The Morning Dip / Celebrate Midsommar / In Memory of Curt Pederson
Posten
The American Swedish Institute Magazine
Featured Article The Morning Dip: Photography by Peggy Anderson
May – August 2022 1 MAY-AUG 2022 Volume 41, Number 2
POSTEN
Thank You! To all of the donors and members who make the work of the American Swedish Institute possible.
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.
Contents 3 Message from Bruce Karstadt, ASI President & CEO 4-6 The Morning Dip: Photography by Peggy Anderson
The American Swedish Institute
16-17 Restoration Begins on the Turnblad Mansion and Carriage House
6 Birger Sandzén
18-19 Make Your Own Blood Orange Shrub
7 Celebrate Midsommar
20-21 Memorials & Tributes
8-9 Behind the Blades: Karin Bit Vejle
22-24 Community
10 Growing Traditions
25-26 News from ASI and Abroad
11 Tall Tales of the Turnblad Mansion
27 ASI Museum Store
12-13 Our Dragon Story Contest Winners
Cover photo: The Morning Dip by Peggy Anderson
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14-15 In Memory of Curt Pederson
The membership publication of the American Swedish Institute. To update a subscription or become a member, call (612) 871-4907 or e-mail info@asimn.org.
Photo by Sharolyn B. Hagen
Message from Bruce Karstadt, ASI President & CEO It was just ten years ago, on June 30, 2012, that we celebrated the opening of the Carl and Leslie Nelson Cultural Center with an incredible array of cultural activities. Our campus hosted great food, glassblowing, Swedish and Mexican Aztec dancing, Icelandic and Faeroese musicians providing a world music concert and an exhibition of Helena Hernmarck’s tapestries filling our galleries. The attendance was about 10,000 people — a stunning number. In retrospect, it’s clear that on that day ASI became, in Nina Simon’s phrase, a “museum of and” by opening new and freshened facilities that both honored our heritage and welcomed the entire community to what has now become a gathering place for all people. Over this past decade, we’ve continued to provide an ever-widening diversity of members and visitors with many ways of experiencing ASI, as amply detailed in this Posten and our recently issued Catalog. Visitors linger in our galleries with exhibitions, such as our current Paper Dialogues: The Dragon and Our Stories, that inspire wonder and new ways of thinking about our world. Fifth graders from nearby Hope School recently spent three months with our staff designing our new Family Gallery — an experience that gave them insights into how museums create exhibitions. Students of all ages and backgrounds from around the world are tapping into virtual and in-person classes in language, craft, and food. Families are reserving our spaces for treasured moments around a wedding or birthday. FIKA Café continues to draw many who want to sample brilliant Nordic inspired cuisine. And in what are some of my favorite moments, we’ve hosted ceremonies for both Head Start graduates and individuals who have qualified to become naturalized American citizens. When the Turnblad family donated their beautiful home to create ASI in 1929, they did so in a leap of faith that a
groundswell of support would allow it to thrive. At that time, the Turnblad’s were still publishing a newspaper that served the Swedish-American community, whom they were likely relying upon as probable patrons of ASI. While we are rooted in a narrative of Swedish immigration of more than a century ago, we understand today that we are but one thread of a much larger tapestry woven by all who have come to learn, live and work together in community. We were blessed by hundreds of members and friends who made possible the 2012 Nelson Cultural Center expansion. Today, the broadened support we receive from our community helps us care for our collections, provide enriching content like that detailed in this newsletter, and partner with schools and neighborhood organizations in service to our communities. As I write, scaffolding and workers surround the Turnblad Mansion and Carriage House as they undertake the first phase of a multi-year Mansion and Carriage House restoration project more fully described elsewhere in this issue. This is made possible by the generous gifts of many who have embraced their role as stewards of our iconic, historic campus. We are grateful beyond measure for this support, and hope that this inspires others to consider a gift that will enable us to complete the second phase of this project. In sum, let me thank all who give so generously of themselves to ASI: donors and members, volunteer and trustees, and our creative group of staff colleagues. Your support makes much possible and has a deep impact upon our community. Tack så mycket!
Bruce Karstadt, ASI President & CEO
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“By picturing them, I am gaining insight into a community that, slowly but surely, I have entered, and into my complex identity as a Swede.” - Peggy Anderson
The Morning Dip
First Look: Preview Party Wednesday, July 20, 5-8 pm
Photography by Peggy Anderson 4 4 The The American Swedish Institute American Swedish Institute
For some, the daily ritual of waking up and taking a swim is better than espresso. With Minnesota’s love of coffee and our 10,000+ lakes perhaps we can be the judge of that this July when Peggy’s photography series, The Morning Dip, comes to ASI.
“I basically grew up with two cultures. Being in America, I often felt more Swedish. And being in Sweden, I was also seen as an American. Swedish was also my first language. I didn’t learn English until I started first grade.”
On the west coast of Sweden there is one local community where a morning dip in the sea does come before coffee. The coastal village of Torekov is known for both its local pier as well as for a curious ritual performed by nearly every one of its residents. Every day in the summer, locals wake for a morning dip in the sea. There are unwritten codes of behavior associated with this daily tradition, including the selection of one’s bathrobe.
The ability to fluctuate between the two cultures is something Peggy has thought about a lot while working on The Morning Dip. “I think this duality is what allowed this project to move forward. I don’t think it would have worked if I came in as just an American, not speaking Swedish. But the American side of me gave me the moxie to just do it and not care what people thought. And the Swedish side of me gave me a sort of access to the community and ritual which I was already a part of. Creating a ritual of photographing a ritual also helped the creative process.”
