Art in March!

This month is filled with a wide array of interesting and artsy things to see and do. May one or two of them inspire you greatly. 

Marching toward Spring ... Welcome to March!

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



Mondays, March 9-30, 6-8:30 p.m.
Zentangle (R) Pattern Drawing, Advanced,
Esther Piszczek, certified z e n t a n g l e (R) teacher, Ordean East Middle School, 2900 East 4th Street

Wednesday, March 11, 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Zentangle (R) & Wine with Esther Piszczek, CZT, Master Framing Gallery, 1431 London Road (RSVP required)

Friday, March 27, 5-8 p.m. [Limited artists still participating]
Downtown Duluth Arts WalkDuluth Fine Pianos, 331 W. Superior Street (next to Starbucks!) [limited artists still participating; see below for more information]

JAZZ@DFP [Cancelled]

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.

NOTE: In light of recent events, please check with each respective venue to check whether the event is still being held before attending. I have marked those events I know have been cancelled.

Tuesdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 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, March 3, 5-7 p.m.
Bleak Midwinter Artists' Encounter, Wild State Cider, 2515 W. Superior Street
"Local artists and collaborators who captured the Superior Hiking Trail are celebrated at Wild State Cider. One dollar from every cider or flight purchased go towards supporting the #SuperiorHikingTrail.

"The event highlights collaborations with local artists: Adam Swanson, Jordan Sundberg (Tin Cup Design), Karin Kraemer (Duluth Pottery), Matt Kania (MapHero), Ryan Hanson of Duluth Pack, and Sally Rauschenfels."


Tuesday, March 3, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Opening ReceptionMarshall Fine Arts Showcase, Zeitgeist Arts Atrium, 222 E. Superior Street
"Join us to celebrate the Marshall Middle and Upper School Arts. Hilltoper Camber Singers will begin at 6 p.m., and the Hilltop Harmonics & Jazz Band will perform until 7:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public." On View: March 2-31

Tuesdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 6-8 p.m.
Celtic Song Circle, Wussow's Concert Cafe, 324 N. Central Avenue
"Musicians of all ages are invited to bring their instruments and voices to perform in a song circle, playing Celtic tunes and other classics."

Wednesday, March 4, 4-6 p.m.
Youth Art Month: Take A Journey Through Art, Whole Foods Coop Denfeld, 4426 Grand Avenue
"Whole Foods Co-Op and the Duluth Art Institute partner to showcase young artists in our community throughout the month of March. Together we highlight and celebrate youth art at WFC Denfeld with The Council for Art Education bringing us this year’s national theme, Take a Journey Through Art.

"Work on view includes students from Duluth Art Institute’s Home School class, Lincoln Park Middle School, Raleigh Edison, and Woodland Hills. Light refreshments will be available along with an opportunity to get creative with local art teacher Chrissy Valento."


Wednesday, March 4, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Youth Film Photography Club for ages 12+, The Depot Darkroom, Duluth Art Institute, 506 W. Michigan Street
"Spend time at the historic Depot exploring the art of film photography. Learn how to use the elements of photography to take better shots and learn how to develop film and make your own prints in the darkroom. We will provide film cameras, lenses and other photography equipment to use while at the Depot. A limited amount of film, paper and chemicals will be provided with the registration fee. Feel free to bring your own cameras and any additional supplies, as needed. Cost: $20 per session"

Thursday, March 5, 2-6 p.m.
Opening ReceptionJury Exhibition, University of Wisconsin-Superior, Kruk Gallery, Holden Fine and Applied Arts Center, 2144 Catlin Ave. and 19th St., Superior, WI
"The annual juried exhibition showcases work from across medium from UWS students. This exhibition highlights the depth of talent on campus and offers a space for surprising new voices in the visual arts. This year’s juror is UWS alumni and nationally recognized encaustic artist, Natalie Salminen Rude. Working professionally in the arts since 2004, she maintains a studio, teaches encaustic workshops both locally and internationally, exhibits and facilitates discussions on spirituality and what it means to live as an artist within the context of commitment. 
Gallery Hours:  Monday-Thursday, 2-6:00 p.m.; Awards Reception: March 25, 12 noon; On View: March 5-26

Thursdays, March 5 & 19, 4 p.m.
Winter Farmer's Market, Duluth Folk School, 1917 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!"

