ASI News

Over the next several months, the Governance & Nominating Committee of ASI’s Board of Trustees will evaluate needs regarding new Trustees to be elected at the June 2023 Annual Meeting. If you are interested in serving on the Board, please contact Executive Coordinator Josh Torkelson at josht@ asimn.org with your name, qualifications and a brief statement of interest by March 1, 2023. If you wish to suggest someone else, please obtain that individual’s permission first.

This past November, celebrated Chef Amalia Obermeier-Smith—formerly of Fig & Farro, Patisserie 46, the Walker Art Center, and others—joined FIKA Café as Executive Chef. Make a meal at FIKA part of your next visit to ASI.

Visit ASI's Youtube channel to watch an interview with Chef Amalia and WCCO's Shayla Reaves.

ASI member Loraine Jensen was recently awarded the Royal Gustav Adolfs Academy’s Pedagogical Prize from the Royal Gustav Adolfs Academy for Swedish Folk Culture for her valuable efforts in spreading scientifically based knowledge about runic inscriptions. Loraine is known for her expertise in Scandinavian runes and has been invited to speak for various groups, like the Västerbotton Museum in Sweden, the International Runic Symposium, and even a Harry Potter book club.

“It’s been 12 years now since seeing my first rune stones,“ said Loraine Jensen, “It’s been a wonderful journey.”

Read the full interview with Loraine and learn more about her work with ancient Viking runes. Follow this QR code: (insert QR code to blog post)

The international search for ASI’s next CEO continues. Isaacson Miller, an executive search firm specializing in recruiting leadership for mission-driven organizations, is well suited for the task, after its work with organizations like the Weisman Art Museum, the University of Minnesota and the Jerome Foundation. An announcement of the new CEO is expected in early spring, with a leadership transition to be complete by June.

Be on the lookout for a brand-new learning opportunity in the Turnblad Mansion. ASI’s new portable station— the castle cart—now offers visitors of all ages new ways to discover and reflect on Scandinavian American arts, culture, and history. Check back frequently to see what’s on view, and don’t miss an exploration of the history of the Svenska Amerikanska Posten newspaper, on display on the cart beginning February.