Staff & Contributors

Ed Newman

After a career in advertising, Newman continues to write, paint and play harmonica.

Content By This Contributor:

Spotlight on Acclaimed Pianist Eric Himy

Ed Newman

On May 9, internationally acclaimed pianist Eric Himy will be performing in Carlton at the historic Oldenburg House. Praised by the New York Times, the Washington Post, and countless others for his inspired performances, Himy has been rightfully compared to pianists of highest distinction, an e

Ryan LaMahieu

Ed Newman

I first encountered Ryan LaMahieu’s drawings at the new Double Dutch at the corner of Lake Avenue and Superior Street. The imagery immediately drew me in. He will be showing at Pizza Luce in April/May.  He recently did the new Low album cover, which came out on March 19th.

Area 51 and a Half Found in Finlayson

Ed Newman

The world’s most secret military installation, located in the Nevada desert, has been dubbed Area 51. Though never acknowledged by the U.S. government, the wildest speculations have been written about the place, from UFO sightings to secret weapons expe

Laura Gapske, Minerva, and the Roller Dames

Ed Newman

Laura Gapske is co-founder of the local feminist zine Minerva. Minerva is striking for its in-your-face approach and creative imagery, hence my interest in learning more about its creators. Gapske shared openly and without reservation.

Spotlight on Andrew Perfetti

Ed Newman

Andrew Perfetti has been a guitarist in Uprising and other local bands for several years. For the past several years he’s been owner of Superior’s Goin’ Postal, a shipping store and copy center. His passion for photography and the arts has resulted in the establishment of Perfetti Photo

Spotlight on Jacob Swanson

Ed Newman

In recent years I’ve become aware of the benefits and power of collaboration. Most writers and artists work in isolation. On the other hand, filmmakers are fully aware of the dynamics of a team production. Jacob Swanson’s collaborative works have involved an interesting cross-section of local artists and have begun catching the attention of a widening audience.

Spotlight on Erika Mock

Ed Newman

Erika Mock is an award-winning textile artist, designer, knitter, weaver, and instructor who has been exhibiting and selling her work at juried art shows across the nation for the past 24 years. She has also been playing a vital role in the rejuvenation of the city of Superior by means of the arts, most visibly demonstrated in the Phantom Galleries Superior.

Spotlight on Visual Artist Kenneth Marunowski

Ed Newman

Beaner’s Central in West Duluth is well known as one of the Twin Ports’ music hot spots. It’s possibly less well known for the great venue it is for local artists on a monthly basis. This month’s featured artist is Kenneth Marunowski of Esko. I find his insights in this interview both practical and instructive

The Twin Ports Arts Scene: 2012

Ed Newman

Guess what: 2012 was an exciting year in the arts here in the Northland. It really is time to pay attention. And it’s happening on both sides of the bridge.

Spotlight on Brian Barber

Ed Newman

Brian Barber is an illustrator, designer, and animator in Duluth, Minnesota. Earlier this spring Barber’s work was featured at the Duluth Art Institute in the George Morrison Gallery. EN: Do you make a living doing art and illustration? Tell us briefly your career path from schooling to present.

A Visit with DAI Curator Annie Dugan

Ed Newman

Since its incorporation in 1907, the Duluth Art Institute has become the Northland’s premier center for the exhibition, study, and production of visual arts, achieving its mission and goals through three primary services for artists and th

Catching Up with Artist Tonja Sell

Ed Newman

Her output is impressive, her imagery inspired and inspiring. Oulu artist Tonja Sell has been making her mark and building a following here in the Northland.

Vivid Intricacies: Patricia Lenz Discusses Her Art

Ed Newman

I first noticed Patricia Lenz’s intricate images about two years ago at a show in Superior. In our first meeting I learned that she lives in northern Wisconsin on the South Shore of Lake Superior, a wonderful setting for being an artist. To say I was impressed with her work is an understatement.

Spotlight on photographer Ryan Tischer

Ed Newman

Some of Ryan Tischer’s distinctive photography is as breathtaking as his subject matter. Currently he is the gallery committee chair at Washington Galleries, responsible for organizing and running meetings, working with artists to put on exhibits in the gallery, and finding new artists interested in exhibiting.

Jen Dietrich’s American Iconography

Ed Newman

UMD art professor Jen Dietrich is an intelligent mix of broad experience and creative expression, with a strong positive rating from students she has served. Pretty much a trifecta, in my book. EN: How did you first come to take an interest in art?

Spotlight on Artist Patricia Canelake

Ed Newman

Patricia Canelake, originally from Virginia, Minnesota, now lives in the historic fishing town of Knife River on the north shore of Lake Superior. Her residence is in the center of Knife River and her renovated studio is next door to a business shared with her sister, Great!Lakes Candy Kitchen. This past week I found myself energized by Canelake’s exhibition titled “Unleashed” at Lizzards Art Gallery here in Duluth. Her work is in permanent collections at the Duluth Technology Village, Hibbing Community Colle

Spotlight on Photographer John Heino

Ed Newman

John Heino, long-time keyboardist for the Centerville All Stars, has been a perpetual advocate for the arts and for community involvement. After a career in the energy industry, Heino is currently caught up in another of his lifetime passions, photography.

