In Memory of Curt Pederson

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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.