Who doesn’t like pancake ice? by Matthew Pastick.
Early morning over Grand Marais by David Johnson.
¡Greetings from the North Shore, where there are lots of choices on cold weekends. This weekend is no exception. There are many things to do, including games, movies, listening to music, or playing in the snow, all layered up. And not to forget, making art or snuggling down by a warm fire with a good book in hand is always delightful. Enjoy, whatever you do.
Winter in the county always focuses on lots of live music opportunities. Check out this week’s Live Music Schedule to find out more.
On Thursday night, the North Shore Swing Band will perform for Jazz Night at Up Yonder.
The North Shore Swing Band plays for Jazz Night at Up Yonder on Thursday at 7 pm. Photograph by Carah Thomas.
This is always a fun time to listen to great music and have a dance or two on one of the best dance floors in the county. Free.
There are lots of events on Friday.
First up is Friday Night Reels, a bi-monthly series of free films screened at the Grand Marais Public Library that will be held every other Friday through March 20.
The Grand Marais Public Library will screen the film “A Radiant Girl,” starting at 6 pm.
This week’s offering: “A Radiant Girl.” In the film, Irene, a vibrant and optimistic 19-year old Jewish girl, lives a happy life in Paris in 1942. She shows a strong passion for theater and enjoys spending time with her friends. However, darker times loom on the horizon for her and her family. For Director Sandrine Kiberlain’s poignant film, subtlety is very much the key as the danger that we only know from history very slowly accumulates while the Nazi occupation in France continues to make its presence known. The film is free. Intended for adult audiences. Viewer discretion advised.
Here’s the trailer:
The film starts at 6 pm and is free. Light refreshments will be served.
Also on Friday, Hungry Hippie Tacos will hold Friday Cards + Cribbage Game Night from 3-8 pm.
A Cribbage and cards event will be at Hungry Hippie Tacos every Friday through March, starting this week.
The event will be held every Friday through March 6. The public is invited to come and enjoy playing cards or cribbage with friends. Free.
Also on Friday, a new monthly game of Bingo will be held at Up Yonder from 6-8 pm.
Bingo Night will be held on Friday at Up Yonder.
Bingo is hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 413. Open to all. Bingo will be held monthly on Fridays through April.
Aurora Nights: Lutsen Family Festival will be held at Lutsen Mountains this weekend.
A Family festival on Lutsen Mountains this weekend.
The festival will be held from Jan.23-25. For more info, clickhere.
Also, the Cook County Ridge Riders will host snowmobile drag races at Skyport Lodge this weekend. There are a variety of different classes in this event. To find out more, click here.
The public is invited to attend the races, which begin at 10 am. The Ridge Riders have organized two other races this season. At Hungry Jack Lodge and at Poplar Haus. Stay tuned.
The ice skating trail is open on Gunflint Lake. The trail is developed and maintained by Gunflint Lodge.
The ice skating trail has opened at Gunflint Lodge on Gunflint Lake. Photo courtesy of Java Moose.
On Sunday, the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon begins in Duluth.
It will be a great event this year. There is plenty of snow, it will be cold, and lots of mushers from around the country have signed up to race, including Cook County favorites, Erin Altemus, Anna Hennessy and Mary Manning, to name a few. To see the list of mushers and read bios, click here.
Here is more info about the races.
Beargrease schedule and events.
The redesigned Beargrease website is chock full of all kinds of information, including spectator advice and how to watch the race online. To find out more, click here.
On Monday, the monthly Ecstatic Dance event will be held in the Log Cabin Building at the Cook County Community Center.
Ecstatic Dance will be at the Log Cabin on Monday, Jan 26.
The event is open to all and is free. It starts at 7 pm. To find out more about ecstatic dance, click here.
Exhibits:
Scenes of the North Shore is on view at the Heritage Post.
“Scenes of the North Shore,” an exhibition of the collection at the Johnson Heritage Post, continues through Sunday.
The exhibit features a great collection of works by Cook County painters, as well as a new exhibit of work and memorabilia by Anna C. Johnson and her era.