Thursday, March 5, 4-6 p.m.
Write On!, Duluth Public Library, Gold Room, 520 W. Superior Street
"Calling all young writers! Poems! Songs! Graphic novels! Short stories! WHATEVER your genre, “Write On” is the place for you to launch your next writing piece. “Write On’ is a series of 4 workshops expressly designed for young writers, ages 10-18. Each workshop is a pop-up, stand-alone event. You can attend one, or all four! Your choice! You do not need to bring any completed writing to attend, but the option to share and receive feedback will be provided. There will also be brain food (pizza!) while supplies last. “Write On” is free-of-charge, but registration is required. Event Type(s): Author/Literary Event; Age Group(s): Tweens, Teen"

Thursday, March 5, 5:45-7:45 p.m.
Career Planning for Artists: Funding Your Art Beyond Grant Writing, Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, 424 W. Superior St., Suite 104
"The Arrowhead Regional Arts Council hosts a career planning class for artists. The class focuses on defining values, identifying key choices and developing a plan to achieve career goals. The curriculum is designed for visual, performing and literary artists. Classes are free, but participants must sign up via Facebook or email Info@aracouncil.org."

Friday, March 6, 5-7 p.m.
Opening Reception: Nordic Folk Instruments ExhibitThe Nordic Center, 23 N. Lake Avenue
"Welcome to an exhibit of Nordic Folk Instruments, some rare with ancient traditions as well as the well known national instruments such as the Nyckelharpa of Sweden, Hardanger Fiddle of Norway and Kantele of Finland. Others include langeleik (Nordic dulcimer), zither, sallow flute, Juhikko, pump organ and more.

Related Events (click link for details):
Sunday, March 15, 1 p.m., Presentation with Arna Rennan, host of Nordic Roots Music
Saturday, March 21, 2 p.m., Concert
Saturday, April 4, 2-4 p.m., Nordic Jam Session


Friday, March 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Akinomaage: Vern Northrup Artist Talk and Book Signing, Dr. Robert Powless Cultural Center, 212 W. Second Street
"The American Indian Community Housing Organization hosts photographer Vern Northrup, a Fond du Lac Band of Ojibwe tribal member. More than 60 of his photographs will be on view from March 6 through May 29, 2020. Northrup uses photography as a tool to educate both himself and the viewer about the rhythm of nature, the preservation of tradition and the relationship between resilience and sustainability. $10 suggested donation."

Friday, March 6, 7-10 p.m.
What the Feminist! Community Art ExhibitionPrøve Gallery, 21 N. Lake Avenue
"Featuring works by local and regional artists, as well as artists from across the nation, WTF! is an exhibition of thought-provoking works of art that advocate for social justice, community action and civic engagement."

Saturday, March 7, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
The Abominable Snowman: Crafts and Movie, Green Room, Duluth Public Library, 520 W. Superior Street
"Snowman-themed crafts start art 10:30 a.m. and the movie “Abominable” starts at 11:30 a.m. Age Group: All Ages

Movie Synopsis:
"After discovering a Yeti on the roof of her apartment building, teenage Yi and her two friends embark on an epic quest to reunite the magical creature with his family. But to do so, they must stay one step ahead of a wealthy financier and a determined zoologist who want to capture the beast for their own gain. Rated PG and runs for 1 hour and 37 minutes."


Saturday, March 7, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Paper Bag Princess Day, Zenith Bookstore, 318 N. Central Avenue
"Zenith Bookstore is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Robert Munsch's classic, The Paper Bag Princess. This fantastic picture book is about a princess named Elizabeth who goes head to head with a fierce dragon in order to save a rather snooty prince. Join us for a special story time and activities!"


