Art in June!

This month brings multiple artist receptions, including Sue Rauschenfels' opening at Pizza Luce on June 12, CHUM's annual Rhubarb Festival, the Park Point Art Fair, and an Opera! I've also added a separate page to this blog listing area Farmer's Markets, most open through October! Happy June everyone!

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

Mondays, June 10 & 17, 5:30-8 p.m.
Tangled and Folded: Zentangle (R) Pattern Drawing Meets Origami, Esther Piszczek, CZT, Ordean East Middle School, 2900 E. 4th Street

Wednesday, June 12, 6:30-9 p.m.
Zentangle (R) & Wine with Esther Piszczek, CZT, Master Framing Gallery, 1431 London Road

Friday, June 28, 5-8 p.m.
Downtown Duluth Arts WalkDuluth Fine Pianos, 331 W. Superior Street (next to Starbucks!) Downtown Duluth Arts Walk Google Maps
Music6-8 p.m. Ryan Frane on piano, Matt Mobley on bass, and Sam Miltich on guitar
[NOTE: I will be dancing this evening (see below), and will attend the DDAW 5-6:30 p.m.]

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

Special Dance Section!
Saturday, June 8, 11:30-1:30 p.m.
Saturday Sampler: free trial classes for pre-teens through adult, School of the Minnesota Ballet, Duluth Depot Studio, 506 W. Michigan Street

11:30 – 12:00 Ballet Technique (age 11–adult)
12:00 – 12:30 Beginning Tap (age 10-adult)
12:30 – 1:00 Jazz (age 12–adult)
  1:00 – 1:30 Modern (age 12–adult)


A wonderful opportunity to try something new. No need to register. Wear comfortable clothing. 
For more info: 281-529-3742; for sampler classes for younger students, go HERE. [Note: I am looking forward to trying all 4 classes!]

Friday, June 28 - Sunday, June 30, 2019
Yoga Dance Immersion Weekend with Jurian Hughes, Stacy's Studio of Dance Education, 819 N. 18th Avenue E."Through guided and free expressive dance, meditation in motion, relaxation, discussion, lecture and journaling, you will experience ecstatic movement, deep stillness, and the power of your energy — for a blissful body, joyous heart, and a steady and quiet mind. Space is limited. Watch a short video and register HERE." [Note: I am registered and am so very happy to say that this weekend dance experience will happen. There is still room to register! Come dance with me?]
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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.

Mondays, June 3, 10, 17, 24, 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, June 4, 11, 18, 25, 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, June 4, 5-8 p.m.
Three Opening Art Receptions, Duluth Art Institute, 506 W. Michigan Street

Allen Killian-Moore: I Am What's Wrong With The World, George Morrison Gallery
"Allen Killian-Moore is a moving image film and video artist, writer, and interdisciplinary performer. His work explores coexistence in many forms—individual and collective, social and political, life and death. The film and video pieces in this exhibition wrestle with the effects of power in our world while poetically exploring civilization, homelessness, ecology, urban blight, our human impulse to create, and the search for self-understanding in contemporary society." On View: May 23-August 11

Popular Opinions: A Cultural Discussion, Corridor Gallery
"As a culmination of their internships, Rachel Feigal, Megan Finegan, Chieze Kaip, and Sierra Lundmark developed this exhibition from start to finish. Join us to celebrate the DAI interns' first curated exhibition. This exhibition will feature artists whose work intrigue thought and comment on the world around them. Interpretations of popular culture, the political climate, and everyday environments will be central themes. Concepts will range from icons and figures to consumerism and capitalism." On View: May 30-July 31

Strata, John Steffl Gallery
"Artists Susanna Gaunt, Russell Prather, Natalie Salminen Rude, and Juliane Shibata return to the DAI John Steffl Gallery, challenged to create new sculptural work inspired by one word: strata. Individually, they record the succession of time, nature, and experiences. Collectively, they offer stratified sculptures for the viewer to explore, revealing layers within the work as well as ourselves." On View: May 8-August 11


Thursday, June 6, 5-7 p.m.
Color, Duluth Pottery, 1924 W. Superior Street
"The exhibit Color features works by artists of the Lake Superior Watercolor Society. Duluth Pottery hours: Tues.-Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. or by appointment: 218-606-1120." On View: June 6-July 27

Friday, June 7, 6-8 p.m.
Opening Reception: Vintage Bikes and Bike Art, Duluth Folk School, 1917 W. Superior Street
"From the classic banana seat to steel road racers; from custom cruisers to tandem bikes, and even bikes from the turn of the last century. Visit Duluth Folk School for vintage bikes, bicycle art, and more! Music and hors d'oeuvres." On View: June-July


Saturday, June 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." 