Untitled, oil, by Keith Havens.
The Heritage Post is open from 10 am -4 pm on Thursday through Saturday and from 1-4 pm on Sunday. Free.
The Duluth Art Institute continues its two concurrent exhibits by Annishinabe artists, Carl Gawboy and Wendy Savage.
Carl Gawboy’s Fur Trade Nation has opened at the Duluth Art Institute.
Ojibwe Adornment In Ribbons, Cloth, Beads, and Fur, Wendy Savage, is on view at the Duluth Art Institute.
Here is the Art Institute’s description of the exhibits:
“Our “We Hold These Truths” themed year starts with an exploration of the Truths of Culture and History. Two exhibitions are in conversation: Fur Trade Nation: An Ojibwe’s Graphic History by artist and historian Carl Gawboy provides education on the history and impact of the Fur Trade Nation, and Ojibwe Adornment In Ribbons, Cloth, Beads, and Fur by designer and curator Wendy Savage demonstrates how past creative tradition informs and enriches our present. A collection of songs created by musician Tufawon, inspired by the same topics, enriches the visual gallery experience with this newly created EP. Together, they present watercolor paintings, multimedia textiles, music, and designed works by Savage and eight additional Anishinaabe artists. ”
The Tweed Museum of Art has a number of exhibits this month, including the exhibit, Faculty Biennial.
The Faculty Biennial exhibit is currently on view at the Tweed Museum of Art.
This exhibition features works by Art & Design faculty plus a creative team that includes the faculty, students, staff, and community partners.
The Art & Design faculty in the exhibit includes Alison Aune, Jana Baecker, Brian Barber, Chani Becker, David Bowen, Gloria DeFilipps Brush, Carrie Hartman, Darren Houser, Elizabeth James, Jeffrey Kalstrom, James Klueg, Paul LaJeunesse, Robin Murphy, Matthew Olin, John O’Neill, Eun-Kyung Suh, and Maryam Khaleghi Yazdi.
The exhibit will continue through Feb. 27. To see more about the exhibits, click here.
The popular Show and Tell exhibit at the Walker Art Center continues.
Show & Tell: An Exhibition for Kids. Photo by Kameron Herndon for the Walker Art Center.
Built around five exploratory zones—Play, Make, Find, Read, and Watch—Show & Tell encourages young people to approach contemporary art with creativity and imagination. Where Cas Holman’s Critter Party (2024) offers a sculpture to touch, climb on, and modify, Caroline Kent’s colorful abstractions inspire kids to create their own collages to project in the gallery. A porthole wall reveals a trove of hidden surprises, from a miniature Spoonbridge and Cherry to a family of funky creatures. And in the comfy “Watch” zone, a varied selection of short films prompts curiosity and conversation. The exhibit continues through April 5.
Kudos
The Arrowhead Regional Arts Council has announced the awarded grants for Fall 2025.
The Arrowhead Regional Arts Council has announced grant winners for Fall 2025.
The ARAC Board approved $260,700 in grants to 58 individual artists and 11 organizations through its Emergency Relief Fund, Individual Artist Equity, and Operating Support Grant programs. Included was M Baxley of Grand Marais, who was awarded $4,000. The funding will support the creation of Anishinaabe Stories of Spirits, People, and Place. To see the awards page, click here.
Opportunities:
Applications are now open for the Grand Marais Arts Festival, which will be held in downtown Grand Marais July 11-12.
Arts Festival 2026 applications are now open.
The deadline for applications is Feb. 23. For more information and to apply, click here.
Artists at Work:
Three Paintings by Layne Kennedy
Iceland, acrylic, by Layne Kennedy.
Portugal Pond Life, acrylic, by Layne Kennedy.
Northern Ireland Tide-Out, acrylic, by Layne Kennedy.
More Artists At Work:
Surface Image 36, 1986, oil on paper, by Martin DeWitt.
Winter. Time to Paint, by Patricia Canelake.
Fox’s Dreams, acrylic, Rachel Rae Klesser.
