David Beard
Created Equal at the Zinema
Yesterday, I spent five hours at the Created Equal event at Zinema 2. Below, I have links to the videos, if you want to watch from home.
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McKnight Exhibit of the work of Duluth Artist Catherine Meier
Congrats to Duluth artist Catherine Meier. I drove 160 miles to see her opening at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design — and it was worth it.

(Catherine Meier, “I could hear voices on the wind, Sage Creek Rim Road” (right panel), Graphite on paper)
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Photography
I was in the Duluth Photography Institute last night. The current exhibit was a little spicy (about bondage) — but that’s what art institutions give us — something spicy to challenge the mind, right?
Duluth-area Literary Vibe: Zines, journals and other lit publications from the region
I was at the Prøve Gallery last week and was happy to see a blossoming collection of literary magazines beside the small press books from Holy Cow! and the fine art. I thought it might be fun to catch folks up on the literary publications in our community.
Networks of art, history, laughter
The weekend was full of immersion in networks of art, history and laughter.
On Friday, I went to the MacRostie Art Center in Grand Rapids for the “Bridge” exhibit.

The exhibit is remarkable, and negotiations are under way to bring it to Duluth. From the text, the exhibit is “the result of two years spent documenting the stories of people affected by 2007′s I-35 bridge collapse by photographer Vance Gellert. (more…)
Fellowships for Historical Research
PDD is host to a number of independent historical researchers. FYI.
The Minnesota Historical Society is pleased to announce the Legacy Research Fellowships. Eligibility for these Fellowships is open to any post-collegiate Minnesota scholar who is engaged in Minnesota-related research/scholarship that draws on the Gale Library resources and that intends to add to the body of knowledge and interpretation of Minnesota’s history (pre- and post-statehood). Independent Scholars and scholars, including graduate students, not eligible for funding through employment at academic institutions are especially encouraged to apply.
Bobcats and Eagles
From Wildwoods, about recent admits. We get fewer in the Winter, but they are more interesting, as cases. (more…)
Minnesota concludes wolf hunting and trapping season
I feel some relief at this news, at the same time that I know, it’s the relief you get when your reprieve, you know, is temporary. No matter what you think about wolves, trapping is a terrible, unethical, destructive way to hunt. –David
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Medical Marijuana
My colleague and friend Shane Courtland pulled a great event together. I hope you’ll read the stories and advance the conversation.
Minnesota medical marijuana bill forum draws huge crowd
Legislation by an Iron Range DFL’er is drawing big attention in Duluth.
More than 200 people attended a public forum at UMD Monday on a bill to legalize marijuana introduced this spring with help from Rep. Carly Melin, DFL-Hibbing. Since then she’s been getting input and feedback from the public.
Melin said medical marijuana will offer pain relief with fewer side effects. She also said there are stiff penalties should anyone misuse the system.
See also: Minnesota lawmakers, experts debate legalizing medical marijuana
“Awareness Now”
I’m looking for information about a public activist campaign from the 1960s called “Awareness Now,” or something like it, possibly co-sponsored or sponsored by the Duluth chapter of the NAACP.
If you can help, post below or email!
Shopping on a Fall Day
Today was cold, it was oftentimes overcast, and I was kind of depressed. So I went shopping.
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Rollerdames!
Saturday was Rollerdame action — at least for the last half of the game. The Harbor City Roller Dames A/B teams were divided, one team to represent Superior and one to represent Duluth. For the first half, the game was played in increments, as each skater would score 4 points, then call off the “jam.” So the game progressed in inches until about the half.
Perfect Duluth Soda?
So, I make Fizzy Waters a regular stop while I am in Canal Park, but it’s not the only place I get tasty sodas. (more…)
Traps, again
Via Wildwoods Founders:
Yesterday evening, friends called about a red squirrel caught in a leghold trap set on the edge of a city park. We don’t know how long the squirrel had been trapped there. See the brown discoloration on the fur by his mouth? He’d been trying to chew his way out of the trap.
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Nerd Nite
An account from Tim Broman:
NERD NITE: Had a fine dining experience friends, followed by Nerd Nite. (more…)
Media Night Owls, Early Birds, and Loners
I’ve been having trouble sleeping lately, and so at late hours, I hop online. The vexing part of Facebook is the way that it tells you who else is online. But are they really online, or did they fall asleep with Facebook open? (more…)
Transplants
Last night was another night of hipness for me.
I joined Kate VTB and Katie B for dinner at the “last Thai restaurant standing,”Sala Thai in Woodland (remember, Thai Krathong closes this week). Yummy.
Then, off to Prøve Collective. The “Transplants” show featured amazing work by Rob Adams, Ray Allard, Rodrigo Bello, Zach Gorr, Marcus Meldahl, and Aphtin Rapp. Bello did the amazing image posted at the top, and his work was worth a thousand times the price of admission. (Have I mentioned how lucky we are that events like this, with music by the Crunchy Bunch, are free?)
Prøve has an Indiegogo Campaign working to help bring it to the next level. It deserves your support. My life in Duluth would be less without its efforts.
MSAB Grants III
Grants with Duluth Connections (more…)
Trapping Incident: An Opinion Piece from Wildwoods
Two officers from Duluth Animal Control brought Wildwoods a juvenile skunk from near an apartment complex in central Duluth. The following is from Wildwoods Staff: (more…)
Minnesota State Arts Board Grantees II
Continuing my posting of FY 2013 grantees with implications for Duluth.
Partners in Arts Participation
Project grants to nonprofit or public human service organizations to give underserved individuals or groups opportunities to experience the arts.
Number of grants awarded as of May 1, 2013: 37
Total dollars awarded as of May 1, 2013: $523,000
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Grand Rapids
Too far to be a suburb, too close to be another major metropolitan area? I spent Saturday visiting the MacRostie Art Center, Infinite Games, this tasty Chinese Buffet across from the Village Bookstore, their Riverwalk… what a pleasant community.
Arts Funds in and to Duluth: Minnesota State Arts Board I
The Minnesota State Arts Board has released the names of the funded programs for 2013. Over the next few days, I’ll post the programs which name Duluth as a site or location. Most of this funding comes from the Legacy Amendment, the sales tax that supports environment, arts and cultural heritage activities.
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