The Morning Dip is an ongoing portrait series by Paris-based American-Swedish artist and photographer Peggy Anderson that captures this daily tradition, and associated attire. What began as a simple series capturing Swedes in their bathrobes, has evolved into a deeper examination of Peggy’s own heritage and relationship to a country where she lived as a child and now spends every summer. Peggy was born in San Francisco to a Swedish mother and American born father, who had Swedish parents. When Peggy was one they moved to Stockholm where they lived until she was six, and then made their way back to California where Peggy grew up. Peggy and her family continued to spend summers in Sweden, mainly with her mother’s parents who had a summer house in Småland. “My best childhood memories are from my summers in Sweden. Being an only child until I was 10, this was where I spent countless hours in nature, in the woods picking berries and mushrooms with my grandparents, swimming in the local lake and playing with my cousins. These memories have also influenced my own creative practice as a photographer working with memory and archive.”
Peggy works with a large format analog film camera, for which setting up the camera and preparing the film holders takes a lot of time. “I think the subjects also responded to the camera and my ritual with curiosity. This opened up the way for then making a portrait. When I first started the project, people were a bit skeptical about my intentions. But over time, people became used to seeing me on the pier and other locations in Torekov. I worked quietly and let the subjects come to me. And over time, people started to know the project and me.” Over time, her interest in photographing this summer community expanded, and the subjects have become a part of her journey beyond The Morning Dip. This project became less about the end result and more about process and repetition. Now, every year when summer rolls around, Peggy finds herself back in Sweden visiting family and continuing her eight-year-long project. (continued on next page)
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“I have always said that I will continue with the project as long as I have the energy and drive to get out there every morning. I also feel that the project has become richer over time. Every summer is a bit different. Especially these past two summers with the pandemic. It really does take a village to do a photo project like this and for the most part, people have been very positive and kind.”
in 2020, which can be purchased through the ASI Museum Shop. Every summer, Peggy displays the latest photographs in Torekov, Sweden. The exhibition now comes stateside, bringing a bit of Swedish summer here to Minnesota. The Morning Dip opens July 21 and runs through October 30.
The Morning Dip was first exhibited at Fotografiska, Stockholm, in 2015, and a book by the same name was published by Kehrer Verlag
Birger Sandzén Select works from SwedishAmerican landscape painter and printmaker Birger Sandzén on view beginning July 21 ASI's presentation of Sandzén works, on Level 2 of the Turnblad Mansion, will feature prints of the natural world, including works recently acquired into the ASI Collection through the generous donation of Dr. James Kaplan. Born in Blidsberg, Sweden, Birger Sandzén (18711954) was a prolific painter and printmaker, completing more than 2600 oil paintings, 500 watercolors, and hundreds of lithographs, block prints, and drypoints, during his lifetime. Sandzén studied art in Stockholm alongside Anders Zorn and Richard Berg, and in Paris with Edmond François Aman-Jean, before moving to
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Lindsborg, Kansas to teach languages, art, and music at Bethany College. His work was exhibited widely throughout the United States and in Sweden during his career. ASI is among a group of worldwide museums who are fortunate to have Sandzén’s exceptional work among their collections, including the Brooklyn Museum of Art, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Library of Congress, the Museum of Fine Arts in Santa Fe, the Chicago Art Institute, the Denver Art Museum, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the National Museum of Stockholm.
Pre-order Headwreath Kits and Save!
Celebrate Midsommar
$10 in advance $12 day-of
The quintessential summer celebration returns to ASI on Saturday, June 18 You’d be hard-pressed to find a Swede who doesn’t look forward to Midsommar. The annual celebration marks the longest day and shortest night of the year and is eagerly anticipated by Scandinavians and Minnesotans alike who experience long, dark winters. The Midsommar Celebration at ASI is one of the largest events of its kind in the Midwest, and one for the ASI community not to miss. From the raising of the Midsommar Pole, to making flower head wreaths, to live music and dancing, visitors of all ages will find activities that celebrate tradition and invite the discovery of something new at this event that has brought the ASI campus to life since the early years. A special festival menu at FIKA Café will bring the flavorful food and drink of Swedish summer to life. And, for the uninitiated, don’t miss your chance to participate in the Små grodorna (The Little Frogs)
Order today at asimn.org
dance, and jump around the Midsommar pole pretending to be a frog! Headlining the festival’s live music this year is Swedish folk quintet JAERV. Rooted in several different musical traditions, JAERV offers an exciting performance that brings hints of jazz and pop to Scandinavian folk songs, some which are more than 700 years old. JAERV has received recognition from a vast number of cultural institutions including the Royal Academy of Music, The Swedish Arts Council and The AmericanSwedish Foundation. Welcome back the warm weather at ASI this summer! Mark your calendars for the Midsommar Celebration on Saturday, June 18. New this year, ASI will require advance registration for tickets to Midsommar.
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Behind the Blades Learn more about Karin Bit Vejle, one of the two main artists in Paper Dialogues: The Dragon and our Stories, on view through July 10
While by no means as prevalent as the tradition in China, papercutting is a vital folk art in Paper Dialogues artist Karin Bit Vejle’s native country of Denmark. In fact, one of the most famous Danish papercutting artists was prolific writer Hans Christian Andersen, who believed that the papercut should not only be pleasing to the eye, but also a challenge to the mind. He often told fantastic and exciting stories while cutting paper and finished a session by presenting the completed papercut to his listeners. Andersen’s passion for papercutting helped to cement the popularity and position of papercutting throughout Denmark.
