Community-wide Events
Cook County hosts a number of community-wide events throughout the year in which the Art Colony collaborates to provide hands-on art-making opportunities for all ages and abilities.
Art Along the Lake: Fall Studio Tour
September 22 – October 1, 2023 | 10 AM – 5 PM
The Fall Studio Tour is an artist-led, county-wide event sponsored by Visit Cook County. Participants have the opportunity to meet artists in their home studios and explore the variety of unique, handcrafted works created in Cook County. We will be open at Studio 21, 21 West Highway 61.
Guests Artists: Adrea Beres and Catherine Hanson, pottery; Allison Healy and Neil Sherman, painting; Catherine Meier, printmaking.
Fall Break Weekend
October 19 – 22, 2023
Fall Break Weekend is for the creastive learner in us all. Along with one and two-day class options we host the David Hahn Art Days on the Thursday and Friday of the MEA Break. David was a beloved youth instructor and Cook County artist who passed away in 2022. His family’s generous memorial gifts fund free art activities for all ages. Click the Classes button below to peruse the options.
Continuing education credits are available for educators. Please reach out to the Art Colony in advance of the class to make arrangements.
Empty Bowls Fundraiser
November 16, 2023 | 11 am – 1 pm & 5 – 7 pm
St. John’s Catholic Church
Twelve percent of Cook County residents go hungry every month. And with the pandemic, the need has been even greater.
Every year the Art Colony works with its local Empty Bowls organization and area potters to produce handmade ceramic bowls for this event, which includes both a lunch and a dinner.
Empty Bowls urges everyone to donate at www.emptybowlscookcounty.org. Alternatively, send checks payable to “Empty Bowls Cook County” to Empty Bowls, P.O. Box 294, Grand Marais, MN 55604.
Empty Bowls addresses Cook County’s food insecurity through several community hunger programs. Funds from last year’s Empty Bowls event were distributed to Birch Grove Community School, Cook County Food Shelf, Cook County Public Health and Human Services, Cook County Ruby’s Pantry, Cook County Schools, Cook County Youth Agency Coalition, Cooperation Station Daycare, Great Expectations School Lunch Program, Oshki Ogimaag Charter School, and the Violence Prevention Center.
Empty Bowls in Cook County started in 2006 and works in collaboration with the local school, the Grand Marais Art Colony and the generous donations of local businesses.
Holiday Market
Saturday, December 2, 2023 | Studio 21 And Founders Hall
Join us for our Holiday Market and support local artists and creators. The Art Colony gallery store will be open from 9 am – 3 pm (17 West Highway 61).
Pots for Presents at Founders Hall from 11am to 3pm – sponsored by Cook County Potters (120 West 3rd Ave).
Fiber Sale at Studio 21 from 9am to 2pm – sponsored by Northwoods Fiber Guild (21 West Highway 61).
Come and support local artists! These are amazing opportunities for your holiday shopping!
