Museum Shop

Shadow to Light
Workshop with Master Textile Artist Helena Hernmarck (Sold Out)
Friday, July 27–Sunday, July 29 — 9 a.m.–5 p.m. each day 

Helena Hernmarck, our era’s legendary trompe-l’oeil weaver, offers the rare opportunity to get an insight into her weaving technique in a three-day workshop to take place at the American Swedish Institute June 27–29, 2012. Hernmarck will take students on a private tour of the ASI exhibition In Our Nature: The Tapestries of Helena Hernmarck. She will explain and demonstrate her weaving technique, assisted by two or three master students. Hernmarck will also illustrate her use of color when selecting yarns and will demonstrate how she uses color blended “butterflies,” or yarn bundles, to make her creations. Students will then work under the guidance of Hernmarck to create their own sample piece that goes from “shadow to light,” as they work on the illusion of a shadow on their own frame or table loom. Participants will also receive a take-home handout outlining Hernmarck’s technique. This workshop is co-sponsored by the Weavers Guild of Minnesota (WGM).

We are no longer accepting applications for this workshop. If you are interested in meeting the artist, there are opportunities to do so on Thursday, July 26 at 7 p.m., when we host a talk by and reception for Helena Hernmarck, as well as at the talk by Frida Lindberg on Friday, July 27 at 7 p.m.

Scandinavian Rag Rug Weaving Workshop
Monday, May 21 ― 1–4 p.m. (informational session)
Monday, June 4–Friday, June 8 ― 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Weavers Guild of MN (WGM)

In this class, students will learn to wind a warp, warp a floor loom, and weave a rug. Creating a durable rug is important and students will be taught specific weaving techniques to accomplish this goal. Students will learn how to select fabric, prepare fabric for weaving, and finish ends. Rugs will be woven in plain weave with a set of five ends per inch using Finnish cotton seine twine as warp and cotton fabric strips as weft. Bring any fabrics you are thinking of using in your rug to the informational session. This class is taught by Wynne Mattila of the Weavers Guild of Minnesota (WGM), whose goal for each of her own rugs is to create a piece exhibiting technical perfection, delightful aesthetics, and everyday functionality. Students may need to spend time at the WGM in between classes in order to complete their rug.

This class in intended for all levels, including beginners, and costs $275 for ASI and WGM members, and $325 for nonmembers. A materials fee of $37 will be collected in class, payable to the instructor. Advance registration through ASI is required by Friday, May 11, and space is limited. Call 621-871-4907 to register.

This ASI class takes place at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota, located in the Textile Center at 3000 University Ave SE; Minneapolis, MN 55414.

Beginning Inkle Weaving Workshop
Saturday, June 23 and Sunday, June 24 ― 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Inkle weaving is a fun and creative craft. By using this small, portable loom students can make bands, belts, straps, accessories, bookmarks, dog collars, trims and more! Students will learn how to read and design a draft, warp the loom and weave a simple project. After learning the basics, students will develop a colorful design of their own patterns or learn more intermediate techniques incorporating contrasting colors, inlay or pick-up. This class is taught by Carol Johnson of the Weavers Guild of Minnesota (WGM), who has been weaving since the 1990s, using tablets, rigid heddle and floor looms, and is co-founder of Studio Tupla.

This class costs $105 for ASI and WGM members, and $125 for nonmembers. A handout fee of $2 will be collected in class, payable to the instructor. Yarns will also be available for purchase from WGM. Advance registration is required by Wednesday, June 13, and space is limited. Please call 612-871-4907.

Beginning Floor Loom Weaving Workshop
Friday, Aug. 24 ― 5–9 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 25 & Sunday, Aug. 26 ― 9 a.m.–5 p.m. at the Weavers Guild of MN (WGM)

Do you want to explore weaving? This class lets you discover the fun and creativity of the craft! Students will learn all the fundamentals, starting with a basic weaving vocabulary and graduating to: preparing a warp, warping a loom, and reading a draft. The instructor will guide you through a basic project and students will complete a wool scarf or a cotton table runner in plain weave or twill. This class is taught by Carol Johnson of the Weavers Guild of Minnesota (WGM), who has been weaving since the 1990s using tablets, rigid heddle and floor looms, and is co-founder of Studio Tupla.

This class costs $185 for ASI and WGM members and $220 for nonmembers. A handout fee of $10 will be collected in class, payable to the instructor. Yarns will be available for purchase from the WGM. Advance registration through ASI is required by Wednesday, Aug. 15, and space is limited. Please call 612-871-4907.