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For Bit, who represents narratives in her art, Andersen is a major source of inspiration. But her desire to cut paper stems from something deeper. “My heart and soul are at peace when I have the scissors in hand and the paper dances between the blades. Time stops and every time I open a cutting I feel the same sense of anticipation as when I opened the very first one. I wonder what it will look like? Did I manage to achieve the cut I had in mind? It is just as exciting every time – just like opening an exciting gift.” Until she was 16, Bit viewed papercutting as something only done for holidays such as Easter and Christmas. But one beautiful summer day in
Tivoli park in Copenhagen, a whole new world opened up to her. “By a tree next to the Tivoli pond I saw a man who was sitting in the sun cutting out paper silhouettes with motifs I had never seen before. I was enraptured, and stood there staring for a long time, watching the man as he maneuvered his scissors to bring forth the most beautiful little paper cutting. I was so taken with the idea that I went right home and got my mother's sewing scissors, and I have never let them out of my sight since. Psaligraphy is a slow and time-intensive affair, but I enjoy every minute of it, and time spent with scissors and paper has become my catharsis!”
Over the next 40 years, Bit became such a prolific paper artist that she began to run out of space to store her works. Soon, she was even storing intricate papercuts underneath the rugs of her home. “They might have stayed there forever, if a colleague had not happened to look under my rugs and find them. He thought they should see the light of day.” Ever since, Bit’s paper cuttings have taken on a life of their own and started a crusade for the rediscovery of papercutting. “It’s a journey that I hope will bring a sense of wonder and happiness, and a breath of adventure to everyone who views them. If my papercuts can manage to make you stop and wonder for just one instant, I think that would be wonderful.”
Paper Dialogues: The Dragon and Our Stories On view through July 10
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Growing Traditions A thank you from the American Swedish Institute As the days become longer and warmer, many individuals relish the opportunity to spend time with friends and family, explore the outdoors, and soak up the sun after a long winter. With a new season approaching, the American Swedish Institute wants to say thank you to our members, donors, and volunteers who include us in their summertime traditions both new and old. The past two years, many rituals have been disrupted due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Touchstone events, milestone celebrations, and community gatherings have been postponed or cancelled. Communities have been asked to re-imagine their own beloved traditions while also making room for new memories and customs. For over one hundred years, ASI has been central to traditions shared among families, friends, and the broader community. Even in times of uncertainty and change, ASI has remained a constant in the lives of community members.
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Whether it be a daily walk along Park Avenue, a weekly Swedish language class over Zoom, or an annual holiday gathering with family and friends, ASI's programs, spaces, and mission are found at the heart of many community traditions. Thanks to your support, these and many other community traditions have been able to continue. With your ongoing commitment, they will grow and thrive for generations to come. Thank you for your generosity and investment in ASI as a gathering place for all people.
"Many years of wonderful memories of the tomte breakfast and other events...” -Allison Sjogren Engebretson Please consider a contribution to the American Swedish Institute in celebration of your own touchstone traditions. Visit asimn.org to contribute today.
Tall Tales of the Turnblad Mansion Fact or fiction? Unearthing the truth behind some Mansion mysteries Over more than a century, the Twin Cities' only castle has been the focus of many myths and mysteries, from multiple ghost sightings to tales of secret chambers. As part of the ongoing Stories, Stonework & Stewardship campaign, ASI staff have had the fresh opportunity to explore some of these stories and discover the facts behind the fables. For years, rumors have circulated that Swan J. Turnblad and the Turnblad family built a swimming pool in the Mansion’s lower level. This idea has sparked curiosity amongst staff, visitors, and volunteers alike and caused speculation as to where the pool would have been located and who would have used it. During the in-depth analysis of the Turnblad Mansion that will ultimately guide all restoration work, HGA Architects and Engineers along with ASI staff had the opportunity to review the building’s 1904 architectural plans and can finally put the rumor of a pool to bed… at least with some level of certainty.
ASI has launched a $23 million campaign to rehabilitate the interiors and exteriors of the Turnblad Mansion and Carriage House. This project will reimagine the Mansion’s interior spaces for programs, gatherings, and world-class exhibitions, and ensure that ASI remains a place for storytelling–and story sharing–for generations to come. The mission is clear. The need is imperative. The time is now. Learn more ASI’s ongoing project to restore the Turnblad Mansion and Carriage House in their entirety at asimn.org/support/mansionproject
The architectural drawings indicate that the present-day Stuga, where contemporary visitors can gather for a cup of coffee or milestone celebration, was originally an exercise room for the Turnblad family. Adjacent to the gymnasium was a bathroom, complete with a shower. It is suspected that the inclusion of the shower in the design led to the eventual misconception of the pool, although no one can be entirely sure.
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Our Dragon Story Contest Winners Read the winning stories from ASI’s young authors writing contest
Earlier this year, young writers ages 3–18 were invited to submit original stories to ASI that featured dragons or were inspired by ASI’s exhibition Paper Dialogues: The Dragon and Our Stories. One winning story was selected from each of four categories. The competition was as fierce, and many creative and exceptional stories were submitted for consideration. The winning four stories have been published in their entirety at asimn.org.
