SPAC2ES brings new exhibits to downtown Phantom Galleries

“fresh art + two events” marks the highly anticipated second season of Phantom Galleries Superior on Tower Avenue in downtown Superior. Four vacant storefronts come alive with new works in clay, Buddha a Day paper cuts, sculpted figures, haunting paintings, and a bi-lingual multi-media installation.

Mark your calendars first 6-9 p.m. Thursday, when PGS joins the colossal new gallery event in the Twin Ports. The first ever Twin Ports Gallery Progressive kicks off at the Duluth Art Institute 5-7 p.m. and continues in 16 traditional and non-traditional galleries in Superior and Duluth.

PGS receptions will take place at two locations. Meet and watch multi-media artist Tonja Sell bring portraits to life at 1112 Tower Ave.

The newest space at 1412 Tower Avenue will feature Ellen Sandbeck sharing her process of her Buddha a Day paper cuts, and clay icon, Jim Grittner presents a not to be missed slide show and talk at 8 p.m.

Then, join us on 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 21 from for the 22nd annual Art for Earth Day Gallery Hop. Walking tours will take place between the four galleries on Tower Avenue at 1112, 1215, 1302, and 1412. Open receptions at 1112 and 1412 Tower Avenue provide the opportunity to meet and talk to the artists about their current work and installations. Under the guidance of Ellen Sandbeck, come and try your hand at the art of paper cutting. Observe and learn from Tonja Sell as she works with color to bring a portrait to life, a mesmerizing experience. View the collaborative journey of a musician, a poet and a visual artist working in wood and paper to create a bi-lingual — English/Spanish — installation that explores the metaphor of “Crossing” in their respective art forms and languages. Experience Erik Pearson’s gallery where he has transformed one of his paintings into a 3-D sculpture with a storyline linked loosely to the maritime history of Superior. Come explore, participate and catalyze a little soul. Refreshments served at the open galleries both days of the events. All events are free.

Phantom Gallery Superior locations include:

• 1112 Tower Ave.: “(Re)Emergence” by Tonja Sell; ceramic sculpture/paintings.

• 1215 Tower Ave.: “Crossing/Cruzando” by Cecilia Ramón, Sheila Packa, Kathy McTavish; bi-lingual multi-media installation.

• 1302 Tower Ave.: “Hiked out reeling in the rush by Erik Pearson; sculptural scene from a painting.

• 1412 Tower Ave.: “Out of the Fire” Ellen Sandbeck Buddha a Day paper cuts; Jim Grittner new works in clay.

Phantom Galleries Superior places 24/7 temporary art installations into vacant storefronts. It invites us to be curious, and revision “sense of place.” It presents not only an economic initiative and community involvement, but also a way that art interacts with and gains meaning from its’ exhibition environment. It’s a partnership between Superior Public Art Creating Community Environments (SPAC2ES) and Business Improvement District, and is supported in part by funds from the Morgan Fund from the Duluth-Superior Area Community Foundation, and a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information, contact Erika Mock at (715) 392-1150 or erikamock@gmail.com. For more information on the Twin Ports Gallery Progressive, please contact Anne Dugan at the DAI at (218) 733-7562 or adugan@duluthartinstitute.org. PGS can be seen on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SuperiorPublicArt.SPACES.

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