Get outside with ASI this summer / Exhibitions / Faces of ASI
Posten
The American Swedish Institute Magazine
Featured Article Get outside with ASI this summer
Posten has a new look!
May – August 2021
Contents
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, and a grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation Minnesota.
3 Message from Bruce Karstadt, ASI President & CEO
14 Secret Lives of Volunteers: Robert Morgan
4-5 Open-Air Living: Get outside with ASI this summer
15 Summery Quick Pickles
6-7 Exhibitions at ASI 8-9 Thank you. One year since the first COVID-19 campus closure 10-11 Youth & Family
16-17 ASI News / FIKA 18-20 Memorials & Tributes 21 Nordic Happenings 22 Sweden & Swedish 23 ASI Museum Store
12-13 Faces of ASI: Ingela Eilert Haaland
Cover photo: Michael Boeckmann
Posten
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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. Jon Dahlin, Karen Nelson and Emily Krumm, Editors.
Photo by Sharolyn B. Hagen
Message from Bruce Karstadt, ASI President & CEO to design new educational experiences to take place in the fresh air in the spirit of friluftsliv.
We are happy to be welcoming people back to the American Swedish Institute. We are so pleased to see both long-standing friends as well as a remarkable number of first-time visitors, all of whom are eager to view our stunning new exhibit, Papier, and lunch at FIKA or browse the store. These days underscore how much we have missed everyone — from volunteers and co-workers to members, students, shoppers and diners. As we look ahead, ASI will be influenced by what we have experienced and how we changed and adapted this past year. I’m confident ASI will serve the community even better because of many learned insights and sensitivities. Twelve months ago, the word “zoom” only meant to me the acceleration power of a friend’s Tesla. Today, through this and other technology, accessibility to our offerings has greatly expanded. We have always had a national membership from coast to coast, and now they can easily partake of our offerings. We’re grateful to amazing friends here and abroad who have gladly adapted to these virtual spaces and shared their art, craft and knowledge with us. Sessions like these will continue even after health conditions allow us to begin onsite programs. Connecting to the outdoors is an essential part of Nordic life. We took that a bit further last year with several outdoor classes and our first open-air exhibition, Swedish Dads. My colleagues continue
Our creative approach to tradition with “DriveThru Lutfisk” last year was such a great success that we will offer a take-home crayfish (kräftor) dinner in August. FIKA café has also rolled out “FIKA Marketplace” for carry-out orders of their exquisite Swedish meatballs, breads and other favorites. Behind the scenes, we’ve refreshed our ASI branding, which is reflected in this issue’s new look and an upcoming relaunch of our website. We have also understood more deeply the societal role that we can play as a museum serving more inclusive and diverse communities. This commitment will infuse our work, including a recently established Community Fund to support local agencies serving those in need. In a 1991 Posten column, I wrote about the Spanish concept of “querencia,” or a special place that provides a sense of belonging and continuity. At the beginning of my tenure here I felt this at ASI, and I feel it even more today as we serve an even broader community in that spirit. We can do this thanks to the support of our members, donors and volunteers — and inspired leadership of a deeply invested Board and dedicated staff. Your generosity makes possible a deep impact upon our community. Tack och vi ses! Thank you. We hope to see you soon, whether here in person or online!
Bruce Karstadt, ASI President & CEO POSTEN
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Open-Air Living
Summer Programs ASI members can register in advance for ASI’s summer programs beginning March 19 before they go on sale to the public on March 22.
