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

Buffet in a Box is a meal for one that has our famous Lindquist fishcakes, Swedish meatballs with Spry gravy, baked ham, potato salad, dessert bBars, and more. It is our Covid-safe alternative to the buffet we normally have at St. John’s Church Hall.

Order on our website now for pick-up on Wednesday, Aug 4, at the Cook County High School.
Lunch pick-up is from 11:30 – 1:30. Supper pick-up is from 5:00 – 7:00.

The food is made by WISE members. Proceeds go to Cook County schools for grants teachers request to provide enrichment programs for students that they would otherwise not be able to afford, two $1,000 college scholarships for graduating Cook County seniors, and Cook County non-profit organizations.

WISE was previously the Lioness Club. We are continuing the tradition of having a buffet the Wednesday before the start of Fisherman’s Picnic that has existed for decades.

But I Was Still There

Moira Bateman, Annie Hejny, Moheb Soliman, and Nick Wroblewski completed a 7-day residency at the Art Colony in 2019 focused on “The Water Cycle.” Each of them exploring the nature of water and how it inspires, informs, and challenges their work. They are back to show work that was begun during that time, and found its completion in their home studios.

Everyone is invited to stop by the weekly open air market. Vendors offer handmade and home grown items from pottery to woodwork to jewelry to fiber arts to flowers, veggies, jams, jellies and baked goods.

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.

“Photography at the Rock,” a rotating monthly photography show in the lobby of the visitor center at Split Rock Lighthouse, showcases landscape and wildlife photographers of the area.

Our featured photographer for the month of July is Nicholas Narog. His award-winning photos have been featured in newspapers, banners, visitor guides, and magazines—most recently on the cover of Minnesota Monthly.

Meet Nicholas and talk with him about his work and approach on July 3 and July 31 from 10 am to 2 pm. His photographs will be on display at the visitor center from July 1 through July 31.

Hazel Belvo and Marcia Cushmore created a visual conversation around the post-modern concept of Juxtaposition. Each work consists of two paintings, a square and a rectangle, observational and abstract, glazing and impasto, and two entirely different expressions by two very different painters.

August 3, 5pm – Artist Talk

Locally grown – fresh from your neighbors.

2021 season details TBA

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