Posten February-April 2023

Fluidity: Identity in Swedish Glass / Paulson Hall Reopens to the Public / Bruce Karstadt

Posten

The American Swedish Institute Magazine

Featured Article

Fluidity: Identity in Swedish Glass

February – April 2023

2023

Volume 42, Number

Don’t Miss a Single Event at ASI! Every season, ASI members receive both a copy of Posten Magazine as well as ASI’s Catalog of programs and events. The Catalog is where you’ll find the schedule of the 100+ activities ASI hosts each spring, summer, fall, and winter. Be sure to check it out and register for all your favorite ASI events. Don’t forget: ASI members can register for most programs before they go on sale to the public!

Message from Bruce Karstadt, ASI President & CEO

Our country has honored women’s contributions to history, culture and society annually each March since 1987. This month’s column is dedicated to those women who have made a difference in the life of ASI. We begin with Lillian Turnblad, whose parents Christina and Swan Turnblad founded ASI in 1929. Lillian served on ASI’s Board from 1929 until her death in 1943 and was an influential leader of the Institute in its first years.

One of the organizations tied to ASI is the ASI Male Chorus Auxiliary, who volunteered countless hours in its early years when there were very few staff. Over the years, several other women’s organizations also contributed much to ASI, including Idun Guild, ASI Women’s Club, ASI Associates, Svea Club, Svenska Sällskapets Sällskap, Scandinavian Friends and the Cloudberries.

Listing these groups reminds me of many of their members: Ewa Rydåker, Lenore Wood, Faye Olson, Jenny Johnson, Gunhild Anderson, Margareta Crabo, Kerstin Palm, JoAnn Thoreen, Linnea Osman, Barbro Roehrdanz and others far too numerous who quietly helped ASI in ways that ranged from Board service to preparing and serving delicious Swedish food for ASI events to teaching and to managing our museum store and Bokhandel.

Lilly Lorenzen was a respected teacher of Swedish both at ASI and the University of Minnesota who inspired countless students to appreciate Swedish language and culture not only through her teaching, but also her classic book, Of Swedish Ways

Hilma Berglund was an influential textile and craft artist, who founded the Minnesota Weaver’s Guild and taught at ASI. Her weavings, looms and other personal materials were donated to ASI after her death. An exhibition at ASI in the early 1990s of her life and work drew the interest of her long-time friend, the late Margaret A. Cargill, which has led to on-going philanthropic support by a foundation established by Ms. Cargill.

There are several other generous women whose gifts to ASI were crucial to the building of our campus addition in

2012. The first is Leslie Nelson, who with her late husband Carl, made the first major gift that signaled the viability of our intention to build a new cultural center. Another was the late Karin Larson, whose parents were members of the ASI Male Chorus and Auxiliary. Her generosity to ASI will continue in perpetuity through a foundation she established.

Barbro Sachs Osher has been a dear friend to ASI for many years and generously supports our capital projects and our exhibition and cultural programs. Patty Lindell served on our Board for several years and co-chaired the capital campaign that led to the building of the Nelson Cultural Center. Her network of friends in Sweden was especially helpful to us in building strong relationships abroad, particularly with the Royal Court.

More recently Birdeen Johnson’s estate has made a significant bequest for our present mansion restoration project.

The late Phyllis Bakke served as Consul for Sweden for more than 50 years and was on ASI’s Board. If you needed to get anything done within our community, you went to Phyllis. I remain grateful for her kind and informative advice to me in my early years here.

Kim Erickson is the first woman to be elected Chair of the ASI Board of Trustees. She was serving in this role, as well as honorary Vice-consul for Sweden, when we welcomed the King and Queen of Sweden to our campus in 1996.

In sum, many of the women I’ve mentioned have had public roles at ASI and in our Swedish-American community. Others served in quieter but no less important roles. ASI would be a lesser institution without their leadership, devotion to service, and meaningful support of our mission to be a gathering place for all people.

fluidity Identity in Swedish Glass

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

Glass moves. Glass heals. Glass speaks.

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.

“Being is intended to help bring individuals into the present moment. Each Light Vessel is made to be a tool for meditation, personal insight and contemplation.”

– Jo Andersson

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

Did you know?

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.

First Look: Fluidity

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.

A Legacy of Transformation and Connection

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.

