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.

October Courses

5-8 :: From Block to Book: Woodcut Artist Books
5-9 :: Botanical Illustration
8-9 :: Painting: Process and Play
13-Dec 8 :: Beginning Clay {Wednesday evenings]
14 :: Art Journaling Re-invented
14-16 :: Fall Sampler: Print, Draw, Sculpt
15-16 :: Maiolica Tiles
15-16 :: Spontaneous Process Painting
19-Dec 7 :: Attachments in Clay [Tuesday evenings]

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

October Courses

Sep 29-Oct 3 :: Autumn Nature Photography
4-5 :: Forging Tools for the Kitchen
1-3 :: Beginner’s Botanical Medicine
1-3 :: Chainsaw Safetty, Maintenance and Tree Felling
1-3 :: Celestial Navigation: Dancing with the Stars
1-3 :: Forging Traditional Scandinavian Composite Knife Blades

5-11 :: Basket Week

Winter Birch Bark Folded Baskets … Basket Making Sampler … Small Ash Market Basket … Crafting the Traditional Stake and Strand Willow Basket … Black Ash Hex Weave Basket … Handmade Whisk Brooms … Two Berry Birch Bark Basket … Pine Needle Basketry
7-10 :: Blacksmithing: The Basics & Beyond
14-17  :: Decorative Ironwork Intensive
14-17 :: Birch Bark Boxes
15-17 :: Handcraft A Wool Braided Rug
15-17 :: What’s This Rock? Unraveling the Geologic Story of the North Shore
16-17 :: The Cedar Hand Drum: Carving, Stretching, Drumming

22-24 :: Family Weekend

Found Object Art … Kids in the Woodshop [carving / tools & building] … Families at the Forge … Scandinavian Stories & Puppets … Fun with Plant Fibers… Intro to Woodturning …Make Your Own Flashlight … In the Kitchen: Apples … Old-Fashioned MN Kids Games

28- 31 :: Cedar Bentwood Boxes
28-31 :: Traditional Swedish Table-Made Hair Jewelry
29-31 :: Making Hide and Canvas Mukluks
29-31 Rosemaling; Valdres Style

Our featured photographer for the month of October is Roxanne Distad. “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.

October 9th, 10am-3pm : Meet Roxanne and talk with her about her work
October 1-31 : Her photographs will be on display at the visitor center.

Photographer biography: Roxanne Distad
Distad’s journey into photography blossomed when she received a Kodak Brownie camera for her 12th birthday. She spent many summer nights during her high school years road tripping and discovering the western half of the United States.

Her passion for photography has spanned many years and many cameras, from film to digital. She wants her images to transport you into the very moment she captured them, so you may also experience the magic, beauty, and mystery that embraces Lake Superior and the North Shore.

Take in the paintings of Michele Combs, Marva Harms, Matt Kania and Christine Tierney at the his exhibit.

Opening Reception … Friday, October 15 5-7pm

Gallery Hours
Monday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10-4, Sunday 1-4
closed Tuesday & Wednesday

The Moose is Loose in Grand Marais during the annual Moose Madness Family Festival, the third weekend in October! Our favorite species specimen, “alces alces,” aka Murray the Moose, will be around town for the much sought-after photo opportunity, with many family-friendly, moose-related activities throughout the weekend!

Grab a cocoa and settle in for storytelling!

From the blacksmith shop to the woodshop, there is always something happening on campus. Discover the rich folk school tradition, see craft in action, and hear the stories! Meet at the Yellow Building – no registration required. Free

Climb under the lights and enjoy the glow of the park in the evening! Only 7 Saturdays this fall! September 11 – October 23. Conquer the high ropes courses and ziplines at night for a totally unique North Shore experience!

Book your tickets here

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

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

Oct 29 :: Live Music – Elsa Lee