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Lifestyle &
Culture

The Ely art scene is bursting with talent. Artists in a variety of media make Ely an exciting place to be year-round for exhibits and shows. The performing arts and music provide a strong base for entertainment while writers of regional and national stature provide insight into the special qualities – in nature and humans – of the area.

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Northern Lake Art Association

Northern Lakes Arts Association is committed to presenting, promoting, and fostering artists and arts experiences for local artists, residents, and visitors to the Ely community. We will collaborate with other arts organizations to facilitate the growth of the arts in our area. We will engage local artists with other artists, including professional artists, to nurture the creative spirit in everyone, and welcome all participants and observers to grow individually and collectively. We believe that nurturing the arts and artists will lift up our community, creating a richer and more vibrant experience for everyone, while making Ely an arts and cultural destination.

Brandenburg Gallery

Award-winning nature photography by Jim Brandenburg. For over 20 years, Brandenburg traveled the globe with National Geographic and has won more prestigious awards than any other nature photographer.

Ely Folk School

Ely Folk School is a do-it-yourself haven for learning traditional crafts and skills associated with Ely’s cultural heritage and wilderness legacy. Ely’s rich Balkan and Finnish cultural heritage and its internationally renowned wilderness offer a rich trove around which EFS is creating its identity.

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The Ely art scene offers something to delight everyone with the wide variety and talent available.

Art Entities

  • Donald G. Gardner Humanities Trust (218) 365-2639 – Provides funds for Ely arts/artists.
  • Ely Arts & Heritage Center (218-235-1721) – Locale for art classes, exhibits and events.
  • Ely ArtWalk – Storefront art show in February during Winter Festival
  • Ely Chamber of Commerce Blueberry/Art and Harvest Moon Festivals (218) 365-6123
  • Ely City Band (218) 365-5070 – Provides summer concerts
  • Ely Community Choir (218) 235-7551 – Provides winter concerts
  • Ely Community Education (218) 365-6166 Ext 224 – Special classes in the arts
  • Ely Community Resources Art Auction – Yearly fundraiser in April
  • Ely Concert Association – 4-12 concerts with high level performances on the Iron Range
  • Ely Folk School 218-235-0138 – Art, craft, and heritage-style classes.
  • Ely Greenstone Public Art (218) 365-5917 – Provides classes, art exhibits and special events
  • Ely Public Library – Variety of services to the public including computer access
  • Ely Public Schools (218) 365-6166 – K-12 teaching skills for life
  • Ely Winter Festival (218) 365-SNOW – Snow Carving Symposium, art exhibits and more
  • Ely’s Little Players – After school youth theater
  • Ely/Winton Historical Society (218) 365-3226 – Displays of Native American materials
  • Northern Lakes Art Association (218) 365-5070 – Offers complete arts programming
  • Vermilion Community College (218) 235-2100 – Two year basic and environmental programs
  • Vermilion Community College Library (218) 235-2158 – Provides access to services
  • Vermilion Community College Continuing Education Classes (218) 235-2163

Facilities

  • Ely Public School’s Washington Auditorium (900 seats) – Renovated Art Deco
  • Vermilion Community College Fine Arts theater (185 seats)
  • Ely Arts & Heritage Center, located in Pioneer Mine Complex (300 seats)

Places To Stay

Downtown Ely

Dining

Things To Do

The Great Outdoors