POSTEN The American Swedish Institute Newsletter January - April 2021 Volume 40, Number 1
IN THIS ISSUE 4-5 The Creative Partnership
of Bea Szenfeld and Stina Wirsén
6-7 Visit ASI Virtually 11-12 Faces of ASI 13 Winter-Spring Food
Holidays in Sweden
Photo: Joel Rhodin
Message from Bruce Karstadt, ASI President & CEO
Table of Contents NEWS Message from the President/CEO ASI establishes new Community Fund to serve neighborhood needs Nordic American Bulletin Board
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EXHIBITIONS & PROGRAMS Exhibitions Overview 3 An extra/ordinary Holiday in extraordinary Times 3 extra/ordinary 3 Family Gallery: Water, sky and me 3 Papier 3 Sustain Able Voices - Young Swedish Design 3 Marcus Samuelsson Cook-Along & Virtual Book Talk 15 Swedish Museum Virtual Talk Series 15
FEATURES & INFORMATION Paper Virtuoso Meets Gifted Illustrator: The Creative Partnership of Bea Szenfeld and Stina Wirsén 4-5 Visit ASI Virtually 6-7 Fika, Precisely at 10 a.m. 8 Mansion Musings 9 Faces of ASI: The “Secret” Lives of Volunteers, Kaaren Jacobson 11 Faces of ASI: Kayla Ann 12 Winter-Spring Food Holidays in Sweden 13 Youth & Family Activity Sheet 14 Memorials & Tributes 16 Nordic Happenings 17 ASI Club Meetings & Rehearsals Sweden & Swedish 18 ASI Museum Store 19
Minnesota artist activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund, and a grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation Minnesota.
In 1933, some four years after Swan Turnblad founded the American Swedish Institute, attendance levels were Bruce Karstadt, lower than expected. Photo by Sharolyn B. Hagen Whether because of the limited hours and lack of publicity (or perhaps the impact from the Great Depression), too few people had made their way to “Turnblad’s castle.” Never a complacent man, Turnblad pushed the restart button by empowering a group of local scholars and community leaders to think anew about the Institute’s offerings. They drew upon the resources of many private individuals and institutions to lend works of art and historical materials for new exhibits. Combined with public programs, the Institute made a fresh start in 1933 with a grand, 10-day cultural week that reportedly drew more than 20,000 visitors. Such is the power of fresh thinking when circumstances compel us to shift strategy. Eighty-seven years later, we face our own challenges to think anew about how best to safely serve you and our community. I believe that we’ve risen to the occasion with new ideas and innovations that allow us to gather virtually online. I am pleased to report many rewarding results. You should know that our attendance levels in program areas such as language classes and the Nordic Table program are at record highs. Participants have come from all parts of the country and abroad. Some classes even have people Zooming in from five or more states (we even had a language student from Germany). Perhaps this is the proverbial silver lining in the dark cloud, as we have realized to our delight (and relief) that even during this period of closure, we can bring people together to learn with joy in the company of others. Much has been planned for your benefit from January through April, as described in the following pages. You have many chances to paint, cook, bake, carve, make handcrafts and learn a language. Or you can tune into one of our Zoom channels to listen to music, watch a film or hear a lecture. We hope these virtual sessions inspire you to connect with others through history, art, cuisine and cultural traditions.
We are also honored to present Papier, an exhibition produced by the artistic collaboration of two artists, Stina Wirsén and Bea Szenfeld, who have jointly created works on paper and illustrations at the intersection of art and function. This stunning exhibit comes to us with the help of one of our longtime partners, the Embassy of Sweden in Washington, which plays a unique role in cultural exchanges between Sweden and the U.S. This year has reinforced for us the value of partnerships such as ours with the Embassy, and they will be even more important in the coming years. My sense is that even when we’re able to fully open our campus (note: as I write these words in early December, our museum galleries and Fika café are not open to the public, although the ASI Museum Store is), we will continue to offer a hybrid of learning opportunities on site and virtually. ASI has a remarkably loyal audience in nearby ZIP codes as well as in all parts of the U.S. and abroad. Through a combination of both onsite and virtual gatherings, we aim to contribute to the well-being of our community by, in the words of Alice Waters, enabling people “to be more hopeful, more joyful, more thoughtful: in a word, more alive.” All of this is made possible only by the many contributions of our members, donors and volunteers — and with the inspired leadership of a deeply invested Board, a talented and creative staff and many supportive partners, both organizations and individuals. Your generosity, which is even more important today, enables us to make a deep impact upon our community. Thank you — and I hope you will be able to join us with family and friends in the weeks ahead for some special occasion, virtually or in person. I wish you all comfort, hope and good health in the New Year.
Bruce Karstadt, ASI President & CEO
THANK YOU
To all of the donors and members who make the work of the American Swedish Institute possible.
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is the membership publication of the American Swedish Institute. To update a subscription or become an ASI member, call (612) 871-4907 or e-mail info@asimn.org. Jon Dahlin, Karen Nelson and Emily Krumm, Editors. The American Swedish Institute is a gathering place for all people to share experiences around themes of culture, migration, the environment and the arts, informed by enduring links to Sweden. Founded in 1929 by Swan J. Turnblad. Accorded royal patronage by H.M. Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.
Exhibitions Papier February 6 to July 11 In a juncture between art and fashion, two Swedish artists meet in a mutual love for handcraft and the common material of paper. This traveling international exhibition unites Bea Szenfeld's spectacular sculptural paper-fashions with Stina Wirsén’s zestful illustrations. Read more about the creative duo on pages 4-5.
