Jul 2021
Scandi Bijou
The Nordic Center returns to in-person events with a Norwegian rosemaling exhibit featuring visual works by Tara Austin. The work will be on display from Jul. 23 to Aug. 29. 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…
Find out more »Scandi Bijou: Norwegian Rosemaling
The opening of an exhibit featuring visual works by Tara Austin. Austin is an artist with an MFA in Painting who specializes in the folk art of rosemaling. 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. "Scandi Bijou" is the first official doors-open event for the Nordic Center since the beginning of the pandemic.
Find out more »Aug 2021
Northern Lights: Finnish Video Art
The international art collective Videokaffe is crisscrossing the country screening a series of Finnish video art called Northern Lights. Some films in the series and performances tell a story with a clear message, while others are more surreal with an intuitive approach. Videokaffe is a collaborative network of 10 artists in the U.S.A. and Finland.
Find out more »Sep 2021
Princesstårta: A Swedish Princess Cake
The opening event for Carolyn S. Olson's Swedish princess cake exhibit is an in-person event with an online option via the Nordic Center website. The exhibit will remain on display until Oct. 17. Olson, an artist living and working in northern Minnesota, has created more than 60 illustrations detailing the various steps in creating a Princesstårta, the Swedish princess cake. The entire collection will be on display, as will a traditional princess cake made by the artist. Due to current…
Find out more »Oct 2021
Pony
Pony is the Minneapolis-based folk music duo of Clifton Nesseth and Paul Sauey. They play Scandinavian-inspired music described as “early Pink Floyd mixed with The Lord of the Rings soundtrack.” A suggested donation of $10 at the door is encouraged. The Nordic Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing Nordic Culture with the greater community through social, educational and arts programs.
Find out more »Eric Dregni
Author Eric Dregni comes to the Nordic Center to talk about his latest book, For the Love of Cod, in which the author recounts a father-son trip to Norway that becomes an idiosyncratic investigation into the fact and fiction of Norwegian bliss. Proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test (within three days) will be required at the door. Masks are required for all attendees.
Find out more »Feb 2022
Sami: Walking With Reindeer
The Walking with Reindeer exhibit will feature photographs by Erika Larsen, a storyteller and lecturer who lived in the Scandinavian arctic alongside Sami families in 2007-11. Her work has been displayed at the Smithsonian Portrait Gallery and The National Geographic Society. The exhibit also will include Sami artifacts from the collection of the Sami Cultural Center of North America. Various events are being planned in conjunction with this exhibit.
Find out more »One event on Mar 9, 2022 at 4:00 pm
One event on Apr 6, 2022 at 4:00 pm
One event on May 11, 2022 at 4:00 pm
Rosemaling Classes
One event on Mar 9, 2022 at 4:00 pm
One event on Apr 6, 2022 at 4:00 pm
One event on May 11, 2022 at 4:00 pm
The Nordic Center is hosting a series of rosemaling courses taught by local artist Tara Austin. Pre-registration is required through the Nordic Center website. All supplies necessary for the class will be included with the registration fee ($75 for each class). Sign up for one class or several.
Find out more »Family crafts inspired by ‘Frozen II’
Families are invited to take part in an afternoon of arts and crafts that will focus on the Sami designs that inspired the animators of the film Frozen II. Preregistration is required, and a $5 per child donation is appreciated. Call 218-831-7983 to register.
Find out more »Band Weaving Virtual Demonstration
Laurel Sanders demonstrate band weaving during an online workshop via Zoom. Contact the Nordic Center by e-mail or phone to request the Zoom link. This event is a part of a month-long celebration of the Sami culture. The Nordic Center's current exhibit, "Walking with Reindeer," can be experienced through March 6. Donations are appreciated.