A Lawyer Who Advocates for the Arts: Spotlight on Brian Lukasavitz

Ed Newman

Backstage at the ReaderFest last week, one of the people floating around behind the scenes was a gentleman whose life has been interwoven with the music community, Brian Lukasavitz. Since I have met Brian, who is an advocate for musicians and artists, my lawyer joke days are over. His law practice focuses on arts, entertainment, and media law. He works on behalf of artists to protect and promote their creations, whether it is

Vicci Martinez Returning to Win More Hearts at Bayfront

Ed Newman

The lineup for ReaderFest is impressive with so many of our favorite local performers whom we can’t get enough of because there aren’t enough hours in a day. The headliner will be a young woman who stole the show at last year’s Bluesfest, Vicci Martinez, a performer and songwriter who has gained national attention through NBC’s singing competition The Voice.

A Space in Time with Artist Wynn Davis

Ed Newman

As even the most tin-eared local knows, we have a lot of great music here in the Northland. One of my personal aims is to draw attention to the richness and variety we have here in the visual arts. Sometimes the two are woven together, as in the re-issue of Charlie Parr’s wonderful album “1922.” The cover art for Parr’s offering was created by Wynn Davis, whose work will be on display at the Ochre Ghost beginning July 20.

Spotlight on Tonya Borgeson

Ed Newman

Tonya Borgeson, an instructor at Lake Superior College, has been making ceramics for nearly two decades. Based on her numerous shows, workshops, and activities, she appears to have an indefatigable energy. She is especially passionate about Lake Superior and hopes we will all think deeply about the big lake’s importance on Lake Superior Day, July 15. You can also visit her current show at the Whole Foods Co-op through August 7.

With Duluth Artist Wanda Pearcy

Ed Newman

Duluth artist Wanda Pearcy is an assistant professor at the UMD’s College of Art and Design. Her work as an artist and photographer has garnered her much recognition and many awards. Her background includes painting, sculpture, and modern dance. She received her MFA at LSU in 1997.

Five Minutes with Emerging Artist Aaron Kloss

Ed Newman

“By the shores of Gitche Gumee, By the shining Big-Sea-Water, Stood the wigwam of Nokomis, Daughter of the Moon, Nokomis. Dark behind it rose the forest, Rose the black and gloomy pine- trees,Rose the firs with cones upon them...” ~H.W. Longfellow

Ten Minutes with Richard Hansen

Ed Newman

It’s certainly exciting how much percolation is taking place here in the music and arts scene, including theater and dance. In the realm of film we also have something very special going on. I urge you to get familiar with the Duluth Superior Film Festival, which is just around the corner. It will be time and money well invested.

Talking Art with Ann Klefstad

Ed Newman

Ann Klefstad had been deeply immersed in the L.A. art scene before bringing her sensibilities here to the Midwest. Many of us in the arts noticed her byline in the Duluth News Tribune as she covered the arts for several years, first as a freelance art reviewer and then as the arts and entertainment reporter. She is articulate and a very talented artist herself. It is obvious from even a brief conversation with Ann that she has thought deeply about many of the issues confronting artists and the arts in America today.

An Inside Look at Quidam and the Cirque du Soleil

Ed Newman

The circus is coming to town! Circuses in America have a long history that goes all the way back to shortly after the Revolution, offering the masses a source of diversion and entertainment unlike anything else. In the days before radio and television, there were as many as a hundred circuses weaving their way about the land. But the circus was not just about spectacular entertainment. At the heart of the circus was an innovative showmanship and entrepreneurism.

With Jeredt Runions

Ed Newman

EN: What is the Homegrown Art Festival and what is its relationship to the Homegrown Music Festival?  Jeredt Runions: The art portion of Homegrown this year has been a work in progress for three years now. I’ve been putting on group shows during Homegrown for many years because I felt that music and art up here in the Twin Ports should be presented together, or at least inspire one another. Finally, the Homegrown crew decided to in

Scarlet Rivera, Dream-Weaving Violinist from Dylan’s Desire

Ed Newman

In preparation for this year’s Dylan Fest, the Armory Arts & Music Center is presenting a concert featuring famed violinist Scarlet Rivera with Gene LaFond & The Wild Unknown on the Weber Hall Music stage at UMD. The May 18 concert is called Desire In Duluth because Scarlet’s mesmerizing violin contributed significantly to Dylan’s sound in his Desire album. Scarlet’s career in music has spanned many genres, from rock to jazz (she performed with Duke Ellington’s orchestra at Carnegie Hall) to world music and even Celtic sounds.

Five Minutes with Colin Wiita

Ed Newman

Colin Wiita was born in Duluth in 1974. I first noticed his art at the second annual “Love Your Local Artist” event at the Superior Library. Specifically it was his conversation with Clyfford Still, titled “Still Conversation”, that caught my attention and caused me to pay greater attention to his other pieces. He is currently married and a father of three children, ages 4 to 9, and lives in rural Wisconsin.

Snickers Story Has Unexpected Twist

Ed Newman

“Detectives used a partially eaten Snickers found at the Daugherty’s Veterinary Clinic on Central Entrance to track down the suspect in its January 2011 burglary. Police sent the nougat-filled chocolate bar to the state Crime Laboratory, where medical examiners obtained DNA, Duluth detective Gordon Hansen said.” ~ Duluth News Tribune

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