The Horse of Course - Nordic Center

About the Exhibition

Local artists were invited to submit horse-themed artworks to the Nordic Center for consideration in the exhibit. The result is a diverse array of mediums; paint, ceramics, woodworking, ink, textiles and more. The implementation – as well as the approach to the subject matter – ranges from the traditional to the avantgarde, with a few pieces even including an interactive element. Despite the breadth of submissions, all pieces rally around the same common theme; the horse. Many of the works are available for purchase.

Featured guest artist Linley Erickson is displaying several Swedish Dala horses – one of the strongest visual connections to Swedish culture. Erickson specializes in Dala animals and other Scandinavian designs.

View the exhibition in person at the Nordic Center (23 N Lake Ave, Duluth, MN 55802) from March 18th to April 10th. A virtual gallery is available to view below.

Gallery hours: Fridays 12-4pm | Weekends 1-4pm

Participating Artists

Aune, Alison (paper mache sculpture)
Austin, Tara (rosemaling)
Cowen Bantle, Mary (ceramics)
Canelake, Patricia (painting)
Cox Kolar, Theresa (painting)
David, Campbell (digital painting)
DeArmond, Bob (ceramics)
Erickson, Linley (ceramics)
Glembin, Teri (illustration)
Gruchalla, Richard and Rosetti, Carrin (ceramics)
Hanson, Suzanne (ceramics)
Hinkel, Jon (mechanical sculpture)
Högfeldt, Megan (ceramics)
Jesperson, Nancy (ceramics)
Johnson, Clayton (wood carving)
Jones, Jen (ceramics)
Jorde, Holly (ceramics)
Keenan, Karen (ceramics)
Klefstad, Ann (painting)
LaFond, Cot (ceramics)
Lyth, Bill (ceramics)
Morris, Denise and Paul (ceramics)
Morris, Rita (ceramics)
Olson, Carolyn (painting)
Perrin-Kosmo, Lisa (painting)
Quisling, Robb (kinetic sculpture)
Rauschenfels, Sue (painting)
Rock, Joellyn (ceramics)
Sanders, Laurel (painting)
Savage-Blue, Karen (painting)
Savage, Wendy (mixed media)
Staubus, Sheila (ceramics)
Thunder, Jonathan (painting)
Vainio, Ivy (photography)

Featured Guest Artist, Linley Erickson

Linley Erickson

Guest Artist

Artist Statement:

My work aims to explore the traditional Dala animal and other Scandinavian motifs in a new medium. One of the most prevalent symbols of Swedish culture is the Dala Horse (along with other Dala animals). By presenting these motifs in a different medium I am able to introduce them to a new audience. In the past six years, I have made Dala horses, Dala pigs, Dala roosters, Tomten, and my own creations the Dala hippo and Dala giraffe. Not only do they bring me joy during the creation process but I have met many people to whom the final product brings them joy and happiness as well.

Artist Bio:

Raised in the very Swedish North Park neighborhood of Chicago. Began her love affair with all things Scandinavian around the age of five. Received a BA in History and Museum Studies from Juniata College in 2016 and a MA in History from Northeastern Illinois University in 2019. She has been working in clay since 2014, currently working as a teacher at Kids Clay Room and taking classes at Lillstreet Art Center.