced in clay to help because there’s plenty to do,” said Isi Grauer, president of the LSC Student Art Club. “We always have a good time and meet interesting people. It’s a great opportunity to volunteer and give back to the community.”

Friday, November 30, 4:30-8 p.m.
Saturday, December 1, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday, December 2, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Julebyen Scandinavian Christmas Village, Knife River Recreation Center, 199 Alger Smith Road, Knife River
"Indoor and outdoor marketplaces will showcase wares of artisans selected by a juried process, including crafts created in Knife River. There will also be bake goods, entertainment in the Gnome Dome, a Writer’s Corner in Troll Village, winter outdoor fun and children’s games including a live nativity and celebration of music on Sunday. The Julebyen Express train will take festival goers to Knife River and back from the Duluth Depot on both Saturday and Sunday. The popular Troll Train will run to Troll Canyon. A 'Julefest' and silent auction take place on Nov. 30." Event Schedule

Saturday, December 1, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Get it Local Art & Gift Fair, Peace Church, 1111 N. 11th Avenue E.
"This fair is an ultra local fair with Duluth and Superior residents. Some of the items are made right around the block. Come shop (and artists, be a part of) at this fair. Local organizations are also a part of this fair. "
Note: Kathleen M. Cargill of Beekeepers Press will be signing her new book:
 Letters From Lucia: A young woman's travels to England as WWII looms

Saturday, December 1, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Creation Craze!, Green Room, Duluth Public Library, 520 W. Superior Street
"Drop in and create at the library! We will have a variety of craft and art supplies for kids to use. A few sample crafts will be available for those that want a project to do or just let your creativity flow. For kids in grades 1-5. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult."

Saturday, December 1, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Christkindlmarket 2018, Broadway Community Gardens, Superior, WI
"The ninth annual Christmas market in Superior features a bonfire, cookies and cider, and craft vendors with items from the Northland and Germany and Santa and his elf Niki. The location is the community garden on the corner of Hammond Avenue and Broadway Street."

Saturday, December, 1, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Sunday, December 2, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Nice Girls of North Holiday Marketplace, Lakeside Lester Park Community Club, 106 N. 54th Avenue East
"Gift items created by local artists, hot chocolate around the campfire, door prizes & featuring Duluth Flower Farm."

Saturday, December, 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday, December 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Duluth Winter Village, Glensheen Mansion Grounds, 3300 London Road
"Join us for a free community event, celebrating local business, seasonal food and beverages, bonfires on the shore and much more. Browse your favorite local shops surrounded by the warmth of the holidays." Free shuttle, parking, & directions


Monday, December 3, 5-7 p.m.
Opening Celebration: Matt Kania, 
DOing a Labor of Love, Paintings of artists and artisans doing what they love, Zeitgeist Arts Atrium, 222 E. Superior Street
A solo exhibition of paintings by artist Matt Kania. Instagram: @mattkania
On view: Dec. 3-Jan. 11.

Mondays, December 3, 10, 17, 5:30 p.m.
Tangling Mondays, Mount Royal Library, 105 Mount Royal Shopping Circle
This group meets in the the old Yarn Harbor space, which was taken over by the library awhile back (on the left when you walk in). It is open to anyone, but primarily focused on pattern drawing. Bring your supplies and something you want to finish or start. No instruction, no fee, no organization. It's wonderful to tangle together, if schedules align, and lovely to tangle alone. If you find yourself alone, no worries, another Monday is right around the corner. Enjoy!

Tuesdays, December 4, 11, 18, 12:30-3 p.m.
Open Studio at the Duluth Depot, 506 W. Michigan Street
The Duluth Art Institute offers a regular Tuesday open art-studio session at the Depot. People of all abilities practicing all artistic mediums are invited to bring their own supplies and join the weekly group. Cost: $5 plus a DAI membership (first session is free).

Tuesday, December 4, 4-6 p.m.
Fresh Foundations, Tweed Museum of Art, University of Minnesota Duluth Campus, 1201 Ordean Court
"An exhibition featuring nearly 60 pieces of UMD freshman art. The exhibit is curated by Art & Design Senior Seminar II students who are learning how to organize an exhibition." On View: Dec. 4-Jan. 9

Tuesday, December 4, 6:30-8 p.m.
Tweevening: Native American Art with Wendy Savage, Tweed Museum of Art, University of Minnesota Duluth Campus, 1201 Ordean Court
"Wendy Savage will talk about the exhibition Intersections, which is a display of contemporary Native American art from the Tweed Museum of Art Collection on view through August 2019."