Family Gallery: Water, Sky and Me Reopening February 6 Step into the imaginary world of Stina Wirsén, where space meets the sea and the sun is always smiling. This space was developed and designed in collaboration the Swedish illustrator and author, especially for ASI.
An extra/ordinary Holiday in Extraordinary Times Online at ASImn.org Watch and listen to popular holiday tales from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland, and see parts of the exhibition they inspired.
extra/ordinary: The American Swedish Institute. At Play. Online at ASImn.org Explore stories from this playful exhibition through images and recorded video tours of select rooms with ASI curators. extra/ordinary was inspired by Tara Sweeney and Nate Christopherson’s original artwork from the book, A to Zåäö, alongside the objects from ASI’s collection that inspired them.
Note: The American Swedish Institute at print time was still closed due to COVID-19 precautions, so current exhibitions are being presented virtually as much as possible and plans for upcoming exhibitions are being adjusted as needed, depending on updated guidance. Please check ASImn.org for the most current information.
POSTEN
January – April 2021
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Paper Virtuoso Meets Gifted Illustrator: The Creative Partnership of Bea Szenfeld and Stina Wirsén “There’s something about paper that I just love. It’s unpretentious and folksy. We go great together.” —Bea Szenfeld “For as long as I remember, I have been drawing and making up stories. My sister and I loved when our mother read to us, and in turn we loved to read.” —Stina Wirsén In a juncture between art and fashion, two renowned Swedish artists meet in a mutual affection for the handmade and the common material of paper.
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Papier, on view February 6 – July 11, 2021 at the American Swedish Institute, is a touring exhibition showcasing the creative partnership of two prestigious Swedish talents — designer-artistartisan Bea Szenfeld and author-artistillustrator Stina Wirsén. This striking artistic collaboration pairs Stina’s colorful illustrations with Bea’s “paper couture” — dresses and other sculptural fashion items made entirely from paper, often in bold designs that belie their delicateness. Both made a major splash in pop culture from fashion to television. Papier features a dozen of Bea's wearable pieces plus an object-based piece titled “Grief.” Stina’s expressive drawings and
illustrations set the scene and act as a colorful backdrop to Bea’s work. It is a presentation similar to how Bea and Stina first met. Stina, then working as an illustrator for Dagens Nyheter, covered Bea’s first fashion show. “I found her work very interesting from the start,” Stina reflects. And, Bea hers. They have supported each other creatively in the 20 years since. The combination of their work is intriguing. In her studio on the outskirts of Stockholm, Bea Szenfeld painstakingly cuts, folds, sews and staples thousands of pieces of paper into intricate,
3-dimensional garments and objects. Over on the other side of town, Stina Wirsén spends time putting ink to paper, capturing life, movement and beauty in illustration. Between the two, many hours are spent using their hands to make, think and experiment — an analogue process they both share and love. Bea continuously pushes the convention of both paper and fashion. She was inspired by such sources as origami and Arte Povera — a 1960s-70s Italian art movement that explored common materials and unconventional methods. Bea started in ceramics and worked in a variety of mediums, even turning to such unusual sources as pasta or lettuce. However, she has always been drawn to paper. With billowing tops of petalled flowers, cubes and scale-like discs, her paper coutour has been worn by such superstars as Lady Gaga and Björk. It’s been said that her “awe-inspiring and technically advanced garments are nearly impossible to wear but beautiful enough to make people try.” Q to Bea: How and Why did you settle on paper? She said, “I have tested different materials. And with paper, the experiments and tests were so great right away. And also in Sweden, we have many forests and are very good at making beautiful paper!” Q to Bea: How did you come up with the idea of garments? “Every garment has a lot of inspiration. It’s almost impossible to describe without a long story for each garment. We do a lot of experiments with paper in the studio, and that is an important source of inspiration. Folklore, crafts and fairy tales are also recurring themes.” Bea says that no two garments are the same and that even a single garment undergoes changes with time, wear and environment. In a dark gallery space, her creations stand out even more against Stina’s backdrop, whose watercolors
— primarily in black, white and shades of red and blue — appear abstract. But they're derived, she said, from representations of the female body and femininity. It is easy to become lost in Stina’s visual world. It is simple in its elegance and expressive in its nature; her work has the ability to evoke strong emotions from the viewer. Her drawing style is spontaneous, and it is certainly unmistakable. Her illustrative work is vast and varied. Yet, her process is the same, regardless of the project. “Whether it’s a children’s book, an art exhibition or a fashion illustration — I work hard and I work a lot. I don’t do sketches; I just go right on the paper.” With her pen to paper, Stina reflects, thinks and experiments. Working for a Newspaper Stina was the illustrator for Sweden’s Dagens Nyheter for more than two decades. She said that her journalist background has been an asset to her work. “No doubt my two decades as an illustrator for Sweden’s largest morning paper has shaped me. Drawing political subjects and author’s portraits, capturing fashion and nightlife on the fly, has been my university...I maintain a vivid interest in contemporary cultural currents and expressions. It has shaped me as a person and as an artist. I am interested in journalism and in writing. I read a lot and I write more and more.” Stina has also written and illustrated many children's books and worked for various fashion brands, department stores and magazines. Her popular Brokiga, Rut och Knut and Vem children’s books series have been highlighted on television and in videos. Q to Stina: How has working and creating for children influenced your artistic work? “I believe my stories have been greatly influenced by my own childhood. But I also have the ambition to bring our own
age, the ever-present Now in which we find ourselves, into my work.” Q to both Bea and Stina: How has the worldwide pandemic impacted your work as artists? Bea said, “I work a lot on my own in my studio. So a social quarantine is no news or odd for me. I hope that everything turns around soon and that culture can flourish and enrich our lives.” Stina commented, “I have more time in my studio. That is positive. But I worry a lot, that is negative.” ASI visitors will have the unique opportunity to experience both Stina’s high fashion illustrations in Papier as well as the whimsical, imaginative world of her children’s books in the ASI Family Gallery, Water, Sky and Me. Bea and Stina, unfortunately, will likely not be in Minneapolis for the opening, due to COVID-related travel restrictions. But we eagerly await Papier’s arrival at ASI and are looking forward to this fascinating display of intricate craftmanship and unique innovation. ASI will be working to bring its followers and supporters virtual experiences related to this amazing exhibition and these impressive artists. Papier opens at the American Swedish Institute on February 6, 2021. Visit ASImn.org for more information, related activities and updates on possible inperson as well as virtual exhibition experiences. Papier was originally shown at Lidköping ArtHall in Sweden. The Midwest debut at ASI has been made possible in collaboration with the House of Sweden, Embassy of Sweden in Washington, D.C., which opened the exhibition in early March 2020.