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Get outside with ASI this summer
In the mid-1800s, Norwegian poet Henrik Ibsen popularized the idea of friluftsliv, or ‘open-air living’ throughout Scandinavia. Ibsen described how a person’s spiritual and physical well-being is improved by spending time in nature. To this day in Sweden, the idea that you should get enough time outdoors remains an essential component of people's lives, and you’ll be hard pressed to find someone who doesn’t enjoy outdoor activity, whether it’s hiking, camping, trail running, skiing, fishing or just taking a walk in the woods. Whether Swan Turnblad was familiar with Ibsen’s concept of friluftsliv or not, he was no stranger to the outdoors. And when he constructed the Turnblad Mansion, special attention was paid to ensure the outdoor spaces were as beautiful and functional as the Mansion’s interior rooms. Over the decades, these outdoor spaces have been the setting for many important moments for our community. Countless weddings, celebrations of culture and heritage, and more than a few fikas have brought all corners of the ASI grounds to life. The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted ASI to explore new ways to use its outdoor spaces, whether for programs, cultural celebrations or as exhibit spaces. Many ASI members perused the exhibition Swedish Dads which was pre-
sented outside on ASI’s campus fence, or explored our 2020 Holiday exhibition through the outdoor story path. The grounds have allowed ASI to uplift visitor safety while carrying on a tradition of offering cultural experiences we can all enjoy. This summer, community members of all ages can explore their own open-air lifestyle with ASI as some of our many cultural activities head outdoors. Practice your Swedish while on a hike with a small group of fellow language learners. Let creativity and curiosity collide during outdoor Summer Camps for youth. Celebrate the cherished traditions of Midsommar with a week of outdoor activities. Or just swing by for coffee and a cardamom roll in the courtyard. Virtual programs and activities will continue to offer those unable to participate in person an opportunity to connect from wherever they are. With the museum reopened and enhanced safety measures in place, indoor experiences including ASI’s exhibition series will also continue. This summer, uplift the values of an outdoor lifestyle embraced by Swedes, Scandinavians and, yes, by Minnesotans, too. See ASI’s full summer programming calendar when it arrives in Catalog later this month.
SWAN TURNBLAD FACT It is said that in 1901, Swan J. Turnblad once returned from a hunting trip with: 2 moose, 15 deer, 1 bear, 21 partridges, 14 spruce hen, 17 rabbits and 1 wolf. We wonder if he brought them all home in the trunk of his 1899 Waverly electric car.
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Exhibitions at ASI The two exhibitions currently on display at ASI present three artists all using one common material — paper. In the main exhibition from Sweden, Papier, Bea Szenfeld cuts, sews and sculpts paper fashions while Stina Wirsén puts ink to paper in her lively illustrations. The work of local artist Amy Sands sits somewhere in between.
uses post-digital printmaking processes, such as laser cutters and digital engraving early in her process. This has expanded her thinking about paper and print; it is a balance of the conscious and the mechanical.
Based in Minneapolis, Amy Sands creates oneof-a-kind paper works that integrate traditional and digital methods of printmaking. Through the support of a Minnesota State Arts Board Artist Initiative Grant, Amy’s latest body of work utilizes ASI’s textile collection to inspire new patterns that are translated into paper cuts and then printed.
Explore Amy’s work from small, delicate papercut prints on display in the Link (connecting the Nelson Culture Center to the Mansion) to life-size expression outdoors on ASI’s historic fence along Park Avenue.
Specifically, Amy has explored patterns and imagery from an old sample book of Swedish bobbin lace. The book belonged to Carolyn Hjelmerus, whose name can be seen on the cover of the book along with Knyppel Profver, or “Lace Tests”. Carolyn learned to make lace in Sweden and brought this book with her when she and her husband immigrated to Minnesota in 1889. Amy has long been exploring the concept of craft and women’s work in her art. Imagery sourced from textiles, lace and craft doilies emerge in her paper abstractions — paying homage to the history of women’s role in craft and the cultural value of the two. Amy’s work also pushes the boundaries of what has been historically defined as a print. Amy
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Amy Sands’s exhibition, Lace Reimagined, and the main exhibition, Papier, will be on view through July 11, 2021.
KINDERTRANSPORT COMING JULY 21 Kindertransport (German for "Children's Transport"), was the organized rescue effort that brought thousands of Jewish children from Nazi Europe to Great Britain and other countries in the late 1930s. This award-winning exhibition is being copresented by the Greenberg Family Fund for Holocaust Awareness at Beth El Synagogue, the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas (JCRC) and ASI.
“Craft is often illegitimately considered low-brow when compared to fine art — I aim to conflate these notions by bringing the patterns of craft into prints.” –Amy Sands
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Thank You
“ASI provides a feast for our senses and expands our knowledge in unimagined ways.” -Karen Bieschke, ASI Member
One year since the American Swedish Institute first closed to the public in response to the pandemic, we want to say thank you. Last year following our closure, we gratefully received more than twice as many contributions from members and donors around the world as in years past. Many of you made these contributions in honor or memory of someone or something special in your life, and inspired us all with how you chose to reflect on gratitude during such a challenging time. This critical increase in support helped ASI through a year marked by multiple campus closures and limitations on the in-person gatherings that have been core to our mission. Your support empowered ASI to invest in new ways
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for us all to stay connected and empowered us to launch new online food, craft and language classes that now allow us all to learn about Scandinavian culture and heritage from wherever we are. For many people around the world, these programs have been a chance to connect with ASI for the first time. ASI Community Fund With community support, we also launched a Community Fund to assist our Phillips West neighborhood in recovering from unrest and impacts of the pandemic. We developed this fund to deepen our commitment to our neighbors in Phillips West who have supported us through the decades.
