$31,732 in McKnight/ARAC Individual Artist Grants

In January, 2012, the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council awarded grants totaling $31,732 in the McKnight/ARAC Individual Artist Career Development Grants Program.

Lake Superior Agate Rings

I am getting married pretty soon and have been looking for a wedding band with a Lake Superior agate set in it. I have looked around town and on the internet but can’t find anything that isn’t too gaudy or girly. (By the way I am a guy looking for a guy ring.) If you know of any shops in the Duluth area that sell agate rings, it would be great to get a comment.

The Singing Sands of Julian Bay

Duluth’s Bob and Peggy Hom check out the “singing sands” at Julian Bay on Stockton Island in this In Wisconsin segment from 2008.

International Book Giving Day

A 7-year-old boy in Duluth created something called International Book Giving Day last year. This year the effort is actually going international. It’s on Feb. 14, a great alternative to Valentine’s Day. Since it’s kind of a blog-driven initiative I thought I’d link to my post about it here.

Urban Girl Interrupted: Duluth boy’s vision goes global

Synthetic Marijauna

[This post originally contained an embedded video that is no longer available at its source.]

This is a video I did as a fact-finding mission for a long-form documentary I’m working on. It may be interesting for anyone curious about the “legal alternatives” being sold in Duluth.

Duluth News Tribune – Our view: Why no arrests after glitter-bombings?

Today’s DNT op-ed: “Our view: Why no arrests after glitter-bombings?

Anyone remember the Tap Room at Fitger’s?

Before the Rex Bar existed, Fitger’s had the Tap Room. It was a party room that you rented out for 10 dollars and got unlimited beer and kegs. I’m doing an article on the history of the Rex and if anyone went to the Tap Room when it was called the Tap Room, you should let me know your memories!

Five Art Openings and Shows Featuring Visual Artists in Twin Ports This Weekend

I’ve always heard that Northlanders shut it all down in the winter and wait for spring, that not much is happening in January/February here. But you’d never know it by reading DNT’s The Wave, or The Reader. This weekend alone there will be five art events here in the Twin Ports, from Love Your Local Artist at the Superior Library to Love at the Snoodle Saturday eve… I’ve posted a rundown of where to go and what to expect at Ennyman’s Territory. (At left: “Red Starlet,” acrylic on illustration board, at the Superior Library.)

Overseas Travel

My 19-year-old daughter will be traveling overseas in March. Other than Mexico, this is her first out-of-the-country trip. I have limited out of the country travel experience and instead of instilling my fears of “what could happen” I want to offer her my support and well wishes.

Although she is in the military, this trip to Italy is for pleasure. She is fortunate in not having to worry about lodging as she will be staying with a friend. Her friend is also Air Force and lives off base.

Tidbits of advice I have so far is to make copies of passport and leave one at home or when using check card or credit card may get you at an acceptable rate but you may be imposed with fees.

Recommend travelers checks? What about using her current cell phone or ditch it for a pay as you go phone once she gets over there? Any advice appreciated!

Duluth not romantic, says FourSquare

Um, I’m sorry … what?!?

Strib article here: “Foursquare: Romance is gone in Duluth”

A Fingerprint and a Doorknob

This week’s installment of Robert Hughes, Art Lover, brought to you by the Duluth Art Institute, is centered around ‘provenance.’ We might also touch on the theft of the Mona Lisa…there’s only one way to find out!  Read away, Duluthians!  And get ready for the first showing of Robert Hughes’ Shock of the New, this Saturday at Zinema 2, starting at 11 a.m.  You can find all of the information about the showing of this series at duluthartinstitute.org or on Facebook.

Arrowhead Regional Arts Council Grants

The Arrowhead Regional Arts Council approved on Jan. 19 grant applications totaling $64,000 to be awarded in Two-Year Administrative Support Grants.

I’ve Missed the Snow This Year

Here’s a photo from last year, and a poem I wrote as I meditated on the picture.

Minnesota Republicans love Santorum

Considering the definition of “santorum,” there are a lot of opportunities for headline writers tonight. Your suggestions are welcome in the comments.

A few hundred debate marriage for homosexual partners at UMD

On Feb. 6, at UMD, the Center for Ethics and Public Policy, directed by Shane Courtland, sponsored another in its series of events that bring the university and the community into dialogue about key issues of the day.

Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site!