Untitled, acrylic, by Angela Medemblik Smylie.
Winter Hare III, linocut and watercolor by Andrew Haslen.
Mt. Royal, Montreal, oil on canvas, by Richard Savoie.
New Work – The Good Bird by Carla Stetson.
White Raven, blown and sand-carved glass by Preston Singletary Glass. Photo by Russell Johnson.
Work in progress by Betsy Bowen. One of the illustrations for her 2027 calendar, “Believe in the Future.”
Twisted Pine, oil, 1939, Group of Seven artist Franklin Carmichael.
Untitled, dried leaves and embroidery by Susanna Bauer.
Colanders, stoneware and porcelain, by James Guggina.
Powdered Blues, acrylic, by Terry Brawner.
My Way Home, acrylic, by Adam Swanson.
Not One of Us The Same, acrylic, by Christi Belcourt.
Lightning Bear, glass, by Dan Friday, American Lummi.
Kynance Light, Kynance Cove, reduction linocut, 2023, by Hazel McNab.
Algonquins of Pikwakanagan Nation by Sylvia Tennisco.
Bisset Farm, oil, by Franklin Carmichael.
Spirit of the Raven, 1979, stonecut by Inuit artist Kenojuak Ashevak (1927-2013).
Day 13 of 100: “Spring Will Return,” acrylic, by Aaron Kloss.
Turbulent Indigo, self-portrait, 1994, by Joni Mitchell.
Three Paintings by Layne Kennedy
Online Findings:
Alexei Morita Skates
Alexei in hockey skates on a snow-covered lake. Click on the photo or click here to watch. Sound on.
For a quick laugh
This is pretty cute. Click on the photo or click here to see. Sound on.
The Inosculation of Souls, 1st place, Canada, World Snow Sculpting Championship 2026 in Stillwater.
Online Music:
Music selections courtesy of Dennis Chick
Live Music:
Thursday, January 22:
- Timmy Haus, Moguls Grille & Taproom, 4-6 pm
- Gordon Thorne, North Shore Winery, 6-8 pm
- Jim Miller, Charlie’s Alpine Bistro, 6:30-9 pm
- North Shore Swing Band, Up Yonder, 7-9 pm
Friday, January 23:
- Pat Eliasen, Moguls Grille & Taproom, 4-6 pm
- Sarah Morris, Lofty Gondola at Lutsen Mountains, 3-6 pm
- Joe Paulik, Cascade Lodge Restaurant & Pub, 6-8 pm
- Briand Morrison, Charlie’s Alpine Bistro, 6:30-9 pm
- Jim Miller, Bluefin Grille, 7-9 pm
- The TH3, Up Yonder, 8:30-11 pm
- Timmy Haus, Lofty Gondola at Lutsen Mountains, 8:30-11 pm
Saturday, January 24:
- Sarah Morris, Lofty Gondola at Lutsen Mountains, 3-6 pm
- Tina Hegg and Drew Heinonen, Cascade Lodge Restaurant & Pub, 6-8 pm
- Joe Paulik, Charlie’s Alpine Bistro, 6:30-9 pm
- EricKaoke, Karaoke hosted by Erick Steey, Up Yonder, 8-1 am
- The TH3, Up Yonder, 8-11 pm
- Timmy Haus, Lofty Gondola at Lutsen Mountains, 8:30-11 pm
Sunday, January 25:
- Pete Kavanaugh, Charlie’s Alpine Bistro, 6:30-9 pm
Monday, January 26:
- Christopher Hanson, Voyageur Brewing Company, 5-7 pm
- Gordon Thorne, Charlie’s Alpine Bistro, 6:30-9 pm
- Barbara Jean & Mike Lewis, Bluefin Grille, 7-9 pm
Tuesday, January 27:
- Eric Frost, North Shore Winery, 4:30-6:30 pm
- Open Stage hosted by Pete K, Up Yonder, 6-8 pm
- Pat Eliasen, Charlie’s Alpine Bistro, 6:30-9 pm
- Community Singing, Log Cabin at the Grand Marais Community Center, 7 pm