New Website Coming With support from one of our main foundation partners, you’ll soon see our website ASImn.org undergo an update to be a more effective resource for our global community and serve the needs of our audiences. New look for Posten You’ll also notice that this edition of Posten has a new look and feel. As part of our work to anchor ASI amid the unknowns of the pandemic, we looked to reaffirm our ongoing ties to Sweden and more deeply live out some of our values that are grounded in Scandinavian culture and heritage. These values — lagom, leende, ordning och reda and gemytlig — were beacons that guided our reimaging of Posten, and embody the experience we aim to offer all ASI participants, both in-person and online. Thank You — Your Gifts Have Impact Your support inspired us all in these challenging times, and your support is still needed. The challenges of last year still exist today and the pandemic continues to impact our organization.
LAGOM
LEENDE
Not too little. Not too much. Just the right amount.
Smiling
VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING Since last March, more than 2000 community members have connected with ASI via virtual language, food, and craft classes, thanks to community support.
Each year, individual donations make up more than 50% of ASI’s annual budget and make it possible for us to pursue our mission as a gathering place for all people, offer educational programs and enlightening exhibitions for all, and preserve the Turnblad Mansion for future generations. Because of you, these new initiatives were possible. Because of you, ASI’s impact deepened despite the pandemic. Please consider a contribution to ASI to ensure we remain a resource for individuals around the world, for generations to come. Visit ASImn.org to make a contribution today. Thank you.
ORDNING O C H R E DA
GEMYTLIG
Tidyness and order — Everything has its proper place.
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A state or feeling of warmth and friendliness, and a sense of belonging and wellbeing springing from social acceptance.
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Youth & Family
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Programs
Color me!
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Faces of ASI: Ingela Eilert Haaland Outside Teaching
Ingela Eilert Haaland, a native Swede, is an inspiring educator who has taught language and cultural programs to adults and children at the American Swedish Institute since 2011. She is also an active musician who leads Lilla Spelmanslag and possesses a Swede’s avid appreciation of the outdoors, which she often incorporates into her teaching. Q. Tell us a little about your teaching background and how you got started at ASI I always wanted to be a teacher. I realized early on that teaching allows a person to hold on to a bit of everything: interpersonal relations, the joy of discovery in learning, being with children/ adults in a classroom setting, combining music, history, culture, stories, etymology, geography, and always, oneself, being a student with the students. It's a conductor's position, a constant
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"I realized early on that teaching allows a person to hold on to a bit of everything: interpersonal relations, the joy of discovery in learning..." dance of making space for everyone in the group so they can move forward and feel successful. I started as an elementary teacher in the Twin Cities. In 2011, I stepped into ASI as a substitute language teacher and I am delighted to still be here. Teaching adults was a new experience. I remember how the palms of my hands became clammy when we discussed grammar; I worried that my explanations would not be adequate.
One day, we all laughed about something, and at that moment a light went off in my head. Laughter is key to learning. It breaks down barriers and softens the obstacles of language acquisition. And today I love tackling grammar! Q. How did you end up in Minnesota from Sweden? Mine is the story of "came for a year, stayed for a lifetime." In 1994, I arrived at St. Olaf College with one small suitcase. After taking an English Literature class I was smitten — by words, texts, analyses, discussions. I completed a B.A. and returned to Minnesota after graduation to attend the University of Minnesota’s M.Ed. program. Then a dashing young man came riding by on a white horse (well actually, an old tan Honda), and the rest, as they say, is history. Q. Sweden is known for its respect for the environment, can you give us the highlights? Scandinavians are very connected to the outdoors. During COVID, Swedes moved many gatherings outside and emphasize staying two meters apart. A Swedish law, Allemansrätten, also states that Swedes have the right to enjoy nature, regardless of who owns the land. We may walk through forests and meadows and collect berries and mushrooms. Land owners must provide a gate or stätta so people can pass. Förskolor, or child care centers, also have outdoor shelters where children take naps. Q. Many of your classes include aspects of nature, how is that effective? During one hiking club event, we stopped to read poetry aloud in Swedish (and have fika). One student was very familiar with trees along the Mississippi and prepared (in Swedish) a beautiful, detailed explanation. Knowing about the flora and fauna and breathing in the seasons connects you with the here and now. Seeing,
touching, listening to and learning about nature incorporates numerous senses, which deepens language acquisition. Birding and mushroom hunting are other delightful themes. I’m also excited that Svenska skolan will continue to be held outside this spring! Last fall, we had a joyous time, because we simply moved our classroom outside into ASI’s green spaces. We enjoyed a tomte-centered nature theme. Q. You also lead the youth fiddler group, ASI's Lilla Spelmanslag, how have you incorporated the outdoors into that? Lilla Spelmanslaget rehearsed in my back yard last fall and played wearing masks. Neighbors came to listen, and cars drove by, slowly, to soak in the music. We even had an outdoor virtual workshop with Anders and Maria Larsson from Sweden and performed outside at two senior living residences. This helped balance out the grand disappointment postponing a summer trip to Dalarna, Småland and Skåne after receiving a grant to play at a youth fiddle camp.