Mondays, March 9-30, 6-8:30 p.m.
Zentangle (R) Pattern Drawing, AdvancedEsther Piszczek, certified z e n t a n g l e (R) teacher, Ordean East Middle School, 2900 East 4th Street
In this class we will further explore the Zentangle method of pattern drawing. This class is open to anyone who has taken Zentangle Pattern Drawing with me in the past. Minimum: 5 students; Maximum: 10 students; Class Cost: $45; Supply Cost: $30; Register online HERE or contact Julie Gandt, Coordinator, at 218-336-8760 x 1 or email: Julie.Gandt@isd709.org

Wednesday, March 11, 6:30-9 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. [NOTE: this class has filled]

You can read about one student's experience here: Local Art Seen: First Lesson in Zentangle with Esther Piszczek, by Ed Newman, Ennyman's Territory, August 18, 2019.

Thursday, March 12, 1-2 p.m.
Social Knitting Group, Mount Royal Library, Blue Room, 105 Mount Royal Shopping Circle
"This group is open to all who love to knit or crochet. All skill levels are welcome."

Thursday, March 12, 4:30-8:30 p.m.
Hot Glass Cold Beer Pop-up, Ursa Minor Brewing Company, 2415 W. Superior Street
"Lake Superior Art Glass teams up with Ursa Minor for a pop-up event featuring blown glassware made in their “hot shop.” Guests can buy a pint glass at the event and fill it with a free pint from Ursa Minor’s taps. Live music at the event is performed by Kevin Buck."

Thursday, March 12, 6-8 p.m.
The Great Fairlawn Puzzle Derby, Fairlawn Mansion, 906 E. 2nd Street, Superior, WI
"Teams of 3-4 people will battle to be the first to complete a 500-piece puzzle. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Open to all ages. Light refreshments will be served. $40 per team (8 teams max). For reservations or more information, call 715-394-5712."

Thursday, March 12, 7-9 p.m.
Fly Fishing Film Tour 2020, Clyde Iron Works, 2920 W. Michigan Street"
The 14th annual Fly Fishing Film Tour is features exclusive shorts in both fresh and saltwater that tell the stories of everything from fishing guide fairytales to serial steelhead semantics, canyon conservation in Colorado, mountain biking for marlin, jumping jaguars and jungle fish in whitewater rapids, and the audacious Aussies who explore the largest coastline in the world. Discounted tickets can be bought from Great Lakes Fly Shop or Superior Fly Angler. Regular-priced tickets can be bought online."

Thursday, March 12, 7-11 p.m.
Choice Unlimited's Rock & Roll Heaven Masquerade Ball, Greysolon Ballroom, 231 E. Superior Street

"More then 400 donors, supporters and party goers can enjoy hors d’oeuvres, festive drinks, live music by Midwest Mayhem, dance performances, and a curated silent auction at Choice Unlimited’s annual masquerade ball. This is an adult event (18+). All funds raised will support the Artists Revealing Talents and Skills programming at Choice Unlimited, including Bold-choice Theatre Company.

"Ron Houk of Kool 101.7 will serve as master of ceremonies. Diamond M.C. Entertainment will provide DJ services. Alan Johnson Photography’s photo booth will be set up. Tickets: $30 in advance; $40 at the door."

Saturday, March 14, 8-10 a.m.
Sip & Stitch*, Dovetail Cafe, Duluth Folk School, 1917 W. Superior Street
"Do you love fiber? Would you like to join a community with similar interests? Bring a project to work on – knit, crochet, embroidery, or whatever tickles your fiber fancy. A fiber ringleader will be on hand to answer questions and oooo and ahhh over your handiwork. Before settling in, grab a glass or a bite to satisfy your sipping and noshing needs and meet us in the back half of the main hall at the Dovetail Cafe. Let’s enjoy a cozy morning, sipping and stitching. *If you are brand new to stitching and looking for detailed instruction, keep an eye on the Duluth Folk School calendar for relevant upcoming introductory classes."

Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Niiwin Indigenous Foods Market, 102 E. 4th Street
"Purchase affordable goods from local and indigenous food producers. Fresh breads, manoomin (wild rice), syrup, canned veggies, hazelnut flour, a variety of teas, hominy, eggs and more."

