Art in November!

Happy November everyone! This month brings opportunities to make gingerbread houses, learn to hand crochet, and shop at holiday fairs. And ... before that happens, there are some fun, family-friendly and creative events happening this weekend to celebrate All Hallows Eve. Scroll down for details and links!

Important Dates and Deadlines!
Pepperkakebyen Ginger Bread House Making Kit Order Deadline: Sunday, November 1
"The sky’s the limit! You can create your own gingerbread house from scratch OR you can purchase $20 pre-made kits from our resident King of Gingerbread House making, Patrick the Gingerbread Man. Kits can be picked up at The Nordic Center."

Order Deadline: Sunday, November 1
Pick up Date: Tuesday, November 3, 1-3 p.m., The Nordic Center, 23 N. Lake Avenue


Calling All Volunteers!
Warm Up the City 2020, Yarn Harbor, 4629 E. Superior Street
"We are now accepting donations of hats, mittens, scarves and other cold weather gear, (handmade or store-bought) for our Warm up the City event in which these items will placed around town with tags that say 'I am not lost. If you need me, take me.' If you would like to volunteer to distribute items on the day of the event, please call 218-724-6432 or email us at wool@yarnharborduluth.com.

Collection Deadline: Wednesday, November 18
Distribution Date: Saturday, November 21


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.]

Save the Dates!
Tuesdays, December 1-22, 6-6:45 p.m., via Zoom 
Nia Meditation: The Body's Way with Esther Piszczek, Nia 5 Stages Licensed Instructor
Duluth Community Education, on Zoom! Click link for class description and registration details.

Monday, December 7, 6-8:30 p.m.
Zentangle (R) Pattern Drawing, an introduction, with Esther Piszczek, CZT
Duluth Community Education, on Zoom! Click link for class description and registration details.

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.

Friday, October 30, 5-6 p.m.
"Learn about bead crochet with experts Bert Rachel Freed and Dana Freed Fiddes, authors of Bead Crochet Jewelry: An Inspired Journey Through 27 Designs. Bert and Dana will demonstrate the basics of bead crochet—chain stitch with beads—a technique that can be used to create beautiful jewelry that looks complicated but is actually very easy! They will also discuss more advanced techniques (like circular crochet) while sharing their story, inspiration, and designs. Cost: $20"
 
Friday, October 30, 7 p.m.
Seat of your Pants Parking Lot Players Halloween Spooktacular, The Encore Performing Arts Center & Gallery, 2035 Hwy 33 South, Cloquet
6 p.m.: Drive thru parking lot haunts; 6:30 p.m.: 45 minute outdoor stage show
"A fun and safe Halloween event for all ages in the County Seat Parking Lot. Social distancing will be practiced for the safety of our guests and actors. Concessions available: hot beverages and treats. Cost: $20 per car; Call: 218-878-0071 to reserve a parking spot."

Friday, October 30, 8 p.m.
Roaring Twenties Murder Mystery Soiree, Virtual Event
"A fast-paced, virtual event where participants can interact in a Roaring Twenties-set, Gatsby-esque mystery, while interviewing suspects and sleuthing the clues to figure out whodunit. Included in each ticket: a mystery box to enhance play with suspect clues, an Old-Fashioned glass and a treat from the Duluth Candy Co.

"Prepare for an evening of laughs, a chance to learn the Charleston, a silent auction and a grand-prize drawing for those who solve the mystery. Proceeds from this event benefit the YMCA Community Support Campaign and will provide scholarships and financial assistance to the community. Cost: $40; check in starts at 7:45 p.m."

Saturday, October 31, 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

Saturday, October 31, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Great Pumpkin Hunt, Lake Superior Art Glass
"The Great Pumpkin Hunt is a family-friendly scavenger hunt taking place throughout Duluth on Halloween. Clues are announced throughout the day on the Lake Superior Art Glass website and social media. One clue is be released 30 min, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. 16 mini solid glass pumpkins are hidden. After finding a pumpkin, participants post a photo of the pumpkin and where they found it on Facebook or Instagram to be entered into a drawing to win a free class.

"This is a costumed event. All kids participating can send in a photo of their costume for a mini online costume contest. Extra prizes can be won for posing in costume with the “secret spy dog.” Event organizers request that scavenger hunters limit themselves to one pumpkin per child or person to allow as many people as possible to join into the fun to find the 16 pumpkins."

Saturday, October 31, 1-4 p.m.
A Socially Distanced Scavenger Hunt, Northern Expressions Arts Collective
"Northern Expressions Arts Collective presents two scavenger hunts made for 2020, with all clues distributed via text and items located within a six-mile radius of the Lincoln Park Craft District. The Family Hunt is designed for one household to participate together for a chance to win one of three prize packages. The Team Hunt is for any team that consists of up to four members, competing for up to $250. Participants must register in advance. The cost is $10 per team. All details can be found in the details section of the Facebook event page.