SWEDISH HIKING CLUB Open to all levels of Swedish speakers. Please note that we will try to stick to Swedish as much as possible. Conversation topics and activities will be prepared in advance. June 26, July 10 and August 14. Visit ASImn.org for more information.
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Secret Lives of Volunteers: Robert Morgan Fishing for Volunteers ASI Volunteer Robert Morgan is among many people who have renewed their affection for the outdoors since the onset of COVID. He is an avid Minnesota United soccer fan, whose real ‘secret life’ may be the times that he and wife Sarah escape to go fly fishing. Q. Tell us a little about yourself. I grew up mostly in foothills of the Appalachian mountains in east Tennessee, and lived various places before I moved to Minnesota in 2013. I now live in St Paul with my wife Sarah and our cat Ginny. Q. You’ve dedicated many hours volunteering at ASI. How did you get started? I first came to ASI to study Swedish and it was a way to meet people after I moved here. ASI quickly became one of my favorite places. My teacher, Chelsea Bowen, was also involved in coordinating ASI events and she would always say they could use more volunteers. I finally took the hint and decided to volunteer. The volunteer coordinator at the time, Rob Nicholl, went a step farther and convinced me to try being a mansion facilitator and a tour guide. Q. What is your “Secret Life” outside of volunteering at ASI? My biggest ‘secret’ is that I’m not of Swedish descent. I’m not even Nordic. My ancestors all came from Ireland and Great Britain!
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Q. How has the COVID pandemic impacted you? We hear you’re spending more time outdoors? I got married in June 2020, and COVID caused my now wife and I to change nearly every plan we had made. We went from having a large wedding in St. Paul to an intimate ceremony in West Virginia. With almost everything closed and a small apartment, we needed to find ways to get outside. My wife was actually the one who suggested fly fishing, something I did quite a bit before moving here. Luckily for me, she quickly fell in love with it. Each time we went, it felt like a mini-vacation. There’s something about standing in a river and casting a fly that just melts the stress away. When we couldn’t get to the river, we took advantage of wonderful cycling paths in and around the Twin Cities. Biking is a great way to get outside while keeping your distance from others. Q. What do you find interesting about ASI visitors? I have met so many wonderful people while volunteering. It amazes me how many love to come up to me in the mansion to share their family’s story or connections to Sweden. It’s really exciting to see people connect to ASI in such personal ways, whether it’s their first time visiting or if they’ve been coming for decades.
Summery Quick Pickles
Join us for fun Nordic Table classes all summer! Check out our schedule in the upcoming issue of Catalog and at ASImn.org.
Quick Pickled Cucumbers Recipe from Nordic Table instructor Patrice Johnson. Look for thin skinned cucumbers and cut them as thinly as possible. Chilling the brine with ice preserves the beautiful green color of the cucumber skins and dill.
While pickled cucumbers are a staple for many Swedes year-round, traditional quick cucumber pickles are best in the summer when you can find perfect local produce. Known as smörgåsgurka (sandwich pickles) or ättiksgurka (vinegar pickles), they are defined by their modern vinegar and sugar-based brine, as opposed to older fermented pickles that rely on salt for flavor and preservation. Swedish recipes use ättika, a clear vinegar which is typically sold at 12% or 24% acidity, as opposed to American vinegar’s 5%. Ättika is always diluted for Swedish pickling; in ASI’s Nordic Table classes we change up the ratios to use distilled white vinegar for the same effect. These pickles are obligatory alongside Swedish meatballs, but also go great with anything off the grill. They will be right at home on your Midsommar or a crayfish party table.