Preschool category (age 3–5): Thorvald the Greedy Dragon By Reegan Carl, age 5, with Grandma Chris Cairl Reegan, CJ and Charlie were eating knäckebröd in their playhouse. They were laughing and gasping for air. The group calmed down and Reegan spread the secret treasures from the pouch on the table. Thorvald the little dumpy dragon was lurking outside the window peering in. He was very lonely and wanted to be prat of their play. He was sad that they were laughing and he wasn’t. He thought their treasures would make him happy. The treasures on the table were a dala horse meaning courage, a crystal stone for pureness and honesty, and a gold pocket watch owned by great
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grandmother Linnea who sailed to America long ago. The children carefully hid the pouch under the blankets in the folk trunk. They stood by their ideals of the treasures. As Thorvald was peering in the window, he was getting jealous of their friendship. With the pouch, life would be better. (story continued at asimn.org)
Elementary School category (age 6–10): Wruff the Dog Dragon! By Lucas Fortman, age 9 Once there was a dragon named Wruff. When he hatched, he was part dog part dragon, because he loves dogs so much! His parents were Beauty, the jewelry dragon, and Buff, the strong dragon. The parents were bewildered when Wruff hatched. Beauty thought that Wruff would be handsome and polite, like her. And Buff thought he would be strong, like him. Wruff had a dog face, with scales and tufts of fur across his body. He could also smell and hear and talk like a dog. But Wruff's parents weren't happy about Wruff. (story continued at asimn.org)
Middle School Category (age 11–13): The Way the Earth Was By Hazel Alexander, age 13 The dragon soared over the white building, flicking his pale blue tail. There were huge posters on its walls advertising the launch to Mars. He blinked slowly, sadly. The humans on this planet used to be respectful, he thought. Used to care for the planet and use resources wisely. But now they were cutting trees, melting ice that used to be his home. He had lived there with his partner, now gone from all the pollution in the atmosphere. He remembered how they had flown together, carefree and joyous, dancing in the crisp, cold air of the north. He remembered their last days, fighting to stay alive, fighting to stay together. But the unrelenting poison
in the air continued, flowing in a steady stream from their cars and planes and boats. Now almost everywhere he went, he could catch the scent of gasoline. He knew why they were leaving, of course. This planet was almost dead and so the humans continued on their path of destruction, heading elsewhere to spread filth and disease. (story continued at asimn.org)
High School category (age 14–18): Dragon Story By Anna Christensen, age 14 There once lived a little girl named Annabelle in the years of the Renaissance. Annabelle was known to be the most winsome and sweet little girl in her small village known as Camelot. But she was haunted by something. All of her life she felt forced into perfection because she always had a figure looming over her shoulder. She knew it as “the dragon”. It was a handsome creature straight from the higher-ups with the flashiest of scales and the perfect smile to charm lesser creatures into its unyielding and firm grip, and it owned Annabelle. Annabelle refused to fall for the fake charm. She was a clever girl and once the dragon realized that he could no longer control this young maiden he was furious. But little Annabelle with her long blonde hair and her petite but strong frame knew that this man would rupture eventually. She was prepared for what was to come. So, Annabelle devised a plan. She would just have to slay the dragon before more harm could come to her village. Meanwhile, the dragon with all of his forthcoming rage was hurting all of the other little children in Camelot. He would tempt them into his cave with hopes of a cup of tea and a conversation knowing he was an important man. (story continued at asimn.org)
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In Memory of Curt Pederson 14
The American Swedish Institute
It is with great sadness that we share news of the passing of Curt Pederson, ASI’s longtime curator and steward of our historic property. Curt left us on February 3 following a heart attack in late January.
We extend our condolences to Curt’s wife, Jean and daughter, Mara, and to all those both here and abroad who were privileged to know Curt and who share our affection and admiration for this kind and talented man.
Curt Pederson was beloved by countless people who encountered and worked with him. He had a unique genius about him, an almost magical quality that was so very endearing. Whether he was hanging an exhibition or discussing a potential donation to ASI’s collections or describing the craftmanship embedded within the Turnblad Mansion (which he carefully stewarded for nearly three decades), Curt always approached others with professionalism, a warm heart and a gentle spirit…and, more often than not, with a donut in hand.
Readers can find a beautiful tribute to Curt on startribune.com which was written by arts and culture reporter Jenna Ross. Arts journalist Sheila Regan also authored an article for minnpost.com about how Curt’s influence can be felt throughout ASI’s current exhibition, Paper Dialogues: The Dragon and Our Stories.
Memorial Gathering for Curt Pederson
Curt devoted much of his professional career to the American Swedish Institute, first as an independent artist in the early 1980s who helped restore many of the decorative ceilings in the Turnblad Mansion, and then as a full-time curator since 1998. At the time of his death, he had been working closely with architects, engineers, and colleagues in planning a comprehensive restoration and revival of the Mansion’s exterior façade and interior spaces. His extensive knowledge of the Mansion coupled with his passion for its stewardship will be deeply missed.
A gathering to honor Curt is planned for Saturday, May 28 at 9:30 am at the American Swedish Institute. More information will be available soon at asimn.org.
