Art in February

Welcome to February! There are so many fun-filled art events this month to explore, including a free guest artist lecture in Two Harbors! Be sure to check out the On View section at the bottom of this post for ongoing gallery shows that opened last month, which did not make it into my January post. Fortunately, the artists' work is still On View.

 And, a huge thank you to Brian Barber of Perfect Duluth Day for featuring my artwork this past month: Perfect Duluth Day Selective Focus: Esther Piszczek

 Here's a quick peek at what I'm doing and where I'll be this month, as well as a reminder of upcoming deadlines:

Mondays; February 4-March 4, 2019 (4 weeks; No class 2/18), 6-8:30 p.m. 
z e n t a n g l e  (R) Pattern Drawing with Esther Piszczek, certified z e n t a n g l e teacher, Ordean East Middle School, 2900 E. 4th Street

Wednesday, February 6, 6:30-9 p.m.
Zentangle (R) & Wine with Esther Piszczek, CZT, Master Framing Gallery, 1431 London Road

 Friday, February 22, 5-8 p.m.
Duluth Fine Pianos, 331 W. Superior Street (next to Starbucks!)
Ryan Frane & Friends, a Jazz ensemble, will play from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Downtown Duluth Arts Walk Google Maps

February 4: Deadline to register for the following art class!
Beginning Watercolor Retreat with Sue Brown Chapin, Historic Scott House, 1321 County Road 4
Saturday, February 23 & Sunday, February 24 (Session A)
Monday, February 25 & Tuesday, February 26 (Session B)
Day 1: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Day 2: 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

 Details on all of these events, and more, below!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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.
Friday, February 1, 7-9 p.m.
Wild: Paintings by Alexa Carson and photography by Riah Beth, Duluth Folk School, 1917 W. Superior Street"This collaborative exhibit shows two perspectives on the raw perfection of nature. Enjoy live music by Sonja Bjordahl (of Feeding Leroy), a complimentary glass of wine and hors d’oeuvres and learn more about the Sax-Zim Bog. A portion of sales completed during the reception will be donated to Friends of Sax-Zim Bog."

Saturday, February 2, 1-3 p.m.
Intersections: Family Day with Alison Aune and Wendy Savage, Tweed Museum of Art, 1201 Ordean Court
"The Tweed Museum of Art invites families to meet and make art with Alison Aune and Wendy Savage, both seasoned art educators. This is the first Family Day developed in conjunction with Intersections, an exhibition of contemporary Native art by Minnesota-based artists. Families will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of art activities throughout the museum, which are all based on works by artists on display in the exhibition. For example, participants may be interested in creating recycled toy sculptures, practice quill straw weaving, create a watercolor and more. Light refreshments will be served after the event. The next Family Day is scheduled for July 13."

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

Mondays, February 4, 11, 18, 25, 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, February 5, 12, 19, 26, 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, February 5, 6:30-8 p.m.
Tweevening: Out of the Shadows: Annie Traquair Lang & Helen M. Turner, Court Gallery, Tweed Museum of Art, 1201 Ordean Court
Dr. Jennifer Webb is offering a Tweevening art talk. While women and children are the subjects of many of the genre scenes in the Tweed Museum of Art exhibition, Quiet Simplicity, also on view are paintings by two women artists, Helen M. Turner and Annie Traquair Lang. These women, the focus of the Tweevening, were highly praised in their lifetimes but have since received little scholarly attention. Their contributions to American painting are overshadowed by their connection with their teacher, mentor, and travel companion, William Merritt Chase, a leader in American Impressionism. Free and open to the public."


Wednesday, February 6, 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Zentangle (R) & Wine with Esther Piszczek, CZT, Master 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.

Wednesday, February 6, 7-9 p.m.
Adam Swanson Opening Reception, Pizza Luce, 11 E. Superior Street
Acrylic Painter Adam Swanson presents 35 paintings, comprised of mostly new work.

Wednesday, February 6, 7:30-9 p.m.
Life House Youth Variety Show, Teatro Zuccone, 222 E. Superior Street
"An evening of entertainment celebrating the talents of young local artists, musicians, dancers, poets and much more. Free admission; donations accepted."

