tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25359532430836117162024-02-19T00:07:34.113-08:00wendyupnorthWendy Up Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16897798677449403159noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2535953243083611716.post-42354604326503751642018-04-24T07:11:00.000-07:002018-04-24T07:11:26.235-07:00Travel equals learningI was very pleased to dream up the possibility and find an organization to volunteer in Nepal this winter. I was gone about a month. Each day was filled with new experiences. I enjoy teaching and working with people until they feel the joy of learning. Working in a different language was a challenge but staff helped and did some interpreting. I enjoyed seeing cultural sites, mountains, farming areas, and eating the local food. I stayed with a host family and met other volunteers from many other countries. I recommend that everyone has an international experience and volunteer needs and opportunities are almost everywhere. Traveling helps us grow. I would love to present a program on this experience to local groups or talk with people who may want to volunteer international. I went with Volunteer Society Nepal. They have a school (CBIA), women center, disability center, and orphanage. I am on a Youtube video through the organization.<br />
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I am in year 3 of offering day trips to explore Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin's arts, music, nature, and history. I am so excited to offer these opportunities. Five trips are available this spring. One was on Friday and we went to 3 bakeries and the Delta Diner. In 200 miles we visited the 4 places. It was a group of 5, mostly women. More trips ahead with Up North Excursions.<br />
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Here are the local art fair dates for the rest of the year:<br />
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Woman-Made - July 28, Peace Church, 1111 N. 11th Ave. E.<br />
Get Great Stuff - November 10, Duluth Congregational Church, 3802 E. Superior St.<br />Get It Local - December 1, Peace Church<br />Get to the Point - December 8 (tentative) Lafayette Community Building<br />Each fair is open 10AM-3PM. <br />
Local artists may apply.<br />
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Spring is here. It's still another month until gardening but it's nice to smell the earth defrosting.<br />
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Wendy<br />
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<br />Wendy Up Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16897798677449403159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2535953243083611716.post-25564587918087001462017-07-20T12:34:00.000-07:002017-07-20T12:34:05.584-07:00Woman-Made and a local Garden Tour - July 22-23 and more day trips Woman-Made - Marvelous Things Made by Northland Women<br />
Over 20 female artisans will be part of this local art & gift fair.<br />
The fair will be at Somers Lounge, College of St. Scholastica<br />
on July 22 from 10AM-4PM. Nice variety of items by creative folk.<br />
Contact info: Wendy Grethen 218-525-5098 www.wendyupnorth.com.<br />
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Lakeside Garden Tour<br />
July 23, 1-5 pm<br />
Tour 5+ gardens in Lakeside.<br />
Benefit for the Lakeside Lester Park Community Club.<br />
Buy tickets at the LLPCC building at 106 N. 54th Ave. E. from 1-3:30<br />
p.m. on Sunday. $10 each. <br />
Gardens include diverse plants, beautiful landscaping, water features,<br />
native plants, straw bale gardening example, free plant, and probably<br />
bird and butterfly sightings.<br />
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Day Trips:<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><strong>July 30</strong> (Sun) </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><strong>Blueberry/Art Festival in Ely</strong> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">This is a wonderful Northland event. You'll get to hear live music, walk among many artisan vendors, and enjoy a day out where you can enjoy festival food treats, some you guessed it - made with blueberries. There will be plenty of space for you to bring your purchases back in the vehicle. You won't need to bother with driving or parking so come along and enjoy a summer day. Depart 9AM from M&H gas station. Return 5PM. Registration deadline Extended to July 22. 9 seats available.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">$70 </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Seats available 9</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><strong>Aug 2</strong> (Wed) </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><strong>Scenic Boat Cruise on the St. Croix River</strong> and stop at <strong>Franconia Sculpture Park</strong>.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> Includes an 80 min boat cruise and stop at Sculpture Park. Taylors Falls.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Depart Perkins West: 10:30 AM. Return 6:30 pm (Boat cruise at 1 pm) .Registration Deadline July 22</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">$95</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Seats available: 8</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><strong>Aug 13</strong> (Sun)<strong> Irish Fair of Minnesota</strong> on Harriet Island</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">. 