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Restoration Begins on the Turnblad Mansion and Carriage House Work on the Turnblad Mansion and Carriage House moves into view in early April This spring and summer, visitors to the American Swedish Institute campus will see the first outward indications that restoration of the Turnblad Mansion and Carriage House has begun. As part of the multi-year Stories, Stonework & Stewardship project, these historic 1908 structures will undergo their first-ever full restoration to ensure they remain fixtures in the community for generations to come. Museum galleries, FIKA Café, and the Museum Store will remain open to the public for the duration of this project phase, though portions of the campus courtyard will be temporarily closed to visitors as work takes place. The first phase of the project includes restoration of the Turnblad Mansion and Carriage House limestone façades, renovation of the Mansion’s east veranda and perimeter fence, and restoration of many of the buildings’ 160+ windows. Scaffolding will appear around the Mansion’s south and east sides as crews repair and stabilize some structural issues with the porte cochère and southeast turret.
and to the exact specifications as the originals— these replacement scuppers are being produced locally by Margaret Moore and Scott Halverson of Northern Stone Carving in Northeast Minneapolis. Margaret and Scott employ many of the same handcraft techniques and tools that were used by master craftsman Herman Schlink and his team of stone carvers when they produced the Turnblad Mansion’s original stone carvings.
ASI will also receive 12 new limestone scuppers, or stone downspouts, which will replace weatherdamaged ones found at various points along the Mansion's veranda. Hand-carved from the same Indiana Limestone used in the original buildings—
Watch a video interview with Margaret and Scott today at asimn.org/support/mansion project.
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Also during this phase, the interior of the Carriage House will undergo full rehabilitation.
A replacement scupper being hand-carved by artists at Northern Stone Carving.
Did you know? In a 1955 edition of the ASI Bulletin, referring to the sculptured lion heads on the Turnblad Mansion, Mary Schlink, wife of Herman Schlink, noted that Swan Turnblad instructed her husband to carve the heads ‘as grotesque as possible.’
Originally an apartment for household staff and the garage for Swan Turnblad’s 1904 Waverly electric car, and most recently updated in the 1980’s, the Carriage House is currently used as offices for ASI’s 30+ full time staff and many volunteers. Following the rehabilitation, ASI will be able to offer an accessible, creative, and welcoming environment in which staff and volunteers can gather and work.
During this phase, ASI staff will move to primarily remote work environments, with select offices and volunteer areas moved to the lower level of the Nelson Cultural Center and to within the Turnblad Mansion itself. Together with the community, ASI looks to the future with this project and to ensuring the Turnblad Mansion and Carriage House remain gathering places for another hundred years. Learn how your support can help safeguard the future of these historic assets at asimn.org/ support/mansionproject
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Make Your Own Blood Orange Shrub Shrubs and drinking vinegars are making their way out of cocktail bars and into homes
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Sweet and acidic, cocktail shrubs are made of a combination of aromatics, fruit concentrates, sugars, and vinegars. They are traditionally enjoyed as either a component of a mixed drink or with soda water. You can make shrubs at any time of year with almost any kind of fruit— from summer berries and peaches, to apples, grapefruits, and pomegranates in the winter.
FIKA Café's talented team use shrubs as the backbone of many of their cocktails. Handmade, and frequently rotated, FIKA’s shrubs were recently listed among the Star Tribune’s best alcohol-free cocktail options in the Twin Cities. Spice up your at-home cocktail game with this blood orange shrub recipe, straight from the minds at FIKA!
FIKA Café Blood Orange Shrub Note! Give yourself a head start on this recipe as the infusion takes about 24 hours. Serving Makes two cups Time Prep: 15 minutes Infusion time: 24 hours Ingredients • 2 cups apple cider vinegar • 3 blood oranges, sliced • 1.75 cups white sugar (or substitute brown sugar) Shrub Concentrate Instructions • Wash and remove zest from blood oranges in wide strips with a vegetable peeler, leaving as much pith behind as possible. Slice oranges into small pieces (the smaller the better!) • In a sterile mason jar, add orange peel and sugar. Use a wooded spatula to rub the zest into the sugar until fragrant. • Add sliced orange segments and stir. Cover securely and store overnight in a dark, cool area. • After 12 hours, shake the mason jar to make sure the sugar fully dissolves. Let sit for another 6 hours.
• Stir in vinegar and give the mason jar another shake. Let sit for another 6 hours. • Taste your shrub concentrate — it should be well-balanced sweet-and-sour flavor; add more vinegar by the tablespoon if desired. Strain out the contents using an ultra-fine mesh filter. • Can be kept in the fridge, sealed, for about two months. Shrub Drink Instructions • Add 2 oz (about 3 tbsp) of shrub concentrate in a 12oz glass • Fill glass with ice • Add Club soda and stir gently • Garnish with orange wheel • Enjoy! You probably won’t even miss the alcohol, but if you do, spike each drink with 1 ½ oz vodka or whiskey. And if you can’t get your hands on blood oranges, use orange zest and blood orange juice or a mix of 3 oranges and 1 lemon to mimic the sweet and tangy flavor of blood oranges.