Find out more »Mar 2022
Photography Presentation with Erika Larsen
Photographer and storyteller Erika Larsen leads a presentation about her time living with the reindeer herding communities of far-north Scandinavia. A Q&A will follow. Larsen’s “Walking with Reindeer” exhibit can be seen at the Nordic Center of Duluth through March 6. Email [email protected] or call 218-831-7983 to request the Zoom link.
Find out more »Steve’s Overpopulated One-man Band
Steve Solkela’s “overpopulated” one-man band brings some Finn-esse and positive vibes to the Nordic Center. Stop in for an afternoon of accordion tunes and bright spirits that will help ring in St Urho’s Day a few days early. A $10 donation is encouraged at the door. Proof of vaccination or negative test required. Masks are also required.
Find out more »The Horse of Course: Opening Night
See contributed artworks by local and regional artists that rallied around the same common theme: the horse. Featured artist Linley Erickson will display several Swedish dala horses and other dala animals. Many of the works will be available for purchase. Donations welcome. The exhibit will be available for viewing on Fridays from 12-4 p.m. or on Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 p.m. through April 10th.
Find out more »SunFunday: Make Your Own Dala Horse
Attendees can make a clay dala horse during this unique, family-friendly gathering. Pre-registration is required. A $5 donation per person to help with supply costs is encouraged.
Find out more »Pony
Pony is the Minneapolis-based folk music duo of Clifton Nesseth and Paul Sauey. They play Scandinavian-inspired music described as “early Pink Floyd mixed with The Lord of the Rings soundtrack.” A suggested donation of $10 at the door is encouraged. The Nordic Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing Nordic Culture with the greater community through social, educational and arts programs.
Find out more »Apr 2022
Icelandic Horses Presentation
An afternoon presentation by Dr. Kydee Sheetz of Aslan’s Country Icelandic Horse Farm. The talk will focus on the history and culture of this iconic horse.
Find out more »Swedish Folkdräkt Fantasy
The Nordic Center presents "Swedish Folkdräkt Fantasy,” an exhibit of traditional embroidery with a contemporary approach that features the work of Minneapolis textile artist Natalie Norman. For more information regarding registration, changes, and the Nordic Center’s public health protocol, visit the Nordic Center website or call 218-831-7983.
Find out more »Kjolväska: Swedish Skirt Bag Workshop
In this workshop, artist Natalie Norman guides participants in creating their own multi-purpose kjolväska (skirt purse). Five embroidery stitches and additional decorative filler stitches will be taught.
Find out more »SunFunday: Kjolväskor – Swedish Folk Art Bags
Learn about folk art embroidered designs and see all the kjolväskor created by Natalie Norman in her Nordic Center exhibition. Children create their own felt kjolväskor designs with Alison Aune and UMD students.
Find out more »Jun 2022
Making the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial
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. The exhibit opening begins at 4 p.m. at the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial on the corner of East First Street…
Find out more »Sep 2022
Lynx Lynx
Vidar Skrede and Patrik Ahlberg join their Scandinavian fiddle forces together in the Norwegian-Swedish folk music duo Lynx Lynx. The variety of strings includes fiddles, Hardanger fiddles, guitars and even a mandolin. The mix of tunes is put together by both their original and traditional Nordic fiddle tunes. Tickets are $20 at the event or in advance at nordiccenterduluth.org.
Find out more »Stories in Tapestries: The Landscape and Community of Valley Grove Church
The Nordic Center of Duluth hosts this exhibit by Robbie LaFleur, award-winning textile artist working in the Norwegian Billedvev, or woven pictures style. LaFleur uses brilliant colors and keen observation to capture a rural church, its people, environment and central role in the Scandinavian-American immigrant life. Throughout the month of the exhibit, the Nordic Center will host numerous events that will introduce visitors more deeply into the art of using narrative textiles in sacred spaces. The events begin with a…
Find out more »Oct 2022
Robbie LaFleur’s Stories in Tapestry Gallery Talk
Robbie LaFleur shares insights into the design process behind tapestry woven textiles. LaFleur focuses on stories behind the many motifs in the tapestries depicting church, landscape, pastor and congregation, birds, animals, flowers that populate the Valley Grove countryside. She relates her experience of designing and weaving four tapestries on commission for the Valley Grove Preservation Society.
