Fika: Original Watercolors by Jan Padover

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. One canfika at a café or at home, where these freshly baked pastries are always served with immense joy.   

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.  Also view Jan’s paintings in our online gallery below!

Virtual Gallery

About the Artist - Jan Padover

A native San Franciscan, Jan Padover has been studying, teaching and exhibiting in the U.S. and Sweden for decades.

Jan began his studies in the San Francisco studios of Sheldon Schoenberg and Charles Griffin Farr and continued to the San Francisco Academy of Art, where he received his B.A. in Fine Art as well as an Art Teaching Credential.

Jan also studied In Sweden at  Konstfack, where he achieved a degree in Graphic Design.  In Sweden, Jan has shown in both the prestigious National Museum’s Unga Tecknare show, and in Liljevalch Museum’s Spring Salon.

Jan’s full watercolor series is featured on a set of playing cards, produced in association with Prospero Art and are available for purchase from Prospero Art.

Let's Fika!

Fika Fridays at Kirsten Aune Textiles

Starting July 22nd, fika at Kirsten Aune Textiles in Duluth’s Craft District!

11AM – 4 PM
12 N 21st Ave W
Duluth, MN 55806

Prinsesstårta: Swedish Princess Cake

Join in the fun of the Swedish Princess Cake with kid-friendly activities you can do at home!