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Memorials & Tributes Gifts and contributions to the American Swedish Institute in honor or memory of a loved one or special occasion. Gifts received December 18, 2021–March 1, 2022. IN MEMORY OF Jack Abrahamson Eileen Abrahamson Jeanne Axelson Woodberry Jeanette C. and Gordon P. Anderson Judith (Judy) Marie Benson William Lacroix Barbara Onken Kenneth Berglund Robin and Steve Kling Christiana and Dave Stolpestad William Beyer Margareta Beyer My Mother, Cordelia M. (Johnson) Brandt Gaylon H. Brandt Greg and Martha Carlson Joan and Warren Malkerson Joyce (Halldeen) Carlson June Anderson Cara Chriatianson Riley Peggy Gelakoski Irene Green Dolores Huber Paula Huber-Williams Chuck and Karen Humphrey Robyn and Steve Huspek LuEllen Curran Marlin and Wilma Grant Myrna Erickson Debora Glynn Kristian and Ruby Frost Jensine and David Moyer
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C. Soren Holmberg Merideth and James Chelberg
David Nelson Burton and Nancy Johnson
Kirsten Ingerson Sharen Darling Bobbi Flescher Virginia Sands Katherine (Kay) Shaw
Cathryn Towley Olson Elizabeth Olson and Eric Jensen
In remembrance of Gladys M. Pearson Isaacson and Carl E. Isaacson of Penryn, California Karolyn J Isaacson Kingsbury and Dale P Kingsbury and siblings Barbara and Chuck Olson, Karleen Kennedy and Carl and Louise Isaacson. Märta Johansson Carl and Esther Larson Maurice “Maury” V. Johnson Muriel Johnson My parents, Elizabeth and David LaVine Karen LaVine Edward A. Lindell Paul and Rebecca Lindell
Ken and Alis Ottoson Kim and James Lindahl Jack Pearson Marcia and Erik Kjesbu Muriel Peltz Västergötland Society of ASI Curt Pederson, in honor of his loving care of the Turnblad Mansion Eleanor Beaird Lynne D. Blomstrand Moratzka and Jim Moratzka E. Duane Engstrom Bruce Karstadt Peggy Korsmo-Kennon Faye Olson Christiana and Dave Stolpestad Mariann Tiblin Västergötland Society of ASI
David W. Linne Fred and Roxanne Steiner
Laura Lou Sandstrom Jeanette C. and Gordon P. Anderson
Nina Lind Magnuson Dennis Magnuson
Inger S. Schaller Harry Schaller
Janet L. Moberg Jeanette C. and Gordon P. Anderson
Betty Settergren Gretchen Stoddard
Mary Jo Monson David Monson and Mary Hirschboeck Christiana and Dave Stolpestad
Mr. Stig Johnsson, Sollentuna, Sweden Burton and Nancy Johnson Melvin and Arlene Skoglund Michelle Halverson
Walfred and Constance Thoreen JoAnn Thoreen
Cindy Ostberg Peter Schroedl
Harold Wessman Sandra Wessman
Caroline and Per Pearson Carolyn Ruff
IN HONOR OF Richard W. Adams Mark Gritter and Marissa Lingen Erma Comstock Muriel and Rolland Seltz Flickorna Fem Anonymous
David (Dave) Sorenson Grain Millers In Honor of Marjorie Swedberg Debertin’s Birthday Maridee Debertin
If you would like to make an honor or memorial gift, please visit asimn.org/support, contact Nina Andersen, Member and Donor Services Coordinator at ninaa@asimn.org, or (612) 524-5110, or mail your contribution to: Development Office, American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55407.
Alf and Jenny Johnson Ron and Sue Johnson Herbert (Ted) Johnson Erma Comstock Thore Peter Meyer Debbie Ojeda
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Community Local and global organizations, people, and events, that promote Scandinavian and Scandinavian-American culture and traditions ASI Cloudberries A women’s choir that shares the music, culture, and language of Sweden. Currently on hold. Contact Gloria Rosen at (952) 240-7523. ASI Male Chorus A men’s choral group that performs regularly in both Swedish and English. New members welcome. Contact Chuck Upcraft at (612) 371-3731 or Ted Johnson at tdreamintl@midspring.com. asimalechorus.org ASI Male Chorus Circle of Friends This group supports the ASI Male Chorus through promotion and fundraising. To volunteer or contribute contact asimccf@gmail.com. ASI Spelmanslag The ASI Spelmanslag continues to work on plans for practices and performances. Current information regarding both will be available on our website
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asispelmanslag.org or by calling Suzanne Walters at (651) 633-1607. New players and those interested in Swedish folk music are welcome. Kaffestuga Friends Open to all ASI members, this club meets in ASI’s Kaffestuga on the last Wednesday of the month (except November and December) from 1–3 pm. Contact Margareta Beyer at (651) 644-5116. Karl Oskar House Nya Duvemåla in Lindstrom will be open for the 2022 season on Sundays from 1-4 pm mid May through September. Special Events: Nordic Folk Music Jam Fest Sunday, June 5, 1 pm Family Midsummer Celebration: Learn Nordic dancing and Scandinavian crafts Sunday, June 26, 1 pm
60th annual Karl Oskar Days: Extended Hours and special events for the 60th annual Karl Oskar Days July 9-10. There will be live music every other Sunday at the Karl Oskar House as well as Kubb games. Email FriendsofKarlOskarHouse@gmail.com for more information or to plan a tour. Lilla Spelmanslag Learn and perform traditional Swedish folk music in this youth string instrument music group for ages 8-18. In 2022, Lilla Lag will travel to Sweden and attend a folk festival and fiddle camp. New members welcome. Contact Ingela Haaland at ingela_eilert@ yahoo.com. asispelmanslag.org.
Scandinavian Friends We will meet at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church 5025 Knox Avenue S Minneapolis, MN. This is a change from our usual ASI location. We will gather on Monday, May 9th at 12 noon for lunch followed by entertainment. The program is still to be determined at this date. If you have questions closer to the date please contact Muriel Johnson at (952) 831-4180 or email Muriel at murjo3663@gmail.com.