POSTEN
January – April 2021
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Visit ASI Virtually
The coronavirus pandemic has changed all of our lives in profound ways. Parents have answered the call to help their children learn virtually. Many people have converted their homes to office spaces. Museums across the world, including ASI, called upon their collective creative thinking skills to develop virtual experiences for people to continue to access “edu-tainment” experiences from the comfort of their computer screens. This December, the American Swedish Institute launched highly interactive virtual experiences for adults, private groups and school field trips. ASI interpreters designed these virtual experiences so that people can feel like they are really at ASI. Through the Zoom platform and the use of an iPad,
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people can interact with ASI interpreters throughout each experience in real time. ASI staff developed several options for participants to learn more about the Turnblad Mansion and Swedish culture through live, interpretive programs. All of the experiences described below allow participants to ask questions and receive answers immediately! Meet the Turnblads – Live Public Tour ASI invites you to Meet the Turnblads during a monthly public tour of the Turnblad Mansion. Coming from poor immigrant families, Swan and Christina appear to embody the classic rags-to-riches tale, gaining their wealth by owning the largest Swedish language newspaper in the country, the Svenska Amerikanska Posten. But the Turnblad life was not as glamorous as it appears; rather, it reveals the complexity of the American Dream, a careful balance of cultural identities and the potential costs of great wealth and power. The Turnblads
were embroiled in multiple lawsuits and struggled against negative perceptions of Swedish immigrants as they strove to be accepted into Minneapolis’ elite social class. The family only lived in the mansion a few years before donating it as a legacy of the early SwedishAmerican community. Come visit the historic Turnblad Mansion to learn more about Minnesota’s immigrant history, the crafters who shaped this mansion and the Turnblad family. These 50-minute tours take place on the second Wednesday of each month, which means participants will not compete for close views of each room during public hours. Additionally, participants will see artifacts normally located in the collections area. During the tour, ASI interpreters invite participants to “choose their own adventure” by selecting the next room to explore. Due to the live, highly interactive tour methods, participants can ask questions in real time at any
moment throughout the Turnblad Mansion tour. Register in advance for this public tour by visiting our website. Private Groups ASI staff invites your group to engage with the Turnblad Mansion and Swedish culture virtually. ASI interpreters designed virtual experiences with senior groups, family reunions, business groups and clubs in mind. Discover the Swedish Christmas Traditions, participate in Stories in a Snapshot¸ book a tour to Meet the Turnblads, or explore ASI’s Behind the Scenes with Collections Manager Inga Theissen virtually! Swedish Christmas Traditions Jul (Christmas) is the most important time of year for many Swedes, filled with special smörgåsbord foods, Santa Lucia celebrations, and a visit from Tomten. Learn about this special time of year from Advent to the last plundering of the Christmas tree. Your group will have private access to ASI interpreters and up close views of artifacts during this highly interactive, live program. An ASI interpreter will use educational artifacts — not usually seen by the public — to tell the stories tied to Swedish Christmas traditions. Stories in a Snapshot Photographs transport us to moments throughout history. During this discussion based program, participants will examine photographs from the American Swedish Institute’s archival collection and use these images as a catalyst for conversation. We want to hear your stories inspired by historic images from our collection. Participants will leave the program feeling connected to one another and with more information about Swedish-American culture. Unlike the public Stories in a Snapshot program, private groups will have the opportunity to select themes based on their personal interests. For example, if a group loves music the pictures will relate to musical themes.
ASI Collections
Meet the Turnblads This virtual tour matches the description of the public tour. Instead of registering as individuals, a group can elect to book a private tour so everyone can participate at the same time instead of competing for spots with members of the public. Behind the Scenes Tour ASI’s material collection with Collections Manager Inga Theissen. Explore ASI’s treasure trove of interesting objects, learn how staff preserves Swedish and SwedishAmerican history and culture through curation and listen to the fascinating stories that bring each object to life.
Students from preschool through high school have an opportunity to tour the Turnblad Mansion through live virtual tours. Although each field trip will focus on the Turnblad Mansion, teachers may choose from the following themes: Art, History of the Turnblad Family, Immigration, and Cultural Heritage. Learn more about these experiences, pricing and logistics by visiting our website or by emailing Lindsey Tscherne, Youth & Family Programs Coordinator (lindseyt@ASImn.org).
Available every Friday at 11 a.m., groups have the option to customize this experience by sharing a little about their interests. Inga will pull out objects that match your interests and bring those objects to life by sharing their stories. Learn more about pricing and logistics by visiting our website. Virtual Field Trips The American Swedish Institute launched virtual field trips in December.