A Gathering Place for All

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.”

An Enduring and Evolving Institution

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,

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.

belonging, and the environment.

A Major Milestone

Paulson Hall Reopens to the Public

After months of construction, one of the American Swedish Institute’s most dynamic and welcoming spaces is once again open to the public. Since it was first constructed in 1983, generations of visitors have come together in Paulson Hall on the Lower Level of the Turnblad Mansion to enjoy a vast array of classes, events, and celebrations. Thanks

to community support, this versatile space has undergone an impressive transformation to serve the growing needs of the ASI community.

From workshop participants to ASI club members, visitors of all ages and students, everyone who gathers in Paulson Hall will now benefit from a more flexible and functional space. Participants

in Nordic Table classes will immediately notice the transformed kitchen. Tour groups, visiting families, and ASI’s clubs like the Men’s Chorus and Twin Cities Swedish Folk Dancers now have a bright, modern, and more accessible space in which to gather. Language students of all ages now benefit from increased space and new technology to facilitate learning. As intended

when the project began, the many updates ensure that the space can continue to serve the evolving needs of these and other groups who may use the space in the future.

For long-time ASI member and donor, Lisa Paulson, this space has long been a home away from home for her and her family. For years, Lisa and her family

Paulson Hall Mural

This pictorial history of the emigration of Swedes to America and their settlement in Minnesota by artist Bengt Engman wraps around the entire Paulson Hall along the ceiling. The mural is undergoing a full restoration skillfully performed by the Midwest Art Conservation Center and will be back on view in Paulson Hall soon.

“Our love for the American Swedish Institute is great, and we are so proud to have many Life Members in our family. Sharing our Swedish heritage with family, friends and other visitors to the mansion is a great blessing.”

have gathered each year in Paulson Hall to celebrate the holidays. John and Norma Paulson provided transformational support to ASI over the course of their lives. The room was officially dedicated to Lisa’s family in 2011 in honor of her father’s four Swedish grandparents, Petronella and Mons Paulson, and Ellen and Herman Olson.

With remodeling complete, there has never been a better time to take a Nordic Table class at ASI. Better sight lines, improved lighting and acoustics, and better workstations offer an enhanced experience for all in-person participants.

-Lisa Paulson

Virtual program participants will benefit from significantly improved A/V capabilities. Looking ahead, ASI will offer increasingly diverse types of inperson food programs including more hands-on workshops, intergenerational classes, and intercultural experiences. Watch for more hands-on baking classes—something the ASI community has been asking for.

Through all these changes, one important aspect of Nordic Table cherished by participants will remain the same: low student-

to-instructor ratios. A signature of the program, small class sizes allow for each attendee to engage directly with the instructor and benefit from valuable one-on-one attention and guided learning.

Paulson Hall has remained one of the many beloved spaces at in the Turnblad Mansion thanks to ASI’s dedicated and generous members and donors. Today the space looks better than ever, with more opportunities for all visitors to gather, engage, and connect than ever before.

ASI gives tremendous thanks to all of those in the community who have offered support and contributed to the on-going Stories, Stonework & Stewardship Captial Campaign to restore and maintain the iconic Turnblad Mansion and all the special spaces within in it. To make a gift today, and help ASI continue this important work, visit asimn.org/ support/mansionproject.

Collections Spotlight

Cooking with the Library

Among the 17,000 books in ASI’s Wallenberg Library can be found a time capsule of Swedish food culture: handwritten recipe books preserving the food traditions of Swedish emigrants. Produced by local churches and organizations in the US, these unique volumes contain many recipes that fell out of use in Sweden but remained popular in Scandinavian America from 1846 to the present. This collection is so unique that Swedish food TV icon Richard Tellström traveled to ASI to do research for an upcoming book.

Read more about ASI’s library, archives, and collections by Scanning the QR code below:

Both Minnesota and the Nordic region are home to great aquavit distillers, but the popular movement to use aquavit in cocktails has yet to gain the same amount of traction in America.

ASI's Nordic Table instructor Patrice Johnson included this recipe for an Aquavit Sidecar in her book

Jul: Swedish American Holiday Traditions, which is available from the ASI Museum Store. The recipe is reprinted here with permission from Minnesota Historical Society Press.

