North Shore Prints

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The Minnesota Historical Society preserves and makes available a wide range of materials chronicling Minnesota's history and culture. The goals of the Collections Department are to collect and preserve; provide access and interpretation; and engage in education and outreach. This blog is a tool to share these stories and let people know what is happening in the department.

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North Shore Prints

By: admin | Our Favorite Things | April 3, 2009
Louis Orr, Duluth c.1920Dewey Albinson, Lake Superior Fish Houses, ca. 1925
This past winter I organized the exhibition Minnesota Prints and Printmakers, 1900-1945 which is on view at the James J. Hill House through the spring and summer of 2009. The exhibition of over 50 prints by 42 artists explores an exciting chapter in the history of art making in Minnesota. This period witnessed a revival of the centuries old etching process followed by the introduction of New Deal era innovations in color lithography and serigraphy. Minnesota Prints and Printmakers celebrates the genius of the artists working between 1900 and 1945.

It was a joy to review many of the society’s collection of more than 800 prints from this time period. One subject that emerged as a favorite were etchings and engravings of Duluth and the North Shore. Just as it does today, the shores of Lake Superior attracted artists in the first half of the 20th century. Included are five of my favorite images that are in the exhibition.

Caleb Winholtz, Fisherman’s Shack, c.1940George Resler, Fisherman at Duluth, 1933-34

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Knute Heldner, Duluth Waterfront, c. 1925“Stormy Channel”, William Norman c. 1939