As 2024 winds down, so too does the Duluth Art Institute’s (DAI) two current art exhibits – both of them showing work from regionally-based artists.

“34” is an exhibition of the woodblock print work of Tom Rauschenfels, who lives in Duluth. Many of the prints on display are accompanied by the block used to create the work – giving viewers a chance to get an idea of how this type of print is done. “34” is a reference to the length of Rauschenfels’ career.

“You’ll see throughout this exhibition examples of love stories and stories about people having real life experiences. He’s an avid rower and has done a few pieces about that lifestyle as well.” Explained Christina Woods, DAI’s executive director.

The second exhibit “Scatter / Gather” is a collection of sculptures done by Brian Boldon, who works out of a studio in Northwestern Wisconsin. Various materials were used in Boldon’s works, many of which have a connection to landscapes.

“When you look at them, it’s really amazing and makes you feel like, ‘wow, how did he put this together?’” Woods said, “They represent landscapes like mountains or bushes or tumbleweeds. He’s done really an amazing job of representing places.”

In addition to its downtown gallery in Duluth’s US Bank Building, DAI also hosts classes, open studios, and other events at its Lincoln Park location.

As a non-profit, DAI is funded through various sources, including public donations.

“The arts have faced an enormous decline in both private and public funding and a decline in donations, so we are really working hard to continue to amplify our revenue so that we can keep doing the work that we do here in Duluth.” Woods said.

“34” and “Scatter / Gather” run through January 6, 2025, before the gallery closes to install its next exhibit. DAI’s gallery is closed from December 24 through January 1.

Donations to DAI can be made on their website.