Tuesday, December 1, 2015

After 40 Years on the Road, Elliot Silberman Is Getting Off

When Elliot Silberman notified me that he is giving up life on the road, it was only natural to ask why. "Man-o-pause," he replied.

Seemed like a good way to introduce his new art exhibition at Beaner Central during the month of December. The opening reception for Duluth artist Elliot Silberman is slated forThursday Dec. 3, 6:00 p.m.—9:00 p.m. For the month of December Silberman will be showing a collection of 5-minute portraits from his travels to art and craft shows and Renaissance Festivals around America for the past four decades. At the opening he will doing live demonstrations.

Elliot's approach to portrait drawing is both educational and fun to watch. The exhibition features a cross-section of the public as seen through his eyes, from New York, Florida, Arizona, and the Midwest.

Silberman has many passions including fishing, making music and Dylan. Over the past 19 years he has been the Master of Ceremonies for the annual Battle of the Jug Bands at Amazing Grace each Memorial Day weekend.

Silberman began doing portrait drawings more than forty years ago here in Duluth. “There were no arts and crafts shows in the early 70's,” Silberman explained. “Sidewalk sales, Canal Park, West Duluth Days celebration, the Folk Festival – these were really the only ones. I don’t recall having much of a display. Just two chairs, and a small easel with one framed sample on it. I charged $1 back then, happy to get it. Never did make more than $30 a day at Canal Park.” Eventually he branched out by taking the skills he had been honing to the road.

“Why am I finally coming home and leaving this life on the road? Man-o-pause. A change in life,” he says. For the rest of the answer, you will have to ask him yourself Thursday, Dec. 3rd at Beaners Central, Coffeehouse and Gallery.

Can't make it to Thursday's opening? Visit his new website to see examples of his work. Or to simply get in touch.

* * * *

Tweevening Lecture Series Continues Tonight
Tonight at the Tweed Museum of Art Bill Shipley will talk about the work of the late New York sculptor Leslie Bohnenkamp (1943-1997) whose work in paper and fiber is part of the museum's permanent collection. Bill Shipley is an expert on the artist's work and history and also represents the artist's estate.

Friday at the Red Herring
There will be an opening reception for a three-person show featuring work by Ryan Lemahieu, Chris Monohan and Esther Piszczek. Details here.

Thursday at the Red Mug
Chris Monroe will be having another event at The Red Mug in Superior from 5-7 p.m. The show is titled Creatures Were Stirring. Sounds cool. Seems like everyone loves Chris's illustrations. Her books are fun.

Meantime, art goes on all around you. Check it out.

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