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1 cup distilled white vinegar 1 cup sugar 1 ½ cups ice 1 tsp caraway seeds 1 tsp salt 1 bay leaf 2 English cucumbers, sliced thin ½ cup red onion, sliced thin (optional) 2 Tbsp fresh dill 1 tsp dried dill
Boil the vinegar, sugar, caraway, salt and bay leaf in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Add the ice and stir pickling liquid until ice is completely melted. Place cucumbers, onion and dill in clean canning jars or glass bowl. Pour brine over the solids and chill for 2 hours or up to a week before serving. Makes 3-4 cups.
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ASI News Nordic American Bulletin Board
Annual Membership Meeting Wednesday, June 16, 2021, 6 - 7:15 p.m. Open to all current members, the Annual Meeting is an opportunity to elect slates of trustee to the Board of Trustees, to review the past year, and to learn about future ASI plans. This year’s annual meeting will take place via Zoom video conference out of health considerations. The names of candidates, both those to be newly-elected and those to be elected to a second three-year term, will be posted on ASImn.org and shared through email and social media leading up to the meeting date. Information about how to register for the Annual Meeting will be publicized in the same manner. We gratefully acknowledge four trustees who will complete six years of service on our Board: Dr. Philip Anderson, Diane Hofstede, Laurie Holmquist and Ted Johnson. Thank you for your continued support to ensure that ASI continues to bring richness to your life and our community.
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Nisswastämman Scandinavian Folk Music Festival 2021 Friday–Saturday, June 11–12 This annual festival of concerts, dance, workshops and activities will be an online experience this year. For more info., visit nisswastamman.org, call (218) 7642994 or email nisswastamman@ gmail.com. Svenkarnas Dag’s Scandinavian Summer Fest Stay tuned for information about the status of this annual June celebration. Minnehaha Park, 4801 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis. Free. Gammelgården’s Spelmansstämma August 21, 2021 The 31st annual Spelmansstämma music event will held outdoors and follow up-to-date safety guidelines. 20880 Olinda Trail N, Scandia, MN, Visit gammelgardenmuseum.org or call (651) 433-5053.
FIKA Café is back! Online Ordering Now Available Order your to-go lunch or Marketplace menu items online and pick up at the counter! Pre-order through Tock at least 48 hours in advance, then pick up at your designated time.
Hours
Thursday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Full menu served — (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
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Memorials & Tributes
Esther Pearson Bernsten Minda Arsenault Pearson and Stephen Arsenault Dr. William Charles 'Bill' Beyer Peter Braude and Rebecca Getz Gordon Brandsness Bruce Brandsness
Gifts Received December 1, 2020 – February 9, 2021 IN MEMORY OF Anthony 'Tony' Almén Marilyn Almén Eleanor Croone Richard and Karen Hagen Joanne Merta
My Mother: Cordelia M. (Johnson) Brandt Gaylon H. Brandt
Allan and Eleanor Gabrielson Anita and Fred Kattelman Norma Wahlberg Goehle Kathleen Eelkema My Swedish Grandparents Richard Cronstrom Fran Gunberg Cheryl Olson Lawrence Hammerstrom Nancy Foster
Sherrill Carlson Jeanine Westling
Robert Hammerstrom Bonnie and Lloyd Kreatz
Verne Carlson Dana Carlson
Vera and Harold Hattstrom Daisy Carlson
Raymond Christensen Evelyn Torkelson
Myrna Holm Heaslip Tanya and Carl Stockberger
Helen Davis Diane and Robert Marsyla
Charles Hendrickson Donna Haines Nathalie Johnson Wayne Johnson and Shirley Widseth
