Art in October!

October is here and the Twin Ports has found creative ways to share art amidst the ongoing pandemic. This month brings art-based scavenger hunts, a drive through book signing, and virtual opera and poetry performances. Apparently the pandemic is just another opportunity to be creative about sharing creativity. 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 October!
I am teaching my Zentangle (R) pattern drawing classes on Zoom. You can check out what we've drawn together April-July, here: eternalpossibility.com

Wednesday, October 14, 6:30-9 p.m.
Zentangle (R) & Wine on Zoom!

Mondays, October 12, 19, 26, 6-8:30 p.m.
Zentangle (R) on Zoom! 

Wednesdays, October 21 & 28, 6-8:30 p.m.

Details on all of these events, and more, below!
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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 2-16
"The Catalyst Content Festival is a virtual event this year, with links to selected screenings sent to “ticket holders” on Oct. 2. Shows will be available for viewing until Oct. 16.To purchase a virtual event ticket and receive the screening link, make a donation to the festival’s scholarship fund.

"This is the festival’s second year in Duluth and second year under its current name, but this will technically be the 15th annual iteration of what was formerly known as the International Television Festival. The event is an industry marketplace for independently produced episodic programming. The goal is to lower the barriers between creators, audiences, the industry, and Minnesota so each group can benefit."

Friday, October 2, 7-8 p.m.
E. is the A. A. is the W., works by Jeffrey S. Kalstrom, Virtual Art Opening & Artist Talk
"Kalstrom, an artist and educator, creates optically-dazzling, large-scale, mixed-media wall panels that playfully combine mythic imagery and symbolic shapes from pre-historic, Scandinavian, Greek and other Mediterranean cultures. On view Online: October 2-31October 2-31

Saturdays, October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Wednesdays, October 7, 14, 21, 28, 2-5 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 3, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Holiday Harvest Bazaar, Norton Park United Methodist Church, 436 N. 79th Ave. W.
"Crafts, fall treats, Scandinavian treats, Halloween ceramic trees, seasonal next-to-new, masks, bake sale, cherry tree, pet treats, curbside lunch takeout and treat bags. Attendees should dress warm, wear a mask and socially-distance."

Tuesday, October 6, 7 p.m.
"Duluth award-winning children’s author Margi Preus and illustrator Anders Hanson virtually launch “The Silver Box,” the final book of the Enchantment Lake mystery. Virtual attendees can ask Hanson any question about inspiration, design, illustration and typography.

"Other virtual activities remain “a mystery,” but may include hand puppets, recipes, opera and treasure hunt with prizes. Time permitted, the event includes a questions and answers session. The Crowdcast event is free, but you participants must RSVP online to receive the login link. Zenith Bookstore will have signed copies of “The Silver Box,” as well as other Margi Preus books available to purchase."

Wednesday, October 7- Saturday, October 10, multiple times
Bath Bomb Making Workshops with Lanae Rhoads, Mix Cosmetiques, 2301 Woodland Avenue
"This workshop will give you the ability to create fantastically giftable (and usable) bath bombs for yourself, friends and loved ones (think holiday gifts, y'all). We'll show you the proper quantities of ingredients to create the perfect scented fizzy, how to get them in the mold and how to keep them from crumbling. You'll walk away with at least 3 bath bombs and the ability to make your own for gifting and creating the perfect self-care, spa day.

"We have designed a new workshop format to keep us all safe, but allow the fun to return! Book online for your preferred date and time. Only 2 participants will be allowed per hour (unless other arrangements are made) and masks must be worn. Contact: lanae @ mixcosmetiques.com;
 Cost: $22"

Wednesday, October 7, 5 p.m.
Patty Lyons is a nationally recognized knitting teacher and technique expert who is known for teaching the “why” not just the “how” in her pursuit of training the “mindful knitter”. She specializes in sweater design and sharing her love of the much-maligned subjects of gauge and blocking. Cost: $20"

Thursday, October 8-12 Deadline
Call for Artists Deadline: 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. You may use markers, paint, beads etc. to create your mask. All masks will be displayed at the theater and auctioned off with the entire proceeds going to the ENCORE! As an extra incentive, we will have a “Best of Show” contest with the winner receiving a “special” prize. Questions? Call or text Kris at (218) 348-7619 or Joel at (218) 451-0715. 

