Art in December!

Season's Greetings! There are so many ways to stay creatively engaged this holiday season including virtual and in person holiday markets, online classes, spoken word, and films. May your December be merry and bright! 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.]

Where I will be this month:
Monday, December 16, 6:30-9 p.m.

Details on all 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, December 4 & Wednesday, December 9, 5-6 p.m.
Fiberside Chats, Live Online
"We’ve invited some of your favorite fiber designers and creators to join us for a series of online gatherings with Longmont Yarn Shoppe: Fiberside Chats! Cost: $20

"Launched in May, these gatherings, hosted on Zoom, are one-hour sessions with special guests joining us to give a peek into their world. These designers and creators will discuss their unique path, creative processes, latest projects—or whatever is inspiring them now. There will also be a Q&A session, giveaways, and other fun surprises for those who join!

"Your ZOOM Link will be sent the evening before and about 1 hour before the event."
12/5: Laura Nelkin: Brioche Knitting & Socks & Slippers
12/9: StevenBe: MN Fiber Artist will talk about color and style

Friday, December 4-Thursday, December 24
"Julebyen exists virtually this year with an Online Market, with foods and gifts by local artisans, and Troll Village has a book corner where online visitors can meet regional authors and illustrators, along with a variety of recreational exhibits and vendors. Both online sites feature links to many of the wonderful and creative local artists and artisans attendees of traditional Julebyen celebrations are used to seeing.

"On the Hidden Folk Trail, starting at the Shilhon trailhead, is a COVID-safe opportunity for individuals and families to get out of the house and celebrate in the Christmas season. On the nearly mile-long trail hikers can look for signs while reading a story written by Lise Lunge Larsen and learning about the Hidden Folk. They may play on an obstacle course, make music in the woods and decorate trees for the animals. The trail will be accessible from Dec. 4 to Jan. 1. It starts at the Shilhon trailhead and goes to the lower trail outlet on Shilhon Road where people will then continue with the trail walk back up along Shilhon road to their cars."

Saturday, December 5, 1-5 p.m.
4th Annual Star of the North Virtual Trunk Show
"The 4th Annual Star of the North Maternity Home will be held at this time VIRTUALLY this year; Artists and Craftspersons will be LIVE on our VIRTUAL Zoom Meeting. 

SATURDAY'S LIVE ARTISTS & CRAFTERS SCHEDULE:
1:00 - 1:10 Welcome from Sue and Monica - Loons & Handbags
1:10 - 1:30 Susan Ziel, Owner, Wabi Creations
1:30 - 1:40 Sarah C. Johnson, SCJ Pottery
1:40 - 1:45 Drawing #1 - Sue SON
1:45 - 1:55 Northern Gourmet - Natasha Deneau
1:55 - 2:05 Monica Hendrickson- Snoozies & Drawing #2
2:05 - 2:15 Andrea Babinski, Special Coffee Mugs
2:15 - 2:25 Pampered Chef - Rita Baron
2:25 - 2:30 Drawing #3 and Mikala's Etsy Amiibo Coins
2:30 - 2:40 MidCoast Catering and Rambler Food Truck - Meal Kits & Desserts
2:40 - 2:50 Joe Zastrow - Acrylic Landscape Paintings
2:50 - 3:00 Loon Final Sale - Wrap up and Overview - Drawing #4

Saturday, December 5, 8 p.m."Wherehouse Productions is collaborating with local musicians, and the Zeitgeist Center for Arts and Community, to host the third in this live-stream concert series. You can join the stream for free, though we will emphasize the need for our community’s artists to be paid for their time and talent through donations during the event. Donations can be made directly through the streaming platform.

"Out of the golden age of jazz, this event is inspired by a 1920s’ Harlem tradition called ‘rent parties’ which are repurposed here to suit our current pandemic media landscape. Rent parties were a means for tenants to eat, dance, and get away from everyday hardship and discrimination, as well as to raise funds for your neighbors to be able to stay in their spot - to not lose their home - when things got tough. Well, things are tough now. Many of our communities’ artists have been without work since March, this series will put the artists and their wellbeing in the spotlight.

