Mark Your Calendars

For most of us this is a bit too busy time of year, but  it can bet easier if you write things on your calendar and plan ahead. Is it because December falls at the wrong time of the year? Maybe we should move it up a little. Or add a few weeks between Thanksgiving and the day we celebrate the holy birth. At least we're not getting bored. If you need a breather from shopping, here are some upcoming events to put on your calendars.

The ArtCracker

On Saturday, December 8th Washington Studios Artists' Co-op will i opening its doors and inviting the public to an event they call The Artcracker. It's essentially a large open house involving the dozens of artists who live and work there at the co-op, with  live performing arts, member open studios and arts and crafts for sale in the halls from 11:00am - 5:00pm. It would be a good idea not to spend all your money at the big box retailers until you have checked out the ceramics, crafts and other locally-created goods that will be on display here and elsewhere. When I say elsewhere I mean...

Phantom Galleries 

Nightmarket

Nightmarket is tonight and every Thursday till Christmas at 1412 Tower Ave and 1112 Tower Avenue in Superior. 1112 Tower Ave is featuring the Phantom Painters group, presenting their works for both show and sale. Kathy Kollodge, Teresa Cox Kolar, Lori Franklin, and Anita Curtis. The work of 11 local artists and artisans will be shared at 1412 Tower, in the New York Building. The hours are from 4 till 9, and yes, it is starting to get dark around four, which is why it's called the Nightmarket.

(in)VISIBLE GIFTS: Celebrations of Community

The Opening Gala for all Phantom Gallery Superior locations will be next Thursday, Dec 13. In addition to receptions at 1112 and 1412 Tower Ave, there will be walking tours (weather permitting), and artist talks starting at 6pm. The artists in this team of exhibits are all inspired by the resonance that happens working together in the same space.

Duluth Art Institute Biennial

As always, the DAI Member show is something to look forward to each January. But every other year the DAI conducts a juried show and it should be stellar. The opening reception for this event, which features works by 39 artists, will be Monday from 5:30-7:00 pm in the John Steffl Gallery. Three awards will be announced, with a check for $1000 going to the winning entry, which is nothing to sneeze at, though I suspect it's like a Super Bowl ring, with greater importance on the achievement than on the cash. Best of luck to all artist friends who passed the first hurdle by being accepted into the show. I will see you there.

PROVE, Ochre Ghost and more

As noted, you will need to mark your calendars in order to schedule all these goings-on around your other Christmas parties and such. So while you're doing that be sure to set aside Friday December 14 for the Under $100 show at the PROVE and Mauro Alves (Mau Ro) will be showing his paintings two blocks east through the alley, with live music by Minneapolis singer/songwriter Jaw Knee Vee who has been compared to a punk version of Charlie Parr. All that at the Ochre Ghost.

I'm only doing a skim here. The Polar Express, the Nutcracker, Bentleyville and assorted Christmas choir programs are all waiting for you here. The Twin Ports doesn't need to be solely a summer vacationland. The lights are fantastic and there's a lot of great things to see and do. And let's not forget the music.

Keep that song going strong.