Mixing art and business

Dusty Keliin has been trying to drag his pool-playing friends to local musical events for a long time. Saturday he’ll bring the music to them, along with about 100 pieces of his own pottery.

“Having a show at a pool hall is a little different,” the Superior artist said. “On the other hand, I’m bringing my work to people I know and love.”

The “Pottery in the Pool Hall” art show takes place from 4-8 p.m. Saturday at Mr. Lucky’s Bar & Billiards, 1022 Tower Ave. It will feature live music by musicians Teague Alexy, Hattie Peterson and Leo Orsoni, wine and hors d’ouevres and a chance to view Keliin’s work — functional stoneware with earthy glazing as well as sculptural pieces — displayed on top of covered pool tables.

Keliin, a long-time pool player, said his friends at Mr. Lucky’s are like an extended family. He’s looking forward to exposing them to some of “what I find so amazing about this area.”

A block away, music and local art also will be on the menu at the shipping store Goin’ Postal, 816 Tower Ave. Trippy, surreal paintings by Jeredt Runions, portraits by Ed Newman, fine art photography by Andrew Perfetti and sculptures by Gustav Campinini. There’s also graphic novel sketches, fashion work and paintings by other artists available for viewing 6-9 p.m. accompanied by the music of jazz guitarist Mark Anderson.

Art is an everyday sight at Goin’ Postal. The store offers shipping through UPS, FedEx and US mail, copying and printing services, custom packaging and shipping supplies. It also gives visitors a daily dose of art. Works by local artists, including Runions, Perfetti and Newman, are hung along the walls and set in the front window.

“It’s more interesting for customers” to see art instead of ads on the walls, said Perfetti, Goin’ Postal owner. “It’s become a really nice place for people to hang out.”

Runions has shown his work at the Superior Public Library, Goin’ Postal and in the Superior Business Improvement District’s Phantom Galleries project. He’s also participated in the Cascade Mural Project in Duluth.

“I love the fusion between art and business,” Runions said. “I think it’s a way to really get involved with your community and help brighten things up in a neighborhood.”

Between the Phantom Galleries, back door art murals cropping up at Tower Avenue businesses (another BID project), art hubs like the Trade & Commerce Marketplace and shops like Goin’ Postal, art is becoming part of everyday life.

Runions said he prefers showing his work outside of galleries, where only a few art critics see it.

“I chose places where it brought all sorts of people to look at the art,” he said. “Places such as coffee shops, restaurants and other businesses let a bigger audience view your work.”

It also hammers home the fact that art isn’t always pricey, said Keliin, who has been involved in community projects such as Empty Bowl.

“I believe anyone should be able to afford a good piece of art,” he said.

The continued meld of art and business could revitalize Superior into an art town, Runions said.

“The music scene has been blowing up the last few years,” Keliin said. “I think the art scene is soon to follow.”

Both art shows are free.

Tags: news, business, art