Thursday, October 8, 5:30-7 p.m.
Drive Through Book Signing: The Science of Stephen King, by Meg Hafdahl & Kelly Florence, Lake Superior College Parking Lot
"With their newest book, Meg Hafdahl and Kelly Florence present a guide to Stephen King stories and characters. Through interviews, literary and film analysis, and bone-chilling discoveries, The Science of Stephen King delves into the Stephen King universe to uncover the science behind the legendary novels that have become a part of modern pop culture.

"The $15 event fee includes a signed copy of “The Science of Stephen King”, a Stephen-King-themed cupcake from How Sweet It Is and a Stephen-King-themed balloon. A portion of all sales benefit the Lake Superior College Foundation."

Fridays, October 9, 16, 23, 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. A $15 ticket gives you access to all four episodes, with the flexibility to watch any time after first airing. 

Lyric Opera of the North’s chapter, “Everything Comes to a Head” is part of is part of Episode 1: Both Gladsome and Grievous. This newly commissioned, 30-minute horror-romance-comedy is sung in English and features illustrated, animated sets. Music is by Rachel J. Peters. Libretto by Margi Preus and Jean Sramek. Learn more and buy tickets at decameronoperacoalition.org."

Saturday, October 10, 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."

Sunday October 11, 3-4 p.m.
Second Sunday Reading Series: Deborah Cooper and John Herold, 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. Save the Date: Sunday, November 8: Sheila Packa & Blair Powless"

Mondays, October 12, 19, 26, 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, October 14, 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, October 12, at 12 noonCost: Financial Strain: $0; Financial Ability: $15-$40; Click link for a secure donation/payment option PayPal.Me/eternalpossibility

Monday, October 19-26
Virtual Art Tour and Creative Covid Mask Auction on Facebook, The Encore Performing Arts Center & Gallery, 2035 Hwy 33 South, Cloquet
"Approximately 30 artists are busy creating wearable pieces of art! There will be a virtual Art Tour and a Silent Facebook Auction with bidding beginning Oct. 19 and closing on Oct. 26."

Wednesdays, October 21 & 28, 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-Saturday, October 22-24, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Watercolor Workshop with David R. Becker, DAI, Lincoln Park Building
"IL based artist, David R. Becker, will be teaching you watercolor from beginning to end; starting with teaching you how to take total control of the watercolor medium and using that control of the medium to create well-composed watercolors. Subject matter will be changing daily with photo reference supplied in the morning and afternoon. Lessons will include most every element that David can think of that will teach you how to paint a watercolor with confidence. This workshop is designed to benefit all levels of painters. Teaching students to conquer the medium of watercolor is David's goal and he takes great pride in making sure every student leaves with the ability to control watercolor. Cost$375/member $450/non-member"

Saturday, October 24, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Salem Church Apple Festival & Craft Sale, Salem Lutheran Church, 4715 Hermantown Road
"Due to Covid-19, the sixth Annual Apple Festival & Craft Sale will be held mostly outdoors. Many area crafters, food producers and sundry makers will be on hand to sell their goods. Apple brats, apple cider and a limited amount of apple goodies will also be for sale. Face coverings will be required both indoors and outdoors. Hand-sanitizing stations will be available and indoor capacity will be limited to 25 percent."

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.

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-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."

August 29-October 30
Unweaving by artist Tia Keobounpheng (aka Tia Keo)Lakewalk Park Duluth
"Unweaving, a temporary outdoor art exhibit in Lakewalk Park, explores the ways tradition, culture, communities, and individuals are unwoven when we are disconnected from our foundation of ancestral history."

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."

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, IntegumentDuluth 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!
Gourdgeousby Zentangle co-creators Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts is an organic tangle perfect for October's harvest. 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.