Friday, October 30, 7-8 p.m.
"Created by the Decameron Opera Coalition, “Tales from a Safe Distance” features nine one-act operas and a tenth wrap-around story. Each Friday in October, an episode with two or three of these operas premier virtually. Join us for the LIVE After Party beginning at 7:30 p.m. following each premiere! A $15 ticket gives you access to all four episodes, with the flexibility to watch any time after first airing through the end of the year. Learn more and buy tickets at decameronoperacoalition.org."

Sunday, November 1, 7 p.m.
Duluth All Souls Night, Virtual Event
"This year's DASN celebration will be a filmed virtual event featuring a funeral march and fire ceremony by The Spin Collective fire dancers with music by the Thomas Boys Back Home brass band. Donations accepted on the DASN Go Fund Me Page."

Wednesday, November 4, 6:30-8 p.m.
"Soap—so simple, yet so misunderstood. Have you ever pondered the ingredients contained in a typical bar of soap? Petroleum distillates, sulfates, and many other unpronounceable additives. Spend an evening with instructor Jeanne Wright as she demonstrates how to make your own soap at home, using the same ingredients Grandma used: animal fat and lye. You'll learn how to make gentle, natural soaps, and explore the history and science of this cleanser. After this webinar you'll be ready to purchase ingredients and tackle this project at home, just in time for making unique holiday gifts! Cost: $25."

Saturday, November 7, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Holy Rosary Craft Sale, Holy Rosary - Stella Maris Academy School, 2802 E. 4th Street
"Join us for a fun filled day with over 50 crafters and direct sale vendors. To-go lunches will be available. Safety measures will be in place and masks are required. Mark your calendar to attend and start your Christmas shopping early!"

Saturday, November 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Festival of the Season Covid Reboot!, Duluth Farmer's Market, 1324 E. 3rd Street
"Shop for your fall & winter storage crops, stock up on locally grown and artisanally made foods like tea, wild rice, vinegar, maple syrup, mustard & sauces. You’ll also find a lovely selection of fresh flowers, house plants to keep you smiling all winter long, meet a lovely selection of artists showing off unique creations including wool felted items, soaps & lotions, wood turned functional & sculptural art, painted arts, jewelry and much more!

"We can be safe and be together sharing the joy of the holiday season! Select one of the FREE tickets reserving your 1/2 hour time slot to come shop safely while observing COVID protocols. Each half hour time slot accommodates up to 30 people. So reserve a spot with your close friends or family to shop together too!"

Saturday & Sunday, November 7 & 8, 2-4 p.m.
Virtual Gingerbread Workshops, Live Events
"Patrick the Gingerbread Man of the Nordic Center of Duluth will host free, live virtual Zoom workshops teaching you the finer points in how to build and decorate your gingerbread kit house(s). Here you will learn about using the sugar “glue” in creative news ways, and what candies, gumdrops, pretzels, crackers create the most interesting effects and sceneries. You’ll be amazed at how many ways you can use a sugarcane. A Zoom link will be emailed out a few days prior to the event. RSVP required: Nov. 7; Nov. 8."

Sunday, November 8, 3-4 p.m.
Second Sunday Reading Series: Sheila Packa & Blair Powless, Duluth Poet Laureate Project on Zoom
"The Second Sunday Reading Series features two local poets whose presentations are followed by an open reading. Register for Zoom programs with organizer Gary Boelhower, 2018-2020 Duluth Poet Laureate, at gboelhower@msn.com. Poets who wish to participate in the open reading segment should contact Boelhower with the date they wish to be placed on the program. More information can be found at duluthpoetlaureate.org.

Thursday, November 12, 7 p.m.
"The American Association of University Women presents their annual scholarship event virtually this year featuring prize drawings on Zoom, including gift cards, certificates from local businesses and artists who have been supportive of Created Here. Thank you for your support! Click link for Zoom meeting ID."

Friday, November 13, 1-3 p.m.
Gingerbread House Drop Off Date, The Nordic Center, 23 Lake Avenue
"Want to have your gingerbread house included in the Nordic Center's spectacular display? Just make sure the house is no wider than 2’ so it fits through our doors! Local businesses can display in their windows and will be included on our Gingerbread Village walking tour map. Drop off your house at the Nordic Center on November 13th from 1-3 p.m."

Saturday, November 14, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Learn to Finger Crochet a Winter Hat with Instructor Teri Smith, Live Online Event
"Winter is coming and that means you probably need a new hat and a new hobby! Learn the very simple craft of finger crochet in this online workshop. Find one skein of size 6 bulky yarn, rustle up a pompom if that’s your look, bring all ten fingers and you’re ready to go. Students have completed a hat in as little as two hours, but through step-by-step instruction, Teri can coach even someone who is all thumbs through this fun beginner project over the course of the morning. Click link for supply list and to register for this class. Class Cost: $40."

Saturday, November 14, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Nice Girls of the North Second Saturday Marketplace, Masonic Lodge, 4731 Gladstone Street (Lakeside) (click link to confirm location before attending)
"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."