Thursday, February 7, 21, 4-7 p.m.
Winter Farmer's Market, Duluth Folk School, 1917 W. Superior Street
"Community Action Duluth’s Seeds of Success program is partnering with the Duluth Folk School to host the Lincoln Park Winter Farmer’s Market. Come down on the first and third Thursday of the month, from November through March!"

Saturday, February 9, 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, February 9, 2-4 p.m.
Valentine's Day Crafts for Kids, Green Room, Main Library, Duluth Public Library, 520 W. Superior Street
"Get ready for Valentine's Day! Drop in anytime between 2 - 4 pm to create your own valentines! Make a valentine for a veteran or for a friend. For children in Kindergarten through 5th grade. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult."

Saturday, February 9, 5-9 p.m.
Selling Artwork Online Workshop, Zeitgeist Cafe, Private Board Dining Room, 222 E. Superior Street
A primer for anyone wanting to sell artwork online. ​In this workshop you will learn what it takes to start or improve your selling online. See link for a list of topics covered. Zeitgeist will validate 3 hours of your parking in the Sheraton Lot. Bring a sample your artwork, under 24". Cost: $200. Contact Tony Ferguson ASAP if you would like to attend. FB Page

 Sunday, February 10, 4-6 p.m.
Sarah Brokke: Sacred Selves Exhibition Opening, Duluth Pottery, 1924 W. Superior Street
"Painter Sarah M. Brokke shows her new work. On view: February 10-March 31."

Sunday, February 10, 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, February 11, 9-10:30 a.m.
"The Center for Spirituality and Enrichment invites members of the public to share coffee or tea and conversation with Sister Sarah O’Malley. Sister O’Malley has authored 12 books on pastoral topics and has given many retreats both in Phoenix and Duluth on a wide variety of topics. Freewill offerings will be accepted. To register for the event visit retreatduluth.org.

Thursday, February 14, 3-4 p.m.
Crafternoons for Kids, Blue Room, Mount Royal Branch Library, 105 Mount Royal Shopping Circle
"Drop in for a fun make-and-take craft project. No experience or sign-up required. Age Group(s): Preschool, Kids, Tweens"

 Thursday, February 14, 5-7 p.m.
Bring Her Home: Stolen Daughters of Turtle Island, Duluth Art Institute, The Depot, 506 W. Michigan Avenue
"All My Relations Arts and its partners present art by Indigenous artists residing on Turtle Island.This traveling exhibit highlights the ongoing epidemic of missing and murdered indigenous women. Featuring work from Shan Goshorn, Luzene Hill, Laura Youngbird, Kayeri Akweks, Hillary Kempenich, Chholing Taha, Cara Romero and more."

Thursday, February 14, 5:30 p.m.
Valentine's Day Soiree 2019, Gresolon Ballroom, 231 E. Superior Street
Join Lyric Opera of the North for it's biggest fundraiser of the year. Always a delightful evening filled with good food, lovely voices, and a few surprises. Free Valet Parking.
5:30 p.m. – Hors d’oeuvres / Cash Bar6:30 p.m. – Dinner and Music$100/person ($50 tax deductible) (click on link above to see dinner choices)

 Friday, February 15, 5:30-8 p.m.
9th Annual Love Your Local Artist, Superior Public Library, 1530 Tower Avenue
"This annual fundraiser celebrates local art, live music, libraries, and community. Peruse the tables and meet local artists while purchasing their work. Support the library through the Adopt-a-Book sale and the silent auction. Enjoy wine and refreshments, all while supporting your local library. This after-hours event is free to attend and open to the public."

Friday, February 15, 6-8 p.m.
Free Mixed Media Techniques Art Lecture with Bonnie Cutts, Two Harbors Community Center, 417 South Avenue, Two Harbors
"Minnesota artist Bonnie Cutts is a graduate of the University of Minnesota where she received her B.F.A. in drawing and painting. She has been exhibiting her work professionally since 1981, in both solo and group shows. Her drawings and paintings are included in numerous corporate and private collections around the country. Event sponsored by Voyageur Artists. *No charge, but RSVP is required: email Sandi at authenticartist@sandipilsbury.com"

Friday, February 15, 7-8:30 p.m.
Adult Story Time, Zenith Bookstore, 318 N. Central Avenue
"Zenith Bookstore staff and friends read short stories, poems and book excerpts. There will be wine, chocolate and comfy chairs."

