Spirit Lake Arts Salon: An Artist’s Show and Tell
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Spirit Lake Arts invites you to a continuing series:
Spirit Lake Arts Salon: An Artist’s Show and Tell
Tuesday July 14, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
At
Ringling House Bed and Breakfast
201 8th St.
Baraboo, WI 53913
Each member attending is invited to bring two works to “Show and Tell
In preparation, the special prompt for the evening is-
Create a work that is your expression of “Duende”
Artworks can be based on the evening’s prompt or from an existing body of work. If wondering how we choose the “prompt” for the evening, everyone attending has the opportunity to write a suggested topic on a slip of paper which is then dropped into a hat. We randomly invite someone to draw a paper from the hat. We have our theme! Interpretation of the evening prompt is wide open, create something for the prompt or something you are currently working on.
Light appetizers and water will be available
Please remember to park on the street.
We look forward to an evening of lively conversation, and inspirational artwork!
Duende an Explanation-
Duende (do͞oˈendā) is a Spanish term that describes a heightened state of raw emotion, expression, and authenticity in art—often associated with deep, magnetic, and sometimes melancholic "soul" that an artist or performer conveys to an audience.
Though the concept originates from Spanish and Latin American folklore, it is famously known in the context of music, particularly flamenco.
Understanding duende - breaking down its roots and manifestations:
1. The Literal Meaning: The word comes from the phrase dueño de casa, which translates to "master of the house". In mythology, a duende is a mischievous sprite, goblin, elf, or gnome that lives inside homes or forests. Literally a humanoid, fairy-like creature from Spanish, Portuguese, and Latin American folklore, often described as 1–3 feet tall, often live in house walls or forests, and are known for hiding items, playing tricks, or guarding children."
2. The Artistic Meaning: In the 1930s, the Spanish poet Federico García Lorca popularized the term to describe that "mysterious power which everyone senses and no philosopher can explain". It’s not just technique: Duende cannot be faked, rehearsed, or taught. It is a moment of pure, spontaneous connection where something deeper—almost like a spirit—takes over the performer. It requires darkness and struggle: Lorca described it as rising up from the "soles of the feet" rather than descending from the heavens. It requires an awareness of death, struggle, and human vulnerability.
3. Personal Magnetism: Outside of the arts, you might hear someone refer to a person as having duende. In this context, it translates to an irresistible personal magnetism, charisma, or charm that completely captivates others.
Call us with any questions:
Roberta Condon, 608/617.1733, [email protected]
Greta Koenig, 608.963.9401, [email protected]
Guests are welcome and encouraged
Image credits:
Top L-R: “Flamenco Tants” Persooni Iugu Kalli Pikas, 2021 own work, Imbi24 author, Wikimedia Commons. - “15 Fascinating Facts About El Duende” by Joey Campbell 2025 owlcation. - "El Jaleo," 1882, John Singer Sargent, 0il on canvas, Isabella Steward Gardner Museum, Boston public domain from Wikimedia Commons
Bottom L-R “Lady Gnome” woodland photo M Wollschlager, - “Flamenco Guitar” anonymous, - “Model of a mythical duende” 2008, Flickr: duende, author René Mayorga Wikimedia Commons
Spirit Lake Arts Salon: An Artist’s Show and Tell
Tuesday July 14, 6:30 to 8:30 pm
At
Ringling House Bed and Breakfast
201 8th St.
Baraboo, WI 53913
Each member attending is invited to bring two works to “Show and Tell
In preparation, the special prompt for the evening is-
Create a work that is your expression of “Duende”
Artworks can be based on the evening’s prompt or from an existing body of work. If wondering how we choose the “prompt” for the evening, everyone attending has the opportunity to write a suggested topic on a slip of paper which is then dropped into a hat. We randomly invite someone to draw a paper from the hat. We have our theme! Interpretation of the evening prompt is wide open, create something for the prompt or something you are currently working on.
Light appetizers and water will be available
Please remember to park on the street.
We look forward to an evening of lively conversation, and inspirational artwork!
Duende an Explanation-
Duende (do͞oˈendā) is a Spanish term that describes a heightened state of raw emotion, expression, and authenticity in art—often associated with deep, magnetic, and sometimes melancholic "soul" that an artist or performer conveys to an audience.
Though the concept originates from Spanish and Latin American folklore, it is famously known in the context of music, particularly flamenco.
Understanding duende - breaking down its roots and manifestations:
1. The Literal Meaning: The word comes from the phrase dueño de casa, which translates to "master of the house". In mythology, a duende is a mischievous sprite, goblin, elf, or gnome that lives inside homes or forests. Literally a humanoid, fairy-like creature from Spanish, Portuguese, and Latin American folklore, often described as 1–3 feet tall, often live in house walls or forests, and are known for hiding items, playing tricks, or guarding children."
2. The Artistic Meaning: In the 1930s, the Spanish poet Federico García Lorca popularized the term to describe that "mysterious power which everyone senses and no philosopher can explain". It’s not just technique: Duende cannot be faked, rehearsed, or taught. It is a moment of pure, spontaneous connection where something deeper—almost like a spirit—takes over the performer. It requires darkness and struggle: Lorca described it as rising up from the "soles of the feet" rather than descending from the heavens. It requires an awareness of death, struggle, and human vulnerability.
3. Personal Magnetism: Outside of the arts, you might hear someone refer to a person as having duende. In this context, it translates to an irresistible personal magnetism, charisma, or charm that completely captivates others.
Call us with any questions:
Roberta Condon, 608/617.1733, [email protected]
Greta Koenig, 608.963.9401, [email protected]
Guests are welcome and encouraged
Image credits:
Top L-R: “Flamenco Tants” Persooni Iugu Kalli Pikas, 2021 own work, Imbi24 author, Wikimedia Commons. - “15 Fascinating Facts About El Duende” by Joey Campbell 2025 owlcation. - "El Jaleo," 1882, John Singer Sargent, 0il on canvas, Isabella Steward Gardner Museum, Boston public domain from Wikimedia Commons
Bottom L-R “Lady Gnome” woodland photo M Wollschlager, - “Flamenco Guitar” anonymous, - “Model of a mythical duende” 2008, Flickr: duende, author René Mayorga Wikimedia Commons
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Where is it happening?
Ringling House Bed & Breakfast, 209 Ringling Blvd, Baraboo, WI 53913-2167, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherSpirit Lake Arts