3.5 hours at event. Music. Storytelling. Dance. Vendors. Along the Mississippi River. </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Depart Perkins West 9AM. Return 6 PM.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Registration Deadline July 28 </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">$85</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Seats available 5</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><strong>Aug 23</strong> (Wed) </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><strong>Shipwrecks, Sea Caves and Lighthouse Boat excursion from Bayfield. 3-hour boat cruise</strong>. Great Lakes Visitor Center stop.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> Toast with natural spring water. Depart M & H gas station 11:30 AM. Return 8PM. Registration Deadline Aug 5.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">$125</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Seats available: 12</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><strong>Sept 10</strong> (Sun) <strong>Little Falls Arts & Craft Fair</strong></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">. 150+ vendors. Lots of food & music.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Depart Perkins West: 8:30 a.m. Return: 6 p.m. Registration Deadline is Aug 20.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">$80</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Seats available 8</span><br />
<br />Wendy Up Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16897798677449403159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2535953243083611716.post-32750252566465041662017-04-24T04:52:00.002-07:002017-04-24T04:52:53.616-07:00Day trips from Duluth - arts, music, nature, historyCome on an Up North Excursions' day trip this summer. Eleven trips are lined up. Boat cruises on the St. Croix River, Irish Music Festival, Blueberry Fest in Ely, Afternoon Tea at Naniboujou, Church Basement Ladies performance and more. See the full schedule at www.wendyupnorth.com/excursions Please sign up 2-3 weeks before the event so the trip can be a go for everyone. Come explore the Northland!<br />
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<br />Wendy Up Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16897798677449403159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2535953243083611716.post-27509748762035515012017-03-26T15:08:00.000-07:002017-03-26T15:08:07.165-07:00Treasures & DulcimersYesterday was the Treasures of the Earth Green Goods, Craft & Art Fair. This fair of mine has the theme of things made of recycled or natural materials and there was 25 awesome artists who took on the challenge and even use those materials for all their work. Pottery, jewelry, plant terrariums, paintings on wood and stone, wooden bowls and cutting boards, driftwood items, and more. Good job. Check again next March.<br />
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This May 6 is the Dulcimer Day in Duluth festival. More information at www.DulcimersInDuluth.com. <br />
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Check out the 2017 Up North Excursions Bus Trips. These day trips explore the Northland's art, music, nature, and history. www.wendyupnorth.com/excursions.<br />
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Happy spring! Cloudy day but the sun will come out tomorrow. Where have I heard that before?Wendy Up Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16897798677449403159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2535953243083611716.post-23474686299995465312016-08-23T19:13:00.000-07:002016-08-23T19:13:20.763-07:00Fall 2016 Local art & gift fairs in DuluthThe fall is around the corner.<br />
Here are the dates for the upcoming fall local fairs:<br />
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November 19 - Get Great Stuff local art & gift fair. <br />Duluth Congregational Church, 3833 E. Superior St.<br /><br />December 3 - Get It Local ultra local art & gift fair<br />Peace Church, 1111 N. 11th Ave. E.<br />
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December 10 - Get to the Point Awesome Art & Gift Fair<br />Lafayette Building, 3026 Minnesota Ave.<br /><br />Each of the fairs runs 10AM-3PM.<br />
You'll find a nice selection of Duluth area artisans, authors, and organizations.<br />
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If you would like to participate as a vendor in one of these fairs , contact me at wendyupnorth@yahoo.com.<br />
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Thanks for supporting local artists.Wendy Up Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16897798677449403159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2535953243083611716.post-48043862758003631262016-05-29T14:33:00.000-07:002016-05-29T14:33:21.558-07:00Excited for summer - now offering bus trips - sign up today The short summer of Duluth is just about here. This summer I'm starting up a bus excursion business. Start in Duluth and we'll head to Bayfield, the Iron Range, Hayward, Renaissance Festival, St. Cloud gardens, and more. Each trip has a nature, art/music, or history connection. Check the calendar at www.wendyupnorth.com/excursions for more information. Please sign up at least 2 weeks prior to the trip. There will be two trips per month in the summer and early fall. <br />
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July 14 and July 28 are the first trips. <br />
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Also, Woman-Made local art & gift fair will be July 30 (not July 23) at Duluth Congregational Church, 3833 E. Superior St. Shop from 10AM through 4PM. Meet the artists and you'll have a special time picking out great gifts. <br />
