Planning for the Grand Marais Arts Festival is well underway. And this year we are celebrating 20 years of art on the shores of Lake Superior. Yes, 20 years!
With the rugged beauty of Lake Superior and the enchanting boreal forests of the Boundary Waters, it is no wonder that people journey here to capture the scenery. It is a visually inspiring place to experience. It is here that art and nature collide.
And so, every year, we celebrate that inspiration of fine art and scenic beauty. We celebrate our artistic community. We celebrate our creative souls. This is the heart of the Grand Marais Arts Festival. We invite you to celebrate with us!
In addition to over 60 artists booths, this year's festival will feature live music, art books on sale, painting and fiber demonstrations and even a sword fight courtesy of the Grand Marais Playhouse!
Join us for this jam-packed weekend of art affairs! You will fall in love again and again with the local artists and scenic Grand Marais.
Activities jump- start on Friday night with an anniversary reception potluck dinner at the Art Colony (120 W 3rd Ave). Meet the artists and celebrate fabulous 20 years! Afterwards, stroll over to Betsy Bowen's studio and groove to live music while checking out new artwork for the Summer Art Underground.
Just think, that's just Friday's schedule! Visit our website for a full list of activities.
Generously, Birchbark Books & Gifts (11 W. 1st Street in downtown Grand Marais) will be throwing the Art Colony a fundraiser on Saturday, July 10 for our Empty Bowls Events. A silent auction featuring art and lodging packages will be open from 9 am - 8 pm. From 6 - 7 pm, join us for a meet and mingle with complimentary wine and desserts ($5 donation) and stay for a presentation ($10 donation) by local artist Betsy Bowen entitled, "How I Got to Be a Writer By Learning to Draw."
With all that festival excitement, it is nice to be able to bring it back to campus. Last week the Founders Hall was filled with the pitter-patter of tiny shoes as youth learned about the great art masters. Students practiced live flowers in the style of Monet, they expressed themselves in the colors of Van Gogh.
I debated getting the kids donuts before class like we do for adults, but I was worried the sugar would rile them up. On the contrary, these kids were so focused on their artwork, I hardly heard a peep. In fact, I think the adults are more rowdy! Regardless, it was refreshing to watch these open, creative minds unfold as they were challenged to express themselves and further their abilities. What a gift.
This is the first of many classes we are offering for youth this summer. For the 8 weeks of July and August, students ages 5 - 11 will join us to learn a variety of mediums from professional artists in our Kids Art Program. In August, artists Kelly Dupre and Jo Ann Krause will host a 3 half day workshop for kids. All this art will culminate in an exhibit entitled Young Picassos at the end of the summer. I am sure the exhibit will surprise and delight us all!
