fluidity Identity in Swedish Glass

February 1–May 28. Learn more at asimn.org.

This February, a stunning new exhibition opens at the American Swedish Institute that celebrates the achievements of undertold and unheard voices from within the Swedish and local glass art communities. Fluidity: Identity in Swedish Glass features works by women artists from ASI’s glass collection, alongside contemporary artists who continue to challenge, form, and shape the glass industry.

The exhibition features the U.S. Premiere of Swedish artist Jo Andersson’s Being, an immersive glass experience where visitors engage with each object to create intricate light mosaics in a darkened, sound-scaped gallery. By harnessing the power of light from their smart phone, guests can connect with their physical surroundings, themselves, and each other.

Jo has been working with glass for over 15 years. Born and raised on the West Coast of the America to Swedish parents, she moved to Sweden to pursue a Master's from Konstfack in Stockholm. After being awarded the coveted Bernadotte Stipendium in Design, she relocated to Boda, Småland to start her own studio. Jo Andersson Studios supports her craft, but also aims to inspire beauty, positivity and self-love through the unique, hand-made products the studio makes and sells.

For Jo, working with glass is a continuation of a journey towards personal happiness and selfactualization. Jo openly shares abouts her life, as she believes most, if not everyone, has at one time endured trauma and hardship. She uses glass to heal, and to speak. To talk about these events and support fellow victims of abuse. “I believe this is the way we end the cycle of dysfunction and to become accountable. To bring light to the things kept hidden.“

Sales from Jo’s products support the studio as well as a broader community. Proceeds from the colorful hand-blown cylindrical vases, Scratched and Awesome, support RISE Sverige, a Swedish organization offering support and resources for individuals who experienced sexual abuse in their childhood. A number of products from Jo Andersson Studio are available for purchase through the ASI Museum Store.

Adjacent to Jo's pieces, visitors will explore works by women artists from ASI’s own glass collection. Curated and developed by ASI, with the support of local glass expert and ASI volunteer Andrea Blum, this exhibition shares the undertold stories of women who gave shape to the popularity of Swedish glass and helped studios, including large studios like Orrefors and Kosta Boda, become household names. Visitors will see a number of glass artworks from well-known artisans such as Ann Wolff (Wärff) and Ingeborg Lundin for Orrefors, and iconic designer Ulrica

ASI’s glass collection is one of the finest outside of the Nordic Region, with nearly 1,000 objects representing over 100 years of artistry. View select objects in Fluidity, and browse more online at asimn.org

Hydman Vallien’s creations for Kosta Boda, alongside artist less well known outside of Sweden, like Eva Englund, Monica Bratt, Monica Backström, and Mona Morales Schildt.

Through a partnership with Foci Minnesota Center for Glass Arts, ASI will also illuminate contemporary art from in the local glass community, including a display of work by local Swedish American artist and ASI handcraft instructor Emma Wood, who is exploring identity and relationship to Swedish heritage through the art of glass.

Friday, February 3, 5–9 pm Hear from visiting artist Jo Andersson and be among the first to experience the new exhibition at this exhibition launch party. Register now at asimn.org. $25 ($20 ASI member)

Fluidity: Identity in Swedish Glass is supported by ASI’s members and donors. The exhibition’s Media Partner is the Star Tribune. Additional support provided by Foci Minnesota Center for Glass Arts. Minnesota artist activity is made possible by voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Thank you, Bruce Karstadt

The American Swedish Institute is approaching a historic turning point. ASI’s longtime CEO, Bruce Karstadt, is retiring after an extraordinary 32 years of leadership as President and CEO. As Bruce’s tenure comes to a close in spring 2023, the organization is in the strongest position of its institutional history. Thanks to Bruce’s unparalleled service, vision, and dedication, ASI has developed robust cultural, financial, and programmatic foundations.

“We are so grateful for Bruce and his approach to leadership,” says Maggi Adamek, ASI’s Board Chair, “and we owe so much to his emphasis on collaboration. Our collaborative culture has been the foundation for ASI’s growth and vitality. Bruce's tenure will be remembered for numerous signature projects: the construction of the game-changing Carl and Leslie Nelson Nelson Cultural Center, renovations to the historic castle, building and caring for our collections, the development of our world-class FIKA café, and emergence as a national destination for exploring Nordic art, history and culture. Bruce has rallied members, donors, staff, board, and volunteers to accomplish these efforts, and their collective impact achieved nothing less than an institutional transformation.”