Thursday, December 6, 1-4 p.m.
First Thursdays Open Studio, Duluth Art Institute Lincoln Park Building, 2229 W. 2nd Street
"Bring your supplies and artistic spirit to the beautiful and inspiring historic Lincoln Building. Connect with other creative people, spending time experimenting with your medium of choice. Each session will include time to create and optional end-of-session group critiques." $5/session + DAI Membership, no registration required, just drop in.

Thursday, December 6, 4-9 p.m.
ART on Tap Holiday Show Pop Up, Fitger's Barrel Room, 600 E. Superior Street
Art vendors from ART on Tap will be at Fitger's!


Thursday, December 6, 7-9 p.m.
CHOICE Unlimited's 8th Annual Evening of the Arts, Lincoln Park Middle School, 3215 W. Third Street
"The event features over 70 artists performing and presenting original music, poetry, art, dance and film. Tickets: $5 at the door."

Friday, December 7, 12-8 p.m.
Holiday Market, Oldenburg House, 604 Chestnut Avenue, Carlton
"Oldenburg House hosts its second annual holiday market, featuring unique holiday gifts made by local artisans, music and Magnolia Cafe holiday goodies. 

"Items for purchase include handmade skin products, paintings, cards, edibles, wood products, baskets, ornaments, candles, jewelry, accessories and more. Attendees are asked to bring a new pair of warm socks or mittens to hang on the gift tree. All donated socks and mittens will be given to Window Victim Services and Visitation Center in Hinckley."

Saturday, December 8, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Nice Girls of the North 2nd Saturday Marketplace, Lakeside Lester Park Community Center (the former Lakeside Library), 106 N. 54th Ave. East 
"Free coffee, cookies, and a friendly atmosphere await while you browse a collection of handcrafted clothing and bags, pottery, jewelry, stained glass, photography, personal care products, baby items and much more. One central checkout, most major credit cards accepted." 

Saturday, December 8, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Get to the Point Local Art & Gift Fair, Lafayette Community Center, 3026 Minnesota Avenue, Park Point
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This is a small local artisan fair in a delightful building. It's Bentleyville lights time at night and craft/art fair shopping by day. Buy local. This fair will surely have great gifts you won't be able to resist.

Saturday, December 8, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Many Rivers Montessori Craft Fair, Many Rivers Montessori Middle School, 110 W. Redwing Street
"This third annual fair includes student and community craft booths, games, chili, s’mores by the fire, and music. Proceeds go toward a pottery kiln and pottery wheels for the Middle School micro-economy business and to support the middle school spring trip." FB Page

Saturday, December 8, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Free Family Art DayDuluth Art Institute at Lincoln Park, 2229 W. 2nd Street
"People of all ages and artistic abilities can create make-and-take art projects. This session will have fall-themed activities."

Saturday, December 8, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Handmade Holiday Market, Lincoln Park Craft District, 1900-2000 Block W. Superior Street
"Over 50 artists and vendors, including: pottery, art, letterpress, sculpture, jewelry, apparel, skincare, furniture, wood, stationery, and more."

Sunday, December 9, 1-3 p.m.
Pick Up Gingerbread House Creations Made at Home, Nordic Center, 1st Floor, 23 N. Lake Ave. 

Sunday, December 9, 7-9 p.m.
Gag Me With A Spoon - A Community Storyshare, Teatro Zuccone, 222 East Superior Street
Adeline Wright hosts this evening of storytelling and open mic journal sharing in the style of the Moth and Mortified podcasts. There will be featured storytellers and a musical guest. Member of the audience are also welcome to sign-up on the night for an 8 minute open mic journal-sharing segment. Suggested Donation: $5 at the door. 

Monday, December 10, 5-7 p.m.
Artists Reception: LSC Student Art Exhibition, Lake Superior College, Main Concourse, next to the LSC Library, 2101 Trinity Road
Over 100 student works on display, including ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, digital graphic design, drawing, painting, and photography.
Art on View
Monday, Dec. 10, 12-9 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 11, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 12, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

Monday, December 10, 5:30 p.m.
Spirit of Duluth: A Taste of Finland: Finnish Themed Dinner and Film, Zeitgeist Arts Cafe, Mezzanine, 222 E. Superior Street
"This event was created in partnership with the Finlandia Foundation Northland Chapter and is curated by Duluthians who are Finnish and Finnish-American, this event is a celebration of Finnish food and culture The menu will include: Rosolli (beet and herring salad), Kalakeitto (fish soup) with Joululimppu (Finnish Christmas bread) and pirakka (Finnish rye pastry with rice filling), Lihapyöryköitä (Finnish meatballs) served with lingonberries, beets, pickles, and mashed potatoes, and, finally, Pannukakku (Finnish oven pancake) served with maple butter and strawberry jam and joulutortut (tart cookies). Space is limited."