This ASI class takes place at the Weavers Guild of Minnesota, located in the Textile Center at 3000 University Ave SE; Minneapolis, MN 55414.

Ready, Set, Weave: Make a Wool Scarf Workshop
Saturday, Sept. 22 & Sunday, Sept. 23 ― 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Learn the basics of the rigid heddle frame loom and create a cozy scarf. Students will learn the direct warping technique, a quick process that gets you weaving in a short time. This is a great introduction to weaving and the ideal class for students who want to find out if weaving is for them. Bring a rigid heddle frame loom in good working condition and an 8 or 10 dent reed, if you have them. If not, rigid heddle frame looms are available upon request to use during workshop. When registering, please indicate if you need to borrow a loom. This class is taught by Carol Johnson of the Weavers Guild of Minnesota (WGM), who has been weaving since the 1990s, using tablets, rigid heddle and floor looms, and is co-founder of Studio Tupla.

This workshop costs $105 for ASI and Weavers Guild of MN members, and $125 for nonmembers. A handout fee of $5 will be collected in class, payable to the instructor. Yarns will also be available for purchase from WGM.  Advance registration is required by Wednesday, Sept. 12, and space is limited. Call 612-871-4907 to register.

“In My Nature: How I Work”
Illustrated Talk by Helena Hernmarck and Artist Reception
Thursday, July 26 ― 7 p.m. talk, followed by reception

Join our era's legendary trompe-l'oeil weaver, Helena Hernmarck, for her presentation “In My Nature: How I Work,” followed by a reception in her honor. Hernmarck’s presentation will illustrate how some of the works on display in the In Our Nature: The Tapestries of Helena Hernmarck exhibition at ASI came about. In the beginning stages of her career, Hernmarck wanted to work big, feeling that the medium called for size. She will discuss her unique weaving technique, and how she is able to make the colors in her large tapestries glow in competition with stained glass.

Following the talk, ASI will host a reception in honor of Hernmarck. Hors d’oeuvres will be served, and there will be a cash bar. The event costs $12 for ASI members, $15 for nonmembers. Reservations are strongly encouraged; please call 612-871-4907 to sign up.

First Wednesday Fika
Wednesday, June 6 — 3–6 p.m.

We have heard from so many members and visitors that although the renovated spaces in the lower level are wonderful, they miss their coffee! We are prevented by regulation from offering a regular coffee service because we won’t have a commercial kitchen until the Nelson Cultural Center opens, but we’ve figured out how to offer a Fika with coffee, cardamom rolls and soft drinks every first Wednesday between March and June from 3 until 6 p.m. The cost to attend is $5. ASI staff will be your servers and are looking forward to coffee and conversations with our members and friends!

PLEASE NOTE: On June 6 there will be limited handicapped accessibility due to construction. On this day, access to ASI will be through the front door of the Mansion, which will involve the use of stairs. Once inside the Turnblad Mansion the elevator will be available on all floors except Ground Level.

Felted Purses: Slöjd (Handcraft) Workshop for Adults
Saturday, May 19 ―10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Just in time for summer, felt a lightweight but sturdy merino wool purse, with attached straps and closure. Using the resist method of felting, participants will lay down multiple layers and colors of fine merino wool along with silk fabric and yarn embellishments. After creating and attaching a strap, you will carefully wet felt the entire project. By rolling in bubble wrap and muslin, and doing final shaping with your hands and felting tools, you will turn wool into a work of wearable art! Bring your creative spirit and sense of adventure for a spring day of felting. This workshop is taught by felt-maker and felting instructor Judy McDowell of Misty Meadow Designs.

Cost for the workshop is $95 for ASI members and $105 for nonmembers, and includes all materials. Please bring a bag lunch. Advance registration is required, and space is limited. Sign up by calling 612-871-4907.

ASI Forum: Bringing Swedish Sustainability to the City
Wednesday, May 23 ― 6:30 p.m.

At May’s ASI Forum, Nina Clark, Director of Programs and Exhibits at the American Swedish Institute, will discuss how the building plans for the Nelson Cultural Center align Swedish values and environmental goals with the U.S.'s foremost standards for "green" building, the USGBC's LEED rating system. The Nelson Cultural Center, ASI’s $20 million addition, will incorporate geothermal heating and cooling, highly efficient lighting, green roofs, and other sustainable strategies. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about the new building before it opens to the public on June 30.

