Art in September!

September is here and brings several new virtual experiences including new online classes from North House Folk School, two area arts foundation fundraisers, and Zinema 2.0 - curated films available to rent & stream at home. And join artist Alexa Carson for an in-person, but physically distanced, art opening of new work at the Great Lakes Aquarium! Scroll down for details and links!

Need a Face Mask?
Mask Force, by Zeitgeist Arts
Buy a Mask / Donate a Mask: "The Zeitgeist Community Mask Force Program allows people who are financially able to purchase masks, while providing mask donations to local organizations using a “buy one, give one” model. The makers are using the mask pattern recommended by Essentia Health, employing a variety of fabrics to keep up with demand. All masks are reusable and machine-washable. A children’s size is also available. 

"Donations are headed to local organizations such as the Damiano Center and the American Indian Community Housing Organization. Cost: $10 to buy a mask and donate a mask or donate 2 masks." [Note: Thank you Zeitgeist Arts, Sasha Howell and all the mask makers for making this effort possible.]

What I am Doing in September!
I am teaching a pilot meditation class through Duluth Community Education, as well as resuming my Zentangle (R) pattern drawing classes on Zoom. You can check out what we've drawn together April-July, here: eternalpossibility.com

Monday, September 14, 6-7 p.m. CDT
Zentangle on Zoom! Chat & Share on Zoom!

Wednesday, September 16, 6:30-9 p.m.
Zentangle (R) & Wine on Zoom!

Mondays, September 21, 28, 6-8:30 p.m.
Zentangle (R) on Zoom! 

Tuesdays, September 22-October 13, 6-6:45 p.m., via Zoom 
Nia Meditation: The Body's Way with Esther Piszczek, Nia 5 Stages Licensed Instructor

Wednesdays, September 23, 30, 6-8:30 p.m.
Zentangle (R) on Zoom! Foundations

SAVE THE DATE!
Monday, October 5, 6-8:30 p.m.
Zentangle(R) Pattern Drawing via ZOOM with Esther Piszczek, Certified Zentangle Teacher, Duluth Community Education
Details HERE; Register HERE after September 7.

Details on all of these events, and more, below!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
All events are listed in alphabetical order, with date specific events listed first. Click on colored text throughout to link to more information.

Wednesday, September 2, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Video Webinar
Twin Ports Freshwater Folk: Making Art with Science with Artist Adam Swanson
"Artists and scientists are storytellers. Like scientists, artists conceptualize and put together ideas in new ways. Adam has been mixing art with science for more than a decade, and will discuss his approach for telling the stories of science with his art. Bring your lunch and join us for some casual small-group discussions, a presentation and Q&A via video webinar.

Join the Webinar: To join, please add yourself to the TPFF email list using this link. This list is used only for emails directly related to TPFF.
11:30 a.m.-12 p.m.: Small virtual groups will have a chance to talk and catch up with colleagues and old and new friends;
12-1:00 p.m.: Presentation and Q&A via Zoom

"Twin Ports Freshwater Folk is an informal gathering of people from the Twin Ports who are engaged in freshwater research, policy, or regulation issues, for networking and informal discussion. Meetings take place the first Wednesday of every month."

Wednesdays, September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2-5 p.m.
Saturdays, September 5, 12, 19, 26, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Duluth Farmers Market, 14th Avenue East & Third Street
"The East Hillside Duluth Farmer's Market is open every Saturday morning and Wednesday afternoon from May through October. COVID-19 protocol will be in effect — see duluthfarmersmarket.com for guidelines."

Click on the Farmer's Markets Tab at twinportsart.com to see a full list of summer Farmers Markets - Two Harbors to Carlton County.

Friday, September 4, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
"Spend some time with Karida Collins of Neighborhood Fiber Co. and learn everything you've always wanted to know about hand-dyed yarn. Karida will talk about the different methods by which yarns are hand dyed and how the resulting yarns look when knit. You'll also learn more about the creative process at Neighborhood Fiber Co. and Karida's inspiration for colors. Cost: $20"

Friday, September 4 - Sunday September 14, 7 p.m.
Minnesota Ballet's Celebrity Dance Challenge All-Stars Virtual Championship!
"The presentation airs here! Watch the video (click the link below), and then vote for your favorite couple and bid on silent auction items. Credit or debit card payments accepted for silent auction items or donations. This contest and silent auction will be open from 7 p.m. September 4, 2020 to 7 p.m. September 13, 2020 (all times Central). Watch Here! Vote Here!