Aquavit Sidecar

Ingredients (makes one cocktail)

• 2 ounces dill flavored aquavit (Gamle Ode)

• 3/4 ounce orange liqueur (such as Tattersall Orange Crema or Cointreau)

• 3/4 ounce fresh squeezed lemon juice

• Finish with orange peel garnish

Pour liquids into shaker filled with ice. Shake well. Strain and serve in a coupe.

ASI News

Call for Board Nominations

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.

Chef Amalia Obermeier-Smith Joins FIKA Café

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 Awarded Pedagogical Prize

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)

Blue Skies Ahead

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.

A New Way to Explore ASI

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.

Memorials & Tributes

Gifts and contributions to the American Swedish Institute in honor or memory of a loved one or special occasion.

Gifts received September 27, 2022 – November 18, 2022.

IN

MEMORY OF

Gaden H. Bredenbeck

Karen and David Olson

Stanley W. Carlson

Carlson Printing Company

Our Aunt, Betty Croone Johnson

Kia Croone

Kristen Croone

Annika Croone Driscoll

Craig Croone

Michael Peter Dale

Mary Jo and Ralph Bergstrom

Diane and Kent Christensen

Marcia Dale

Judith and Ronald Davisson

Janet and Bradley Jans

Marvin Johnson

Kimberly and Charles Motis

Marlys Nelson

Eleanor Sandquist

Patricia Sligo and Stephanie Baker

Roxanne and Fred Steiner

Paul Swedenborg and Rita Ladoux

Myrna M. Erickson/Kylander

Richard Erickson

Pauline Erickson

Roland Erickson

Rev. Alan J. Hagstrom

Erma Comstock

Lois Hall and Phil Morton

Ted Johnson

Bruce Karstadt

Michael and Judy Hole

Anonymous

Dr. Todd Klaenhammer

Jean Anderson and Tony Lawrence

Joan Manson Marple

Anne and Robison James

Brianna Witte

Anna-Mari Martz

Ulla Martz

Susan Morrison Anonymous

Stewart and Deborah Anderson

Barbara Dahlquist

Bruce Johnson

Sheryl and David Johnson

Bruce Karstadt

Kara Lazarus

Jan and Russ Michaletz

Alexandra Naughton

Gretchen and Jack Norqual

Kari Severson

Jan Sheets

Cheryl Steinmueller

Marian Nelson

Erin Adams

Gordon and Jeanette Anderson

Alison Barie

Roger and Connie Baumann

Eunice Dietrich

Kari Dietrich-Sifferle and Bill Sifferle

Sandra Engen

Karen Gabrielson

Bruce Karstadt

Nancy and Terrence McCormick

Nancy and David Ness

Henrik and Charlotte Nordstrom

William and Karin Nordstrom

Janet and Thomas Schubert

Shannon and Woody Schulz

Beth Steinhovden

Heather Thomson

JoAnn Thoreen

Curt Pederson Anonymous

Jean Christensen

Mary Cunningham

Linda Fransen and Thomas Sanders

Lois Hall and Phil Morton

Truett and Jill Lawson

Linda and Marty Kumm

JoAnn Thoreen

Harriett Rippel

Maryann Glotzer

Barbara and Bob Wieman

Irene and Kenneth Olson

Scandinavian Friends

Luella Whiting

IN HONOR OF

In celebration of the Granath Family

Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Mahan and Thomas Shaw

In honor of Margaretha Hedblom’s rich contribution to the immigration history into the Midwest from Sweden. Happy 80th birthday!

Ewa and Anders Rydåker

In honor of Loraine Jensen receiving Royal Gustav Adolfs Academy's Pedagogical Prize for her work supporting research in runes and runic inscriptions

Bruce Karstadt

In celebration of Bruce Karstadt and Liz Stopka on their birthdays

Eleanor Beaird

Bruce Karstadt

Katherine and Kent Eklund

Paula Goode and Roger Solie

Lois Hall and Phil Morton

Rebecca (Becky) Ramgren

Judy Ramgren

JoAnn Thoreen, in honor of her commitment to Swedish American relations

An old friend

Max the Wonder Dog

Mary Hegge

Angel and Phryne King

Susan Senecah and Van Calhoun

Community

Local and global organizations, people, and events, that promote Scandinavian and Scandinavian-American culture and traditions

ASI Cloudberries

A women’s choir that shares the music, culture, and language of Sweden. The Cloudberries welcome and encourage new members. Rehearsals are held at ASI every Thursday from 6:30-8 pm. For additional information, contact Gloria Rosen at (952) 240-7523

ASI Male Chorus

A men's choral group that performs regularly in both Swedish and English. New members welcome. The Chorus is planning a singing tour to Scandinavia in 2024. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30PM. Contact Chuck Upcraft at (612) 371-3731, Ted Johnson at tdreamintl@mindspring.com or visit asimalechorus.org.