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Fred Livesay American Scandinavian Foundation Artist Fellowship Recipient ASF’s Artist fellowship program provides support for cultural practitioners throughout the Upper Midwest who have made significant contributions to the practice and preservation of Scandinavian folk arts traditions. Over the years, numerous teaching artists, instructors, and performers connected to or currently teaching at ASI have received this prestigious acknowledgement. As a recipient of a 2022 Artist fellowship, Twin Cities handcraft artist Fred Livesay will travel to Finland, Norway, and Sweden to research and master the practice of knutkorg making. A knutkorg is a Scandinavian knot basket constructed from willow and split cedar and woven together via a complex interlocking of bent and notched pieces of the prepared wood. While in Scandinavia, Fred will visit museums and other venues and study under master knutkorg maker, Göran Andersson. Applications for the next round of ASF Artist Fellowships are due August 1. Visit amscan.org to learn more.
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SWEA International in Minnesota Swedish Women’s Educational Association (SWEA) is an opportunity for Swedish-speaking women to embrace Swedish language, traditions, heritage, and provides a strong personal network and support to Swedish families abroad. Members are welcome to celebrate Valborgsmässoafton, nationaldagen, midsommar, and partake in a variety of activities such as books, films, cooking, outdoors, downtown, mother and child, offered by our interest groups. For more information contact sweaminnesota@gmail. com or visit our website Minnesota.swea.org The Swedish Cultural Society of Duluth Svenska Sångarna in Concert along with our popular Silent Auction on May 15, 2022 at First Covenant Church, 2101 W. 2nd St., Duluth. Fika will follow. Our community Midsommar Celebration sponsored by SCS will be held on Sunday, June 26, 2022, from 2-5 pm. It will be held at Spirit of God Lutheran Church, 2431 W. 3rd St., Duluth. All are welcome. Please check our website for more information at www.SwedishCulturalSociety.org. There will be no meetings in July-August. Swedish Cultural Society of the Red River Valley, Fargo, ND Sunday, May 1, 2:30 pm: Nordic Music Concert, First Lutheran Church, 619 Broadway, Fargo ND. Free will donation. Coffee and Nordic treats for sale following the concert. Saturday, June 25, 10 am-5 pm: Scandinavian Festival, Sons of Norway, 722 2nd Ave N, Fargo, ND. Scandinavian entertainment, vendors, food from each Nordic Country. Adults $5, children free. Further information available at: https://www. swedishsocietyrrv.com/ Swedish Genealogical Society of Minnesota Saturday, June 11, 2022, 10 am CDT SGSM Past President Virginia Taylor will guide us through the Swedish collections in the Hoffman Research Library at the Minnesota Genealogy Center in Mendota Heights.
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This will be a hybrid meeting, both in person at the Center and on Zoom. Details and registration at sgsmn.org. Twin Cities Dalaforening Saturday, May 7: This club meets at 1 pm at the Danish American Center. Lunch, birthdays, and lottery. A musical program will be presented. Contact Arne Larson at (612) 998-9893 for more information. June through August: Dalaforening does not meet. Twin Cities Nyckelharpalag Twin Cities Nyckelharpalag meets for Lagspel rehearsals at ASI Saturday May 7 & 21 and June 4, 10:15 am-noon. For event listings past, present and future go to tcnyckelharpalag.org. For further information about the group, please contact Cheryl Paschke at (612) 670-6356 or email inquiries@tcnyckelharpalag.com. Twin Cities Swedish Folk Dancers The Twin Cities Swedish Folk Dancers are unable to meet at this time because of the pandemic. Notice will be given when we can meet in the future. Västergötland Society The Västergötland Society will host their Annual Day Trip, on August 20, 2022, in Cokato. Schedule: 10 am FIKA; 10:30 pm Tour of the Cokato Museum; noon Lunch; 1 pm Tour of the Gust Akerlund Photo Studio. Cost is $24 per person. Contact Gordon Anderson for details at (763) 788-8532. The Vastergotland Society does not meet during May, June or July. Tack så mycket!
News from ASI and Abroad Annual ASI Membership Meeting Thursday, June 16, 2022 at 6–7:30 p.m. Open to all current ASI members, the Annual Meeting is an opportunity to elect new trustees to the Board, to review the past year and to learn about future ASI plans. This year’s annual meeting will be held in person on the ASI campus in Larson Hall beginning at 6 pm on Wed, June 16. Refreshments will be served, and members will be able to view some of the Mansion restoration work that will be underway. Look for more details about Board candidates at asimn.org; additional information will be shared through email and social media leading up to the meeting date. We gratefully acknowledge and express our appreciation to the three trustees who will complete six years of service on our Board: Karl Benson, Brad Engdahl, and Laurie Jacobi. Thank you for your continued support of ASI during this past year. Two ASI Books Launched This April, two books published by the American Swedish Institute will become available to the public. “The Norse Saga Room” by Claire Selkurt, Ph.D. explores the history the Norse Saga Room designed by Gerhard Munthe and its fascinating journey to the American Swedish Institute. ASI is also republishing Sven Axel Hallbäck‘s 1977 book “As It Was Before”, newly translated to English by Rachel WillsonBroyles.