- Pat Eliasen, Skyport Lodge & Raven Rock Grill, 6-8 pm
- Bump Blomberg, Charlie’s Alpine Bistro, 6:30-9 pm
Thursday, January 29:
- Timmy Haus, Moguls Grille & Taproom, 4-6 pm
- Gordon Thorne, North Shore Winery, 6-8 pm
- Jim Miller, Charlie’s Alpine Bistro, 6:30-9 pm
Friday, January 30:
- Clay Fulton, Lofty Gondola at Lutsen Mountains, 3-6 pm
- Pat Eliasen, Moguls Grille & Taproom, 4-6 pm
- John Gruber, Cascade Lodge Restaurant & Pub, 6-8 pm
- Briand Morrison, Charlie’s Alpine Bistro, 6:30-9 pm
- Emma Tweten, Bluefin Grille, 7-9 pm
- Timmy Haus, Lofty Gondola at Lutsen Mountains, 8:30-11 pm
Saturday, January 31:
- Clay Fulton, Lofty Gondola at Lutsen Mountains, 3-6 pm
- Jim Miller, Cascade Lodge Restaurant & Pub, 6-8 pm
- Joe Paulik, Charlie’s Alpine Bistro, 6:30-9 pm
- EricKaoke, Karaoke hosted by Erick Steey, Up Yonder, 8-1 am
- Timmy Haus, Lofty Gondola at Lutsen Mountains, 8:30-11 pm
Sunday, February 1:
- Pete Kavanaugh, Charlie’s Alpine Bistro, 6:30-9 pm
Photograph:
Here are a few photographs we found this week:
Wildlife:
Buff-tailed Hummingbird In Flight, Colombia by John Heino.
In Flight by Chris Artist.
Who is watching who? by John Bragstad.
Cold lovers by David Johnson.
The Great Grey Owl is ready for its prey by Michelle Osterhus Photography.
A female Northern Cardinal by Bill Marchel.
Rough-legged Hawk hunting in winter by Bill Marchel.
The Elusive Ermine by Paul Sundberg.
A Wolf Visitor by Maryl Skinner.
My Ruffed Grouse friend by Chuck Olsen.
Snow Bunting by Bill Marchel.
Potpourri:
Fresh-caught Lake Trout from the BWCA by Joe Friedrichs.
Stormy outside, cozy inside, by the Lake View Natural Dairy.
Black ash, ridiculously beautiful wood by Cathy Quinn.
Winter Dance Card by Gus Schauer.
Don’t be this guy by Clyde Brazie Jr.
Embrace by Adam Malmanger.
Northland, #14, by John Heino.
Landscapes, Skyscapes & Waterscapes:
The Belt of Venus by David Johnson.
Miner’s Beach, Mich., by Vladimir Vorobeychik.
Winter Wood by Jeremy Church.
Super Wolf Moon by Nathan Klok.
Grand Marais by Todd Seefeldt.
Morning Takes Flight by Gregory Israelson.
Brighton Beach by Gregory Israelson.
Sunrise Aurora by Thomas Spence.
Winter Solitude in Black and White by Terry Lozenski.
Who needs the light? Trusting someone does, by Lavin Mansukhani.
A Cold Dawn by Bryan Hansel.
Sunrise from the Lester River, by Sam Cook.
Northern Lights by Roxanne Distad.
Oh my, what an amazing place by Matthew Pastick.
10 below zero and the sky is alive by Heidi Pinkerton.
Sea Smoke by Steve Ash.
Sky Love by Staci Lola.
Valhalla Ice Works by John Heino.
Have a good weekend, everyone.
Note: Contributing to NorthShore ArtScene is a great way to show your support and appreciation. It makes a big difference. Thank you!
This blog is grateful for the help and support from Jeremy Lopez for his wonderful Live Music schedule and tech support, and Yvonne Mills for her great proofreading. Thank you, both! And to Visit Cook County for its outstanding Events Calendar.