Nine New Pieces of Iconic Artwork at the DECC

Local Artist Paints Nine Canvas Prints of Legendary Artists Who Played at the DECC

While KISS rocked the house at Amsoil Arena Wednesday night, nine other legendary acts made their way in to the DECC on Thursday.

Intricate paintings of Elvis, Johnny Cash, Neil Diamond, Cher, Bob Dylan and other performers were hung on the DECC’s concourse walls.

The new artwork is all in celebration of the DECC’s 50th Anniversary of serving the community.

“It turned out to be a huge challenge, one that was a challenge both artistically and physically for me because as a cancer survivor there’s some things that I had to kind of deal with while I was working on these paintings,” Duluth Native and Artist Don Esse said.

Over a seven-month period, Duluth Native Don Esse created the original pieces of art, using oil canvas.

After finishing the smaller versions, the Legends were enlarged as colorful tapestries to be displayed.

A 50th Anniversary celebration runs from 3:00p.m. until 6:00p.m. on Saturday, August 6.

“I would like to sell the original paintings and have all the proceeds go to the American Cancer Society because there have been so many people that in my life that have been touched with cancer,” Esse said.

The fun includes appearances by Elvis, along with a Beach Boys and Temptations concert in Amsoil Arena at 7:00p.m.