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Pine Knot art space welcomes Swanson

Art lovers, get your comfy shoes on, because another free Carlton County "art walk" is coming next week.

The Pine Knot News in Cloquet and the Magnolia Café in Carlton will again offer an evening of art on Thursday, July 11, starting with an artist reception for painter Adam Swanson's new show at The Knot Gallery (122 Ave. C, Cloquet) 4-6 p.m., followed by a show featuring art by John Mann 6-8 p.m. at Magnolia Café (206 Third St., Carlton). Mann, who moved to Carlton in 2016 after he retired, calls his art "Insecta Etcetera, where art and nature meet." His work features real insects, butterflies and wildflowers, and more, beautifully framed and preserved.

Pine Knot curator Ann Markusen said the arts team chose Swanson's work for its fresh colors and "celebration of outdoor activity by people and wild creatures."

In his artist statement, Swanson explained that many people in the Northland are concerned about our relationship with water and the environment, explaining that he uses animals, people and technology to stress the human connection with the natural world.

"The implications of our actions in an ever-changing landscape are on the tip of everyone's tongue," he wrote. "I investigate current science to create colorful, expressive paintings reflecting on our relationship with nature and how it ties into our humanity."

Both shows will include refreshments. Artwork will be available for purchase.

The Knot Gallery, which is part of the Pine Knot News office in the West End, is open most weekdays and sometimes into the evening. Anyone can walk in and see some art and newspaper work.