POSTEN
January – April 2021
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Members of ASI’s Idun Guild helped to uplift the Turnblad Mansion as a welcoming place for all
Fika, Precisely at 10 a.m. A little-known collaboration has helped to preserve the Turnblad Mansion since the 1970s. 8 American Swedish Institute
On Mondays at 10 a.m., you know exactly where to find ASI’s Curator Curt Pederson. Without fail, Curt will be sitting at a table in ASI’s Stuga, a cozy and timeless room on the lower level of the Turnblad Mansion, coffee in one hand and pastry in the other. Curt will undoubtedly be trading stories with a small team of dedicated volunteers who share his commitment to preserving the Turnblad Mansion and ASI’s historic collections. Once the coffee is gone (oh ... perhaps a second pot), the group divides to tackle the many vital tasks done behind the scenes to care for the Turnblad Mansion’s
fine features, including its beautiful woodwork. Known affectionately as the Monday Volunteers, similar teams have collaborated with ASI curators for decades, beginning in the 1970s with then-curator Sherry Butcher. Some of the current volunteers have been a part of this cooperative effort between curator and community for more than 20 years.
The Monday Volunteers gather for fika in ASI's Stuga.
ASI’s volunteers have always helped to ensure the Turnblad Mansion is a gathering place for all. From the 1980s, when members of ASI’s Idun Guild were key to uplifting the organization as a welcoming and friendly place, to today where (COVID closure aside) volunteers greet each visitor, offer guided tours and so much more. Together, ASI staff and a community of supporters have committed resources and expertise to preserve the beloved Mansion and all it means for future generations. Among the many examples, it was a long-time Turnblad Mansion greeter who helped support the reclamation of the Turkish chandelier in the Den, and community member Kaye
Lindberg Lillehei who helped restore the Solarium to the wonderful state it is in today. For all the ways you continue to support ASI, thank you! For more information about ongoing Turnblad Mansion preservation activities, watch ASI’s Mansion Musings video series at ASImn.org/ mansionmusings. Interested in donating to support Turnblad Mansion preservation? Contact Christy Stolpestad, Director of Engagement (christys@asimn.org) or Eric Wilson, Engagement Strategy Manager (ericw@asimn.org).
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January – April 2021
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ASI News ASI establishes new Community Fund to serve neighborhood needs The American Swedish Institute is excited to announce the new ASI Community Fund. ASI joins other local arts and cultural organizations in seeking ways to address ongoing, underlying issues of inequality and racism, with a particular focus on helping to strengthen service-oriented initiatives in our Phillips West and broader south Minneapolis communities. The ASI Community Fund will offer short-term stimulus grants of up to $3,000 to organizations that nurture diverse, vibrant relationships and promote collective well-being. A portion (25%) of the fund will be reserved for immediate crisis needs.
Priority will be given to three focus areas with deep connections to ASI’s organizational history and mission. These include initiatives that are Immigrant-led and Immigrant-serving; initiatives that support and uplift cultural keepers and creators; and initiatives that center on environmental stewardship. Priority also will be given to initiatives serving primarily Black, Indigenous and/or POC residents in the Phillips neighborhood. Financial gifts to ASI can be designated toward the Fund, and we’re grateful for your support and partnership in working toward a vibrant community for all. For more information or to apply, please visit ASImn.org or email communityfund@ ASImn.org. PICA Donation drive at ASI
NORDIC AMERICAN BULLETIN BOARD
Highpoint Center for Printmaking’s Grafiska Sällskapet; Contemporary Swedish Printmaking Exhibition February 12 – March 20, 2021 Founded in 1910, Grafiska Sällskapet (the Swedish Printmakers' Association) in Stockholm has more than 400 active printmaker members in Sweden and abroad, providing them opportunities and support. This exhibition, compiled by the association’s Anne-Lie Larsson Ljung and Maria Erikson, features more than 40 exciting examples of contemporary Swedish printmaking, using techniques in traditional and inventive ways and showcasing Grafiska Sällskapet’s visual diversity. 912 Lake Street West, Minneapolis MN 55408 For more information: highpointprintmaking.org, (612) 871-1326 or info@highpointprintmaking. org Swedish Song Workshops with Six of Sweden’s Premiere Traditional Singers Sundays, January – May Hourlong workshops, primarily at Noon Central Time Ross Sutter, Twin Cities' musician and frequent ASI presenter, received a grant from the American Scandinavian Foundation to host a series of 2021 virtual Swedish song workshops every Sunday from January through May with a different featured singer each month. Singers Cajsa Ekstav, Anders Larsson, Ulrika Gunnarsson, Eva Tjörnebo, Agneta Stolpe and Emma Härdelin will each choose a month to teach four, hour-long workshops. $5 per workshop. Free to the unemployed and those on fixed incomes Contact Ross Sutter at rosssutter@mac.com Preview the singers: https://swedishsonggames. info/swedish-singers-1
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Faces of ASI
Q: What inspired you to volunteer at ASI? My daughter introduced me to the Mansion and with my Swedish ancestry and love of historical buildings, when I read in her Posten that volunteers were needed, I called right away. I have volunteered in the ASI Museum Store ever since, loving every minute. I enjoy the staff and like to help people. Our patrons are so kind and interesting. I like helping someone find a gift when they really don’t know what to buy. I really miss being at ASI during this pandemic.