ASI Forum presentations are included with museum admission. Refreshments will be provided following the talk. Reservations are encouraged but not mandatory – call 612-871-4907.

Northern Spark at ASI
Saturday, June 9 — 9 p.m.–1 a.m.

See and be seen! As a part of the second annual Twin Cities Northern Spark festival, a dusk to dawn nuit blanche or “white night” event, ASI welcomes you with free parking for bikes and cars, and glowing luminaries lighting the way into our castle courtyard. Whether traveling by bike, car or foot, we urge you to use your own crafty vibes to yarn-bomb your bike (or body!) with glow-in-the-dark beads, yarn and other glittery things for extra sparkle. For additional glow-on-the-go, make a simple paper luminary to take home.

We’ll be serving organic hot dogs, served Swedish-style with creamy mashed potatoes, cold beer, pop, and wine at our romantically-lit outdoor food bar. While engaging in these deLIGHTful activities, you can also listen to the forward sounds of the Eclectic Ensemble, an ambient experimental group that draws on jazz style free-form improvisation, Asian harmonic structure, African, Middle Eastern and Indonesian interlocking rhythms, and ambient texture schemes. The Eclectic Ensemble seeks to spark the imagination of audiences and provoke new interactions through its distinctive sound—an unusual arrangement of rhythm, texture, timing, and presentation.

For more information on Northern Spark, visit www.northernspark.org. To listen to music by the Eclectic Ensemble, visit www.theeclecticensemble.com/.

Midsommar Music and Magic Preschool Program
Tuesday, June 12 — 10:30 a.m.–noon
Wednesday, June 13 — 6–7:30 p.m.

Get ready for Midsommar! Bring your special preschooler to ASI to explore the magical traditions surrounding this unique summer holiday. Sing and dance around the maypole, learn about the magic of midsommar flowers, and make your own maypole and midsommar headwreaths to continue your celebration at home.

ASI preschool programs allow you to explore Swedish (and Swedish-American) traditions with your preschool-aged child or grandchild. Each preschool topic is explored through creative storytelling, music, art and more. Together, we answer the questions of “What do Swedish families do throughout the year?” and “Why do they do it?” This program is specifically designed for children ages 3-5 and their important adults.  

Attend Midsommar Music and Magic on either Tuesday, June 12 (10:30 a.m. – noon) or Wednesday, June 13 (6–7:30 p.m.). Cost is $10 per preschooler. Adults free. Maximum of two children per one adult. Registration is required. To register, call 612-871-4907.

ASI at Svenskarnas Dag
Sunday, June 24 ― 10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Location: Minnehaha Park

Join ASI to celebrate Midsommar at the 79th annual Svenskarnas Dag (Swedish Heritage Day) event at Minnehaha Park in Minneapolis! Find ASI’s booth to make your own flower head wreath, learn about the Nelson Cultural Center, and more.

Midsommar activities kick off at 10:30 a.m. with music by the Oldtime Gospel Singers from Luleå, followed by the majstång (maypole) raising at 11:15 a.m. led by Elise Peters and the Twin Cities Swedish Folk Dancers. Stick around for a program full of Nordic music and dance, starting at 12:15 p.m., including performances by Swedish groups Anders Kedhammar's "Music From Sweden," Tommy Lasko's trio KaTjinG and others, as well as music by the ASI Male Chorus/St. Paul Swedish Male Chorus, the Svenskarnas Dag Girls’ Choir, the Vasa Junior Folk Dancers, and more. You can also visit with vendors and exhibitors, purchase Swedish meatballs and other goodies, and stay for the announcement of the “Swede of the Year” awards and the crowning of the 2013 Miss Svenskarnas Dag Queen.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information and a schedule of events, visit www.svenskarnasdag.com or contact Ted Noble at 612-825-8808. As parking is limited, we encourage you and your family to “go green” by biking or using public transportation.

Birch Bark Boxes: Slöjd (Handcraft) Workshop for Adults
Saturday, July 14 & Sunday, July 15 ―9 a.m.–5 p.m.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Scandinavians commonly kept small, flat birch bark boxes in their pockets for the then-popular taking of snuff. Larger finger and lap jointed boxes were used at home and on the farm, and often held goods such as coffee, tea, tobacco, salt, tacks, and paint pigments. Birch bark boxes dug up and dating to before the 10th century appear to have kept butter. Today, these boxes are not only decorative, but continue to be treasured places for keepsakes, buttons, spare change, and even dried fruits, nuts, and oatmeal. Students in this two-day workshop will be introduced to the beauty of birch bark as they learn to make these little boxes using a combination of centuries-old techniques and a few new methods, too. Walk away with one or two completed boxes from this workshop, led by birch bark artist Fred Livesay. The workshop is for all levels; no prior experience required.