Monday-Friday, September 7-11
Call for Artists: Creative Covid Mask Making / Auction, The Encore Performing Arts Center & Gallery, 2035 Hwy 33 South, Cloquet
"During these trying times, we are hoping you will donate your creative talents to the County Seat Theater. Please pick up a 100% white cotton mask at the theater on
2035 Hwy 33 South, Cloquet, MN during office hours Sept. 7-11. You may use markers, paint, beads etc. to create your mask. Or you may choose to create the mask entirely on your own without using the pre-made mask. Deadline: Thursday, October 8

"All masks will be displayed at the theater and auctioned off with the entire proceeds going to the ENCORE! Questions? Call or text Kris at (218) 348-7619 or Joel at (218) 451-0715. 
Save the Date: October 12-26, Virtual Art Tour and Auction on Facebook. As an extra incentive, we will have a “Best of Show” contest with the winner receiving a “special” prize."

Wednesday, September 9, 6-8 p.m.
Artist Reception: Faces of our Wetlands, Great Lakes Aquarium, 353 Harbor Drive
"This new series of acrylic paintings by Alexa Carson showcases diverse wildlife species dependent on regional wetland ecosystems. Come meet this talented local artist at an outdoor opening reception. Paintings will be visible through the open gallery doors. One complimentary drink ticket per patron will be offered followed by a cash bar in the garden. All COVID-19 guidelines will be followed including face covering requirements inside the Aquarium."

Thursday, September 10, 7 p.m.
Seat of your Pants Parking Lot Players Variety Show, The Encore Performing Arts Center & Gallery, 2035 Hwy 33 South, Cloquet
"The County Seat Theater Company presents a sixty minute variety show in the theater parking lot. Social distancing will be practiced for the safety of our guests and actors. Limited Spaces. To reserve a parking spot call the Box Office: 218-878-0071."

Saturday, September 12, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Vipassana/Insight Meditation Retreat: The Sure Heart’s Release: The Buddha’s Path of Wisdom and Love Virtual Retreat with guiding teacher, Mark Nunberg, Common Ground Meditation Center
"Join us for this unique opportunity for a full-day retreat including dharma talk, sitting/walking
meditation, and guided mindful movement. All levels of practice-experience welcome.

"Cost: The teachings of the Buddha are offered freely. The gift of dana is given to support teachers’ livelihood and continued practice. Go to Common Ground’s website to support Mark, if you choose, and designate the gift as “Duluth Retreat”: Supporting the Teacher. 

"How to prepare for virtual retreat: Prepare a quiet space that allows for cushion/chair sitting and walking meditation. A simple lunch and/or snacks prepared in advance will foster retreat continuity. Registration: Contact lynnfena@gmail.com to register for the Zoom retreat, or for questions."

Saturday, September 12, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
"This show will be located off site 6 blocks from the Lakeside Lester Park Community Center where it is usually held as the City buildings are still closed. 

"Not all artists will be present due to health concerns. This outside Market will allow for fresh air and social distancing practices. We will be requiring face masks for merchants and customers. We will have a limited number of masks for sale if you need one. We will not have a Central checkout, please bring cash or checks as not all vendors may have credit card capabilities."

"Arne & Carlos are a duo of textile designers specializing in knitted goods, and consisting of Carlos Zachrison and Arne Nerjordet. Their knitwear designs draw both on traditional Scandinavian and on contemporary influences. Let’s find out what they’ve been up to currently and take the opportunity to revisit their book 55 Christmas Balls to Knit for its 10th Anniversary. We’ll get an insider look at techniques used to create the festive motifs as demonstrated by Arne & Carlos. Cost: $20"

Monday, September 14, 6-7 p.m. CDT
Zentangle on Zoom! Chat & Share on Zoom!
This is an opportunity to learn more about my Zentangle (R) on Zoom! classes, meet some dedicated ZT Zoom students, share artwork or anything creative, and just spend time getting to know one another. This get together is optional, free, and open to anyone who is interested in joining me. RSVP required by Monday, 9/14 at 12 p.m. CDT. Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants on Monday 9/14 in the early afternoon.

