2020 - 2021 Exhibitions
E. is the A. A. is the W. by Jefffrey S. Kalstrom
October 2 - October 31, 2020
The works in this exhibition are large scale mixed media wall panels combining mythic imagery and symbolic shapes in optically dazzling patterns. The imagery in the work makes references to the relations between culture and nature, the animal in the human, and masculinity/femininity or the Animus and Anima in Jungian terms. The title is a reference to a dream which inspired this series of works.
Pepperkakebyen
November 20, 2020 - January 2, 2021
The Nordic Center of Duluth and Son’s of Norway Nortun Lodge are hosting the 9th Annual Pepperkakebyen Gingerbread City of Duluth. This year we feature a virtual tour of the village, with an online opening on November 20th at 7pm. Visitors are encouraged to come and peek in the windows for some Winter Magic until January 2!
A Dala A Day by Teri Glembin
January 8 - January 31, 2021
A Dala A Day: Illustrations and wood burned artwork inspired by my Scandinavian heritage and the need to keep CREATING ART during the “Stay at Home” order during the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s a way for me to bring together my friends, family, and virtual artist community through social media and a love of Scandinavian Dala Horse art.
Nordic Crowns & Beyond: In Praise of Women
March 8 - 30, 2021
The tradition of wearing an ornate bridal crown in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland is an ancient custom that continues to evolve today. In celebration of International Women’s Month, this exhibition features historic and contemporary variations on a theme to honor all women. Nordic Center artists and community members of all ages explore and share the Nordic tradition of crowns at the Nordic Center through workshops, an exhibition, and lectures.
Himmeli: From Finland to Minnesota with Mary Erickson
Allison Aune, and UMD art education students
April 9 - May 1, 2021
Himmeli, ceiling mobiles, were originally created in Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Estonia, and functioned as good luck charms that were hung from the ceiling in homes to ensure good crops and the fertility of fields. This exhibition and programming at the Nordic Center will shed light on an ancient craft tradition that has survived the ages and that is now flourishing in the spirit of a Nordic craft revival especially in Northern Minnesota, among the Finnish-American community. Mary Erickson and Alison Aune will share their knowledge and skills for this artistic tradition at the Nordic Center through an exhibition and Zoom workshops and lectures.
The Story of 12 Paintings by Ida Lorentzen
May 8 - June 8, 2021
This virtual exhibit showcases twelve paintings that were originally commissioned by the Norwegian Folk Museum.
Ida Lorentzen was born in New York and lives and works on Nesoya near Oslo. She is known for her interiors, the study of light, and space that tell stories. Her work is widely recognized in the United States, Norway, and Europe.
Scandi Bijou by Tara Austin
July 23 - August 29, 2021
Tara Austin is an artist with an MFA in Painting who specializes in the folk art of Rosemaling. Austin’s work is part of a revival of rosemaling in the Upper Midwest which builds upon traditions while infusing each piece with contemporary reworkings that may ensure relevance to new generations. Her company, Scandi Bijou, provides painted heirlooms for the modern lifestyle, including Dala horses and rosemaled décor.
The “Scandi Bijou” exhibit highlights the talents of Austin, whose works are noted as being guided by “geometry, harmony, and natural beauty” while also drawing on Nordic styles and processes.
2021 - 2022 Exhibitions
Carolyn Olson Prinsesstårta
September 17 - October 17, 2021
Olson, an artist living and working in Northern Minnesota, has created over 60 illustrations detailing the various steps in creating a Prinsesstårta (the Swedish princess cake). The entire collection will be on display, as will a traditional princess cake, made by the artist. Due to current health concerns, the cake will be for viewing only.
10th Annual Pepperkakebyen
November 19 - December 19, 2021
This year Pepperkakebyen is virtual! Pepperkakebyen premiers online on Friday, November 19 at 6:30pm, with the Duluth City of the North Parade. You can also come by and safely see the Pepperkakebyen window display! On December 12th, National Gingerbread House Day, we encourage you to enjoy a stroll downtown to look for Gingerbread Houses at participating businesses. Join us online, or safely in person, to celebrate this community winter celebration!
Erika Larsen's Sámi - Walking with Reindeer
February 4 - March 6, 2022
The Nordic Center, in partnership with the Sámi Cultural Center of North America, presents Walking with Sámi featuring photographs by Erika Larsen. It also includes Sámi artifacts from the collection of the Sámi Cultural Center of North America. Larsen, a transdisciplinary storyteller and lecturer, has spent significant time in the Scandinavian Arctic and has displayed work at the Smithsonian Portrait Gallery and The National Geographic Society. Learn more about Erica Larsen at www.erikalarsenphoto.com.
Gallery Open Hours: Fridays 12 – 4PM | Weekends 1 – 4PM
The Horse of Course
March 18 - April 10, 2022
This exhibition features guest artist, Linley Erickson, who’s work aims to explore traditional Dala animals and other Scandinavian motifs in a new medium. Over 20 community artists are participating in this exhibit. In addition to these artists, a number of clay artists have been working on new creations inspired by horses in a Duluth Art Institute clay class this winter.
Gallery Open Hours: Fridays 12 – 4PM | Weekends 1 – 4PM
Natalie Norman: Swedish Folkdräkt Fantasy
April 15 - May 29, 2022
Natalie Norman has been central to the preservation, and evolution, of Swedish embroidered kjolväskor (waist bags) in America. Natalie’s work has been nationally and internationally recognized. In 2019, she received a folk art fellowship from the American Scandinavian Foundation to study traditional embroidery techniques at Sätergläntan and Mora Folkhögskola in Darlarna, Sweden. Today we welcome her to the Nordic Center for her first solo exhibition. Join us for a colorful celebration of Swedish folk art!
Gallery Open Hours: Fridays 12 – 4PM | Weekends 1 – 4PM
Making the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial
June 17 - July 9, 2022
Making the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial is an exhibit featuring photographs, plans, artifacts and documents pertaining to the creation of the Clayton, Jackson, McGhie Memorial as designed and created by artist Carla Stetson, with text by Anthony Peyton Porter and commissioned by the City of Duluth.
The exhibit opens June 17 to coincide with Juneteenth, and runs until July 10.
Fika: Original Watercolors by Jan Padover
July 22 - Sept 18, 2022
Fika (fee-ka) is the act of gathering socially for a cup of coffee, or tea In Sweden, this twice-daily ritual also involves baked goods, or fikabrod.
Previously featured on the outside historic fence of American Swedish Institute, Jan Padover’s original watercolor paintings feature 15 popular Swedish baked goods often enjoyed during fika. These paintings are part of a larger fika–inspired watercolor series. The Nordic Center received these fika posters on-loan from ASI to use as a window display during Summer 2022.