I got asked a question the other day that resulted in quite the “ah-ha!” moment for me. Someone asked me “Where do you find all of this great info that you share in your newsletter?”
The person asking it was just wondering what other resources they could use to help plan their trip. I usually refer people to Visit Cook County, Boreal Community Media, and WTIP Community Radio for resources that list upcoming events and news from around the area. But there’s another resource that, for some reason, I haven’t really mentioned before. Even though it’s a resource I refer to very often to help plan out my own weekends on the North Shore with my family. And that is the North Shore Art Scene Blog by Joan Farnam.
Really, I’m a bit ashamed of myself that it took this long to share this blog with you. Joan is a wealth of information and puts so much time and effort into creating her blog posts. While the blog started as a blog to highlight the incredible art scene on the North Shore, it has become so much more than that!
For instance, in this week’s blog post titled “Navigating“, Joan highlights some local stores that have opened up for business over the last couple of weeks. Drury Lane Books, Upstate MN, Sivertson Gallery, The Big Lake, Joy & Co, and the Maker’s Cooperative (outdoor market featuring The Bad Seed by Rebel Girls which we featured last week) get mentions in this week’s blog post.
Joan then gives updates on upcoming art-related events and happenings around the county. This week’s article features an update on the Grand Marais Art Colony and North House Folk school, plus an ongoing community art project that you will see if you visit Hungry Hippie Tacos this summer.
Joan then gives an updates on events happening around the county (yes, there are events still happening!). She currates a series of YouTube videos related to the county, local arts, local music, plus some non-local features to put you in the mood for experiencing the North Shore.
Finally, the photographs. North Shore related photos taken by Joan or submitted from avid readers of the North Shore Art Scene that highlight the unique beauty of the area. Looking over the photos, my eye was drawn to the Lake Superior Agate photo accompanied by the question “What do you see first, the two ducks or the owl?”. I saw the ducks. Take a look and see and what you see!
There are lots of resources out there to help you plan your North Shore trip. I’m adding the North Shore Art Scene blog to that list because it’s informative, up to date, and is a great resource, especially if you are on your way up to see us. Joan’s blog can help you plan your trip by giving ideas on where to go and what to do when you’re here. Updated weekly!