Art in June!

Welcome to June and warmer weather ... most of the time. This month brings the return of a hometown favorite, CHUM's Rhubarb Festival, along with a new farmers market, art and poetry at the planetarium, and the continuation of the Virtual Indigenous Film Series. Scroll down for details and links to these events and more!

Community Survey!
Zeitgeist Arts Cafe is seeking community feedback that will influence what it looks like when it reopens. Let your voice be heard and take the survey: zeitgeistarts.com/restaurant

Draw with me in June!
Mondays, June 14, 21, 28, 6-8:30 p.m.
Zentangle on Zoom!

Wednesdays, June 23 & 30, 6-8:30 p.m.
Zentangle on Zoom! Foundations

Wednesday, June 16, 6:30-9 p.m.

Details on all events, and more, below!
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All events are listed in chronological order, where possible. Click on colored text throughout to link to more information. 

Friday-Sunday, June 3-6, multiple times
Finishing School, County Seat Theater, 2035 Highway 33 South (on frontage road), Cloquet
Finishing School, Comedy, By Elaine Liner
"Older gents Al and Wizzer meet on a park bench every morning to read and mock newspaper obits. Their daily rituals—shooting the bull about sports, women loved and lost and the many annoyances of aging—are suddenly shaken up by the appearance of a friendly young woman and her flirty mom. Wizzer pep-talks lonely widower Al to convince him to break out of his self-imposed “quantum of solace” and maybe find love again, while also dealing with his own fear of ending up in the memory care unit at their assisted living facility. Punctuated with true-to-life moments familiar to anyone with an aging parent or spouse, the play takes an upbeat attitude toward life after 60, 70 and beyond."

Saturday, June 5, 2-4 p.m.
Poetry and Art, Live in the Alworth Planetarium, UMD Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium, 1023 University Drive
"Julie Gard, Francine Sterle, and Faith King present a reading of original poems based on artwork in a celestial setting. Limited, socially-distant seating will be available. Contact organizer Faith King for a seat reservation at elws @ d.umn.edu. All others are invited to join by Zoom."

Saturdays, June 5, 12, 19, 26, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Wednesdays, June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2-5 p.m.
Duluth Farmers Market, corner of 14th Avenue East & 3rd Avenue
"The East Hillside Duluth Farmers Market is open every Saturday morning (8 a.m.-12 p.m.) and Wednesday afternoon (2-5 p.m.) from May through October. COVID-19 protocol will be in effect — see duluthfarmersmarket.com for guidelines." To find information on other area Farmers Markets, visit the Farmers Markets Page on this blog!"

Tuesdays, June 8 - September 28, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Clover Valley Farmers Market, Duluth Township Town Hall, 6092 Homestead Road
"Duluth Township has a new farmers market. A group of community members — Justin Osadjan, Pam West and Blane Tetreault — in cooperation with the town board, have sowed the seeds of the Clover Valley Farmers Market.

"Vendors will sell items such as locally-produced foods, beverages, produce, plants, flowers, arts and crafts. Products sold will be required to be at least 50 percent produced within the Township or contiguous areas." To find information on other area Farmers Markets, visit the Farmers Markets Page on this blog!

Wednesday, June 9, 6-7 p.m.

Superior Shares, a Free, 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 limit adult content and language. Graphic violent or sexual content is prohibited. To register, email writers @ lakesuperiorwriters.org and indicate if you’d like to read. A Zoom link will be sent the day of the event."

Saturday, June 12, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Nice Girls of the North Second Saturday Marketplace, Masonic Lodge, 4731 Gladstone Street (Lakeside)
"At the Nice Girls of the North Second Saturday Market you'll be treated to lively music and a friendly atmosphere. Browse a collection of handcrafted clothing and bags, pottery, jewelry, stained glass, photography, personal care products, baby items and much more. Artists are on hand as personal shoppers to help you select just the right one-of a kind gift for every occasion.