Saturday, March 14, 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." Guest ArtistCindy Hale from Clover Valley Vinegar

Saturday, March 14, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Paper Crafternoon, Gold Room, Duluth Public Library, 520 W. Superior Street
"Join us in the Gold Room for a Paper Crafternoon. We’ll be making fun and easy paper crafts. Great for all ages! Event Type(s): Arts & Crafts; Age Group(s): Preschool, Kids"

Saturday, March 14, 7 p.m.
Duluth Playhouse's Mardi Gras Bash!, Underground Theater, 506 W. Michigan Street
"Join us for a magnificent masquerade fundraiser and prepare to be whisked away as we parade from one engaging and immersive entertainment to the next at our second annual Mardi Gras Bash! Feel free to dress up, dress down, or come in costume. Tickets: $35 (includes beverages, good eats, amazing entertainment and fundraising fun like you've never experienced)

Saturday, March 14, 7-9 p.m.
Climate Emergency Poetry, Wussow's Concert Cafe, 324 N. Central Avenue
"18 poets, including past Duluth poets laureate, share poetry presenting life in the time of climate change. Folk reggae band Woodblind will provide music.
Featured PoetsDeanna Erickson; Julie Gard; Tina Marie Higgins Wussow; Shelley Sakry Getten; Ellie Schoenfeld; Sheila PackaBrady Kamphenkle; Cal BensonYvonne Rutford: Liz MinettPenny PerryJohn Herold; Phil Fitzpatrick"

Tuesday, March 17, 5-7 p.m.
Artist TalkShaun Chosa: War Paint, John Steffl Gallery, Duluth Art Institute, 506 W. Michigan Street
"Pulling from popular culture, nature and his Ojibwe heritage, Shaun Chosa creates detailed pen and ink work that is evocative and at times whimsical. In War Paint, Chosa translates his ideas onto large canvas with acrylic, 'War Paint is a social commentary on popular culture and its intersection in Indian country. Some blatant, some coded in ways only those people growing up on the Red road would understand.'" 


Tuesday, March 17, 5-7 p.m.
Artist TalkAndy MesserschmidtCorridor Gallery, Duluth Art Institute, 506 W. Michigan Street
"Andy Messerschmidt’s work reflects popular culture’s consumption and hoarding of images. Individuals are massing collections of photos online, images representing a life we wish to be living, maintaining facades that can bring personal conflict and stress. His kaleidoscopic realms layer assorted objects with backdrops of wrapping paper, hand drawn mazes and elaborate patterns. Messerschmidt likens the gallery to a temple, reasoning that artwork is elevated simply by appearing in the space. His paintings therefore become the alter, “Shrines to ornamental multiphrenia.” On View: February 14- April 12

Tuesday, March 17, 5-7 p.m.
Artist Talk: Emerging Photographers, St. Louis County Depot Great Hall, 506 W. Michigan Street
"This year DAI hosts 10 University of Minnesota-Duluth photography students in the Saint Louis County Depot Great Hall. Selections made by Exhibitions Director Amy Varsek include digital prints and collages that represent passionate emerging voices. 'The artists in the 2020 Emerging Photographers exhibition are developing meaningful personal relationships with their subjects and therefore producing authentic, thought provoking work.' Students are led by Art + Design professor Gloria DeFilipps Brush whose own work merges literature and photography, embracing and encouraging differences in the observer’s perceptions." On View: March 9-29


Tuesday, March 17, 7-9 p.m.
Duluth-Superior Camera Club Meeting, UWS Yellow Jacket Union, 1605 Catlin Drive, Superior, WI
"The Duluth-Superior Camera Club offers opportunities to improve photographic skills and knowledge, a venue to challenge those skills, and a forum to share that experience with others who have a passion for photography. It also offers educational opportunities, photography meetups, and local and regional photo competitions. Yearly memberships are $30, prorated depending on membership month."

Thursday, March 193-4 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"

Saturday, March 21, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Demo: Pottery with Sarah Johnson, Duluth Folk School 1917 W. Superior Street
"Sarah Johnson, one of the Dovetail Cafe’s wonderful employees, will be demonstrating the basics of throwing on the wheel and different advanced techniques to alter and shape pots. Sarah will also be displaying the stages a pot goes through, from clay to final product. Stop in to get your hands dirty!"