Sunday, June 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. Cost: $5 at the door."
Listen to previous Gag Me With A Spoon podcasts.

Mondays, June 10 & 17, 5:30-8 p.m.

Tangled and Folded: Zentangle (R) Pattern Drawing Meets OrigamiEsther Piszczek, CZT, Ordean East Middle School, 2900 E. 4th Street
In the first class of this two class series, we will draw patterns on a 3.5" square paper tile using pen, ink, and pencil shading. I will then use basic graphic design to turn your tile into a seamless repeat and print it creating your very own custom origami paper. In the second class, we will fold the paper into pretty origami flowers or stars and create lovely, unique origami adornments. No previous experience necessary.

Class Limit: 10; Class Cost: $35; Supply cost: $5; Registration: online HERE; or call Julie Gandt at 336-8760 x 1 or email her at  julie.gandt@isd709.org  NOTE: if you have any trouble registering for this class, please let me know. Thank you!

Wednesday, 
June 12, 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, June 12, 7-9 p.m.
Artist Reception:Sue Rauschenfels, Pizza Luce, 11 E. Superior Street
"Join local artist and painter Sue Rauschenfels as she presents new work on the walls of Pizza Luce." On View: June 3-July 1

Thursday, June 13, 4-7 p.m.
Lincoln Park Farmer's Market Summer Celebration, Harrison Community Center, 3002 W. 3rd Street
The Lincoln Park Farmers Market runs June 13-October 3. See the Farmer's Market page on this blog for a list of other area markets.

Friday, June 14, 5-8 p.m.
Opening Reception: Hus Design, Nordic Center, 23 N. Lake Avenue
"An intimate exhibition brought together by a small group of artists and woodworkers making art and functional ware for the home. We share a love for Scandinavian design, good craftsmanship, our connection to Lake Superior and its ever changing landscapes. Textiles by Kirsten Aune, encaustic paintings by Scott Scheirbeck, furniture by Gordon Manary and Sue French. This event is supported by the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council.
This exhibit is open to the public Saturdays and Sundays in June from 1 to 4 p.m., and by special appointment." Closing Reception: Friday, June 28, 5-8 p.m.; On View: June 14-June 29

Friday, June 14, 5-8 p.m.
Amber Darling Artist Reception, Blue Cross Blue Shield Duluth Retail Center, 425 W. Superior Street
Join painter and local artist Amber Darling for her opening reception. Light refreshments will be served.

Friday, June 14, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 16, 3:00 p.m.

Lyric Opera of the North presents L’elisir d’amore (The Elixir of Love), a comic opera in two acts by Italian composer Gaetano Donizetti, Marshall Performing Arts Center, 1215 Ordean Court
"Synopsis: Nemorino is hopelessly in love with wealthy and beautiful Adina. Adina won’t give Nemorino the time of day, however, and allows the preposterously charming army sergeant Belcore to woo her. When Nemorino is about to lose his loved one, Dr. Dulcamara, a traveling snake oil salesman, provides him with a “love potion” which, although it is nothing more than cheap wine, helps save the day.

Starring: Gennard Lombardozzi, Sarah Lawrence, Lee Gregory, Rod Nelman and Jennifer LeDoux. Conducted by Dirk Meyer, with stage direction by Bradley Greenwald.

The show is sung in Italian with English super titles. Tickets are $37, $47 and $57. Student tickets $12 with current I.D. All seats reserved. Tickets and information are available at loonopera.org or by calling 218-464-0922."


Tuesday, June 18, 2-5 p.m.
Hillside Farmer's Market Summer Celebration, Gloria Dei & Essentia Health Parking Lot, 3rd Street & 5th Avenue E.
The Hillside Farmers Market runs June 18-October 1. See the Farmer's Market page on this blog for a list of other area markets.

Wednesday, June 19, 6-8 p.m.
Breaking Free Opening Reception with artist Ivy Vainio, Zeitgeist Atrium, 222 E. Superior Street
"Breaking Free features racially diverse womxn from the Twin Ports and Indigenous Nations in Minnesota. Ten womxn share their story of resistance, activism, cultural upbringing, and the beauty, power, and challenges that come from being a racially diverse womxn in Minnesota through written narratives accompanying the photographs. Vainio’s work is currently being featured as part of Zeitgeist’s Year of the Womxn- a 12-month series of programming that highlights women’s stories, perspectives, and experiences while showcasing that women can, and do, hold positions of power, leadership, and influence across our community. FB Event Page On View: through June 30

Saturday, June 20, 2-3 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"


