May 14, 2008

Ironworld, Dylan Days present ‘Tangled Up in Ore: Bob Dylan & the Iron Range’

Home-grown exhibit explores icon’s relationship with blue-collar mining region

HIBBING, Minn. (May 14, 2008) – When Bob Dylan fans hear that their hero came from the Iron Range, they often react with surprise. How could the author of “The Times They are a’ Changin’” come from a place known for picks, shovels and polka? A new exhibit at Ironworld, presented with assistance from Dylan Days and its volunteers, explores how great the Range’s influence may have been on a young Robert Zimmerman.

“Through Dylan lyrics, newspaper articles, donated artifacts, personal interviews and free programming, “Tangled Up in Ore” struggles to answer the questions: How does Bob Dylan feel about the Iron Range, how does the Iron Range feel about Bob Dylan and what is the relationship between this community and local artists today?” reads the official description of the exhibit.

The exhibit will open on the first day of Dylan Days, May 22, and remain open through Aug. 3. Special Dylan-related programming will be held at Ironworld all summer long.

“This is one of the most exciting projects Dylan Days has ever been involved in,” said Aaron Brown, Dylan Days spokesperson. “By working with the skilled professionals at Ironworld we are helping tell the Dylan story on the Iron Range better than we ever have before.”

Dylan Days partnered with Ironworld on the exhibit thanks in part to a culture and tourism grant from Iron Range Resources.

“After decades of relative iciness between Bob Dylan and the Iron Range, feelings are warming,” said Brown. “We’ve had Iron Range cities, businesses and nonprofits join together to honor Dylan and realize the potential of the Iron Range’s arts community. This exhibit is the culmination of a lot of hard work by Ironworld, Dylan Days and so many others in our Iron Range communities. We now look forward to moving forward with other ideas, such as a permanent Dylan exhibit in Hibbing and more year-round arts programming.”

Hundreds of writers, artists and musicians from all over the world participate in Dylan Days every year. Live music, displays and many other local cultural events are scheduled throughout the event, including the singer/songwriter contest, the literary showcase and a benefit concert for the Hibbing Arts Council featuring Ramblin’ Jack Elliott at the historic Hibbing High School auditorium.

Dylan Days is an annual event organized by a volunteer committee as part of Dylan Arts Celebration, a community initiative to honor Dylan and expand the arts in Northeastern Minnesota. Dylan Days began informally in 1991 as a musical tribute on Dylan’s May 24 birthday at Zimmy’s in Hibbing. It is now a fast growing arts event that encourages visual, musical and literary artists from Minnesota and across the world. For more information, see www.dylandays.com or call 1-866-305-3849. Information about “Tangled Up in Ore” and other Ironworld programming is available at www.ironworld.com.

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CONTACTS: Aaron J. Brown, Dylan Days media coordinator and co-chair, 218-969-9663 or info@dylandays.com.

Beth Piece, Ironworld public relations, 218-254-7959 or beth.pierce@ironworld.com.