Saturday, February 16, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Douglas County Historical Craft Fair, Douglas County Historical Society, 1101 John Avenue, Superior, WI
"New Monthly Event at DCHS! Visit the fair and receive free admission to our museum that day. For more information email dchs@douglashistory.org. Next fair: March 16."

Saturday, February 16, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Free Family Art Day, Duluth Art Institute at Lincoln Park, 2229 W. 2nd Street
"People of all ages and artistic abilities can create make-and-take art projects."

Acrylic Painting Workshops with Guest Artist Bonnie Cutts
$110 per workshop (or become a member of Voyageur Artists and pay $75 per workshop)
RSVP to authenticartist@sandipilsbury.com (see class descriptions below)

Saturday, February 16, 9:30-4 p.m., Two Harbors Community Center, 417 South Avenue, Two Harbors
"Loose, Lush Landscapes: Approach landscape painting using personal photos for subject matter, and see what fun adding lots of color and texture can be! You will learn to add texture with gels and figure out which gel best suits you as you create little paintings packed with emotion. The focus of the class will be on capturing larger shapes rather than details as you simplify the landscape images. You will be encouraged to work quickly with big brush strokes or swiftly apply paint with a palette knife. Each student will finish several small paintings during the class, all with a different feel depending on the acrylic materials used. All levels of painting experience are welcome."

Sunday, February 17, 9:30-4 p.m., Two Harbors Community Center, 417 South Avenue, Two Harbors
"Encaustic Effects With Acrylics: Learn to create the wax like look of encaustic painting with the durability of acrylics. Mimic the soft, luminous effects of beeswax by applying multiple layers of acrylic paints and gels layer upon layer. Cut and bury paper images and stenciled patterns deep below the surface and create lovely soft translucent layers over them. Become familiar with encaustic-like wax formulas, explore a variety of applications and create a whole new feeling in your artwork. Open to all levels of painting experience."

Friday, February 22, 5-8 p.m.
Jazz@DFP with Ryan Frane & Friends, a Jazz ensemble (5:30-7:30 p.m.), Duluth Fine Pianos, 331 W. Superior Street (next to Starbucks!)
Musicians: Ryan Frane, piano; Matt Mobley, bass; Dave Schmalenberger, drums
.
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 some music, see the art, or just say hi! Downtown Duluth Arts Walk Google Map

Saturday, February 23, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Winter in the West Artisan Market @ Bailey Builds, 58th Avenue W. and Grand Avenue
"Enjoy the beautiful winter season in the thriving community of West Duluth! It's where community comes together. We shop and support 25+ local makers. We stand around the fire, and warm our hearts and hands while enjoying a delicious, free, hot donut. Oh, and let's not forget about the cuddly critters by Cooks Country Connection!"

Saturday, February 23, 1-3 p.m.
Craft Make & Take, Youth Services Area, Main Library, Duluth Public Library, 520 W. Superior Street
"Come and do a make and take craft in Youth Services. Age Group(s): Preschool, Kids"

Saturday, February 23 & Sunday, February 24 (Session A)
Monday, February 25 & Tuesday, February 26 (Session B)
Beginning Watercolor Retreat with Sue Brown Chapin, Historic Scott House, 1321 County Road 4
Day 1: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Day 2: 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
"This Retreat is perfect for folks who have never painted before, or folks who would like a “refresher” course. If you have watercolor painting supplies already you can certainly use those. If you don’t, Sue will provide those for your use during the class. Any other supplies needed are common household-type items; see supply list. Have questions? e-mail: suebrownchapin@gmail.com or call (218) 565-2359 for more information." Registration Deadline: February 4


 Art on View:
January 24-February 24
Annual Member Show, Duluth Art Institute, The Depot Great Hall, 506 W. Michigan Street
"From seasoned artists to first time exhibitors this annual show is a celebration of our community’s expressive self and artistic diversity. Expect a rich and personal collection of work created by members over this past year; from paintings to printmaking to ceramics, fiber, photography and more."

