‘Simple Gifts’ event to showcase artistic talents

From ceramics, jewelry, and knitted items to poetry readings and music, the hallways of the Washington Studios Artists’ Co-op in downtown Duluth will be bustling this weekend as it hosts its annual holiday show. This year’s theme, “Simple Gifts,” was decided upon by members of the co-op in an effort to show community members what the holiday season is all about.

“I think the show is based around the simple things that make the holidays special for most of us,” said Ryan Tischer, gallery chair of the Washington Gallery Committee. “You don’t have to go out and buy extravagant gifts to enjoy your holiday. It’s not about the materialistic things.”

For this reason, artists who live and work at the Washington Studios Artists’ Co-op are inviting community members to come to the show and simply enjoy the art. Local artists who are members of the co-op will also be selling some of their work.

“We’re offering the public a different sort of gift than you will find at the big box stores. When you buy something at our show, you will know it’s handmade and much more personal and unique,” said Russ Gran, who has resided at the co-op for 15 years.

Taking place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10, artists will invite the community into their homes to view their work. Those attending may even catch the artists working on their latest pieces.

Art that will be featured at the show includes photography, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, knitted items, Native American gifts and glasswork.

In addition to the arts that will be for sale, a variety of performing arts will also be taking place during the course of the event. “We have a lot of fresh faces in our co-op this year, so there will be opportunity to see new talent,” said Shantell Sumpter, performing arts coordinator at the co-op.

Local artists will perform live music, poetry readings, and dances. Closing the night will be the co-op band, performing a mix of classic and rock music.

“We just want everyone to enjoy the simplicity of going to our event and seeing some of the performing arts,” Tischer said. “It’s a ‘good feeling’ event to go to because it’s about inviting the public into our homes. Our co-op is like a big extended family.”

Located in the former Washington Junior High School building, the Washington Studios Artist Cooperative is a community-housing facility for artists. It is owned by Artspace Projects, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit, and is managed by Bowman Properties of Duluth.

The co-op has been hosting this event since it was established in 1996. “The idea is that it’s an opportunity to invite the community into our home where we live and work,” Tischer said.

Arts and crafts vendors will line the hallways of the co-op Saturday, and members will have exhibits. The event is the co-op’s biggest event of the year and is free to the public.

“It is really just a part of our mission statement to connect the community with art and to help foster the arts within our own community,” Tischer said. “We want to offer places for artists to live, and opportunities for artists to share their art with the community.”

The Washington Gallery, located in the co-op at 315 N. Lake Ave., is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m., and by appointment.

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