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And - the June/July issue of the Look at Lakeside newsletter is published. Go to www.LookAtLakeside.com. <br />
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<br />Wendy Up Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16897798677449403159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2535953243083611716.post-28441254242150591512016-03-25T07:25:00.001-07:002016-03-25T07:25:32.483-07:00Fairs, Poetry and More I'm an organizer of community events ;<br />
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Here are some upcoming ones -<br />
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March 26 Free poetry workshop with Sheila Packa, 10AM at the Unitarian Church, 835 W. College St..<br />
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April 9 Better World conference - free event. Social justice for all. 9 workshops. Topics : compassionate communication, engaging youth into action, strength in diversity, overcoming poverty, affordable health care, and more. More info at uuduluth.org or www.betterworld2016.eventsmart.com or email wendyupnorth@yahoo.com<br />
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Be sure to come to this year's Dulcimer Day in Duluth festival May 14 at the Coppertop Church, 230 E. Skyline Parkway. More info at www.DulcimersInDuluth.com<br />
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Local art & gift fairs are being set up for the rest of the year<br />
July 23 Woman-Made at Duluth Congregational Church<br /><br />
November 19 Get Great Stuff, Duluth Congregational<br />December 3 Get It Local, Peace Church<br />
Dec 10 Get to the Point, Lafayette Community Building<br />
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Let me know if you'd like to participate. Wendy Up Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16897798677449403159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2535953243083611716.post-67543330292773808342015-07-31T12:39:00.001-07:002015-07-31T12:39:31.797-07:00Fall 2015 events - local fairsLocal artists. Locally-made unique items.<br />
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Check out these fairs:<br />
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October 10 Get to the Point - Awesome Art & Gift Fair at Lafayette Community Building on Park Point.<br />
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November 14 Get Great Stuff at Duluth Congregational Church.<br />
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December 5 Get It Local Fair at the Peace Church.<br />
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All of these Duluth fairs will run 10 AM-3 PM. <br />
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Check my website for any updates or email me to inquire to be a part of the fairs. <br />wendyupnorth.com<br />Wendyupnorth@yahoo.com<br />
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<br />Wendy Up Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16897798677449403159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2535953243083611716.post-37687518190495723172015-03-18T21:38:00.001-07:002015-03-18T21:38:03.219-07:00Spring events 2015It's feeling like spring - sort of. It's time for a fun cabin fever reliever local art & gift fair.<br />
Treasures of the Earth will be March 28 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Unitarian Church, 835 W. College St. Over 20 artists will be selling cool things made of natural or recycled materials. A book sale will also be going on at the church.<br />
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Also, calling all folk music fans and lovers of dulcimers. Dulcimer Day in Duluth festival will be held May 2. Concerts will be at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Classes include mountain dulcimer, ukulele, autoharp, and guitar. Advanced registration is recommended for classes. Vendors will be open for business 10AM-3 PM . A day concert ticket is required during concert time. See the schedule, performer information, and registration form - and SPONSORS - at www.DulcimersInDuluth.com<br />
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Finally, I'd like to announce July 18 Woman-Made:Marvelous Things Made by Northland Women. The Coppertop Church will be filled with about 30 regional artists. The fairs are a great place to buy affordable one-of-a-kind locally-made gifts. <br />
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Thanks for all the support of attendees at the fairs. It's a task to put the events together. I'd like to think they are good community contributions to increase the local economy and local knowing each other status. A part of me will always be about learning - and these events are also great to keep on learning. <br />
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<br />Wendy Up Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16897798677449403159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2535953243083611716.post-27774020533177209462014-08-03T11:28:00.002-07:002014-08-03T11:28:23.750-07:00Fall Fairs Now Open in DuluthThanks to all those who participated - artist vendors and shoppers - in the recent Woman-Made fair. It's new location is a keeper. Coming indoors on a beautiful summer day is worth it to be part of improving the local economy, being exited by local made creative things, and meeting talented people. <br />