Monday, December 10, 7:30 p.m.
Steam of Life (Finnish: Miesten Vuoro), Zeitgeist Teatro, 222 E. Superior Street
"Steam of Life is a Finnish documentary film about male saunas directed by Joonas Berghäll and Mika Hotakainen. It was selected as the Finnish entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 83rd Academy Awards, but it didn't make the final shortlist. It is the first documentary film to represent Finland at the Academy Awards. It was also nominated for "Best Documentary" at the 23rd European Film Awards. Following the film, everyone is invited to join the curators in the Zeitgeist Atrium for coffee, cookies, and a post-film discussion. Space is limited. Ticket reservations for this free film recommended.
Ticketshttp://bit.ly/TasteofFinland 

This event is proudly sponsored by Brenda Denton of Denton Law Office, Cheryl Fosdick of C.F. Design, Minnesota Public Radio and a grant from the Laura Jane Musser Foundation.

Wednesday, December 12, 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Zentangle (R) & WineMaster Framing Gallery, 1431 London Road
Come experience the fun and relaxation of drawing simple, repetitive line patterns with pen and ink and pencil shading. No previous drawing experience necessary. Class Cost: $35; Supplies: $10 (or use supplies provided without additional cost). RSVP to episzczek@gmail.com. Seats are limited.

Friday, December 14, 4-8 p.m.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Potters Artist Reception, Blue Cross Blue Shield Duluth Retail Center, 425 W. Superior Street
"Hor’s d’oeuvres and refreshments will be provided. Please enjoy the reception as you take time to view the fine art throughout our gallery. 
Featured Potters: Michael Maguire, Anne Sturbenz-Duus, Paul Zoldahn, Jennifer Murphy, Maria Brown, Daniel Paulson, and Gail Rosenquist"

Saturday, December 15, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Down Home Creators Holiday Sale, 4042 Sandberg Road, Solway MN
Arts and Crafts by Susie Newman, Esther Piszczek, Theresa Hornstein and Christina Iverson. Plus a warm fire and good cheer. Directions! (scroll down in link)

Saturday, December 15, 2-4 p.m.
Perler Bead Art for Kids, Green Room, Duluth Public Library, 520 W. Superior Street
"For kids K-12. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult."

Thursday, December 20, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
"No matter which holiday you celebrate this time of year, gifts are a part of it! Stop by and make something special to give a loved one."

Friday, December 21, 5-8 p.m.
Jazz@DFP featuring pianist Sam Chandler (5:30-7:30 p.m.), Duluth Fine Pianos, 331 W. Superior Street (next to Starbucks!)

Duluth Fine Pianos is participating in the Downtown Duluth Arts Collective's night of art and entertainment, featuring Downtown Duluth art galleries, eateries, bars and performance venues. Email manager@josephneasegallery.com or call 218-461-8380 for more information. My framed work on paper, glass, mirrors, and clay decorates the walls of Duluth Fine Pianos. Come out to hear the music, see the art, or just say hi! Downtown Duluth Arts Walk Google Map

Friday, December 21, 5-8 p.m.
Holiday Art Open House, Tight Squeek Press, above Pineapple Arts, 128 W. 1st Street
"Hands on letterpress printing with Jon, Nordic ornaments by Alison Aune, and colorful textiles by Kirsten are for sale." Find more information HERE!

Save the Date!
Mondays; February 4-March 4, 2019 (4 weeks; No class 2/18), 6-8:30 p.m., with Esther Piszczek, certified z e n t a n g l e teacher
z e n t a n g l e  (R) Pattern Drawing, Ordean East Middle School, 2900 E. 4th Street
Anyone can create beautiful, intricate line patterns “one stroke at a time” using the Zentangle method of pattern drawing. New patterns will be taught each class as we create beautiful art on 3.5" x 3.5" paper tiles using pen and ink. No previous drawing experience necessary. Relaxation is a common side effect. See www.zentangle.com for more information. Bring supply fee of $20 to class. Class Cost: $45; Register online HERE or contact Julie Gandt, Coordinator, at 218-336-8760 x 1 or email: Julie.Gandt@isd709.org



Art on View:
December 5-January 2
Esther Piszczek: Patterns, Superior Public Library, 1530 Tower Avenue
Certified Zentangle (R) Teacher and pattern Artist Esther Piszczek is the Superior Public Library's Artist of the Month. View her work in the entryway art display case and both display cases in the library's old entrance, by the meeting spaces and bathrooms. Her exhibit features framed work, pottery, fabric, and a hand-drawn mural on glass.