Wednesday, September 16, 6-8 p.m.
Duluth Art Institute 2020 Virtual Gala, via Zoom
"The Duluth Art Institute presents a unique and special evening featuring special guest, Chesley Antoinette. The DAI Virtual Gala kicks off with a poignant history of the 1786 Tignon Law of Louisiana; a law organized to oppress affluent women of African descendant through the headwrap, presented by Antoinette, that tells how the power of art celebrates creative rebellion. You’ll have an opportunity to support the DAI financially through our silent auction, fund a need campaign, and donations. The DAI will talk about its future and the power of art to connect, disrupt, heal and grow together as a community.

"Registrants at the producer and collector level will join our special guest, Chesley Antoinette, to learn the art of tying and accessorizing headwraps. Please ensure you receive notice that your registration was successful. Registration Levels: Collector: $75; Producer: $30; Community: Free; See Registration Link for details on what is included in each Registration Level.

Wednesday, September 16, 6:30-9 p.m.
Zentangle (R) & Wine on Zoom!, with Esther Piszczek, Certified Zentangle Teacher
Stay home and draw pretty lines with me! RSVP required to me at episzczek@gmail.com by Monday, August 10, at 12 noon. Cost: Financial Strain: $0; Financial Ability: $15-$40; Click link for a secure donation/payment option PayPal.Me/eternalpossibility

Thursday, September 16, 2-5 p.m.
"In this virtual class with fiber arts instructor Laura Berlage, we will mail you a kit with all the supplies you need (just bring a scissors), including hand-dyed wool from her farm’s flock of sheep, needles, critter specific accouterments, and a foam work surface. Laura will then guide you step-by-step for transforming the carded wool into your own adorable critter. Great for beginning and intermediate level felters, and no previous experience is required. 

"You will have enough wool to make a second critter later, offering great practice in your newfound felting skills (except for the gnome classes - those kits only have enough wool for one gnome). Cost: $85; Registration required two weeks prior to class start to ship materials ($40 value). Registration closes, Wednesday, September 3."

Saturdays, September 19 & 26, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sámi Knitted Mitten Online Class with Instructor Laura Ricketts, North House Folk School
"Join instructor Laura Ricketts in working these historical mittens while examining the Sami’s rich tradition in wool. Students should know how to knit, purl, knit in the round and have stranding experience. Students will provide their own materials. Before class, do a gauge swatch to determine your correct needle size, then cast on and complete the ribbing and come to class with the stitches on the needle, ready to knit the color work part together. Cost: $90 (includes a $10 material fee)."

Mondays, September 21, 28, 6-8:30 p.m.
Zentangle (R) on Zoom! with Esther Piszczek, Certified Zentangle Teacher
Experience the fun and relaxation of drawing simple, repetitive line patterns with pen and ink and pencil shading in the comfort of your own home. This class is for those who have some experience with the Zentangle method of pattern drawing. RSVP required by the Friday, before class, to episzczek@gmail.com; Class limited to 8. Zoom link and details will be emailed to all participants on the day of class. Cost: Financial Strain: $0; Financial Ability: $15-$40; Click link for a secure donation/payment option PayPal.Me/eternalpossibility 

Wednesday, September 23, 5:30-7 p.m.
DAI Professional Development: Grant Writing for Artists, via Zoom
"Learn how to prepare, organize, and write grants with DAI Executive Director, Christina Woods in this free workshop. This year to date, Woods has written 37 grants yielding a 90% success rate. In this hour and half, we will fine tune your outcome, objectives, and evaluations. Come with your final project idea already fleshed out. This will also include time at the end for questions and answers. Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants. Paid for by the Community Foundation Young Leaders Fund."

Tuesdays, September 22-October 13, 6-6:45 p.m., via Zoom
Nia Meditation: The Body's Way with Esther Piszczek, Nia 5 Stages Licensed Instructor
Explore the form and function of the human body in this unique, pilot, meditation class. Each class will focus on a new part of the body with a Body's Way Lesson where we will use gentle movements to explore how our bodies function and move. We will then take what we've learned, sit quietly, and be guided in meditation (18-20 min.) as we listen to the Voices of the Body. Body Awareness and Body Gratitude exercises will help us assess changes that may have occurred during our meditation practice.