"We require everyone to wear your mask properly and maintain 6 feet of social distance. We have hand sanitizer available, sanitize our baskets between customers, and monitor to maintain safe capacity numbers. As local infection rates have decreased, we are going back to our central checkout. We will have a limited number of masks for sale if you need one. This location is handicap accessible. Guest Artists: Bent Petal Welding - metal garden art
& Craig Bruce - Ceramics

Monday-Friday, June 14-18, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Creating Realistic Drawings with Nelia Harper (Ages 12-16), Duluth Art Institute, Lincoln Park Building, 2229 W. 2nd Street
"Enhance your drawing skills by learning techniques that will make your drawings look more realistic. Artist Nelia Harper, demonstrates techniques and skills to transform your drawings, giving them depth and detail. Campers will learn skills that can be applied to all subjects, including people and animals. Camp will include drawing from life outdoors.

"The Duluth Art Institute is following CDC Covid-19 guidelines, as well as state and local protocols. Social distancing measures are practiced in all indoor spaces. Masks are required when indoors. Cost: $150 member $200 non-member"

Mondays, June 14, 21, 28, 6-8:30 p.m.
Zentangle on Zoom! with certified Zentangle (R) teacher Esther Piszczek
A more advanced class for those with some experience with the Zentangle method of pattern drawing or who just want to go for it. RSVP required the Friday prior to each class. Class limited to 8 screens. Zoom link will be sent out on the day of class to all registered students.
Cost: Financial Ability: $15-$40; Financial Strain: $0-$15; Click link for a secure donation/payment option PayPal.Me/eternalpossibility

Tuesday, June 15, 7-8 p.m.
In the Heights, Virtual Book Launch Event
"Zenith Bookstore partners with book-lovers across the country for a special nationwide event. Lin-Manuel Miranda, Quiara Alegría Hudes and Jeremy McCarter present a Virtual Book Launch of In The Heights.

"Before Hamilton became a global phenomenon, before Lin-Manuel Miranda became a household name, a little show called In The Heights shook up Broadway with its hip-hop and salsa soundtrack and big, bilingual heart. In their new book In The Heights: Finding Home, Miranda, Hudes, and McCarter tell the story of the show’s humble beginnings, from rehearsals in a bookstore basement to the Broadway smash (and soon-to-be feature film) that created an unbreakable community and a new kind of family for everyone involved.

"A purchase of the book at Zenith Bookstore (either in-store or online) will include a ticket for the virtual launch. When ordering online, use Promo Code HEIGHTS and the Zoom link for this exclusive event will be provided."

Wednesday, June 16, 6:30 p.m.
Virtual Indigenous Film Series: Words from a Bear
"The American Indian Community Housing Organization and Duluth-Superior Film Festival are partnering to present a series of four Indigenous-produced films. Filmmaker and Bois Forte Ojibwe tribal member Khayman Goodsky hosts the free Wednesday-night screenings online via Zeitgeist Zinema’s online platform.

"Local short films and post-screening discussions are also included. All films will take place on the third Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Donations will be accepted to support the filmmakers, guest speakers and presenting organizations. To register for a free ticket visit ds-ff.com/aicho.

N. Scott Momaday: Words from a Bear
Director: Jeffrey Palmer
"This documentary examines the enigmatic life and mind of Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Navarro Scott Momaday, one of Native America’s most celebrated authors of poetry and prose. Although his unique heritage is a central theme, Momaday’s work asks the questions every audience can relate to: what are our origins and how do we connect to them through our collective memories? The film reveals intimate details of the writer’s personal life through his literary texts, along with the trials and tribulations he faced as a Native American artist in the 20th and 21st century."

Wednesday, June 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, May 10, at 12 noon.
Cost: Financial Strain: $0; Financial Ability: $15-$40; Click link for a secure payment option PayPal.Me/eternalpossibility

Sunday, June 20-Saturday, June 26, multiple times & events
"Rhubarb is back! CHUM’s 16th annual Rhubarb Festival returns with both in-person and online events. During rhubarb week, several local community partners will offer special rhubarb-themed meals and treats, including At Sara’s Table, Sir Benedict’s Tavern, Love Creamery and more. Look for rhubarb-themed treats all around Duluth along with Rhubarbara in a Duluth Rhubarbara hunt. The longest leaf and largest stalk contest winners will be announced during the June 26 livestream along with Rhubarb Trivia. Links to all Rhubarb Festival fun can be found at chumduluth.org.