Tuesday, June 25, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Creative Crosswalk Painting with Moira Villiard, near Myers-Wilkins Elementary School, 8th Avenue E. & 10th Street
"The Hillside streets will become safer and more colorful this summer when local artist, Moira Villiard, in partnership with Zeitgeist and local residents, creates four creative crosswalks at currently dangerous intersections. The crosswalks and intersections will be painted to attract more attention to crosswalks and the people using them, promoting pedestrian and bicycle safety by slowing traffic in the residential area, while also highlighting neighborhood culture and identity through public art. Zeitgeist will lead community engagement efforts to allow residents to influence the design of the murals that they will be walking, biking, and driving through daily. Neighbors are encouraged to come out to help paint the design." For more information, contact Shawna Mullen, Zeitgeist Active Transportation Coordinator. 218-929-1908.; Shawna@Zeitgeistarts.com

Friday, June 28, 5-8 p.m. (One Year Anniversary Tour!!)
Downtown Duluth Arts Walk, Duluth Fine Pianos, 331 W. Superior Street (next to Starbucks!)
Music: 6-8 p.m. Ryan Frane on piano, Matt Mobley on bass, and Sam Miltich on guitar
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! 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. Downtown Duluth Arts Walk Google Map  [NOTE: I will attend the DDAW 5-6:30 p.m.]

Friday, June 28, 6-8 p.m.
Mathew Kluber Opening Reception: Friday, I’m in Love, Joseph Nease Gallery, 23 W. 1st Street
"Matthew Kluber’s new show includes new and recent work and features three large-scale paintings with computer projections. Several new, smaller-scale paintings and works on paper will also be shown. Kluber has long been interested in the color-field painters and the light and space artists from the 1960s and 1970s. His paintings are carefully-striped colored lines and bars on thin aluminum supports."

Friday, June 28, 7-11 p.m.
Free Range Film Festival 2019, Free Range Film Barn, 909 Country Road Farm, Wrenshall
"The 16th annual Free Range Film Festival provides a forum for filmmakers, film lovers, barn enthusiasts and country-living aficionados. This year’s Free Range Film Festival has a theme: competition. The festival runs for two days and each screening holds a contest film. Friday night features a movie about creative dog-grooming competitions (think fur dye and rhinestones), Saturday afternoon, the festival showcases model-airplane contests in salt mines in Romania and Saturday evening, there will be a documentary about celebrity death pools."


Saturday, June 29, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Chum Rhubarb Festival, London Road at 11th Avenue E.
"Chum’s 15th annual Rhubarb Festival promises lots of rhubarb — including hundreds of pies, muffins and crisps, as well as rhubarb brats and burritos. There will also be live music, games, crafts, auctions and stage shows."

Saturday, June 29, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Zenith Bookstore's 2nd Anniversary Celebration, Zenith Bookstore, 318 N. Central Avenue
"On July 1, Zenith Bookstore is two years old. To celebrate, they are having two days of sales, giveaways and prizes to say thank you to their customers and community for “all of their love and support over these two amazing years.

During the anniversary weekend: (
Winners for all raffles will be announced on July 1)
* Wish Zenith Bookstore a “Happy Anniversary” in the store to get $2 of store credit (applies to used book purchases)

* The traditional 2nd anniversary gift is “cloth,” so the store is giving 20% off on all Zenith book bags and shirts (including their new raglans)

* Cake and Cookies all day

* Raffling of 2 prizes (get tickets in the store) Prizes include a Duluth watercolor artist Samantha Nielsen’s newest print “Duluth Alphabet” or a book tote bag stuffed with ARC’s (advance reader copy books)

* Instagram raffle of two $22 Zenith Bookstore gift certificates

Saturday, June 29, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Superior Artisan Market Pop-up, Hucklebeary, 106 E. Superior Street
"This pop-up market features local makers showcasing their goods in the creative space at Hucklebeary, a gift store in Downtown Duluth."


Saturday, June 29, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sunday, June 30, 12 p.m.-4 p.m.

Sue Brown Chapin Watercolors Gallery on 4th Grand Opening, 47 4th Street, Cloquet
Stop by to see Sue Brown Chapin's new space and register to win a framed original. Following the opening, Gallery on 4th will be open Thursday afternoons, 1-6 p.m., and by appointment.
Directions: Presbyterian Church Building, upper level, door to right of main door, look for sign.

Saturday, June 29, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sunday, June 30, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Park Point Art Fair, Park Point Public Beach House, 5000 Minnesota Avenue
"The annual Park Point Art Fair will feature the juried fine art and craft of more than 120 artists from the upper Midwest and beyond. In addition to the outdoor gallery, there will be a food court, demonstration areas, a stage with live music and more — all at the Park Point Recreation Area.
Located at the foot of the recreation area’s Beach House and ball fields, the event is accessible by bus and bike, as well as the nearby airstrip and public boat launch. With artist tents lining a paved path that extends through the park, the show allows people with physical disabilities the chance to fully experience the event."