What You Will Need: a computer, laptop, tablet, or cell phone with internet access to connect to Zoom, a web-based video conferencing tool; comfortable clothing; a quiet space with room to move about the room, if desired, and a comfortable place to sit quietly in meditation.

Class Limit: 8; multiple family members may share one computer screen, but must register independently. Register HERE after September 7. Cost: $35; payable to Duluth Community Education.

Wednesdays, September 23, 30, 6-8:30 p.m.
Zentangle (R) on Zoom! Foundations with Esther Piszczek, Certified Zentangle Teacher
Experience the fun and relaxation of drawing simple, repetitive line patterns with pen and ink and pencil shading in the comfort of your own home. No previous drawing experience necessary. RSVP required by the Monday before class, to episzczek@gmail.com; Class limited to 8. Zoom link and details will be emailed to all participants on the day of class. Cost: Financial Strain: $0; Financial Ability: $15-$40; Click link for a secure donation/payment option PayPal.Me/eternalpossibility

Thursday, September 24, 2-5 p.m.
"Explore the magic of needle felting in a peaceful, floral circular form and take your colorwork skills to a new level. In this class, I’ll show you how to stretch your felt backing onto an embroidery hoop and keep it tight for ease of use and how to transform the beautiful array of hand dyed roving from my farm’s sheep into your own interpretation of the design. 

"Enough wool of each color will be supplied, so you can work any of the colors on the mandala as suits your taste. Focus will be given to shape creation, color blending, and three-dimensionality. At the end, I’ll offer suggestions for using or mounting your finished piece. Bring your creative spirit and love of wool! Cost: $100; Registration required two weeks prior to class start to ship materials ($55 value). Registration closes, Thursday, September 10."
  
Thursday, September 24, 6:30-8 p.m.
Annual Spirit of the Times Fundraiser, Virtual Event
"This special virtual event is to benefit Zeitgeist, our beloved and one-of-a-kind arts and social change organization, to ensure that we can continue to combine the power of art and community engagement to build a more creative, sustainable, and inclusive community. The night will feature live and silent auction items, surprise cameos, music, and most importantly, you, our community. Attending the virtual event is free, but registration is required. We hope you’ll join us!"
6:30 p.m. Pre-show
7 p.m. Programming
8 p.m. Close

Wednesday, September 30, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
"In this free workshop, instructor Bill Wise will demonstrate tips and tricks for successful documentation of your artwork using the DAI photography studio located in the Lincoln Park Building. This workshop will cover how to prepare your artwork to be photographed, including best practices with the lighting and backdrops available in the photo studio and positioning the camera using a tripod. 

"Wise will demonstrate with a variety of cameras, including the DAI’s Nikon DSLR, a Canon DSLR, and some cell phones. He’ll discuss the camera settings, taking the photo, some basic photo editing and processing, and more. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered participants. 

The DAI photography studio is free for use to DAI members. If you are interested in using the photography studio, please contact aswanson@duluthartinstitute.org. This workshop is part of the DAI Professional Development series and has been paid for by the Community Foundation Young Leaders Fund."

Virtual Art Exhibits / Studio Art Tours
"Minneapolis based gallery Obsidian Art, Inc., brought together established and emerging Minnesota artists of African descent who created exceptional handmade craftworks, photographs, sculptures, drawings, digital images, and multi-media works. These works traveled in a juried 2019-20 exhibit appearing at Austin Area Arts, Duluth Art Institute, Paramount Center of the Arts in St. Cloud, Twin Rivers Council for the Arts in Mankato, and the exhibition culminated in the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

Response  
"An online exhibit provided by the Duluth Art Institute reflecting how artists are processing and observing effects of the Covid-19 pandemic."

Ongoing Online Events

Music By Humbird
"On The Day We Are Together Again was shot by Allen Killlian-Moore on location in North Dakota, Wisconsin, Florida, Illinois, and Minnesota. The imagery was gathered using a multifarious array of vintage handheld cameras on a variety of old reversal film stocks."