Wednesdays, June 23 & 30, 6-8:30 p.m.
Zentangle on Zoom! Foundations with certified Zentangle (R) teacher Esther Piszczek
For those who are new to the Zentangle method of pattern drawing or who would like to explore the foundations of this method in more detail or who just love to draw on Wednesdays. RSVP required the Monday prior to each class. Class limited to 8 screens. Zoom link will be sent out on the day of class to all registered students.
Cost: Financial Ability: $15-$40; Financial Strain: $0-$15; Click link for a secure payment option PayPal.Me/eternalpossibility

Saturday, June 26, 8 a.m.
National Marble Day Hunts 2021, Lake Superior Art Glass Event
"Lake Superior Art Glass presents a scavenger hunt around Canal Park and the Duluth Lakewalk, where nearly $600 worth of marbles are hidden. Clues are announced throughout the day on lakesuperiorartglass.com and social media. The first hunt on May 29 — Lake Superior Art Glass’ ninth anniversary — is a teaser hunt with one marble hidden, as is the second hunt on June 26. The big marble hunt is on July 23, when 15 marbles will be hidden. Those who find a marble and post a photo of it on Facebook or Instagram, revealing where it was found, will be entered into a drawing to win a free flamework class. One clue will be posted for each marble hidden.

"Dan Neff, the owner of Lake Superior Art Glass, specializes in collectible marbles. Scavenger hunts on National Marble Day have been a tradition around the country. Thousands of artists are hiding marbles across the country."

Saturday, June 26, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Rhubarb Festival Community Carnival, First United Methodist Church, 230 E. Skyline Parkway
"Social distancing and all Minnesota Health Department protocols will be observed. The carnival will have activities for kids, rhubarb treats and Rhubarb Festival gear for sale.

"At 3 p.m., the CHUM Rhubarb Festival will continue online with a Livestream featuring performances by local musicians, gardening and cooking tips, and a look at how CHUM has adapted to the pandemic. There will also be an online auction June 25-26 with baskets donated by CHUM congregations.

"The CHUM Rhubarb Festival is an annual fundraiser to support CHUM’s mission. The goal is to raise $50,000. Donations can be made online via chumduluth.org or mailed to CHUM, 102 W. Second St., Duluth MN 55802."

Saturday, June 26, 5-8 p.m.
Jeff Boothe Assembled Sculptural Paintings, Kirsten Aune Textiles, 12, N. 21st Ave. W.
Drop in for this Portland Extraordinaire Pop-up with Oregon sculptural artist Jeff Boothe. 

Monday-Friday, June 28-July 2, 1-4 p.m.
Youth Mixed Media: Creating the Elements of Nature with Julia Jaakola (Ages 9-13), Duluth Art Institute, Lincoln Park Building, 2229 W. 2nd Street
"Youth will experience the magic in creating the smooth reflective quality of water, the sparkle of Lake Superior stones, and the rough feel of bark, ice, and snow. Campers will create masterpieces using multiple art mediums in abstract or representational style. Campers will explore recreating the elements of nature such as solids, liquids, and gas in their projects. Explore the best mediums to use for incorporating these natural elements in your future artistic endeavors.

"The Duluth Art Institute is following CDC Covid-19 guidelines, as well as state and local protocols. Social distancing measures are practiced in all indoor spaces. Masks are required when indoors. Cost: $150 members $200 non-members"

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."

In This Place, Broadcast Premiere, WDSE-TV PBS North and live streaming on pbs.org and the PBS Video App.
"From First Nation to First Generation, follow the unique origin and immigration stories of northern Minnesotans as they explore their family histories in this documentary."

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."

Ongoing Virtual Exhibits
"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."

"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.

"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."

Winter Virtual Film Festival, hosted by the Northouse Folk School
"Light a fire and snuggle up to some crafty films from around the world. Each week in January we offer up a selection of films from the web that may inspire and entertain."