Werner and Saga Anderson Arlyce Wiersma
Dorothy 'Dot' Delegard Venita Anderson Kristina Clark Catherine Fuller Laurie Jacobi and Cotty Lowry Bruce Karstadt Peggy Korsmo-Kennon and Michael Kennon Mary Jane Miller Christiana and Dave Stolpestad
Margrét Kristjánsdóttir Arnar Rannveig Arnar Hommema
Erik and Margit Ekstrom Michael and Cindy Huttner
Ruben and Sigbritt Arwidson Carole Arwidson
Clifford 'Cliff' Erickson Michel and Barb Nelson Faye Olson Kay Wahlquist JoAnne Wilson
James V. Anderson and Elise Hoplin Anderson Nathan and Rolf Anderson Lois Anderson Richard and Mary Brubacher Suzan From and Paul Deaner Karen Gabrielson Margo Gueuel James and Janet Hanson Ralph and Diane Ledin Russ and Jan Michaletz
Dr. Michael Ray Bendel-Stenzel Bruce Karstadt James ‘Jim’ Carl Benson Bruce Karstadt Beloved Father: Robert Erick Benson Denise Simonett Robert Benson and Dorothy Jensen Kenneth and Lorraine Benson
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George Floyd Dana Carlson Ruby Frost Jensine Frost Moyer and David Moyer
Roger Wendell Johnson Dakota Hills Middle School Sunshine Group David and Sheryl Johnson Wendy Larsen Ruby Lee Matt, Jen, Clay, Luke, and Sarah Manley Patrick and Sharon Manley Kristin Roberts One View Commerce Team David and Patricia Van Wylen Brenda Woodlock LeRoy Larson Arthur Hogenson House of Hope Lutheran Church Lutfisk Committee Kevin Kelley Peggy Korsmo-Kennon and Michael Kennon
Laura Larson Leland and Marilyn Meyer Theresa (Teri) Parker-Brown Cheryl Paschke Beth Hoven Rotto Lorraine Sherva Kristafer E. Skjervold Bernhard 'Pete' LeVander Kirsten Dawson Hanna Liden and Frances Liden Carol and Lincoln Harker Dr. Edward A. Lindell Paul and Rebecca Lindell Richard T. Lindholm Eugene and Mary Lou Lindholm
Marjorie Gores Robert Peterson David Anderson Donna Pierson Bruce Karstadt Arnold Rodstrom Jean and Craig Hanson Joyce and Mary Kay Rudquist Scott Beekman Barbara Rudquist and Barry Schreiber Phil and Betty Settergren Maren and Douglas Mack
Hulda Forslund Lundahl Karin Lundahl Moe
Lois Augusta Simonson: Who Would Have Been 100 Years Old on December 31, 2020 Jean Treber
Nina (Lind) Magnuson Dennis Magnuson
Joan Sjogren Diane and Jim Anderson
Nina Mahlke Sandra Tschida
Oscar, Anna and Astrid Sjogren (Immigrants, Wood Carver, My Grandpa) Drew and Dawn Campbell
My Swedish Mother Anne Siren Levig Al and Esther Nordeen Anne-Charlotte and Michael Harvey Nancy Nordlund Steven and Diana Berndt JoAnn Edwards Erick and Genevieve Nyberg Jeanette Kenney Gerri Stalberger Gladys M Ollila Allen Ollila Wallace H. 'Wally' Olson Rod and Debbie Erickson Beth Olson Faye Olson Marlys Peterson Bo and Margareta Crabo
My Parents: C.V. Wallenberg and Ruth Wallenberg Marquard Linda Wallenberg My Father: Harold Wessman Sandra Wessman Harlan Widholm Ann Buck Kristina Clark Patricia and William Rosen Fred and Virginia Wiklund Marilyn Anderson Darlene (Anderson) Zuccaro Judy Mertens Geurts
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Bonnie and Dan Snater Ron Hovda Göran Stockenström Bo and Margareta Crabo Keith and Carol Ottoson Mary Huebner Susag Russell Susag and Darlene Timm Mary Towley Swanson Elizabeth Olson and Eric Jensen Eleanor Swanson Chatarina Eskered and Michael Kroll Linnéa Sylvander Stefan and Joanne Sylvander Richard and Martha Thomson Betty Battista
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Memorials & Tributes (cont.) IN HONOR OF In Honor of the staff and volunteers of ASI of the past 90 years. A dedicated and hard working bunch! Peggy Korsmo-Kennon and Michael Kennon ASI Cloudberries Richard and Judy Sandeen The Fantastic ASI Course Instructors Timothy Wunderlich and Danielle Matson ASI Male Chorus Richard and Judy Sandeen My Fellow ASI Volunteers Jason Patalonis Thomas S. Berg Sheryl O’Connor and John Gohman Karin Bodin Byron and Deb Bodin Elda Gustafson Delgehausen Ruth and Jerry Delgehausen Ann Derr Marlene Schoenberg Esther Eastman Ross Sutter and Mary Lofgren Brad Engdahl Keith and Carol Ottoson Elizabeth Gutsch Dave and Heidi Gutsch Maj-Britt Hawk Julie and Greg Aune
