The summer months in the Pacific Northwest and the Nordic Countries are a time for family and the outdoors. Both regions have spectacular summers, which sometimes feel a bit too short, so we do our best to make the most of the sun and long days. Often our summertime activities include trips with our families and perpetuating longstanding rituals. Growing up, we look forward to specific destinations, foods, or seeing people who are special to us. As adults, we tend to replicate these experiences and keep our family traditions going.
In our new exhibition, Origin Stories, Nina Katchadourian reflects on these childhood experiences, and her ongoing artistic interpretations of them. Her work often includes her parents and creates links across generations.
My own summers have typically featured artistic projects. As a kid remember wood carving with my grandfather in Silverdale, the notable decoy carver James D. Nordahl. With my parents, have painted murals and
helped with building projects. Now with children of my own, a trip to the grandmas’ ranch and projects in their workshop is an annual highlight. If we can combine it with the huckleberry festival, that’s even better!
We can’t spend all of our time outside, so trips to museums in the summer are also a common theme, and we like to think the National Nordic Museum combines both, since our building brings the outside in. With a form modeled on a fjord, large windows and skylights, and our newly remodeled East Garden, we are far from typical white box museum. With content for all ages, abundant events and fresh food and drinks, we are also a perfect family gathering place.
This summer we hope that you are able to connect with those you care about, spend time outdoors, eat fresh food, and visit some museums. Maybe you will even create a new family tradition.
Lāth Carlson CEO National Nordic Museum
Nina Katchadourian: Origin
Stories
Spreading the Nordic Spirit
Our Members are at the heart of the National Nordic Museum.
We’re grateful to count you as a Member and hope to see you at the Museum soon for our new exhibition, Nina Katchadourian: Origin Stories!
Nina Katchadourian: Origin Stories is an original exhibition composed of five projects spread throughout the Museum—from the Library, which is typically accessed by research appointment only, to the newly renovated East Garden. Award-winning artist Nina Katchadourian is an astute examiner of the everyday and a keen interrogator of the ordinary. Her celebrated artistic practice has been described as one of “paying attention.” In Origin Stories, Katchadourian turns her focus toward the intimately familiar. She explores her family’s history, traditions, games, and mythologies. Many of the works in Origin Stories were made on the island of Bodö in the southern Finnish archipelago, where Katchadourian’s family have spent their summers ever since she was a child, as did the two previous generations of her maternal family.
Origin Stories expands the Museum’s mission to tell Nordic-connected stories through its exhibitions, programs, and
“Nordic
Socialism: The Path Toward a Democratic Economy” with Pelle Dragsted
August 12 | 6-7:30pm
In recent years, the Nordic countries have been the envy of the world for their economic success, institutional stability, and consistently high levels of social happiness. But are they socialist?
Several prominent members of the American right think so. They may find a surprising ally in Pelle Dragsted, a member of the Danish parliament and the leader of the socialist political party Enhedslisten (Red-Green Alliance); contrary to most Nordic leaders, Dragsted accepts the charge of socialism. Going even further, he here delivers a clarion call to lean into that description.
Cost: Members Free; Non-Members $5
Open through October 26
collections, comprised primarily of physical objects of daily life, photographic archives, and oral history interviews. In this context, Origin Stories offers a personal narrative— an autobiographical account through art— engaging in a dialogue with its collections, spaces, and Ballard neighborhood.
The projects center on the ways in which family heritage and traditions create our understanding of the world and ourselves.
Drop-in 10-Minute Chats with the Chief Curator
Fridays, July 11th, August 1st, September 5th, October 3rd 12pm
Join National Nordic Museum Chief Curator Leslie Anne Anderson for curatorial insights into the works of Origin Stories The short format provides a brief overview before personal exploration of the exhibition.
Cost: Free with Museum Admission
NordicCrafts
Immerse Yourself in the Rich History of Nordic Crafts & Folk Art
The Nordic region is known for its rich crafting traditions. We are proud to partner with local artists to keep this cultural heritage alive and inspire artistry within our community.
Intermediate Nålebinding with Christin Curran
Saturday, July 12
10am-12:30pm
If you’ve taken our Introduction to Nålebinding course, this class is for you! Expand your skills and continue learning about this ancient textile art form, which predates knitting by over 7,000 years.
Block Printing with Kayla Ann McDaniels
Saturday, September 13
10am-12:30pm
Learn the art and craft of block printing with returning artist Kayla Ann McDaniels. In this beginner-friendly class, we’ll explore the fundamental techniques of carving, inking, and printing your very own design. with Brendan McGarry
Saturday, September 27
10am-5pm
Learn to carve a wooden spoon from green wood — wood that has been recently cut and has high moisture content. Brendan will discuss the design, safety, and a bit of history behind this style of spoon carving, which uses only a few simple tools.
w w Visit nordicmuseum.org/OriginStories to learn more about this exhibition. w w Visit nordicmuseum.org/calendar for more information.
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Our annual SEA-Nordic Film Festival brings the best of Nordic cinema to the Pacific Northwest! The festival draws audiences from around the region to enjoy the latest and greatest films from the Nordic region.
This year’s SEA-Nordic Film Festival shines a spotlight on Denmark’s rich cinematic landscape. From iconic directors and actors to distinctive styles, the lineup celebrates the evolution and diversity of Danish film. Expect a mix of familiar favorites and hidden gems as we showcase the intimate storytelling and global resonance that define Danish cinema.
Thomas Christensen
SEA-Nordic Film Festival Curator
Gallery Tours
Ideal for auditory learners and the curious-minded, our guided tours will give you a new perspective on the Museum and insight into how Nordic culture and values shape our everyday lives.
Monthly Drop-In Tours of Nordic Journeys
Stop by on the third Friday of each month for a tour of our core exhibition, led by one of our wonderful docents! Your tour guide will take you through Nordic Journeys using a unique mix of personal stories, history, and facts about the Nordic region, the Pacific Northwest, and Ballard.
Personalized Group Tours
Bring a group of friends, family, or coworkers to the Museum for a personalized group tour! Our docents will tailor your tour to the group’s interests, whether it be Vikings, Nordic design, PNW immigration, and more! Group discounts are available.
Unlock the Full SEA-Nordic Film Festival Experience
Purchase a Festival Pass and immerse yourself in three days of critically acclaimed Nordic cinema. Passholders enjoy exclusive access to all festival screenings at Majestic Bay Theatres, ensuring you’ve got a seat for every moment of movie magic.
This year the Festival line-up is handpicked by Thomas Christensen, the Lead Curator at the Danish Film Institute. The Festival runs September 5-7 at Majestic Bay Theatres in Ballard.