September 13 - December 2
Nik Nerburn: Nik Nerburn is a Camera, The Duluth Art Institute, Corridor Gallery, The Depot, 506 Michigan Street 
"Nik Nerburn’s exhibition features images pulled from two bodies of work produced regionally and presented as a work in progress. Nerburn’s practice is tied to early photographic traditions of the photographer as an earnest and well-intentioned record keeper of social events, places, and objects. Artist TalkNovember 29, 6-7:30 p.m.

October-December 2
Scott Checkalski Art Exhibit, Pizza Luce, 11 E. Superior Street

October 2018-August 2019
Intersections, Tweed Museum of Art, University of Minnesota Duluth Campus, 1201 Ordean Court
"A new exhibition derived from the Museum’s collection, features a selection of contemporary artworks by 19 Minnesota-based Native artists, including George Morrison, Jim Denomie, Patrick DesJarlait, Carl Gawboy, Dyani White Hawk, and Andrea Carlson, among others whose artworks have continued to influence each other in recent decades. The exhibition is organized in consultation with Anishinaabe artist Jim Denomie and includes Manifest'o, a multi-media installation by Jonathan Thunder." Artist TalkTuesday, December 4, 6:30-8 p.m., Tweevening: Native American Art with Wendy Savage.

November 8 - December 30
Patrick Luber: Exceptionally Ordinary, George Morrison Gallery, Duluth Art Institute, The Depot, 506 Michigan Street
"Patrick Luber’s art making practices participate in, and extend historic artistic traditions between art and religion, yet does so through a visual language which reflects the complex relationship between spiritual beliefs and contemporary culture."

November 8 - December 30
Darren Houser: Real-UnrealJohn Steffl Gallery, Duluth Art Institute, The Depot, 506 Michigan Street
"Darren Houser strives to create disorienting visuals with esoteric content. These surreal images display the subconscious mind and ask the metaphysical question: 'What is real?'" 

October 25, 2018-January 6, 2019
Anne Labovitz's 122 Conversations: Person to Person/Art Beyond BordersTweed Museum of Art, 1201 Ordean Court
UMD "Labovitz envisioned a multi-city, multi-year interpersonal project with Duluth Sister Cities as a catalyst for positive social change. The exhibition is the culmination of a six-year initiative by the Duluth-born, Twin Cities-based artist to unite countries, cultures and communities."


Creative Education Class Opportunities in the Twin Ports!
Featured ClassThursday, December 13, 6 p.m. 
Rock Engraving Class, Duluth Maker Space, 3001 W. Superior Street
"Participants in this one-and-a-half-hour class will be taught to engrave a rock with a small artwork or text. A 40-watt laser and mini-rock bed will be used to engrave a small, mostly flat, 3-by-2-inch rock. A 2-by-1-inch engrave area is optimal. Students can bring a rock or use a provided one."
Click here to find more "Creative Education Opportunities" in the Twin Ports!

Learn a Tangle! 
A-dalfa created by CZT Bunny Wright of Onshawa, Ontario, is a lovely band tangle. Click the link to follow Bunny's simple instructions and learn how to draw this tangle line-by-line. Add some simple shading or a touch of color and use it to decorate envelopes, birthday cards, and bills. This one is perfect for decorating the edges of Christmas card envelopes! You can learn how to draw this tangle on Linda Farmer's, CZT, blog at tanglepatterns.com.


Book & Film
Patterned Peace, by Esther Piszczek, CZT, published by Whole Person Associates, Duluth. Available on Amazon.com, at The Bookstore at Fitger'sZenith Bookstore (next to Beaner's Central in West Duluth), and Duluth Fine Pianos. Original, hand-drawn artwork ready to color. Includes full pattern index.

Life & Art Entangled, a 17 minute art documentary created by Lola Visuals featuring Zentangle (R) inspired artwork on a piano created by fine-line pattern artist Esther Piszczek, CZT, and the improvisational jazz piano music of Peter Brown. Life & Art Entangled debuted at the 2016 Duluth Superior Film Festival. Watch at YouTube.com.


Places to find my art in the Twin Ports:

Zenith NewsE.P. Designs, is a semi-regular Zentangle (R) inspired art feature in this newspaper, which can be found at various public locations around the Twin Ports and online.

Where to find more local art events and profiles: Ed Newman's blog: Ennyman's Territory.

Connect with me on Facebook and stay updated on my classes/events, HERE!

Thank you to Ed Newman, Perfect Duluth Day, and others for their contributions to this list.