"This is a unique solution to incomparable circumstances and, ironically, it is only made possible because of the world we currently find ourselves – with our stages empty and our artists yearning to connect. 

Tuesdays, December 8, 15, 22, 5:30-7 p.m.
Fittin' Mittens Class with Yarn Harbor, Online
"In this class you will knit warm and cozy mittens or fingerless mitts suitable for snowman building or a brisk early morning walk. The pattern takes an unusual approach to gauge which is adaptable for making any size from child to adult, and for any climate. You will learn how to achieve the density of fabric you like best. You’ll want to make several pairs because they make great gifts that your family and friends are going to want. Click link for a supply list and to register. Cost: $55"

Wednesday, December 9, 6-7 p.m.
Superior Shares Virtual Open Mic
"Lake Superior Writers hosts this virtual open mic. Ten 5-minute reading slots are available on a first come, first served basis, with priority given to members of Lake Superior Writers. Participants will be notified ahead of time if they’ve been selected to read. Readers are asked to please limit adult content and language. Graphic violent or sexual content is prohibited.

"To register email matuszak3 @ msn.com and indicate if you’d like to read. A Zoom link will be sent on the day of the event."

Wednesday, December 9-Sunday, December 13
Wednesday, December 23-Friday, December 25
A Christmas Carol – A Live Radio Play, a County Seat Theater Production
"From the novella by Charles Dickens; Music by Kevin Connors, adapted for the stage by Joe Landry. Holiday Play with Music Directed by Greg Anderson and Produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc.

Due to Covid-19 you will ONLY be able to watch the County Seat Theater's production from home ON DEMAND. There will be no live performances. On Demand Ticket Prices: $9.99 Single View & $14.99 Household View

Saturday, December 12-Saturday, January 2
Duluth Gingerbread Walking Tour
"The public is invited to stroll through downtown Duluth to see gingerbread houses at participating businesses. The sites include:

The Zeitgeist Center for Arts and Community, 222 E. Superior Street
The Joseph Nease Gallery, 23 W. 1st Street
Lizzards Gallery, 3 W. Superior Street
DSGW Architects, 2 W. 1st Street
The Nordic Center, 23 N. Lake Avenue"

Saturday, December 12, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
"Get festive with Telemark style rosemaling on a wooden Dala horse plaque. Kim has designed a holiday-themed Dala horse that will allow you to practice your Telemark style skills. This course is for rosemalers who have some experience studying Telemark style before. Students will order and gather their own materials ahead of time for this course, and will need to apply background paint to their dala horse plaques before the day of class. Cost: $45."

Saturday, December 12, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Nice Girls of the North Second Saturday Marketplace, Masonic Lodge, 4731 Gladstone Street (Lakeside)
"Due to concerns about social distancing, this sale will be a little different. There will not be the the central checkout. Each vendor will handle their own sales. This is to avoid people clustering around the check out. Please bring cash or checks as not all vendors may have credit card capabilities. We require everyone to wear your mask properly and maintain 6 feet of social distance. We will have a limited number of masks for sale if you need one. This location is handicap accessible."
Guest Artists: 
Kristen Biles - car seat capes
Melissa Boyle - Wooly wearables
Kathleen Cargill - books and pillow cases
Sally Cavallaro - silversmith
Karen Villeburn-Varnek - mosaics
Martina - candles

Saturday, December 12, 7 p.m.
"Many people would love to see the Northern Lights at some point in their life. But do you know what causes them? Or when is the best time to try and watch them? Join planetarium staff on Facebook Live (@UMDPlanetarium) to uncover the mysteries of the Northern Lights. This event is hosted by the UMD Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium."

Tuesday, December 15, 12 p.m.
"Susanna Gaunt’s art exhibition Integument includes the performative installation piece “Disperse.” Gaunt will be live from the George Morrison Gallery as she adds to her seed bank. Witness Gaunt as she hand-stitches a collection of translucent photographic moments. These seed pods accumulate as the show matures, transforming the exhibition over time."