Find out more »SunFunDay: Robbie LaFleur’s Stories in Tapestry
Stories in Tapestry is aimed towards children to express their own stories using the colors and textures of fibers. Pre-registration is required. Organizers suggest a $5 donation per person to help with supply costs.
Find out more »Robbie LaFleur’s Stories in Tapestry Special Guest Talk
Margit Carson Johnson will talk about her work as a board member of the Valley Grove Preservation Society, and her close work with Robbie LaFleur developing support for commissioning tapestries. The society and surrounding community worked together to preserve a church and landscape, through grant writing, upkeep, restoration and re-use of the church buildings. Carson Johnson will relate her experience and answer questions.
Find out more »Robbie LaFleur’s Stories in Tapestry: Duluth Fiber Guild
A number of tapestry weavers from the Duluth Fiber Guild weave in the gallery along side Robbie LaFleur’s tapestries. "Weaving tapestry is very much like slow-motion painting. Watch how each color section is placed within the grid of warp and weft to finally emerge into a composition that is high personal and expressive."
Find out more »Nov 2022
Confluences: Writing, Composing, and Making Art from Art
Poet Sheila Packa and artists Sara Pajunen (musician, composer, artist), Wendy Durrwachter (musician & composer), Kathy McTavish (digital artist and composer) and Leslie Hughes (textile artist) give a reading and artist talk called "Confluences: Writing, Composing, and Making Art from Art." "Sometimes an encounter with certain artworks, music, or images of others can open a door and trigger a procession of images, associations, and reveries. The installation is a collection of work that reflects such encounters." The audience is invited…
Find out more »Surface Displacements: A Book Celebration, Art Installation, Artist’s Talk, and Reception
This book celebration features an installation of digital art (poetry videos) by Sheila Packa, Kathy McTavish, and Sarah Pajunen. Wendy Durrwachter has a video of her musical composition for a poem. Leslie Hughes, textile artist, will display quilts that she made for poems. "Sometimes an encounter with certain artworks, music, or images of others can open a door and trigger a procession of images, associations, and reveries. This installation is a collection of work that reflects such encounters." Organizers invite…
Find out more »An event every month that begins at 2:00 pm on day Third of the month, happening 6 times
Nordic Music Workshop Series
An event every month that begins at 2:00 pm on day Third of the month, happening 6 times
The Nordic Center is hosting a series of music workshops from November through April on the third Sunday of each month. Learn folk tunes from Nordic Europe, along with their history and cultural traditions. The workshops are geared toward melody players, but are open to all musicians and listeners with a curiosity about Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Denmark and Sápmi. All classes are taught by Sara Pajunen. The cost to register is $10 per session or $50 for all six…
Find out more »Dec 2022
Gingerbread Walk
Dec. 12 is National Gingerbread House Day. Celebrate by taking a gingerbread creation tour at area businesses. Hosted by the Nordic Center. DSGW / Gardner Builders 2 W. First St. The Tight Squeek Press 128 W. First St. Kristen Aune Textiles 12 N. 21st Ave. W. Ragstock 9 W. Superior St. Nordic Center 23 N. Lake Ave. Duluth's Best Bread 120 E. Superior St.
Find out more »Jan 2023
Lines and Lineage: Works by Amy Sands
Inspired by Nordic textile patterns, Lines and Lineage: Works by Amy Sands at the Nordic Center presents new reimagined artworks utilizing textile patterns from the collections of the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis and the Osterøy Museum in Loneväg, Norway. Several of the works are inspired by an old sample book of Swedish bobbin lace from the ASI collection entitled “Knyppel Profver” or “Lace Tests.” This book belonged to Carolyn Hjelmerus, who immigrated to Minnesota in 1889. An opening reception…
Find out more »Mar 2023
Leading with Our Hearts: Ojibwe, Sami and Nordic Designs from Nature (Postponed)
This exhibition opening has been postponed to March 24.
