SUPERIOR, Wis. (Northern News Now) – A Twin Ports-based photographer is shining a light on Superior\u2019s dive bars, documenting how they\u2019ve become cornerstones of the community.<\/p>\n
Unlike newer bars, dive bars are like \u201cold-school diners of the boozy realm,\u201d as an article from Food Republic<\/a> describes. <\/p>\n These small, character-driven bars caught the attention of local photographer Erica Dischino<\/a>. <\/p>\n \u201cDive bars are not just a place to grab a beer \u2014 they\u2019re a community hub,” Dischino said. \u201cIt\u2019s a really important part of social infrastructure for Superior.\u201d<\/p>\n Between October 2025 and February 2026, she visited 15 dive bars in Superior, meeting people and capturing photos. <\/p>\n \u201cI think it\u2019s definitely unusual to have a person with two cameras on their body in a dive bar, it was definitely a conversation starter,\u201d Dischino joked. \u201cOne of the things that I tried to focus on specifically with the images was showing community and how these relationships are fostered in these spaces.\u201d <\/p>\n The project \u2014 \u201cOur Place\u201d \u2014is a photo essay that shows the in-between moments of dive bar culture. <\/p>\n The project was funded through a grant from the Superior Public Arts Commission. <\/p>\n Now, she\u2019s sharing the completed project with the Twin Ports through a series of events:<\/p>\n Thursday, April 16:\u00a0Douglas County Historical Society<\/a> at\u00a05 p.m.\u00a0(free event; panel with local bartenders and bar owners)Sunday, April 19:\u00a0East End Tavern<\/a> from\u00a02 to 3 p.m.\u00a0(includes a\u00a040 cent pint of Miller Lite\u00a0special)Thursday, April 30:\u00a0The Spirit Room<\/a> from\u00a05 to 7 p.m.\u00a0(throwback cocktails inspired by historical local taverns will be available)<\/p>\n Each bar featured in the project will receive a zine of the completed project. <\/p>\n