The North Shore of Lake Superior has been captivating creative minds for centuries. Rocky cliffs and beaches dance with the big lake’s moody waves, and color extends into the sky for miles. Artists seek this place for endless natural inspiration, and north woods art enthusiasts seek their work.
“Summer Exhibition: Embodying the North Shore,” hosted by the Grand Marais Art Colony (GMAC), is a show featuring 19 pieces on display in the Studio 21 gallery space. The exhibition includes work by many well-known local creators, and celebrates their connection to the area.
The collection of sculptures, prints, paintings, and fiber art were gifted to GMAC by the late Gene and Bonnie Martz, via the Martz Trust.
“Gene and Bonnie Martz were longtime supporters and members of the Art Colony, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s,” says Ruth Pszwaro, artistic director of GMAC.
Pszwaro mentions how Gene turned to art after serving in World War II, first earning a diploma in commercial art from the Minnesota School of Art (now the Minneapolis College of Art and Design), and then degrees in art/art education from the University of Minnesota.
“In 1978 the Martz’s bought a home in Grand Marais,” Pszwaro continues. “Gene was active in the Art Colony, where he taught several classes and also conducted two workshops in Tuscany and Umbria, Italy. Bonnie served on the board of directors, and was an organizing force in the early years of the Art Colony becoming a non-profit.”
The Martz’s gift to GMAC had been planned for some time.
“Previous Art Colony directors and board members selected a number of pieces from the Martz Trust that would, upon their death, be bequeathed to the Art Colony,” Pszwaro explains. “Gene passed away in 2014 and Bonnie passed away in November of 2023. Their nephew Peyton, who was serving as their lawyer, reached out this past winter to set things in motion.”
The artworks were actually located in California, but a lucky connection with Museum Services Inc., based in Minneapolis, allowed for perfectly timed delivery via a transport van that happened to be going that way.
In addition to the generous art collection, the Martz Trust has also given toward the Art Colony endowment.
The Art Colony in Grand Marais is a celebrated hub and heart of the creative community on the North Shore, tracing roots back to 1947 when founder Birney Quick was inspired to bring his Minneapolis painting classes up north.
After some back and forth, Quick established the Town Hall Art Colony in the upper level of the old Grand Marais city hall building. He and co-founder Byron Bradley chose to continue GMAC independently after the Minneapolis School of Art discontinued the painting school, and in 1963 they purchased the St. John’s Catholic Church building to be their permanent space—now called Founders Hall.
“In its early days, the Art Colony offered much more than visual arts instruction,” Pszwaro recalls. “While that has always been our bedrock, Birney and Byron invited the Minnesota Ballet to perform, hosted Shakespeare on the Rocks, as well as numerous musicians and writers.”
A building adjacent to Founders Hall was purchased for studio space in 2005. In 2019, GMAC expanded again with the addition of Studios 21 and 17, a location which previously housed Arrowhead Pharmacy and Viking Hus. With a program and engagement increase of over 400 percent between 2009 and 2019, more space was a necessity.
“We currently host approximately 60 artists-in-residence annually, along with 50-60 classes for youth and adults,” Pszwaro says.
Their original location is still used for offices and guest lodging, as well as the ceramics studio and two other classroom style studio spaces. Studio 17 is home to another classroom and the printmaking studio, and Studio 21 features two more studios, plus a dedicated gallery and store.
The “Embodying the North Shore” summer exhibition at Studio 21 features watercolors by Dave Gilsvik, Gene Martz, and Elaine and Howard Sivertson, acrylics by Liz Sivertson, photography by Jim Brandenburg, block prints by Betsy Bowen, mixed media by Keith Havens, batik by Jan Sivertson, sculptures by Dan and Lee Ross, and a tapestry by Eva Nemeth.
Art is an important part of the north woods experience, creating a cultural connection that brings together all who appreciate this unique place. GMAC has been a strong influence in the local community.
“Over the years, various organizations have spun off of the Art Colony’s creative energy, including the [Grand Marais] Playhouse, North Shore Music Association, and North House,” Pszwaro says. “These organizations have continued to deepen and mature various artistic disciplines with a more focused approach and excellence. We are so fortunate to live in a community where there are this many anchoring cultural institutions.”
The Studio 21 gallery, located at 21 W. Highway 61, is open from Memorial Day weekend to MEA weekend, Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Summer Exhibition: Embodying the North Shore” runs until August 31.