Find out more »Leading with Our Hearts: Ojibwe, Sami and Nordic Designs from Nature
This exhibition will feature traditional and contemporary floral and geometric designs from Ojibwe, Sami, and Nordic textile traditions. Ojibwe floral beadwork and regalia from Fond du Lac Reservation members and Swedish-Norwegian inspired paintings of folk dress motifs, embroideries, and tapestries will be presented in an installation to promote the healing power of nature and to celebrate cultural traditions of the North. Artists include Fond du Lac enrolled members Dr. Lisa Savage, Herb Fineday Jr., Chi-Ma’iingan, Sara Agaton Howes and curator…
Find out more »Apr 2023
One event on Apr 18, 2023 at 6:00 pm
One event on Apr 19, 2023 at 1:30 pm
One event on Apr 22, 2023 at 1:00 pm
One event on Apr 23, 2023 at 1:00 pm
Leading with Our Hearts: Ojibwe, Sami and Nordic Designs from Nature
One event on Apr 18, 2023 at 6:00 pm
One event on Apr 19, 2023 at 1:30 pm
One event on Apr 22, 2023 at 1:00 pm
One event on Apr 23, 2023 at 1:00 pm
This exhibition will feature traditional and contemporary floral and geometric designs from Ojibwe, Sami, and Nordic textile traditions. Ojibwe floral beadwork and regalia from Fond du Lac Reservation members and Swedish-Norwegian inspired paintings of folk dress motifs, embroideries, and tapestries will be presented in an installation to promote the healing power of nature and to celebrate cultural traditions of the North. Artists include Fond du Lac enrolled members Dr. Lisa Savage, Herb Fineday Jr., Chi-Ma’iingan, Sara Agaton Howes and curator…
Find out more »Jun 2023
Traditional Craft in Dalarna, Sweden: The Nordic Center Welcomes Säterglänten Folk Artisans
Sätergläntan Institute for Handcraft in Dalarna, Sweden, has trained generations of folk artisans, preserving and carrying forward age-old Scandinavian handcraft traditions in woodworking, weaving, sewing and metalwork. The Nordic Center is honored and excited to host this delegation from Sätergläntan where they will introduce their crafts and talk about the popular short summer courses open to international students. Although this event is free, suggested donation are $5 for individual and $10 for families. Schedule 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Social…
Find out more »Jul 2023
Inspiraatioita: Finnish Art and Design in Minnesota Opening Reception
This opening reception celebrates the work of eight Minnesota artists who draw inspiration from traditional and contemporary Finnish art and design. These artists will share art that explores diverse themes through textiles, drawing, painting, ceramics, photography and mixed media. Participating artists are Justin Anderson, Alison Aune, Kirsten Aune, Mary Erickson, Tia Keobounpheng, Lenore Lampi, Natalie Salminen and Marlene Wisuri. Curated by Alison Aune and Kirsten Aune. The show runs from July 26-30.
Find out more »Sep 2023
Duluth Fiber Guild 50th Anniversary Artists Reception
As part of the 50th Anniversary celebration, the Duluth Fiber Guild is hosting an artists’ reception for a members art exhibit at the Nordic Center. The exhibit reflects a Nordic theme through weaving, spinning, knitting, felting and other fiber related techniques and will be on display from Sept 2-30 during Nordic Center hours. Funding for the exhibit is provided by the LK Johnson Foundation, Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, MN State Legacy funds and private donors.