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Wayne 'Barney' Johnson of the ASI Male Chorus Richard and Judy Sandeen Jerry Sjogren’s 86th Birthday Andrea Sjogren Bruce Karstadt’s 30th Anniversary at ASI Dr. Margaret Adamek and Karl Lorenz Suzanne and Richard Ahlstrand Jeanne and Robert Amsden Williams Anonymous Mary Ann Aufderheide Steven and Catherine Carlson Kristina Clark Dean and Donna Erickson Barbara Linell Glaser and Paul Zachos Prins Carl Gustaf’s Stiftelse Robyn Hollingshead Karen and Charles Humphrey Steven Hunegs and Jenifer Robins Dennis and Carol Johnson Sheryl and David Johnson Lyndel King Peggy Korsmo-Kennon and Michael Kennon Duane and Susan Kullberg Karin Larson Gary and Karen Nelson Marilyn and Glen Nelson Family Foundation Jayne and David Norlin Marco and Lisa Molinari Barbro and Bernard Osher Keith and Carol Ottoson Elizabeth Skoglund and Dave Krull David and Kathryn Sorensen Christiana and Dave Stolpestad Robert and Patty Strandquist Paul and Ruth Tillquist Linda Wallenberg Leia Wambach
Hilma Lindberg Trish Tennyson Judy Miller Herbert 'Ted' Johnson Ed and Fern Nelson Thomas and Susan Nelson Michel and Barb Nelson Miranda and Joseph Loehle Tom Nelson Steven Hunegs and Jenifer Robins Marlys Peterson Marjorie Gores Beverly Schauer on her 92nd Birthday Catherine Schauer Sven Sjostedt Marilyn Wahlstrom Liz Stopka: Language Instructor Paula Lundberg and James Stopka In Honor and Appreciation of the inspiring art of Tara Sweeney Sheryl and David Johnson Erin Swenson-Klatt Sally and Rexford Dale Leia Wambach Keith and Carol Ottoson JoAnn Thoreen If you would like to make a gift in honor or memory of a loved one or special occasion, you can always visit ASImn.org/support or contact Eleanor Beaird, Member and Donor Services, at eleanorb@asimn.org or (612) 870-3349 or mail Attn: ASI Development Office, American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55407.
Nordic Happenings Vasa Junior Folk Dancers Meet the second and fourth Saturday of the month from 9 – 10:30 a.m. Children ages 3 to 18 are welcome. Contact carolynspargo@gmail.com. Swedish Hospital Alumnae Assocation (SHAA) Our SHAA Board activities have been limited this past year. As an organization we are committed to support our future nurses and to celebrate our history as graduates of the former Swedish Hospital School of Nursing. We are looking forward to the time when the Board can meet again in person at the American Swedish Institute. Västergötland Society We will meet for our day trip on Saturday, August 14. We will tour Lindström and Center City in the morning with lunch and tour(s) at Scandia — Gammelgården in the afternoon. The reservation deadline is July 31. Contact Gordon Anderson at anderson.gpagpa.gordon@gmail.com or (763) 788-8532. Swedish Genealogical Society of Minnesota Visit our website sgsmn.org for meetings and for further information about our society. Contact us at sgsm1983@gmail.com. Kaffestuga Friends Contact Margareta Beyer at (651) 644-5116. SVEA Club Contact Margareta Beyer at (651) 644-5116. SWEA International in Minnesota For information on upcoming activities, contact us at Minnesota@swea.org or visit our website at Minnesota. swea.org. ASI Spelmanslag The ASI Spelmanslag hopes to begin meeting soon. Members, and others who are interested in the group, can visit our website at asispelmanslag.org, or call Suzanne Walters at (651) 633-1607 for information.