January 21-February 28
Patricia Lenz, Solitude, Zeitgeist Arts Cafe, 222 E. Superior Street
"Artist Statement (partial):  I think everything is collage. Mine are based on years of collecting and combining images and materials. My collage prints are composed in photoshop, then printed on archival watercolor paper using giclee’ process inks. I use chalk pastels, ink, and gel mediums to add to the work after I have printed."

January 28-February 28
Carla Hamilton, Kool Aid, Zeitgeist Arts Atrium, 222 E. Superior Street
"Artist Statement (partial): During her 18 years in Stuttgart, Germany, Hamilton observed the complex history and culture of Germany through her experiences growing up in Wrenshall, MN. This intersection allows Carla’s art to accentuate the projection of humans in a desocialized state. She explores themes of identity, race, and nationality, showing how representations throughout history continue to perpetuate falsehoods and misconceptions."

January 24-March 31
Arrowhead Regional Biennial Exhibition, Duluth Art Institute, The Depot, 506 W. Michigan Street 
"The 62nd Arrowhead Regional Biennial features juried art work from the Upper Midwest produced within the past five years. Artists in the 62nd Arrowhead Regional Biennial are Andrew Amundsen, Shelley Breitzmann, Patricia Canelake, Soojin Choi, Richard Colburn, Wynn Davis, Matt Drissell, Lisa Gordillo, Richard Johnson, Stefanie Kiihn, Jennica Kruse, Araela Kumaraea, Dale Lucas, Eric Mueller, Karen Nease, Cathryn Peters, Kip Praslowicz, Robb Quisling, Thomas Rauschenfels, Wendy Rouse, Juliane Shibata, Larry Turbes, Yuta Uchida, John Ulrich, Kimberlee Whaley, and Joshua Wilichowski."

January 2-March 5
Ray Allard: Jazz Forest, Corridor Gallery, Duluth Art Institute, The Depot, 506 W. Michigan Street
"Ray Allard’s improvisational mark making embraces the moment, recording a response to his environment; capturing movement and purpose. Allard’s prints and drawings reflect energy and emotion, carrying musical undertones as he takes the viewer on a walk in the Jazz Forest."

 January 17-May 5
Vern Northrup: Akinomaage, George Morrison Gallery, Duluth Art Institute, The Depot, 506 W. Michigan Street
"Vern Northrup honors the land’s ability to act as a story teller, using his photography as an interpreter to communicate what is effectively described in Ojibwe as Akinomaage - to gain knowledge from the Earth." Artist Talk: March 6, 6 p.m.

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."

Dec. 4-August 2019
Tweevening: Native American Art with Wendy Savage, Tweed Museum of Art, University of Minnesota Duluth Campus, 1201 Ordean Court


Creative Education Class Opportunities in the Twin Ports!
Featured Class: 
Sunday, February 10, 11 a.m.
Basic Stained-Glass Class, Duluth Maker Space, 3001 W. Superior Street
"Learn the basic techniques of cutting glass and using copper foil and solder. By the end of this class, students will have constructed a stained-glass heart. If time allows, students may make additional hearts for an additional fee of $8 per heart."

Learn a Tangle! 
Heartline created by Australian tangler Helen Williams, is lovely continuous line tangle that looks far more complicated than it is. If you can draw a heart, any heart, you can draw Heartline. Try it in a grid to give yourself some guidelines to begin. Click the link to follow Helen'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. You can learn how to draw this tangle on Linda Farmer's, CZT, blog at tanglepatterns.com.

 **  And a quick note for all you tanglers out there. Linda Farmer, CZT, recently released her 2019 Tangle Patterns Guide that compiles all of the tangles to-date on the site in one handy downloadable, printable, bind-able e-book. Click the link for more information.

Book & Film
Patterned Peace, by Esther Piszczek, CZT, published by Whole Person Associates, Duluth. Available on Amazon.com, at The Bookstore at Fitger's, Zenith 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 News, E.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 all others who contribute to this list.