Sign Painters
Faythe Levine & Sam Macon, 2015, 65 min
"At a time when most American cityscapes are dominated by computer created mass-produced signage, Sign Painters takes a close look at the past, present, and hopeful future of the hand painted sign industry in the USA. There is some mild language. Watch here"

The Last Ice Merchant
Sandy Patch, 2014, 14 min
"For over 50 years, Baltazar Ushca has harvested the glacial ice of Ecuador’s Mount Chimborazo. His brothers, both raised as ice merchants, have long since retired from the mountain. This is a story of cultural change and how three brothers have adapted to it. Watch here"

High Steel
Julian Biggs, 1965, 14 min
"This short documentary offers a dizzying view of the Mohawk Indians of Kahnawake who work in Manhattan erecting the steel frames of skyscrapers. Famed for their skill in working with steel, the Mohawks demonstrate their nimble abilities in the sky. As a counterbalance, the viewer is also allowed a peek at their quieter community life on the Kahnawake Reserve, in Quebec. Watch here"

On View - for a limited time
May 8-June 8
The Story of 12 Paintings by Ida Lorentzen, a Virtual Art Exhibit, The Nordic Center
"This virtual exhibit showcases twelve paintings that were originally commissioned by the Norwegian Folk Museum. Ida Lorentzen was born in New York and lives and works on Nesoya near Oslo. She is known for her interiors, the study of light, and space that tell stories. Her work is widely recognized in the United States, Norway, and Europe."

Fridays, 4-7 p.m.
Adam Swanson: Very Small Things Surrounding Us, Zeitgeist Arts Atrium, 222 E. Superior Street
"'I’ve recently been fascinated by the amazing amount of mystery happening in the world of the very small, right outside my door,' says Swanson in his artist statement. 'These three paintings of tardigrades, feature diatoms photographed by researchers Euan Reavie and Elizabeth Alexson at the National Resources Research Institute here in northern Minnesota.' Come stop by when the bar is open from 4 to 7 on Friday evenings."

May 8-June 8
The Story of 12 Paintings by Ida Lorentzen, Virtual Exhibit, Nordic Center, Duluth
"This virtual exhibit showcases twelve paintings that were originally commissioned by the Norwegian Folk Museum. Ida Lorentzen was born in New York and lives and works on Nesoya near Oslo. She is known for her interiors, the study of light, and space that tell stories. Her work is widely recognized in the United States, Norway, and Europe."

May 28-June 6
Finishing School Group Virtual & Live Art Show, Encore Performing Arts Center and Gallery, 2035 Hwy 33, Cloquet
View this group show live or virtually. The exhibit was created by multiple local artists to complement the live and virtual comedy Finishing School, playing May 28-30 & June 2-6 LIVE SHOWS & June 4-6 – View On Demand, playing at the County Seat Theater in Cloquet. Call 218-878-0071 for tickets to the show or information on artwork.

March 26-June 26
A Warm Reset, Joseph Nease Gallery, 23 W. 1st Street
"A Warm Reset - a warm pallette, some quiet and introspective works, an easing into a better future. Includes: New and recent work by gallery and invited artists - Tara Austin, David Bowen, James Brinsfield, Cary Esser, Liz James, Matthew Kluber, Kathy McTavish, Allen Killian-Moore, and Tim White. Media: paintings, photographs, film, ceramics, digital animation, installation." Hours by Appointment Only: Thursday-Saturday, 12-4 p.m. Contact Joseph Nease Gallery for details.

May 4-June 30
Postsecondary, a Virtual Group Art Exhibit
"Emerging artists highlight issues that merit notice. Soon you will see the impact students make using art. The DAI virtual student exhibition is an online art show featuring eight students attending the University of Minnesota-Duluth, the University of Wisconsin-Superior, and Northland College. Featuring the artwork of: Maren Friemann, Whitley Greysmark, Tyler Wren, Deborah May, Grace Bauman, Evaline Britton, Cait Lars, and Mihika Murdeshwar.

2021
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.

February 4-October 24
Banff Mountain Film Festival - online, virtual event
"This year, bring the adventure home! Fluff up your couch cushions, grab a snack of choice, and make sure you have good internet connection, because the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour is going Virtual! Travel to the most remote corners of the world, dive into daring expeditions, and celebrate some of the most remarkable outdoor achievements, all from the comfort of your living room!" 

Learn a Tangle!
Javik, by Belgian CZT Ria Matheussen, is an organic, floral, band tangle that lends itself to adding color. 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 on my web page, Eternal Possibility, and my Zentangle.com page, Esther Piszczek!

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