Sunday, June 30, 2:30-5 p.m.
Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony and Origami, Duluth Woman's Club, 2400 E. Superior Street
"In conjunction with the Duluth Art Institute’s #Tealife Exploring Traditional and Contemporary Teaware ceramics class, this traditional Japanese tea ceremony is a collaboration with Duluth Sister Cities International, the Ohara Isumi-City delegates and the Duluth Woman’s Club.

The event begins at 2:30 p.m. with a short discussion and showcasing of work from the DAI’s #Tealife ceramics class with instructor and ceramic artist, Tony Ferguson. There will be a series of three ceremonies beginning at 3 p.m. with space available for 10 participants and 15 observers per ceremony.

The first ceremony will be reserved for the DAI’s #Tealife ceramics class participants and members of the Duluth Art Institute. Since space is limited, this is designed for those who haven’t been part of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony before. There will also be origami activities for the community to participate in.

To learn more about Duluth Sister Cities International and the delegation from Ohara Isumi-City visit duluthmnsistercities.org."


Sunday, June 30, 5 p.m.
Beer & Hymns, Sir Benedict's Tavern, 805 E. Superior Street
"A gathering for beer drinking and hymn singing on the last Sunday of every month."


Art on View:

May 17-June 21
Plys with Purpose 2019, Prove Gallery, 21 N. Lake Avenue
"Plys With Purpose is an exhibition of skateboard decks crafted by local and international artists who share one purpose: the building of skateboard parks in our communities."


April-June
Paul LaJeunesse, City Hall Mayor's Reception Room, 411 W. 1st Street
"Paul LaJeunesse, Assistant Professor of Art at the College of St. Scholastica, investigates the relationship among individual memories of time, space, and place. LaJeunesse’s Islandic landscape paintings evoke memories reminiscent of Duluth’s own terrain while clearly depicting a territory further north."

April-June
Kelly Dupre, City Hall Rotunda, 411 W. 1st Street
Kelly Dupre’s linocut print collection celebrates the natural environment. Dupre brings the viewer into her joyful world, cultivating stories with symbolism and humor."

June 3-July 1
Sue Rauschenfels, painter, Pizza Luce, 11 E. Superior Street
Artist receptionWednesday, June 12, 7-9 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."

May 18-August 31
William Pagel Archives Bob Dylan Exhibit, Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum, 902 E. 1st Street
"Items from Mr. Pagel's extensive Bob Dylan collection have been displayed in books, magazines, and documentaries and have been featured in various exhibits. The Karpeles Manuscript Museum and will feature many additional items not shown elsewhere, including rare handwritten manuscripts, inscribed yearbooks, books, and photographs."
Karpeles Hours: Tuesday - Friday: 10am - 4pm; Saturday - Sunday: 11am - 4pm; Closed Mondays & Holidays.

February 19-September 22
Space: Time and Place, Tweed Museum of Art, University of Minnesota Duluth Campus, 1201 Ordean Court
"An exhibition of photographs selected from the collection which demonstrate numerous ways in which photographic artists represent space in their imagery and how such compositions influence the viewer to become invested in and moved by the image. The photograph is not only a representation of an occurrence and something present at that time, but an abstraction of the spatial dimension of time and place. The exhibition will include the work of local, regional, and nationally recognized image makers."



Creative Education Class Opportunities in the Twin Ports!
Featured Class
Monday, June 10 and Wednesday, June 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m.Versatile Collage with Robert Dewitt Adams, Duluth Community Education, Ordean East Middle School, 4900 E. Superior Street
"Who doesn’t like to cut and paste? Collage is fun and has a long tradition in the fine arts. We will look at a short art history presentation on collage, then launch into students’ own projects. 


Options include: creating art postcards for that person you’ve been meaning to write (stamp included); creating a piece for display (a small frame will be provided); collaborating in Surrealist fashion on an “Exquisite Corpse” art game; or collaging a diary cover or other item that students can bring (wood, cardboard, or paper). Collage materials (books, magazines, packaging, etc.), glue, and scissors will be provided, but bring in your favorite scissors, x-acto knife, or other materials if you like. 

Additional supply fee of $10 to be paid to instructor at class time. Class Cost: $25; Register HEREKUMD Radio Gallery: Robert Dewitt Adams

Find links to additional Creative Education Class Opportunity venues HERE!

Learn a Tangle
Javik (Java Batik) created by Belgian CZT Ria Matheussen, is a beautiful, organic, floral/leafy band tangle. Click the link to 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 and many more 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:
Master Framing Gallery1431 London Road, Duluth

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

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 all others who contribute to this list.