Friday, November 20, 7 p.m.
Pepperkakebyen Gingerbread Village Virtual Tour
"Catch our virtual gingerbread house tour online, opening Friday, November 20 at 7 p.m., or stop outside Nordic Center, 23 N. Lake Avenue, to see all the houses through our magical and expanded window viewing experience. Visit participating businesses using our walking tour map. Click the link above for updates!" On View: Friday, November 20 - Saturday, January 2, 2021

Virtual Art Exhibits / Studio Art Tours
"Online art exhibit of new work by mixed media artist Jeffrey Kalstrom created between March 7 and September 30, 2020, and hosted by The Nordic Center of Duluth. The works on exhibit are large scale mixed media wall panels combining mythic imagery and symbolic shapes in optically dazzling patterns."

James Woodfill: CODE Practice
CODE PRACTICE refers to a body of sculptural works created over the last year and was intended to be the subject of a solo exhibition physically installed at Joseph Nease Gallery starting this summer. The novel coronavirus instigated our shift to a virtual web-based platform for an exhibition of his recent stop frame animations and sound work HERE.

Minnesota Black Fine Art Show
"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
Allen Killian-Moore: The Day We Are Together Again (4:41 min.)
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!" 

Zinema 2.0 Virtual Cinema
"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
October 9-31
Windows Into Grief, Duluth All Souls Night Celebration
"Downtown Duluth and Lincoln Park businesses will host artist window displays in anticipation and celebration of Duluth All Souls Night and in collaboration with the Downtown Duluth Arts Walk to honor individuals who have passed, cultural treatments of death, and "Rotten Ideas" (those things which cause grief like racism, sexism, environmental devastation, etc.).

September 9-November
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. All COVID-19 guidelines will be followed including face covering requirements inside the Aquarium."

September 19 - Present
David Bowen: On Water, Joseph Nease Gallery, 23 W. 1st Street
"Using intersections between natural and mechanical systems, David Bowen produces unique relationships within his sculpture and installation. With robotics, custom software, sensors, tele-presence and data, he constructs devices and situations that are set in motion to interface with the physical and virtual world. The devices he constructs often play both the roles of observer and creator, providing limited and mechanical perspectives of dynamic situations and living systems."

Fall 2020
Blair Treuer:Identity, Duluth Art Institute, John Steffl Gallery, 506 W. Michigan Street
"Textile artist Blair Treuer’s portraits of herself, husband and nine children move off the walls with emotional energy. Textures and patterns blend and contrast, creating form; fabric mimicking paint while luring viewers to lean in, to observe, to examine detail. Relationships of the materials emerge, as do the relationships between the artist, herself and her family."

Fall 2020
Chesley Antoinette: Tignon, Smartify App
"Artist Chesley Antoinette is the creator and designer of Cantoinette Studios where she explores wearable art and sculpture. In Tignon, she presents a collection of unique turbans, exhibiting a vast range of color, form and wrapping techniques. The headwraps are accompanied by large scale contemporary photographs and essays providing visual and written historical context to the Tignon Law. 

"The 1786 Tignon Law of Louisiana was enacted to oppress affluent women of African descent, to decrease their beauty and thereby diffuse their allure to white men. Under the administration of Governor Esteban Rodriguez Miro, women of African descent were forced to cover their hair as an effort to control them, their affluence, beauty and intelligence. However, the headwrap became a symbol of rebellion as women donned their hair with exquisite, colorful scarves, adding jewelry, ribbon and other fine material. The Tignon was and is embraced by women of African descent, proving an occasion to showcase one’s creativity and adaptability."

Fall 2020
Allyssa Swanson: Material, Duluth Art Institute, Corridor Gallery, 506 W. Michigan Street
"Alyssa Swanson weaves the influences of her ancestors, family, and mentors into monochromatic abstract sculptures. Beginning with inexpensive acrylic yarns, bulk fabrics and discarded scraps, she embraces the modest materials used by her great-grandmother, great aunt, grandmother and mother. Yarn, thread, needles and crochet hooks construct alternate ways in which women throughout history have extended their voices. In Material, Swanson reveals how the craft of her matrilineage informs her creative process and narrative."

Fall 2020
Susanna Gaunt, Integument, Duluth Art Institute, George Morrison Gallery, 506 W. Michigan Street
"Duluth multi-media artist Susanna Gaunt presents new work investigating materials on a large scale. Manipulating sheets of white paper, she layers, weaves and shapes sculptures into textured forms suspended from the ceiling and mounted on the walls. Creases, peaks and valleys reflect light to create shadowed surfaces juxtaposed against translucent layers of mulberry paper treated with encaustic wax. This collection of forms invites viewers to examine their details, noting differences with curiosity and wonder."

Learn a Tangle!
Vano, by Dutch tangler Hanneke Sieben reminds me of a spooky spider web. Based on a circle grid, this tangle has many opportunities for creative fill and has a dimensional look to it. 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.