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Here are the date for the Fall 2014 fairs that I'm putting together in Duluth.<br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><b> Get to the Point Oct 11, Lafayette Community Center on Park Point</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><b> Get Great Stuff Nov 15, Duluth Congregational Church</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><b> Get It Local Dec 6, Peace Church</b></span><br />
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Registrations are now open until filled. I do create waiting lists for the fairs once it's filled. The fairs are open to Duluth-Superior area artists (within about 60 miles). The Get It Local fair is the "ultra-local" fair with all the artists from the city boundaries of Duluth and Superior. <br />
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Yeah - for local art!<br />
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The fairs run from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.<br />
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As reminder my website is <a href="http://wendyupnorth.com/">WendyUpNorth.com</a><br />
<br />Wendy Up Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16897798677449403159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2535953243083611716.post-78413479088442903152014-01-20T19:40:00.001-08:002014-01-20T19:40:41.575-08:002014 Local FairsHere are the 2014 fairs that are now open for the first half of the year.<br />
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March 22<br />
Treasures of the Earth Green Goods, Craft & Art Fair. Things made in the Northland of natural materials and recycled 'stuff'<br />Unitarian Church, 835 W. College St.<br />
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May 3 <br />
Dulcimer Day in Duluth folk music festival<br />
Coppertop Church, 230 E. Skyline Parkway<br />www.DulcimersInDuluth.com<br />
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July 26<br />
Woman-Made: Marvelous Things Made by Northland Women <br />Coppertop Church, 230 E. Skyline Parkway<br />
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The 4 fall fairs will likely be<br />
Get to the Point Awesome Art & Gift Fair - Oct<br />
Get Great Stuff -Nov<br />
Get It Local Gift Fair - Dec<br />
Neighbor-Made - Dec<br />
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<br />I strive to provide quality indoor fairs with a variety of local artists making wonderful things. I encourage everyone to buy local and do what they love.<br />
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WendyWendy Up Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16897798677449403159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2535953243083611716.post-73786413331096261752010-10-19T13:43:00.000-07:002010-10-19T16:06:16.169-07:00Shapes and CharactersI rather enjoy this time of year. Most of the leaves have dropped and now the shape of the tree through its branches is more visible. Like skeletons reaching out to the sky and waving to each other on windy days the bare trees have character. Some do look a bit scary I guess but some plainly look like grand earthly creatures. The knots of the tree or the burl or scars from lightning or fallen branches mark some of the trees. Some of the trees are downright dead but likely have a taste population of insects that the residents and migratory birds seek to find. <br />I invite you this time to pick up your dulcimer (feel free to buy one if you don't have one :-) and look at the grains of the wood. Follow the lines. Look at the shapes - all beautifully are part of the wood. Wood is a special material - and not only did the tree once provide oxygen that we use but as its 'living on" mode creates a one of kind instrument sound box for dulcimers (and other instruments.) Living on through music and beauty - pretty exciting.Wendy Up Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16897798677449403159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2535953243083611716.post-78884769606715929232010-10-01T12:04:00.000-07:002010-10-01T12:17:06.129-07:00Duluth, MN area has wonderful artisansI enjoying linking up local artists with opportunities for shoppers to come meet and shop from them. I've organizing twelve local art and gift fairs. I don't call the fairs craft fairs because I am looking for more unique art items - even though I do have a soap or candle vendor at most fairs. There's a gray line between art and craft anyway. <br />Here's the schedule for the fall - GET TO THE POINT Awesome Art & Gift Fair, Oct 9 Lafayette Building on Park Point, 3026 Minnesota Ave. from 10 until 3 p.m. Over 15 artists. No more openings. <br />GET IT LOCAL Gift Fair, Dec 4, Peace Church, 10-3 p.m. Artist portion filled. Openings for a few more local nonprofits and/or service or consumable items local businesses. <br />GET GREAT STUFF evening local gift fair, Dec 7 (Tuesday), Duluth Congregational Church, 3833 E. Superior St (next to Northland Country Club) 4-8 p.m. No more openings - well maybe a half spot. <br /><br />GLOCAL fair - global & local fair - Dec 11, St. Michael's Church, 10-3 p.m. 4901 E. Superior St. I am looking for local artists, especially those that do global-themed work (or from a country). I also would like to have some organizations that raise funds for or participating in programs with other countries be in the fair.Wendy Up Northhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16897798677449403159noreply@blogger.com0