JD Jorgenson of St. Joseph, Minnesota creates a pottery bowl at the 2011 Grand Marais Arts Festival held July 9 and 10. This year’s festival featured artists at work, adding a fascinating and inspiring dimension to the event.
Over 10,000 art-hungry visitors were able to quench their thirst for high-quality art July 9 and 10 at the 21st Annual Grand Marais Arts Festival thanks to the hardy artist vendors and the Grand Marais Art Colony’s energetic staff and crew of dedicated volunteers – not even a rainy Saturday could stop visitors from consuming the wide variety of talent represented by the exhibiting artists.
The art-filled weekend began on Thursday at Betsy Bowen’s Studio with the opening of the new show Summer Arts Underground, featuring an outstanding collection of new work from over 30 local and regional artists. On Friday, Sivertson Gallery hosted a well-attended Meet & Greet Soiree for festival artists and the public. As the sun set over Artists’ Point, roughly 300 people gathered at Harbor Park in downtown Grand Marais to observe a “luminary experience” as the Minneapolis-based fire dancing troupe, Insphyre, illuminated the evening sky.
Above: Fire dancing in Harbor Park was an exciting addition to the annual Grand Marais Arts Festival held July 9 and 10, 2011.
Fueled by many pre-festival art experiences, attendees were eagerly waiting as artists rolled up their soggy doors on Saturday morning. This year’s Arts Festival featured over 70 local and regional artists with the favorite activity being the addition of artists’ demonstrations.
Events coordinator Kjersti Vick said, “Demonstrations were an important element in this year’s festival because it operates from the heart of the Art Colony’s mission of art education.”
The picturesque Grand Marais setting and the wide variety of media represented was the main draw for many visitors. Witnessing emerging artists make their debut and gaining insight into the artistic process are what will bring them back to the festival again.
This year’s festival featured numerous artists in the process of creating their art. (Above left) Duluth glassblower Dan Neff of Näf Glass blows into the tube that will become a wine glass. An artist from Nordic Woodenware (above right) turns a wooden bowl. Local musician Michael Monroe travels far and wide with his music but enhances the art festival each year with a performance on the streets of Grand Marais.
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