The 'Secret' Lives of Volunteers: Kaaren Jacobson – From Bozeman to Obama Kaaren Jacobson has a quiet, intelligent presence in her work as an ASI volunteer. You get the feeling she doesn’t miss much and that she selects her words very thoughtfully. When Volunteer Coordinator Leia Wambach suggested, “Talk to Kaaren, she’s a very cool lady! She used to be mayor of Bozeman and is very involved in prairie restoration,” that revelation made perfect sense. Q: Can you share a little bit about your background? I grew up on a dairy farm near Willmar, Minnesota. I was a kid who loved school and learning, so spent a lot of time in my room reading. I was always disappointed when the school year ended and summer vacation began! I graduated from the University of Minnesota with a geography major, it was a fascinating way to learn about the world. After college, I moved to Helena, Montana, and spent 10 years working in policy research for the state government. Then I moved on to earn a PhD in public administration from Virginia Tech and returned to Montana to become a professor at Montana State University in Bozeman. Q: What is your “Secret Life” outside of volunteering at ASI? After 19 years of teaching I needed something new, so I ran for the city commission, and served from 2006 to 2010; two years as a commissioner and then two years as mayor. I have always loved historical buildings and was
Kaaren Jacobson greeting President Obama
responsible for getting the 100-year-old Story Mansion renovated and open to the public. The mansion had passed to the city from the Story family, whose success in driving cattle from Texas to Montana, inspired author Larry McMurty’s Lonesome Dove. While serving as mayor, I had the pleasure in August 2009 of helping to arrange a visit to Bozeman for President Obama, who was on a national tour to promote more uniform health care in the nation. It was an exciting time and a great honor to be on the tarmac to welcome him and his family to my community. He looked me in the eyes and thanked me for 'my kind words' and I was left feeling that this was a man of warmth, integrity and authenticity. I am also very interested in agriculture and the soil; you never really lose your rural roots. Once I realized the harm of monoculture and heavy use of pesticides to the soil and ground water I took my farmland near Willmar out of production and put it into the Conservation Reserve Program. After five years of restoration, I now have 75 beautiful acres of prairie grasses and wildflowers that are attracting wildlife and providing a haven for nesting birds and monarch butterflies!
Q: What do you think is interesting about ASI visitors? I don’t know if this is Minnesota Nice or what, but often when I ask someone if I can help, initially they say no or, "Oh, I don’t want to bother you!? After convincing them that I really want to help they decide they do need something after all. This has taught me how important it is to ask folks if I can help them. I also love it when someone from Sweden comes in. I can usually get a laugh if I try out my fledgling Swedish, they seem genuinely surprised that many of us are studying their language. Q: How has the current COVID crisis impacted you? I am taking this very seriously. I have trouble with the isolation; being with people and relating one-on-one are very fulfilling for me. But I have discovered FaceTime and am using it to continue my Swedish studies. I am walking outside a lot and I rediscovered my bicycle this summer which really helped lift my spirits.
POSTEN
January – April 2021
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Faces of ASI Kayla Ann
Kayla Ann (whom you may also know as Kayla McDaniels) is one of our frequent handcraft instructors and a familiar face at the American Swedish Institute. Over the years, Kayla has collaborated with ASI staff to develop monthly programs that introduce traditional Swedish handcraft techniques through simple, contemporary projects which can be finished in just a few hours. Kayla has taught hundreds of people, with students who describe her as a great teacher — engaging and relaxed. This spring, ASI is excited to launch some new multi-week classes with Kayla to encourage participants to delve deeper into paper quilling and block printing, two popular crafts in Sweden today. Kayla is also a sought-after, full-time illustrator, designer and stylist. Q: Tell us a little about your teaching background and how you got started at ASI. In 2014, after I graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, I started volunteering at ASI as a studio classroom helper. My primary focus was assisting the instructor, helping to set up for Nordic Handcraft classes, and cleaning up after class. I learned a variety of handcrafts in exchange for helping out! After a year of volunteering, I was asked to start teaching the classes. Since then, I've been leading introductory Nordic Handcraft classes ranging from paper art to felting and kolrosing.
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Q: What’s your favorite part of teaching craft? I absolutely love sharing my handcraft knowledge with students. It's so fulfilling to see creativity spark in someone as they learn a new craft. It opens doors to exploration, self-confidence and appreciation for slow arts. Q: How do you connect traditional Scandinavian culture or art to what you teach? Why is it important to preserve and build on those traditions? All the introductory classes I teach are based on traditional Scandinavian handcraft techniques. I build on traditions by offering projects with the modern world in mind. For example, needle felting is an age-old craft used to create shelter, clothing and other necessary items. In my classes, we take a modern approach — creating jewelry, ornaments, textiles and more. I believe it's important to preserve the slowness of handcrafts in a world where technology is rapidly accelerating the
pace of life. The slower pace offers time for individuals to reflect, meditate and connect with themselves and the community. Q: Okay, so your classes are cool, but what’s your day job? I'm a full time artist/creative person! I create illustrations, surface patterns and design materials for people and companies. I also paint murals and work as a photo stylist. Every day is different and I love it. Q: If you were a handcraft material, what would you be? I would be roving — wool from sheep that has been washed, combed and dyed! I love how it's flexible, yet strong, and can change shape. That pretty much sums me up. To check out Kayla’s current class line up, visit ASImn.org/nordichandcraft. Kayla’s website is www.kaylaanncreative.com. Follow her on social media @kaylaanncreative.