This gorgeous publication uses wood carver Herman Rosell’s carvings to explore Swedish life and immigration to America. Both books are available through the ASI Museum Store. Twin Cities Resident Wins Swedish Game Show Macalester assistant professor of English and published author Sally Franson was the recent winner of Allt for Sverige, a popular Swedish reality TV competition that links Swedish Americans with their Swedish ancestry. The program provides participants with information about their ancestral families by visiting locations where their ancestors lived throughout Sweden. Participants learn about Swedish culture, foods, traditions, and more. Gothenburg Art Museum Announces Expansion The Gothenburg Art Museum has one of northern Europe's foremost art collections, and soon, it will have nearly twice as much space in which to present exhibitions. With more than 250,000 annual visitors, the museum is Sweden’s third largest, and features a broad collection of Nordic and international art. Recently, the city of Gothenburg announced an extension that would double the size of the museum to enable new public spaces for exhibitions and other activities. The city will conduct an architectural competition in 2022-23 that will result in the selection of the firm to design the new addition, which is estimated to cost approximately 800 million SEK (85 million USD).
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Sweden and the War in Ukraine The response by the Swedish Government to the invasion of Ukraine includes sanctions against Russia through the European Union, direct support of Ukraine, and strengthening Sweden. The Swedish Parliament decided to send the equivalent of approximately 40 million USD of support to the Ukrainian armed forces, including defensive weapons, body armor, helmets, field rations, and financial support. Sweden has not done anything like this since the Soviet Union attacked Finland in 1939. Since the invasion began, Sweden has allocated an additional 66 million USD to humanitarian assistance in Ukraine and has begun accepting Ukranian refugees. Over the last several years, Sweden has significantly increased its defense spending, which will reach 2% of GDP as soon as possible. The invasion of Ukraine has also intensified conversations within Sweden about joining NATO, though such a move is unlikely to be speedy or straightforward. Wild Crows Are Being Trained to Pick Up Cigarette Butts in Sweden In what may go down as one of Posten’s most unique headlines ever, Swedish company Corvid Cleaning has begun training wild crows to pick up cigarette butts from the streets of Stockholm. The New Caldonian crows selected for this task do so voluntarily and receive food for each cigarette butt collected. According to some researchers, these birds may have the reasoning skills of a seven-year-old child, making them perfect for the task. Corvid Cleaning estimates that this may save up to 75% of costs related to the removal of cigarette butts throughout the city. Gasoline prices in Sweden climb sky-high With the geopolitical landscape affecting global oil prices, Swedish and US citizens alike are feeling pinched at the pump. In early March 2022, gasoline prices in Sweden reached $2.06 per liter or about $8.15 per gallon. Gasoline in Sweden is subject to a number of taxes to encourage moderation in the
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use of fossil fuels and uplift the use Sweden's strong public transportation system. 800 year old shipwreck discovered near Bohuslän A previously unknown medieval shipwreck was recently found off the coast of Fjällbacka in the Bohuslän region of southwestern Sweden. The ship is built of oak trees that were felled almost 800 years ago, sometime between the years 1233 to 1240. The wreck was found by marine archaeologists connected to Gothenburg University. Preliminary studies suggest that the boat is a cog, or a single-masted flat-bottom ship without a keel that first appeared around the 10th century. Sami Residents of Norbotten Seek Emergency Support as Reindeer Population Starves To date this year, 22 Sami villages have sought compensation from the Sami Parliament due to the risk of reindeer starving to death because of poor grazing conditions. Mass starvation of reindeer has become more common primarily due to warm weather spikes in the Arctic caused by climate change. The higher temperatures cause rain or snow to melt, which then freeze over large areas as temperatures drop, and encase lichen, the reindeer’s primary source of food, in impenetrable ice. As the reindeer leave their traditional lands to wander south in search of food, the cost to the Sami villages related to managing the animals has significantly increased.
Vocabulary en renovering :: a renovation sten :: stone att bada :: to swim morgondopp :: morning dip For pronunciation, visit The People’s Dictionary: folkets-lexikon.csc.kth.se/folkets/folkets.en.html
ASI Museum Store Shop in-person or online at asimn.org.
ASI Members receive 10% off all purchases
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Kosta Boda Fidji Vase $275
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New Scenic Café: The Second Cookbook $75
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Benedict and Amal Sculpture from Cooee Design $65
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Nordic by Nature: Nordic Cuisine and Culinary Excursions $69
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St. Croix River Framed Print by Emily Anderson $135 POSTEN MAY-AUG 2022 27 Coming in July! The Morning Dip by Peggy Anderson $48
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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
Paper Dialogues: The Dragon and Our Stories On view through July 10
Photo by Andrea Rugg
Mansion & Galleries* Wed, 10 am–4 pm (starting May 1) Thu, 10 am–8 pm Fri–Sun, 10 am–4 pm Museum Store* Wed, 10 am–4 pm (starting May 1) Thu, 10 am–8 pm Fri-Sun, 10 am–4 pm FIKA Café* Wed, 10 am–4 pm (starting May 1) Thu, 10 am–8 pm Fri–Sun, 10 am–4 pm
To Book Your Private Event (612) 870-3368 mcochran@ciemail.com Become an ASI Member (612) 524-5110 ninaa@asimn.org Contact ASI Phone: (612) 871-4907 info@asimn.org asimn.org
Full menu served 11 am–3 pm © 2022 American Swedish Institute
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Museum Admission $12 adults; $8 seniors (62+); $6 ages 6–18 and students with ID; FREE for children under 6 and ASI members. *Hours of operation may shift due to COVID-19. Visit asimn.org for up to date information.