ASI Male Chorus Circle of Friends

This group supports the ASI Male Chorus through promotion and fundraising. To join or contribute contact us at ASIMCCF@gmail.com

ASI Spelmanslag

The ASI Spelmanslag will continue regular practices on the 2nd and 3rd Thursdays of each month. Practice is at the ASI in the Stuga from 6:30-8 pm. New members are always welcome. For information, visit asispelmanslag.org or contact Suzanne at swedishsuzie@gmail.com

Kaffestuga Friends

Open to all present and former ASI volunteers, this club meets in ASI’s Kaffestuga on the last Wednesday of the month from 1–3 pm. Contact Margareta Beyer at (651) 644-5116.

Karl Oskar House

Friends of the Karl Oskar House in Lindstrom will reopen for tours in mid-May of 2023. Contact friendsofkarloskarhouse@gmail.com to plan your summer outing.

Do you want to speak Swedish? Join us in the "Chat in the Swedish community" hosted by Sven Sjosted and the

Friends of the Karl Oskar House on Zoom the second Monday in the month, at 7 pm CDT. There is not a special topic we are talking about, but just a nice chat between friends. You do not need to be fluent in Swedish. This is mainly for second and third generations or not Swedish at all trying out their Swedish language. Zoom Details: Meeting ID: 815 2431 9160; Passcode: NWW2021

Lilla Spelmanslag

Learn and perform traditional Swedish folk music in this youth string instrument music group for ages 8–18. New members welcome. Contact Ingela Haaland at ingela_eilert@yahoo.com or visit asispelmanslag.org.

Minneapolis-Uppsala Friendship Committee

We continue to meet by Zoom at 4:30 on the second Thursday of odd-numbered months. Please contact Katie Fournier, kandrfournier@msn.com, for the Zoom link. We are beginning a new tradition on June 1st, a Swedish Forest March, an opportunity for fundraising through march pledges. Watch for more information in May. (Skål, our traditional fundraiser will not be held in 2023).

Scandinavian Friends

In February we will be hearing from Leanna Swanson, Professor of Social Studies Education at the University of Northwestern. She will be sharing a program about Swedish Domestics, the story of many of the early Swedish immigrants. In March Charmin Michelle will be with us. She is a traditional jazz singer who sings from the Great American Songbook. Our April guest will be Natalie Norman. She will share stories and history concerning pockets. These are pockets you would carry like a purse. A very large example hangs at The Institute on the far wall by the Fika Cafe. Each month we have a lunch that begins at 12 noon followed by entertainment. Reservations are required one week in advance. Contact Muriel Johnson at (952) 831-4180 or murjo366@gmail.com

Scandinavian Social Dance

Waltz, schottische, polka, hambo, and more to music from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland. Dance to live music from 7-9 pm on the second Sunday of each month at the Danish American Center. Easy to follow, non-gendered dance lessons included from 6-7 pm. $10 entrance. Look for event notices on Facebook (search for Scandinavian Social Dance) or https://www.reneevaughan. com/scandinavian-social-dance.html. Contact Renee Vaughan renee.vaughan@gmail.com

SWEA International in Minnesota

Swedish Women’s Educational Association (SWEA) is an opportunity for Swedish-speaking women to embrace Swedish language, traditions, and provides a strong personal network and support to Swedish families abroad. For more information contact sweaminnesota@gmail. com or visit our website at minnesota.swea.org

Swedish Cultural Society of the Red River Valley, Fargo, ND

Swedish Silent Film Night, Sunday February 12, 2023, time and location to be determined. Terje Vigen, a 1917 Swedish Silent movie, was released in the US with the title “A Man There Was’. Live original music to accompany the film is performed by the Minneapolis based septet, The Poor Nobodys. Further information available at: www.swedishsocietyrrv.com