WinterSpring Food Holidays in Sweden
Whether you celebrate with a group of friends or simply at home, special Swedish food traditions abound through the winter and spring months. Let’s take a quick tour: 25 februari: Fettisdagen (Fat Tuesday, February 25) Semlor, sweet rolls filled with marzipan and whipped cream, were originally eaten on just one day: Fat Tuesday, one last indulgence before the fasting season of Lent. Now Swedes eat semlor between Christmas and Easter, and bakeries create fun new twists on the semla every year. 7 mars: Vasaloppet (Vasaloppet Ski Race, March 7) Held annually in Dalarna, Sweden, since 1922, the Vasaloppet is one of the world’s longest and most popular ski races. Over 15,500 racers compete in the main event, and they always enjoy blåbärssoppa, a hot blueberry soup served at rest stations throughout the races. Recipes are easy to find online and a delicious outdoor treat in the winter. 25 mars: Våffeldagen (Waffle Day, March 25) According to legend, this famous Swedish food holiday originated when Swedes heard Vårfrudagen (Annunciation Day) as Våffeldagen (Waffle Day). The tradition stuck, and Swedes eat millions of thin, heart shaped waffles every March 25 for a snack, dessert or lunch.
4 april: Påskdagen (Easter, April 4) Many Swedes celebrate Easter with a påskbord, a buffet of traditional holiday foods. Along with eggs, many Swedes serve ham or herring on the Easter table. Lamb, salmon and egg-themed sweets are more modern additions. 30 april: Valborgsmässoafton (Walpurgis Eve, April 30) An opportunity to celebrate the turn of the seasons from winter into spring, Walpurgis Eve is traditionally celebrated with bonfires, so grilled foods such as hot dogs are common. After a long, dark winter, this is an outdoor holiday we can all look forward to this year.
Try it yourself! Our programs will walk you through these Swedish traditions. Find more info and sign up online at ASImn.org. VIRTUAL Nordic Table Workshop: Waffles for Våffeldagen March 25 Outdoor Easter at the Castle April 3 VIRTUAL Nordic Table Demo: A Valborg Feast April 28
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January – April 2021
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Youth & Family Programs At-home activities inspired by the Family Gallery, Water, Sky and Me Water, Sky and Me invites families to dress up like creatures of the ocean or relax in an imaginary outer space. Bring the fun home through play and storytelling inspired by Stina WirsĂŠn stories.
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Escape outdoors for fresh air and creative storytelling! Carve out some time in nature with your family. Take a walk and look up at the sky. You and your family will have lots of fun making up your own objects from the shapes of the clouds.
Events/Programs Highlights Marcus Samuelsson Cook-Along & Virtual Book Talk: The Rise: Black Cooks and the Soul of American Food* Thursday, January 28 6 p.m. CST Marcus Samuelsson Visits Your Kitchen: Cook with Marcus & Cooks of Crocus Hill 7 p.m. CST Book Talk Hosted by ASI Join us as we, in partnership with Cooks of Crocus Hill, welcome back acclaimed chef Marcus Samuelsson to ASI with an evening celebrating his newest book, The Rise: Black Cooks and the Soul of American Food.
Marcus Samuelsson Photo: Todd Hollingsworth
Cook-Along: $195 Includes cook-along ingredients for 2 meals + book + access to 7 p.m. book talk Then, Marcus will join former Star Tribune Taste Editor Lee Svitak Dean for a virtual conversation on his new book The Rise. Talk + Book: $55 ASI member / $60 non-member (to pick up your book from ASI use code ASIPICKUP for $5 off at checkout) Talk Only: $10 ASI member / $15 non-member
In the first of two programs, Marcus will join the team at Cooks of Crocus Hill in a cook-along live from his kitchen
Swedish Museum Virtual Talk Series The Zorn Museum with Johan Cederlund* Wednesday, January 27, 1 p.m. Join us for the first of three talks featuring Swedish museums with Johan Cederlund, director of the Zorn Museum in Mora, Sweden. This talk will feature an exclusive look at the Zorn Museum House and its collections, just before the major Zorn exhibit opens at the National Museum in Stockholm in February. Johan Cederlund holds a Ph.D. in art history from Lund University and was the curator of Uppsala University’s art collections from 2000-06. Since 2006, he has served as director of the Zorn Museum in Mora. Cederlund has written various books about Zorn, Swedish art and architecture.
featuring Gold Coconut Broken Rice with Tamarind Glazed Halibut. To register and for more information, please visit ASImn.org.
Gothenburg Art Museum — The Artworks, the House, the History with Patrik Steorn* Wednesday, February 24, 1 p.m. The Gothenburg Art Museum is one of the most important art collections in Sweden with works by Nordic and European artists such as Carl Larsson, Anders Zorn, Hanna Pauli, Vincent van Gogh and Pablo Picasso. Gothenburg celebrates 400 years in 2021, and worldwide guests are welcome to see some of its masterpieces and find out about the museum’s 1923 building — a landmark in the city — in this digital talk with Patrik Steorn, the new director.
The Nordiska Museet with Sanne Houby-Nielson* Wednesday, March 17, 1 p.m. Join us for the last in our Swedish Museum series with a talk by Sanne Houby-Nielsen, director of the Nordiska Museet in Stockholm.
$10 ASI members / $15 non-members for each talk.
