At the Grand Marais Art Colony, we exist to support the enduring human need for creative expression and inspiration. Artists and creative seekers of all levels come from across the country to learn from renowned instructors, create art, and engage together in artistic inquiry.

July Courses

1-3 :: Summer Sampler – Print, Draw, Sculpt
14-16 :: Acrylic – The Versatile medium
17 :: Drawing on Point
19 :: Family Class – Watercolor Monoprints
19-23 :: Working Small with Big Results
19-23 :: Mentor Series – Artist Mentorship
20-23 :: Watercolor Monoprints
22-24 :: Water and Woods
24 :: Artist Talk, 10am, Carolyn Swiszcz, Printmaking, Donut Shops and Sunday Afternoons
26-30 :: Drawing on Pots
26-30 :: Introduction to Japanese Woodblock Printmaking
26-30 :: Tribute Pieces
26-30 :: Mentor Series – Artist Mentorship II
31 :: Artist Talk, 10am, Mary Brodbeck, Traditional Japanese Woodblock Making
31 :: Basic Chain Maille & Jewelry Techniques

North House was founded in 1997 by a small handful of inspired locals passionate about traditional craft and cooperative learning.

July Courses

2-3 :: Hand Sewn Leather Project Tote
1-4 :: Shoemaking with the Cordwainer Shop: The Squire Boot
6-11 :: Fly Fishing the North Country
6, 13, + 20 :: Creative Mend Along
7 :: Families at the Forge
8-11 :: Blacksmithing: The Basics and Beyond
9 :: Needle Felted Critters online
9-11 :: Crafting the Traditional Longbow & Arrow Making
10-11 :: Needle Felting & Bead embroidery
12 :: Families at the Forge
13-16 :: Sail Training Trip; Knife River to Grand Marais
15-18 :: Blacksmithing – Cook Tools for the Campfire
16-18 :: Beginner’s Botanical Medicine, Self Care to Community
16-18 :: Black Ash Pack Baskets
16-18 :: Black Ash Market Basket
21 :: Families at the Forge
21-25 :: Grand Marais & Beyond Nature Photography Workshop: Summer Session
22-25 :: Blacksmithing – Crafting the Tools of the Trade
23 & 30 :: Playful Freeform Embroidery
24-25 :: Raw Felted Fleece
26 :: Families at the Forge
26-29 :: Youth Sailing Camp
26-29 :: Youth Craft Camp
26-31 :: Timber Frame: Build Your Own, Grindbygg-Style
30-31 :: Community Felted Mural
30-Aug 1:: Naturdal Plant Dyes
31 :: Strudel & Danish Pastry online

Take a much closer look at songbirds! We will be banding birds and monitoring the populations of songbirds that nest and travel through Sugarloaf Cove and adding to the growing research on North Shore birds. Stop in to learn more about the banding process and its importance in understanding the lifespan, movement, and productivity of songbirds.

NEW for 2021

At 10 am and 11 am we will be offering special programs about bird banding and the birds of Sugarloaf Cove. Drop by at those times to learn more and get your questions answered. FREE. (You may still visit the banding station any time).

Weather dependent, rain or excessive wind may cause the banding session to be cancelled. Call the Cove at 218-663-7679 to check. (Please note: staff may not be able to answer the phone immediately, as they may be out banding birds.)

Donations gladly accepted!

Stop by our outdoor commons in the center of campus each week to see live traditional craft demonstrations with our talented artisan instructors. Each week a different instructor will be featured and visitors will have the opportunity to observe their hands at work as well as ask questions about the craft. Free

September
2-5 :: Julie Arthur – Weaving

From Appalachia to Minnesota’s North Shore

The bold and evocative styles of John A. Spelman III’s artwork encourages us to consider the lives and landscapes of both the Appalachian region as well as Minnesota’s North Shore during the last century.

To accompany the exhibition, curators Scott Husby and Tracey Cullen have authored a book entitled John A. Spelman, Artist and Printmaker: From Appalachia to Minnesota’s North Shore. The book will be available at the JHP Art Gallery and in local bookshops. All proceeds from sales of the book will be donated to the Cook County Historical Society.

The US Forest Service continues its 20-year Naturalist Program offering Tuesdays through Saturdays at different resorts, campgrounds, and nature sites around Cook County. All programs are free and open to the public. Please wear a mask if unvaccinated!

Tuesday
10am – noon :: Nature of Oberg Mountain at Oberg Mountain Trailhead
7:30 – 9pm:: Minnesota Bears at Lutsen Resort

Wednesdays
2 – 3pm:: Becoming a Boundary Waters Family at Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center
7:30 – 9pm:: Howls in the Night: Wolves at Caribou Highlands

Thursdays
10 – 11:30am:: Wildflower Walk at Eagle Ridge
7:30 – 9pm:: Voyageur Life at Bluefin Bay

Fridays
10 – 11:30 am:: Explore the Shore at East Bay Suites
7:30 – 9pm:: Mostly Moose at Cascade Lodge

Saturdays
1:30 – 3:30 pm :: Nature of the Point at Grand Marais Artists’ Point
7:30 – 9pm:: Minnesota WILD! at Sawbill Campground

A program for new paddlers offering a free hour of canoeing [with instruction if needed] in June and July. Please call ahead to let the outfitter of your choice know you are coming. Anyone coming outside of the allotted time slot will be charged normal rental fees.

Mondays
10 – 11am  Bearskin Lodge & Outfitters  (218) 388-2292
11am – noon   Nor’Wester Lodge & Canoe Outfitters   (218) 388-2252
1 – 2pm   Voyageur Canoe Outfitters   (218) 388-2224
Tuesdays
10 – 11am  Trout Lake Resort  (218) 387-1330
Wednesdays
11am – noon   Rockwood Lodge & Outfitters   (218) 388 – 2242
Thursdays
1 – 2pm   Hungry Jack Outfitters  (218) 388-2275
Fridays & Saturdays
11am – noon   Gunflint Lodge & Northwoods Outfitters  (218) 388- 2296

Students will be introduced to baking bread using a wood fired oven. Each student will get to bake carta di musica and focaccia while exploring the history and science of bread baking.

Thursday 1-3pm and Fridays 11am-1pm
Children ages 7 and up are welcome, and must register along with an adult.

registration required

Weekly market with local food growers, makers, bakers selling their produce and handmade comestibles.

Produce, eggs, canned items, handmade items.

Can’t make it Thursdays? Some produce items also available Saturday mornings at the Finland Produce Stand at the North Shore Adventure Park in Silver Bay from from 9am-1pm!

Live music by the campfire on the shore of Lake Superior (weather permitting). Performing an engaging mix of acoustic, folk, rock, Irish, roots & blues, Jim’s musical influences include John Prine, Cat Stevens, Gordon Lightfoot, Johnny Cash, John Denver, Jim Croce, James Taylor, Doc Watson. Tommy Makem, the Clancy Brothers and many others. Prepare for a good time…and to sing along!

Note – no performance August 11th

Enjoy live music in an outdoor setting Thursdays and Saturdays from 6-8 pm, no admission and all are welcome to attend.

September
9 – Al Oikari & Rod Dockan
11 – Chris Gillis
16 – Don Bauer
18 – Jim McGowan
23 – Kilborn Quartet
25 – Briand Morrison
30 – Frozen Britches

October
1 – Sky Blue
7 – Pete Kavanaugh
9 – Don Bauer
14 – Briand Morrison
16 – Jim McGowan
21 – Kenna Rose
23 – Joe Paulik