Find out more »Oct 2023
Grand Opening: Seven Summers: Paintings from Bøverdalen by Arna Rennan
Arna Rennan returned to the source of inspiration as a plein air painter in Bøverdalen, Norway, a valley in Northern Gudbrandsdalen. This exhibit represents the places and stories that made a lasting impression on her as a painter and as a person. It illustrates why half of the population from this valley immigrated to the Midwest, the gulf between the wealthy and the poor farmers and how nature inspired Folklore. For more information, go to the website: www.arnarennan.com. The exhibit…
Find out more »Nov 2023
Pepperkakebyen: Gingerbread City Duluth 2023
Duluth's 12th annual Norwegian Gingerbread Village is a collaborative effort of the Nordic Center and Nortun Lodge 1-016 Sons of Norway. People of all ages are welcome to view this presentation of gingerbread house masterpieces through the Nordic Center's window through Dec. 16. The opening event, from 6 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 17, is during the Christmas City of the North Parade. After the opening the Gingerbread City can be viewed during regular gallery hours, noon to 4 p.m.…
Find out more »An event every month that begins at 2:00 pm on day Third of the month, repeating until Apr 21, 2024
Music Workshops with Paul Dahlin
An event every month that begins at 2:00 pm on day Third of the month, repeating until Apr 21, 2024
The Nordic Center is hosting a series of fiddle workshops from November through April on the third Sunday of each month. Instructor, Paul Dahlin will introduce the group to the folk music of Sweden — vals, schottis, polska and gånglåtar will all be explored. The major focus will be on rhythm and motion. It will be necessary for all to come with eyes and ears open to new sounds and motions. Although this is primarily focused on fiddle music, other…
Find out more »Jan 2024
Underway! Exhibit Opening
Artists and artisans will highlight forms of small watercraft – sail boats, rowboats, kayaks, and canoes and depict the building and construction of vessels. They will depict and celebrate the sailing, rowing, paddling, portaging, elements of navigation and the general use of traditional and personal watercraft for fishing, ricing, transportation, and joy of the waterways. Artists featured in this exhibit are Justin Anderson, John Finkle, Carl Gawboy, Jon Hinkel, Jeffery Kalstrom, Matt Kania, Tom Rauschenfels, Wendy Savage, Todd White and…
Find out more »Underway! Gallery Talk
Gallery talk, demonstrations and sailing songs by the artists and artisans featured in the Underway! exhibit which highlight forms of small watercraft – sail boats, rowboats, kayaks and canoes and depicts the building and construction of vessels.
Find out more »Feb 2024
SunFunday: Printed Boats of Norway
Children's boat printing class with Alison Aune and UMD students.
Find out more »Mar 2024
Opening Reception: Hand of the Huldra
Jewelry artist and goldsmith Liz Bucheit will exhibit her collection of Norwegian inspired filigree jewelry, Hands of the Huldra, at the Nordic Center from March 1 to Apr. 27, 2024. Hands of the Huldra will feature jewelry and adornment inspired by the Scandinavian myth of the forest huldra, a beautiful woman with a cow tail who would charm humans into living life forever inside a magic mountain. An artist’s reception will be held March 1 with an artist talk scheduled…
Find out more »An event every month that begins at 2:00 pm on day Third of the month, repeating until Apr 21, 2024
Music Workshops with Paul Dahlin
An event every month that begins at 2:00 pm on day Third of the month, repeating until Apr 21, 2024
The Nordic Center is hosting a series of fiddle workshops from November through April on the third Sunday of each month. Instructor, Paul Dahlin will introduce the group to the folk music of Sweden — vals, schottis, polska and gånglåtar will all be explored. The major focus will be on rhythm and motion. It will be necessary for all to come with eyes and ears open to new sounds and motions. Although this is primarily focused on fiddle music, other…
Find out more »Ponyfolk
The Nordic Center of Duluth presents a special evening of old folk tunes and contemporary original songs, as Ponyfolk perform their unique blend of Scandinavian-inspired modalities coexisting with flavors of Americana, jazz and rock.
Find out more »