*For live virtual events over Zoom, registrants need a strong internet connection and a device with video capabilities. POSTEN
January – April 2021
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Memorials & tributes IN MEMORY OF Richard and Mary Brubacher Karen Gabrielson Margo Greuel James and Janet Hanson Ralph and Diana Ledin Elaine Brolander Sheryl and David Johnson Ewa and Anders Rydåker Eileen E. Swanson Betty Lou Courtney Mary DeLong Carol L Damberg Sheldon Damberg Dorothy “Dot” Delegard Maridee Debertin Alice Anderson Dunn Anonymous Erik and Margit Ekstrom Michael and Cindy Huttner Ruthe Enstad Richard and Judy Sandeen Cliff Erickson Richard and Judy Sandeen Gunnel Todd Erickson Patricia and William Rosen Pauline “Polly” Erickson Roland Erickson Richard Grabow Faye Olson Mark Hegman Bruce Karstadt Eleanor Holmgren Scandinavian Friends Edith Olson Johnson Judy McDowell La Ree Koranoa: Daughter of Mildred and Gust Gustafson David Anderson
Barbara Larson: Daughter of Doris and Bill Benson David Anderson Alice Lisell Ewa and Anders Rydåker George and JoAnn Swanson Alve Linnea Karlsson Lund Karen Orrill
Betty St. Germain Jon and Linnea Asp Shelley Brown Kirsten Leaf and Peter Osterberg Göran K.N. Stockenström Bruce Karstadt IN HONOR OF
Roy N. Magnuson Jorene Magnuson
Adelie Bergström Janine Hegarty
Nancy Nordlund Daniel and Kathleen Engstrom Bruce and Sharalyn Johnson Barry Knutson Susan and John Morrison Gretchen and Jack Norqual Gail and Ken Perrin Gail Roberts Charlie and Jan Sheets Karel Strandness Eileen E. Swanson
Our children, grandchildren, and great grandson Gloria and Paul Christensen
Vern Norlin-Weaver Steven and Jenni Norlin Weaver Great-grandparents Erick and Ottilia (Larson) Pearson: North Dakota homesteaders from Sorby, Sweden Camille Pearson-Walz Carole Margaret Reisdorf Carole Brossart Wendy Gillespie Scandinavian Friends Mary Ann Schopper Margaret Ingalls
16 American Swedish Institute
Guests tour the Turnblad Mansion
John Enstad Richard and Judy Sandeen Grace Foster Lauren LoRe Aly Fulton-Kern Janine Hegarty Erik Håkanson’s 100th Birthday Ann Thorson Walton My Nordic heritage: Anderson & Hansen (Maternal) and Tharoldson (Paternal) Cora B. VolchokTharoldson
The fantastic ASI staff Erma Comstock The staff and volunteers who have kept ASI going through the pandemic: you are storytellers and story keepers Peggy and Michael Korsmo-Kennon If you would like to make a special gift in honor or memory of a loved one, please contact the ASI Development Office at christys@ASImn.org, (612) 870-3354 or mail Attn: ASI Development Office, 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis MN 55407. Gifts received 10/1/20 – 11/30/20
Bruce Karstadt Mike and Barb Nelson Bruce Karstadt’s 30th Year Anniversary at ASI Ann Thorson Walton Jan Ledin Michaletz and Russ Michaletz Peter and Ellen Nelson Julia Klein
In light of the ongoing COVID-19 situation, we are encouraging individuals to reach out to Clubs and Performing Groups directly for inquiries on planned events and rehearsals.
NORDIC Happenings Performing Groups The Cloudberries American Swedish Institute Women’s Choir Check us out on Facebook at “ASI Cloudberries.” The Cloudberries have tentative plans to meet over Zoom in early 2021. ASI Male Chorus Contact Chuck Upcraft at (612) 371-3731 or email Ted Johnson at tdreamintl@mindspring.com. See our website asimalechorus.org for more information. ASI Male Chorus Circle of Friends This group is dedicated to the support of the ASI Male Chorus through promotion and fundraising. To volunteer or contribute contact us at ASIMCCF@ gmail.com. ASI Spelmanslag For more information about rehearsals and events, visit our website asispelmanslag.org, our Facebook page, or call Suzanne Walters at (651) 6331607. ASI Lilla Spelmanslag Will meet virtually now due to weather. New members are welcome. We will have one or two workshops with teachers from Sweden during winter/ early spring. Please see the “youth” page on our ASI Spelmanslag website and contact the ASI Lilla Spelmanslag director for more details. www.asispelmanslag.org. The Twin Cities Nyckelharpalag No upcoming rehearsals or events are scheduled at least through January. For more information contact inquiries@ tcnyckelharpalag.org or Cheryl Paschke at (612) 670-6356.
The Twin Cities Swedish Folk Dancers Our group will not be practicing at ASI until further notice. Contact tcsfdmn@gmail.com.
SWEA International in Minnesota Contact us at Minnesota@swea.org or visit our website Minnesota.swea.org. No activities planned for Spring 2021.
Vasa Junior Folk Dancers Contact Carolyn Spargo, carolynspargo@ gmail.com for more information about rehearsals and our group.
The Swedish Genealogical Society of Minnesota The Swedish Genealogical Society will be holding a virtual meeting on Saturday, January 16 at 10 a.m. Kathy Meade will be speaking on ArkivDigital’s new book, Explore Your Swedish Heritage by Håkan Skogsjö. Please check our website for details on registration for this meeting. For more information on our society go to: sgsmn. org. If you are looking for help with Swedish research or regarding other meetings planned for 2021, please contact us at: sgsm1983@gmail.com.
Clubs Kaffestuga Friends Contact Margareta Beyer (651) 6445116. No activities planned for Spring 2021. Scandinavian Friends Call or e-mail Muriel Johnson at (952) 831-4180 or murjo3663@gmail.com. Twin Cities Dalaförening Contact Arne Larson at (763) 544-7494. Västergötland Society Does not meet in the months of January and March. Regarding our February and April meetings, please call OR e-mail Gordon Anderson at (763) 788-8532 or anderson.gpagpa.gordon@gmail.com for details!
Affiliates För Alltid Svensk, The Amery, WI Swedish Club Contact Terry Kelzer at (715) 268-2901 or terryjk@amerytel.net. Minneapolis-Uppsala Friendship Committee Contact minneapolis.uppsala@gmail.com or call Miranda Striegel at (612) 7357841.