Wednesday, December 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, December 14, at 12 noon.
Cost: Financial Strain: $0; Financial Ability: $15-$40; Click link for a secure donation/payment option PayPal.Me/eternalpossibility

Thursday, December 17, 7 p.m.-Sunday, December 20, 11:59 p.m.
"We're still dancing! Celebrate movement, creativity and resilience. Faculty and student choreographers will premiere original camera dances filmed in a range of styles and locations. Prerecorded. Join us for a LIVE Watch Party on Zoom Thursday, December 17 at 7 p.m. for chat and camaraderie while watching DanceWorks 2020."

Thursday, December 31, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
"Kids in second grade and younger are invited to celebrate the coming New Year at noon instead of midnight with Duluth Public Library staff and other families on Zoom. Use the fun props in the Noon Year’s Eve Family Party kit to dance, play, shake and create while safe at home. Register for a kit and pick it up at the library before the event. Kits will have the party supplies for a family with up to three kids. The Zoom link and password will be emailed to participants the day before the event."

Ongoing Online Events
Every Friday, the Duluth Art Institute uploads a fun online activity. Activities you can download include an I-Spy game, Word Search Puzzles, and a Coloring Sheet.

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."

Virtual Art Exhibits / Studio Art Tours
"Catch our virtual gingerbread house tour online, 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." On View: November 20 - January 2

UNWEAVING unwound (16:22), Art Film by Allen Killian-Moore
"Local filmmaker Allen Killian-Moore created this short art film as a complement to artist Tia Keobounpheng's temporary, outdoor, public art sculptural installation. UNWEAVING explores the ways tradition, culture, communities, and individuals are unwoven when we are disconnected from our foundation of ancestral history (i.e. when we don’t know our stories or when truths are suppressed or not acknowledged). A different unweaving can loosen us from perpetuating unconscious pattern behaviors, make sense of our position in the larger social fabric, and enable reweaving a more honest and equitable future. Keobounpheng is a fiscal year 2020 recipient of an Artist Initiative grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board."

"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."

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

Chesley Antoinette: Tignon
"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."
 
On View
October 20 - December 31
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. Watch the video series Disperse that accompanies this exhibit. Next Installment airs Tuesday, December 15, 12 noon."

September 19 - January 2
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."

November 20-January 2
Pepperkakebyen Gingerbread Village Virtual Tour
"Catch our virtual gingerbread house tour online, 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."

Fall 2020
Kristen Kass: Reflections, Duluth Art Institute, Performing Arts Wing, 506 W. Michigan Street
"Working with fiber, Kristen Kaas designs and weaves pieces exploring texture and dimension. On view this fall are two large scale weavings in a soft pallet. Tufts of thread escape woven edges while iridescent yarn shines sporadically yet rhythmically throughout the weft . Kaas’ experimental techniques result in contemporary designs rooted in traditional methods. Her current work focuses on weaving layered structures using connection points between the layers to create dimension."

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. Video Link"

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. Artist Talk"

Fall 2020
Transitions, Duluth Art Institute, Depot Great Hall, 506 W. Michigan Street
"Transitions is a temporary installation of work for sale. Transitions offers you the unique ability to purchase artwork without waiting the length of the exhibition to take the work home. As work is purchased, new work will transition into the space left behind, making this exhibition dynamic and ever-changing. Transitions features artists recently and currently exhibiting in the Duluth Art Institute Galleries. Artists currently represented include Shaun Chosa, Michael Dahmen, Susanna Gaunt, Kristen Kaas, Sue Rauschenfels, Alyssa Swanson, and Blair Treuer. Come see work you will love on your walls. You can also view the work in our eStore.

Learn a Tangle!
Forge, by Rhode Island CZT Bonnie Luther, is a ribbon style tangle that begins with an ess shape. It is an organic tangle that makes a great border for holiday cards or envelopes. 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.