“Four generations of our family, along with generations of other families with Swedish heritage, have watched with wonder as Bruce and his team transformed a lovely, aging castle, into a dynamic, lively, welcoming destination,” says Marilyn Carlson Nelson, ASI member and community leader, “ASI gives us new eyes to see each other, our history, and perhaps most of all, our possibility.”

“I have had the privilege to collaborate with Bruce Karstadt and the American Swedish Institute at multiple occasions,” says Karin Ulrika Olofsdotter, Swedish Ambassador to the United States. “The work that they do to promote Sweden and Swedish culture, deepen the ties between Sweden and the United States, and foster relationships with local communities is truly invaluable. Bruce will be sorely missed, and his incredible efforts, and more than 30 years of service and dedication, will never be forgotten.”

The new CEO of ASI will join an organization in glowing health, with strong connections to the community and a wide network of people who feel invested in its continued success. This change in leadership is an opportunity to demonstrate the organization’s collaborative nature and reaffirm everything the community loves about ASI.

“ASI is carrying on our Swedish culture and traditions and so much more that has benefitted many people in the community. I’ve been going to ASI since I was 10 years old and watched it grow into the outstanding museum it is today, reflects JoAnn Thoreen, ASI member and community member for 80 years.

ASI is deeply invested in contributing to a vibrant, healthy, and interconnected Phillips West neighborhood, and providing access to artistic and culturally focused learning opportunities through neighborhood partnerships and collaborations. Among others, these include long-term partnerships with the Minneapolis Public School District, Head Start, and a senior living facility for low-income residents next door.

While the Swedish American immigration story is core to the organization’s identity, ASI is equally invested in drawing connections to the stories of other immigrant groups who have made their home in Minnesota. This cultural understanding helps bring people together and ensures that ASI is a place where people with different perspectives and experiences can understand one another.

“I was happy to collaborate with ASI to present my Sketches of Cedar Riverside exhibition which explored the immigrant experience across time – from the Swedish immigrants of the 1800s to today’s New Americans and their families from East Africa who make this place their new home,” says Mohamud Mumin, curator Soomal House of Art, photographer and ASI trustee. “ASI demonstrates a deep investment in deepening understanding between people and cultures.”

The interiors and exteriors of the Turnblad Mansion and Carriage House are under renovation, thanks to a capital campaign that is expected to raise $23 million by the time it reaches the finish line. The vision is to freshen the Mansion’s interior spaces and systems to accommodate more programs, gatherings, and world-class exhibitions.

“It’s an ambitious generational investment, allowing us to update our campus and offer exhibitions of international significance, including themes of migration, identity, belonging, and the environment,” says Barbara Linell Glaser, former ASI Board Chair.

In April 2022, the first phase of the work began, renovating the exterior and interior of the Carriage House and repairing the Mansion’s limestone walls and windows. This stretch, with a $13 million price tag, also includes updating the Carriage House into an accessible and functional space for staff and volunteers.

Bruce’s current focus is raising an additional $10 million for phase two of our project, to restore and update the interior of Turnblad Mansion, so the historic home is preserved for future generations. These renovated spaces will serve as the home for dynamic arts and cultural programming that appeals to increasingly diverse audiences.

“We’re excited about what’s in store for ASI,” says Maggi Adamek, ASI Board Chair. “Our culture of collaboration has always inspired bold ideas and fresh approaches. As we look to the future, our castle will always be home to new visions and emerging projects. Look at how much we’ve accomplished together so far—thank you Bruce and team!”

We are grateful for ASI members who are making gifts in honor of Bruce’s service to ASI. If you would like to contribute, please go to asimn.org/give) or contact Christiana Stolpestad at 612-8703354 or christys@asimn.org.

As a child I came to ASI with my grandparents. Now my grandchildren say, "Mor Mor, can we go to the castle?" The repair, renovation, and enhancement of the campus will ensure that present and future generations will continue to have access to a beautiful and thriving cultural treasure featuring innovative programming around such themes as migration, identity,

—Barbara Linell Glaser, former ASI Board Chair

Bruce-a-palooza

Sun, April 30, 10 am–4 pm

Grab your party hats because ASI is throwing a celebration in honor of outgoing President and CEO, Bruce Karstadt. This one-of-a-kind festival includes campus-wide activities, exhibitions, and food and drink specials from FIKA Café, with surprises sprinkled throughout the day. Join ASI in honoring more than 30 years of leadership by ASI’s longest-serving CEO ever. See asimn.org for more.

$15 general ($10 ASI members), $6 youth ages 6–18.