This workshop costs $195 for ASI members and $220 for nonmembers, and includes all tools and materials. Students can purchase lunch from the ASI café, or plan to bring a bag lunch. Advance registration is required, and space is limited. Please sign up by calling 612-871-4907.

Nelson Cultural Center Grand Öpening Celebration
Saturday, June 30

Celebrate the Grand Öpening of the Nelson Cultural Center (NCC) at the American Swedish Institute on Saturday, June 30! The party will feature the first public looks at the new building and outdoor spaces, special international musical guests, craft demonstrations, family activities, and an exhibit by world-renowned tapestry artist Helena Hernmarck, not to mention a mouth-watering selection of food and beverages.

A full day of activities is planned, all of which are free and open to the public. Enjoy a variety of food options, including ASI’s new café, a korvkiosk (hot dog stand), ice cream bar, and meatballs on a stick. Families will enjoy a jumpy castle, storytime, and other kid-friendly activities. FOCI Minnesota Center for Glass Arts will demonstrate Swedish glassblowing, and a handful of other artists will also present their craft. Test your own artistic skill by making a decorative wire hook in our new studio classroom. Gustavus Adolphus College joins in the celebration as well—you can stop by and see their new office suite.

Various ASI groups, Nordic musicians, and the McGuire and Orpen Jazz Duo from Gustavus will perform during the day. ASI’s addition is designed to establish a more accessible, welcoming presence in the Phillips West neighborhood of Minneapolis, and to celebrate this, KetzalCoatlicue, a neighborhood group joined by the desire to learn, share and live the tradition of Mexican Aztec dance, will join us for a performance as well.

Stop by a series of information stations to learn about the Nelson Cultural Center’s green roof, geothermal system, and other sustainable aspects of the new building.

At 7 p.m., international artists Yggdrasil and Eivør Duo, both based in the Faroe Islands, will perform. Yggdrasil, led by composer and pianist Kristian Blak, comes to ASI as a “world music band.” The ensemble has varied musical backgrounds, mainly in jazz, but also in ethnic, folk, rock and classical music. Eivør Duo is comprised of Faroese singer/songwriter Eivør Pálsdóttir and bassist Mikael Blak. Pálsdóttir has a distinct voice and a wide range of musical interests, including rock, jazz, folk, pop, and European classical.

A detailed schedule of events and parking information will be posted online in May.

Before and After: Building Update and Fika
Sunday,  May 6 — 2:30–4:30 p.m. (Cancelled)
Sunday,  May 13 — 2:30–4:30 p.m.

Come see some Before & After views of behind-the-scenes areas of the Turnblad Mansion and go on a hard-hat tour of the soon-to-open Nelson Cultural Center. View collections spaces, retail areas, and the café-to-be. If you’ve passed by the Nelson Cultural Center under construction and wondered what’s inside, this is your chance! A tour led by ASI staff will be followed by a wonderful fika of delicious baked treats and coffee. We’ll also share a brief slide show summarizing the planning which led up to the project.

Cost: $9 for ASI members, $11 for non-members. Ages 13 and up. Advance registration and payment required. If you require accessibility accommodations please be sure to let us know at the time of your reservation. Space is limited, so please call 612-871-4907 to make your reservation.

The Nordic Singers Midsummer Concert
Saturday,  June 23 — 7 p.m.
Location: Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis

Please join the American Swedish Institute, Danish American Center and the Edvard Grieg Society in welcoming to Minneapolis The Nordic Singers, who will perform a concert of Scandinavian music on June 23 at 7 p.m. at Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis.

Celebrate Midsummer with Hans Lawaetz (Baritone, Denmark), Randi Gislason (Soprano, Denmark), Magnus Gislason (Tenor, Iceland), and Cecilia Lindwall (Soprano, Sweden). Accompanied by Knud Rasmussen (Piano, Denmark), they will perform favorites from beloved operas, operettas and musicals as well as music from Scandinavia.

Trained at the conservatories and academies of Denmark, Sweden and Iceland, The Nordic Singers have performed around the world as well as across the United States. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children and students, and can be purchased by calling ASI at 612-871-4907.