Clubs & Performing Groups Lilla Spelmanslag A youth fiddle/cello folk music group of young musicians ages 8 to 18. We learn traditional Swedish folk music. In 2022 we will travel to Sweden to connect with three youth folk music groups in three different parts of Sweden and attend a folk music festival and a fiddle camp. Once the weather is warm enough, we will resume outdoor rehearsals. Visit our website for upcoming events and contact Ingela Haaland at ingela_eilert@yahoo.com. www.asispelmanslag.org. Twin Cities Folk Dancers Our group will not be practicing at ASI until further notice. Contact tcsfdmn@gmail.com. Scandinavian Friends Call or e-mail Muriel Johnson at (952) 831-4180 or murjo3663@gmail.com ASI Cloudberries Facebook at “ASI Cloudberries” or contact Gloria Rosen at (952) 240-7523. On September 11, the annual Nordic Music and Arts Festival will be held at Lion’s Park in Victoria, Minnesota from 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Two stages of Scandinavian dancers, choirs, bands, instrumentalists and more will be performing. A silent auction will be held. This event is free. ASI Male Chorus Contact Chuck Upcraft at (612) 371-3731 or email Ted Johnson at tdreamintl@mindspring.com. Visit the asimalechorus.org. Swedish Cultural Society of Duluth We are not meeting in person during COVID-19. Our Monday conversation class meets via ZOOM. ‘A Virtual Midsommar’ will be featured on our website beginning June 1 at www.swedishculturalsociety.org. Contact Jennifer Conboy at (218) 624 2264 or jenniferconboy@hotmail.com. Twin Cities Nyckelharpalag For information about rehearsals and events, contact inquiries@tcnyckelharpalag.org or Cheryl Paschke at (612) 670-6356. POSTEN
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Sweden Swedish
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NEWS FROM SWEDEN
Doris Beling/Folio/imagebank.sweden.se
The Swedish “Grill Party” During sommar (summer), Swedes take every opportunity they can get to be outside. This is not only because of the Swedish love for natur (nature), but also because the long summer nights allow for outdoor activities to extend well into the evening. One telltale sign of the season is the emergence of engångsgrillar (disposable grills) for sale at grocery stores. A Swedish grillfest (known to us as barbeque) typically features plenty of korv (sausage), grönsaksspett (vegetable skewers) and, of course, öl (beer) from Systembolaget, the state liquor store. If the get-together is on a Saturday, Swedes rush to Systemet before it closes at 3 p.m. Often spontaneous, grillfester take place all summer long and are casual ways for friends to enjoy a dinner together outside.
Swedish Required? Sweden has proposed adopting a language requirement for wouldbe Swedes, which would mean that foreign nationals applying for citizenship would first need to show proof of Swedish language skills and an understanding of the society. It would apply to folks between ages 16 and 66, with some exceptions. The proposal still needs to be passed by parliament. If you’re considering a move to Sweden, check out ASI’s Swedish classes now! Visit ASImn.org for more information.
Vocabulary sommar :: summer natur :: nature engångsgrillar :: disposable grills korv :: sausage grönsaksspett :: vegetable skewer For pronunciation, visit The People’s Dictionary:
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The American Swedish Institute
folkets-lexikon.csc.kth.se/folkets/folkets.en.html
ASI Museum Store Follow the ASI Museum Store on Instagram @asimuseumstore to stay up to date on the latest in-store products. Your purchases support the education, programming and exhibitions of the American Swedish Institute.
ASI Members Save 10% Open Thursday – Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (612) 870-3364
Siri Paper Star Lights Bright & bold, these hanging pendant-light paper stars are a Scandinavian home accent trend. Add a cheerful pop of color to any space or create a cozy glow on late summer nights. Includes 6-ft cord and one E-14 bulb. Available in orange, blue and purple. 27.5” diameter. $28 Mora Carving Knives Select Mora woodcarving knives are now available in the ASI Museum Store! Made in Sweden, these well-balanced, high-quality knives are known for their sharpness and precision and are a favorite for ASI carving students. 120-Regular Carving Knife: $34.99 Hook Carving Knife (LH or RH): $38 The ASI Museum Store now offers online Handlaget Jewelry by Mary Norsted shopping! Handcrafted from silver, brass, copper, sea Visit www.ASImn.org and glass and Lake Superior stones, each piece click on ‘store’ now to see of jewelry from local artist Mary Norsted is as our online offerings! unique as the natural materials from which they’re made. Stop in to find your favorite! Prices vary.
Coming in May: Brontë Aurell's ScandiKitchen: Midsommar Scandinavians do summer food so well — wholesome, flavorful, simple yet sumptuous to look at. In ScandiKitchen: Midsommar, Danish restauranteur Brontë Aurell brings her famous flair to over 65 Scandinavian-style recipes that capture the joy of summer eating. $21.95 POSTEN
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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
Papier: Bea Szenfeld and Stina Wirsén On view through July 11, 2021
Hours Museum Thursday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Advance admission required
ASI Museum Store Thursday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
FIKA Café Thursday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Full menu served — (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
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