DECC Art Gallery Nine large paintings, depicting memorable concerts during the DECC’s first half century, are now permanently displayed on the Duluth Arena’s concourse walls. This gallery of original art, created by Duluth native Don Esse, was unveiled during the DECC’s 50th Anniversary Celebration on August 6, 2016. How many of these concerts did you attend? Elvis Presley | April 29, 1977 James Brown | March 21, 1996 Bob Dylan | October 22, 1998 Neil Diamond | October 24, 1971 Cher | November 17, 2004 James Taylor | August 8, 2006 Aerosmith | November 13, 1998 KISS | May 27, 1990 Johnny Cash | March 13, 1987 Aerosmith 11.13.98 Bob Dylan 10.22.98 Cher 11.17.04 Elvis 04.29.77 James Brown 03.21.96 James Taylor 08.08.06 Johnny Cash 03.13.87 KISS 05.27.90 Neil Diamond 10.24.71 About Artist Don Esse Duluth native Don Esse created memorable graphic designs for ad agencies and clients in Duluth, the Twin Cities and beyond during his 33-year career. But his true love, as you can see from these striking images, has always been painting. “It was truly humbling to be asked by the DECC to capture such legendary figures on canvas,” says Don, who’s now retired and living in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. “Knowing these paintings will be viewed by thousands of people in the years to come is quite an honor.” And it was an honor for us to have Don dedicate his unique talents to portraying nine iconic DECC entertainers in a whole new light.