DAI: Art in Bloom: Send Love. Send Art.
"Connect to your friends and loved ones by sending original art. The Duluth Art Institute offers a unique opportunity to say "I'm thinking about you." DAI Art In Bloom is here to support artists and connection to each other until we can all be together again. Peruse our list of artist's websites with work ranging $20 to $150. Consider sending stunning artwork from these beautifully curated collections. You'll be supporting artists and giving a gift that lasts forever. 100% of the profits go directly to the artists. The artist will mail the original artwork to the recipient with a special note."

Virtual Duluth (click Facebook link for a list of daily offerings from local creators)
"A place to post all the upcoming virtual events happening in Duluth by so many of our talented community members. Help us flood the web with helpful community content!" 

"Introducing the Zinema 2.0 virtual cinema! Though we cannot be in the theater together during this time, the Zinema remains committed to bringing you quality, thought provoking, independent film. Tune in each week to see what’s playing in one of five categories: new releases, social justice, arts, retro, and international. Your ticket purchase will directly support the Zinema, and you will have the freedom to watch on your own time. Rentals: $12 for 30 days."
 
On View
Summer 2020
Kari Halker-Saathoff: Odysseus & Penelope: The Long Journey, George Morrison Gallery, Duluth Art Institute, Historic Duluth Depot, 506 W. Michigan Street
"Ceramist and illustrator Kari Halker-Saathoff presents the classic story of Odysseus with a reimagined characterization of his wife Penelope. Graphite illustrations are layered with white paper cut outs, backed in black to mirror the ceramic glazing on low fire red clay vessels."

Summer-September 27
Sue Rauschenfels: Sisterhood, Corridor Gallery, Duluth Art Institute, Historic Duluth Depot, 506 W. Michigan Street
"Working in watercolor and acrylic, Rauschenfels builds forms from organic shapes, vivid colors, and rich textures. The forward-facing figures interact with viewers while standing together in solid compositions reflective of their communities. Stories of kinship and unity evolve from her work, encouraging one to reflect on their own relations."

Summer-September 30
Emily Stokes: Reveal, John Steffl Gallery, Duluth Art Institute, Historic Duluth Depot, 506 W. Michigan Street
"Artist Emily Stokes works in painting, printmaking, drawing, and digital imaging to produce two-dimensional objects. Challenging the viewer to explore objects from a two-dimensional perspective rather than three, Stokes presents paper fold outs, interlocking wooden panels and winding panoramas. Her work on view includes acrylic and screen prints on small MDF panels with subject matter accenting the tension between the familiar and the new." View images of Reveal on the DAI facebook page

Summer-October 4
Tia Salmela Keobounpheng: Bloodline, John Steffl Gallery, Duluth Art Institute, Historic Duluth Depot, 506 W. Michigan Street
"Tia Salmela Keobounpheng (aka Tia Keo) presents multimedia sculptures in her new series, BLOODLINE. BLOODLINE no.3 and BLOODLINE no.4, both constructed of copper and electric wire and both representing the artists inquiry into epigenetics."

Learn a Tangle!
Flutter Net, by Pennsylvania tangler Sue Schneider, CZT, is an interesting grid 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 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:
Art on the Planet, 1413 Tower Avenue, Superior (ceramics, notecards, playing cards)
Duluth Fine Pianos, 331 W. Superior Street (next to Starbucks) (full gallery)
Master Framing Gallery, 1431 London Road, Duluth (notecards)

Thank yous!
Thank you to Ed Newman for interviewing me for this article: Zentangle goes Zoom with Esther Piszczek, by Ed Newman, Ennyman's Territory, July 4, 2020.

Thank you to Amanda Hunter at Joseph Nease Gallery who put together 59 second videos for all participating artists of the Downtown Duluth Arts Walk's first virtual tour on March 27. Here is a link to the video she made of my work.

Thank you to Brian Barber of Perfect Duluth Day for featuring my artwork in January 2019: Perfect Duluth Day Selective Focus: Esther Piszczek

Other Places To Find Art
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 and HERE!

Thank you to Ed Newman, Perfect Duluth Day, and all others who contribute to this list.