Saturday, March 21, 7-11 p.m.
Black and White BallSt. Louis County Depot Great Hall, 506 W. Michigan Street
"A chance to glam up at the little ball with a LOT of fun! The Minnesota Ballet presents this fundraising dance at the Depot’s Great Hall. Dance to live music of the Jane Gang Orchestra featuring Mary Lou Williams. Relish great food from The Boat Club. Enjoy a floor show by the Minnesota Ballet dancers. Bid on classy items in the silent auction, including a spot in next season’s Celebrity Dance Challenge. Schmooze–and even dance–with company members."

Sunday, March 22, 1-3 p.m.
SunFUNday! Art for Children of All Ages: Swedish Crowns & MobilesThe Nordic Center, 23 N. Lake Avenue
"Join art professor Alison Aune, her UMD art education students, and special guestsPre-Registration is encouraged! Admission: $5 suggested donation; Contact: Alison Aune, aaune@d.umn.edu, with questions and pre-registration information."

Tuesday, March 24, 3-5 p.m.
Crafternoons for Adults: “I Love Art”: Step-by-Step Drawing and Multi-Medium Collage, Duluth Public Library, Green Room, 520 W. Superior Street
"This session will focus on drawing, through the use of simple, step-by-step, “how to draw” handouts of animals, trees, boats, etc. "

Tuesday, March 24, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Crafternoons for Kids @ WEST, West Duluth Branch Library, Senior Center Meeting Room, 5830 Grand Avenue
"Crafternoons includes make-and-take craft projects. No experience or sign-up required."

Thursday, March 26, 5-7 p.m.
Come In From The Cold: Hygge Nights, The Nordic Center, 23 N. Lake Avenue
"Pronounced Hue-guh, a Danish word meaning to give friendship, comfort and joy. Hygge focuses on warmth and simplicity—slowing things down and taking the time to savor rich sensory experiences. Join us at the Nordic Center. Bring something to work on (knit, crochet, weave, read, bring a friend, discuss books) and, if you'd like, a light snack to share.  We’ll provide the atmosphere and warm drinks."

Friday, March 27, 5-8 p.m. [Limited Venues Participating*]
Downtown Duluth Arts WalkDuluth Fine Pianos, 331 W. Superior Street (next to Starbucks!)
Jazz@DFP6-8 p.m.: Ryan Frane, piano, & musicians to be decided [Cancelled]
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 
($10 suggested donation to pay the musicians) I would love to see you at this event! 
* Email manager@josephneasegallery.com or call 218-461-8380 for more information on participating venues for 3/27.

Friday & Saturday, March 27 & 28, 7 p.m.
Sunday, March 29, 3 p.m.
A Midsummer Night's Dream, Symphony Hall, DECC Auditorium, 350 Harbor Avenue
"Choreographed by Bruce Wells - Fall under the spell of a moonlit evening in Elizabethan England, filled with star-crossed lovers and delightful comic characters.

"From the classic mischief-maker Puck to the beautiful fairy Tatania under a love spell gone wrong, it’s Shakespeare’s most magical comedy told in dance and mime. Come early for our pre-curtain talk." 
Ticket Range: Adults: $19-$46; Students: $14-$36; Children: $12-$31

Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. [Cancelled]
Treasures of the Earth Green Goods Craft & Art Fair, Peace Church, 1111 N. 11th Avenue E.
"This fair has an assortment of local area artists with items made of wood, stone, fiber and other natural materials, recycled materials or creative re-purposed materials."

Saturday, March 28, 6-9 p.m.
Watershed Arts and Film Festival, Zeitgeist Arts Cafe & Atrium, 222 E. Superior Street
"The Watershed Arts and Film Fest celebrates and supports artists and filmmakers who draw a connection between their craft and the natural environment in their respective watershed. This Festival includes an arts display, films with panel discussions, music by Ben Weaver and beer tasting provided by EarthRider Brewery. Proceeds from the event go directly to the St.Louis River Alliance."

Saturday, March 28, 7:30-9 p.m.
Ragtime Recital Series, featuring Martin Spitznagel, University of Wisconsin-Superior, Holden Fine & Applied Arts, Rm. 2141, 1805 Catlin Avenue, Superior, WI
"Come enjoy an evening of Ragtime music with pianist Martin Spitznagel. Event sponsored by the Lake Superior Ragtime Society."

