Keith Vandervort
ELY – Area artists are working at Miner’s Dry this spring to complete an extensive stained glass art project for the Public Library here.
As much as $12,000 in funding for the project comes in part from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund in conjunction with the Arrowhead Library System, according to Library Director Rachel Heinrich.
“And through a Community Giving Grant from the Donald G. Gardner Humanities Trust, a specialized ring saw tool was purchased for the project,” she said.
A dozen stained glass panels depicting various scenes from Ely’s past and present will be installed, said artist Claire Taylor. The scenes showcase mining and logging industries, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, area resorts and tourism, dog sledding, and Native American heritage. A U.S. Forest Service float plane, the Ely water tower, a steam train, and other cultural and historical scenes will be included.
ELY â There will still be snow sculptures in the park and a big art gallery up and down the streets of town.
But this year, for the first time, Ely Winter Festival-goers will have an opportunity to see the frozen artworks and all the others from the comfort of their homes.
Festival organizers have been working to make the best of circumstances during the global pandemic.
âThe Ely Winter Festival is committed to celebrating winter, community, and art while keeping the community safe and healthy,â according to a press release. âWe will comply with whatever state mandates exist at the time, and we believe we can still celebrate while staying safe.â