Art Along The Shore Sept 27 to Oct 6
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Visiting the Gunflint Trail is an adventure that involves self-guided activities. An exciting, self-guided thing to see and experience every fall when you visit the Gunflint area is Art Along the Lake. For ten days this fall, from Friday, September 27, through Sunday, October 6, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., you may visit one or more of 29 studios and galleries featuring the work of 41 local artists throughout Cook County.
Prepare to be captivated by diverse artistic expressions, from paintings and sculptures to ceramics, jewelry, and textiles. The artists generously open their studios to the public, offering a unique opportunity to witness where their creations come to life and learn about their creative processes.
Art Along the Lake presents a rare and unique opportunity to delve into the work of exceptionally talented local artists and artisans in the very studios where they bring their creations to life. Each of these local makers draws inspiration from the breathtaking natural beauty of northeastern Minnesota and the BWCAW.
Nancy Seaton, a beloved artist and neighbor at Rockwood, is a familiar face to us. She and her husband, Dave, have been part of the Trail community since the historic Halloween Day blizzard of 1991 when they acquired Hungry Jack Outfitters.
Her art will be on display at 318 S. Hungry Jack Rd., where she’s inspired daily by the natural beauty of the Gunflint Trail.
“There’s a double bonus for people who drive up from Grand Marais to see my art,” Nancy says. “A beautiful, scenic drive and they can enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants on The Trail.”
Nancy’s art can be appreciated at her place, and, like all the artists on the tour, it is for sale.
Nancy creates fused glass art, a technique that involves layering sheets of colored and clear glass and heating them in a kiln until they melt and fuse together. The heat causes the glass to soften and bond, creating beautiful, intricate patterns and designs.
On her website, Nancy writes, “My language is art. Color, shapes, rhythm have always served me better than words when communicating my feelings. I use this language to share the joy I find in the natural world around me, specifically the woods and water of northern Minnesota. Lake Superior’s power and changeability are forever intriguing; the smallest flower on the cliff edge is worth a closer look.
Exploring these feelings in various media has landed me in fused glass. Its color and fluidity fuels my desire to see what’s next. I love the technical principles that guide me and the happy accidents that lead to the next round of discovery.”
The process of fusing glass creates a variety of textures, from smooth and polished to rough and textured. The use of colored glass allows for stunning and eye-catching color combinations. Fused glass artists create functional pieces like bowls and vases and decorative items like sculptures and mosaics.
Nancy uses powered and sheet glass to create pieces of notable beauty. She manipulates the layers of glass on the table, and when she’s satisfied, they go into the kiln. Depending on her desired effect, the kiln is heated from 1,300 to 1,500 degrees.
Fused glass art can be highly customizable, which allows artists to create unique and personalized pieces.
Art Along the Lake is an annual event that began in the 1990s as “Crossing Borders,” initially highlighting 3D arts. According to local artist Betsy Bowen, it involved artists from Duluth to Thunder Bay and operated for at least 20 years. When Crossing Borders disbanded, Visit Cook County started Art Along the Lake and stepped up to feature Cook County artists and their creations.
Fall is the best season in our part of the state. The air is crisp, the bugs have gone, and the trees’ colors are fantastic. It’s also the time when our community acknowledges the passion and creativity of its arts community.
So, after you visit Nancy and you want to see everything from Lou Pignolet’s stunning lathe-turned-wooden bowls in Hovland to Hannah Laky’s unique ceramic artistry in Colvill, join the Art Along the Lake tour. You may find a list of participating artists on the Explore Minnesota website. For a detailed brochure you can print as your guide, click here: Art Along the Lake. Another great source is Art Along the Lake Facebook page.