Sunday, March 29, 5 p.m.
Beer & HymnsSir Benedict's Tavern, 805 E. Superior Street
"A gathering for beer drinking and hymn singing on the last Sunday of every month."

Tuesday, March 31, 6-7:30 p.m.
Visual Culture Lecture SeriesChristina Z. Anderson, Montague Hall 70, University of Minnesota Duluth, 1049 University Drive
"Christina Z. Anderson’s work focuses on the family snapshot, gender identity, the altered landscape, and the contemporary vanitas. Her prints are handmade in a variety of 19th century photographic processes, primarily gum and casein bichromate, salted paper, cyanotype over platinum, and mordançage. Anderson’s work has shown internationally in 100+ shows and 40+ publications. Her passion is to share the knowledge and practice of the contemporary handmade print through her publications as well as workshops throughout the United States and overseas."

Art on View:

December-March
Laura Andrews & Paula Gudmundson: Integrated Vision, George Morrison Gallery, Duluth Art Institute, 506 W. Michigan Street
"Digital landscapes and meditative harmonies invite viewers to find respite and connect with the surrounding world in Integrated Vision, a collaborative exhibition by Laura Andrews and Paula Gudmundson. Large scale images of nature float on the walls of the Morrison Gallery, documenting the ever-changing state of our environment. Slow, thoughtful music projects a state of fluidity, transcending reality." Opening ReceptionThursday, February 65-8 p.m.

January-March
Shaun Chosa: War Paint, John Steffl Gallery, Duluth Art Institute, 506 W. Michigan Street
"Pulling from popular culture, nature and his Ojibwe heritage, Shaun Chosa creates detailed pen and ink work that is evocative and at times whimsical. In War Paint, Chosa translates his ideas onto large canvas with acrylic, "War Paint is a social commentary on popular culture and its intersection in Indian country. Some blatant, some coded in ways only those people growing up on the Red road would understand.'" Opening Reception: Thursday, February 6, 5-8 p.m.; Artist TalkMarch 17, 5-7 
p.m.

January-March
Sharon Dawson, City Hall Mayor's Reception Room, 411 W. 1st Street
"Sharon Dawson’s work invites viewers to investigate with emotion, the forms encouraging viewers to linger and emerge with a connection outside of oneself. Pulling us in with depth, color and texture, the images reflect Dawson’s practice, “While creating art draws the internal world outward, awareness in meditation draws the attention inward”. Applying multiple layers of oil and acrylic before rubbing, scraping and carving into the surface, Dawson’s process becomes meditative. Her movements, visible as strokes on the canvas, promote stillness and harmony."

January-March
Our Neighbors: Exhibiting Artists from BAM, City Hall Rotunda, 411 W. 1st Street
"The Duluth Art Institute hosts the Birkenstein Arts Movement, a year-long program for middle school students based on the art and principles of Jean Birkenstein. Fifteen BAM students joined this movement to focus on growing their art and leadership skills, working towards communicating through drawing, ceramics, painting and mixed media."


February-March
Lake Superior Storms, Cedar Coffee Company, 1120 11th Street, Two Harbors (just 200 yards north of the Super One grocery store)
"A Lake Superior Storms solo photo show by photographer Phil Hartley of Two Harbors."

March 2-31
Marshall Fine Arts Showcase, Zeitgeist Arts Atrium, 222 E. Superior Street
"Join us to celebrate the Marshall Middle and Upper School Arts. Hilltoper Camber Singers will begin at 6 p.m., and the Hilltop Harmonics & Jazz Band will perform until 7:30 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.