Swedish Genealogical Society of Minnesota

Finding the Home Parish of Your Swedish Ancestor

March 25, 2023; 10 AM – 12 PM; Hybrid meeting

Presenter: Janet Johnson has been an avid genealogical researcher for more than 45 years. Her specific interests are Sweden, Finland, Nova Scotia and New England. She has completed ProGen 56, Boston University Genealogical Certification course, the SLIG session on Swedish and Finnish research. For more than 20 years she has led a group of researchers in the metro DC area with monthly meetings relating to their Swedish research, where we discuss problem solving and breaking through brick walls. A member of the Swedish Genealogy Conference, the NEGHS, NGS, Mainland Heritage Society, DIS, and Swedish Finns Society.

SGSM 40th Anniversary Celebration

April 22, 2023; 11 am – 2 pm; American Swedish Institute, Larson Hall

Entertainment: Ross Sutter & Art Bjorngjeld Program, smörgåsbord buffet, sharing of memories & fun facts, and tours of Turnblad mansion. For more information, please visit www.sgsmn.org

Twin Cities Nyckelharpalag

Twin Cities Nyckelharpalag meets for Lagspel rehearsals at ASI Saturday February 4, March 4 & 18, and April 1 & 15, 10:15 am - noon. Check the TCNL website tcnyckelharpalag.org for 5th Saturday plans April 29.

February 18, TCNL will participate in a nyckelharpa workshop by Amy Hakanson as part of ASI Midwinter Folk Music Festival.

For further information about the group, please contact Cheryl Paschke at (612) 670-6356 or email inquiries@tcnyckelharpalag.com

Twin Cities Swedish Folk Dancers

The Twin Cities Swedish Folk Dancers are unable to meet at this time because of the pandemic. Notice will be given when we can meet in the future.

Vasa Junior Folkdancers

The Vasa Jr. Dancers welcome new members (ages 3-18). We rehearse at ASI on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month from 9-10:30 am. Please contact Erica Reiff at Info@vasajrdancers.org or jafra4erica@yahoo.com

Västergötland Society

The Västergötland Society will meet on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 1:00 PM in the Lindberg Stuga. Christy Stolpestad and Peggy Korsmo-Kennon of ASI will present on “Historic Discoveries of the Turnblad Mansion.” The Västergötland Society will meet on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 1:00 PM in the Lindberg Stuga. We will have another program featuring stories about the Turnblad Mansion and its late curator, Curt Pederson. The Västergötland Society does not meet in the month of March. Please contact Gordon Anderson, at 763-788-8532 with all questions.

VALKOMMEN TO ALL!

Vocabulary

Davvisámegiella :: North Sámi language.

Sámi National Day is February 6th

Folkmusik :: folk music. ASI’s Midwinter Folk Music Festival is in February

Glasriket :: the Kingdom of Glass — an area of Sweden which has historically produced glass

Påsklilja :: daffodil

For pronunciation, visit The People’s Dictionary: folkets-lexikon.csc.kth.se/folkets/folkets.en.html

Follow ASI on Instagram and TikTok to watch the weekly Word of the Week, and other fun video series.

Now available at the ASI Museum Store

Explore a selection of beautiful glass pieces by Jo Andersson, featured artist for ASI's new exhibition, Fluidity: Identity in Swedish Glass.

2600 Park Avenue

Minneapolis MN 55407

(612) 871-4907

asimn.org

Return Service Requested

Mansion & Galleries*

Wed, 10 am–4 pm

Thu, 10 am–8 pm

Fri–Sun, 10 am–4 pm

Museum Store*

Wed, 10 am–4 pm

Thu, 10 am–8 pm

Fri-Sun, 10 am–4 pm

FIKA Café*

Wed, 10 am–4 pm

Thu, 10 am–8 pm

Fri–Sun, 10 am–4 pm

Full menu served 11 am–3 pm

© 2023 American Swedish Institute

To Book Your Private Event (612) 870-3368

catering@asimn.org

Become an ASI Member (612) 524-5110

ninaa@asimn.org

Contact ASI Phone: (612) 871-4907

info@asimn.org

asimn.org

Museum Admission

$13 adults; $10 seniors (62+); $6 ages 6–18 and students with ID; FREE for children under 6 and ASI members.

ASI Museum admission is free every Thursday, 3-8pm