Swedish Cultural Society of Duluth During this uncertain time of COVID-19, the Swedish Cultural Society would like you to consult their website: www.swedishculturalsociety.org. Contact Jennifer Conboy, President (218) 624-2264 or jenniferconboy@ hotmail.com. The Swedish Hospital Alumnae Association Board Continue to conduct our necessary business matters virtually during this time with hopes that 2021 will bring a time when we can meet together in person again at ASI. We have continued with our scholarship awards and support for the Hennepin Medical History Center.
Punschklubben Contact Erik Lindberg at PunschklubbenMSP@gmail.com or (612) 759-7542. POSTEN
January – April 2021
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& Svenska
Sweden & Swedish
Sverige &
vocabulary
list
News from Sweden Melodifestivalen
Ikea Catalogue — No More
Melodifestivalen 2021, Sweden’s televised
As online shopping soars, Sweden’s Ikea
competition to select the entry for
has announced that it will no longer
the Eurovision Song Contest, starts
print its annual catalog, ending a 70-year
February 6 with the finale on March 13.
tradition. This intensely popular snapshot of
Rather than touring to different Swedish
contemporary living had a peak circulation of
locales, this year’s contest will be held in one
200 million copies, released in 32 languages.
Stockholm venue, without a live audience,
The 2021 version is the final one. Hang on
due to COVID-19 restrictions. Announced
to this potential collector's item!
competitors include The Mamas and Dotter. U.S. viewers can see it on SVTplay.se.
påskris :: Easter branches högmässa :: high mass godis :: candy domkyrka :: cathedral sill :: herring
For pronunciation, visit The People’s Dictionary: folkets-lexikon.csc.kth.se/folkets/folkets.en.html
Påsk i Sverige / Easter in Sweden Around Eastertime in Sweden, brightly colored feathers seem to sprout overnight on small trees in city centers. Påskris, or Easter branches, are a wonderful way to brighten up the still-barren northern landscape and look forward to the arrival of spring. Market stalls even sell individual branches in all sorts of colors for Swedes to make their own påskris for the home or garden! While Easter in Sweden is regarded as more of a secular holiday, some Swedes do attend a högmässa (high mass) on Easter Sunday, such as the one in Uppsala’s domkyrka (cathedral). One unique Swedish Easter tradition is the påskkärring, or Easter witch, and some children will dress up in a frock and apron and paint rosy circles on their cheeks for the occasion. Swedish children also receive — not hunt for! — a påskägg (Easter egg) filled with all kinds of godis (candy). Eastertime in Sweden looks a bit different than in the United States, but nevertheless it’s still a time for families and friends to gather and celebrate. And one thing that always brings people together? Food! The påskbord, or Easter table, often includes ägg (eggs), lax (salmon) and sill (herring). And of course we can’t forget about semlor, the Lenten buns that bakeries have been selling since the beginning of the Easter season! Find more information about semla buns on page 13. Glad påsk / Happy Easter!
18 American Swedish Institute
ASI Museum Store
ASI Members Save 10% Open Thursday – Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (612) 870-3364
Follow the ASI Museum Store on Instagram @asimuseumstore to stay up to date on the latest in-store products. Volcano Vase from Aveva
Ørskov Lava Colletion Cutlery Set
Part of Aveva’s “volcano” series, these ceramic vases are designed to resemble an exploding volcano. Each vase is handmade and hand glazed to create a truly unique piece and bring a natural, organic vibe to any room.
Set the table in style with Ørskov’s Lava Collection. This 3 piece cutlery set is of hammered stainless steel and offer a modern twist on a timeless design. Made in Denmark. 3 Piece Cutlery Set: $39
$28
Hedgehog Dish Scrubber Fish Garlic Press Crush garlic easily and cleanly without any mess. Made of stainless steel. $15
Sweden and Norway: Spectacular Places Photography Books Explore the diversity and beauty of both Sweden and Norway in these spectacular photography books. From Sweden’s Falunred wooden houses surrounded by dense forests, to Norway’s majestic mountains and deeply cut coastal fjords, these books are a perfect way to travel right from your own home. Sweden: $39.95, Norway: $49.95
This hedgehog dish scrubber is the perfect cleaning companion. Removes dirt and grime easily with his fiber bristle back. Made of beechwood with tampico fiber bristles. $13
Framed Prints and Notecards from Emily Anderson Icelandic Chocolate Bars Treat yourself with Icelandic Chocolate bars from Nói Síríus! Crafted from an old Nordic recipe, Nói Síríus chocolates are produced with the highest quality ingredients to create a smooth, rich flavor. Wrapped in a unique doublebar package and available in Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt or Dark Chocolate Mint.
Inspired by a love of nature and art, Minnesota artist, Emily Anderson creates pieces that bring a breath of calm, joy and beauty. Featuring framed prints and notecards of “Birch Forest,” “Breath and Sunlight” and “Isle Royale.” Framed Prints: $59-$135, Notecards: $5.95
$10.50 Your purchases support the education, programming and exhibitions of the American Swedish Institute.
POSTEN
January – April 2021
19
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Twin Cities, MN Permit No 290 2600 Park Avenue Minneapolis MN 55407 612-871-4907 ASImn.org Return Service Requested
Papier: Bea Szenfeld and Stina Wirsén
Opening February 6
The Museum and FIKA Café will remained closed to the public, pending any further changes, until the opening of the Papier exhibition on February 6, 2021
Visit
Museum Hours
Thursday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.* FIKA
Thursday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.* Full menu served — (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
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Museum Store Hours
Thursday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. *Due to the ongoing uncertainty regarding COVID-19, please visit ASImn.org for the most current information on open status and hours.