March 5-26
Jury Exhibition, University of Wisconsin-Superior, Kruk Gallery, Holden Fine and Applied Arts Center, 2144 Catlin Ave. and 19th St.
"The annual juried exhibition showcases work from across medium from UWS students. This exhibition highlights the depth of talent on campus and offers a space for surprising new voices in the visual arts. This year’s juror is UWS alumni and nationally recognized encaustic artist, Natalie Salminen Rude. Working professionally in the arts since 2004, she maintains a studio, teaches encaustic workshops both locally and internationally, exhibits and facilitates discussions on spirituality and what it means to live as an artist within the context of commitment. 
Gallery Hours:  Monday-Thursday, 2-6:00 p.m.; Awards Reception: March 25, 12 noon


March 9-29
Emerging Photographers, St. Louis County Depot Great Hall, 506 W. Michigan Street
"This year DAI hosts 10 University of Minnesota-Duluth photography students in the Saint Louis County Depot Great Hall. Selections made by Exhibitions Director Amy Varsek include digital prints and collages that represent passionate emerging voices. 'The artists in the 2020 Emerging Photographers exhibition are developing meaningful personal relationships with their subjects and therefore producing authentic, thought provoking work.' Students are led by Art + Design professor Gloria DeFilipps Brush whose own work merges literature and photography, embracing and encouraging differences in the observer’s perceptions." 


February 7-April 2
Improvisational Compositions: Not Our Grandmothers’ QuiltsDuluth Folk School, 1917 W. Superior Street
"Featuring works by Esther Derby and Mary Mathews. All quilts involve design. In 2018 and 2019 Mary Mathews and Esther Derby studied with renowned quilt artist Nancy Crow. You’ll notice that some of the quilts in this exhibit bear a resemblance. That’s because they were based on the same design prompt: Use a simple motif and reversals, with one flat color and one glowing color. Other quilts emerged from different prompts. The artist may be more or less constrained given the prompt. In either case, the artist applies principle of design within those constraints. Through repeated use of the same prompt, the artist’s voice develops. As you look at the quilts in this exhibit, see if you can deduce the design prompts behind the quilt." 


March 7-April 4
Nordic Folk Instruments ExhibitThe Nordic Center, 23 N. Lake Avenue
"Welcome to an exhibit of Nordic Folk Instruments, some rare with ancient traditions as well as the well known national instruments such as the Nyckelharpa of Sweden, Hardanger Fiddle of Norway and Kantele of Finland. Others include langeleik (Nordic dulcimer), zither, sallow flute, Juhikko, pump organ and more. Open Hours: Weekends 1-4 p.m.

Related Events (click link for details):
Sunday, March 15, 1 p.m., Presentation with Arna Rennan, host of Nordic Roots Music
Saturday, March 21, 2 p.m., Concert
Saturday, April 4, 2-4 p.m., Nordic Jam Session


February 14- April 12
Andy Messerschmidt, Corridor Gallery, Duluth Art Institute, 506 W. Michigan Street
"Andy Messerschmidt’s work reflects popular culture’s consumption and hoarding of images. Individuals are massing collections of photos online, images representing a life we wish to be living, maintaining facades that can bring personal conflict and stress. His kaleidoscopic realms layer assorted objects with backdrops of wrapping paper, hand drawn mazes and elaborate patterns. Messerschmidt likens the gallery to a temple, reasoning that artwork is elevated simply by appearing in the space. His paintings therefore become the alter, “Shrines to ornamental multiphrenia.”

Creative Education Class Opportunities in the Twin Ports!
Featured Class
Sunday, March 22, 2-5 p.m..
Intro to Creative Mending!, Duluth Folk School, 1917 W. Superior Street
"Get some pro tips, plenty of inspiration, and get started on your mending pile! Hand-stitched mending is a gateway to creative expression, as well as a way to care for our textiles, the people we love, and our planet. In this workshop we’ll build skills for useful and beautiful stitching as we try out a few of my favorite techniques for fixing woven and knitted fabrics. Instructor Tasha Miller Griffith will also answer questions specific to your projects.

"Everyone is welcome in this course, from beginners who have never sewn a stitch before to experienced fiber artists looking to extend the life of their handmade garments. Class Cost: $45 (early bird registration through March 15, then $55) Click HERE for a list of what to bring.

Learn a Tangle! 
Brella, by Canadian CZT Bunny (Francis) Wright is a wonderful grid tangle with many options for creative color fill. 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 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 2019: Perfect Duluth Day Selective Focus: Esther Piszczek

Zenith NewsE.P. Designs, is a semi-regular Zentangle (R) inspired art feature that appeared in this newspaper and is now available 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.