Vol. 38, No. 3 Autumn 2019

Godafoss #6, 2004, oil on canvas, 60”x96” Art in the Arctic

This fall, ASHM presents Nordic Changes, At the same time, Burko introduces us to an exhibit of paintings and photographs by the stunning beauty of Arctic landscapes. internationally-renowned eco-artist, Diane Her depictions of natural features in Iceland Burko. Burko has traveled to every reflect upon a country still being marked by continent to portray monumental geological forces—over 500 volcanoes form landscapes and geological phenomena. new land masses while 300 glaciers sculpt From ship to satellite; Cessna seaplane to stunning features. Burko’s massive helicopter, the sources for Burko’s art are as paintings such as Godafoss #6 transport varied as her travels. viewers to the contours and colors of a land still being born. Nordic Changes highlights work produced following Burko’s expeditions to the Nordic Burko also expands upon traditional Arctic in Greenland, Iceland, and Svalbard (a landscape paintings to include new small Norwegian archipelago near the North techniques and technologies. Her art Pole) over the past twenty years. Since draws from scientific imagery such as NASA her first visit to Iceland in 2002, Burko has satellite photographs to capture the scope focused on environmental issues, blending of the threat to the Arctic, featured in science with beauty to create art that is a monumental paintings such as Arctic vessel for eco-activism. These pieces reveal Melting, July 2016 (after NASA). Burko also how the Arctic is being transformed due to blends statistics and skill in paintings such Raudjfiord Snow 2 (Diptych), 2014, archival climate change, reminding viewers of what as UNESCO National Heritage II, which pigment print, 30”x30” is at stake in our debates about the issue. chronicles the retreat of glaciers in Greenland over the past century.

Connecting Cultures and Community continued on page 2 From the Art in the Arctic continued from front cover Photography allows Burko to bear direct, Through Diane Burko’s show, we glimpse Note from personal witness to these regions. In 2013, an exotic landscape undergoing immense the Director Burko sailed around Svalbard and spent change. This exhibit coincides with the 75th time in Ny-Alesund with scientists from the birthday of the Republic of Iceland, What is old is new again. Knowing about Norwegian Polar Institute as she visited reminding us how art has driven great history means that you can spot “new” the largest ice fields in the world. Four large political and social change in this region things as actually something that is photographs in the exhibition draw on these in the past. This exhibition proves that re-occurring. Take the current trend expeditions to Svalbard; the striking environmental artists continue to uphold called “upcycling.” Upcycling is defined as “reusing discarded objects scenery in Raudfjord Snow could be lunar this tradition today. or material in such a way as to create a but for the pale turquoise shards of ice product of higher quality or value than dotting the snow. Nordic Changes: Works by Diane Burko is the original.” People are making fun and curated by Dr. Kirsten Jensen. It is supported beautiful products from food packaging, Burko’s art represents Arctic landscapes by grants from the ASHM Auxiliary, Barbro recycled plastics, license plates, skate boards. The list could go on and on… in ways steeped in artistic traditions and Osher Pro Suecia Foundation, George C. At a recent community fair, I bought themes of change. While Burko’s early and Esther Ann McFarland Foundation, jewelry made from silver clay that came landscape paintings reference traditional Midsommarklubben, and an anonymous from recycled x-rays! You will have the American artists such as Frederic Church foundation. Support provided in part by the opportunity to see the range of things or Albert Bierstadt, her art is also tied Philadelphia Cultural Fund. Funding for the that are called “upcycled” at our to Iceland’s pioneering artists of the American Swedish Historical Museum is Upcycled Craft Fair on Sunday, October 13th. early 1900s. Paintings by Þórarinn supported by a grant from the Pennsylvania Þorláksson (1867–1924) and Ásgrímur Historical and Museum Commission, a state When my mother was growing up on Jónsson (1876–1958) showed immense agency funded by the Commonwealth of a farm in Minnesota they had no trash landscapes in a romantic, naturalistic style Pennsylvania. collection. This caught me by surprise, still recognizable today. For this small so I quizzed her on what they did with their trash. The answer was reuse, burn, nation, these early paintings were tied to or bury, but definitely the preferred cultural independence and national identity. option was to re-use. Coffee containers Icelandic landscapes were bound to the became cookie jars which are now push for sovereignty from Denmark, family heirlooms. (Really? Trash as portraying the nation’s rugged, sublime family heirloom?) Fabric scraps and beauty through its own eyes for the worn out clothes became quilts, or children’s clothes, or doll clothes! This is first time. what people did for millennia until just a few decades ago!

Whether upcycling feels trendy or traditional to you, it is a small thing we can do to reduce waste. Of course much larger changes are needed in order to truly be good stewards of the Earth. Our fall exhibition features the art of Diane Burko. As she captured the landscapes of the Arctic, she realized how fragile they were and how much they were being impacted by climate change. She made it her mission to bring awareness of the problem through her art. We hope that the exhibition Nordic Changes and the programs we have planned inspire you to do something good for the planet as well.

Tracey Beck Ásgrímur Jónsson, Mt. Tindafjoll, 1904, oil on canvas. Courtesy of the Reykjavík Art Museum.

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UNESCO National Heritage II, 2015, oil and flashe paint on Arctic Melting, July 2016 (after NASA), 2016, oil and mixed media on canvas, 42”x72” canvas, 60”x84”

Congratulations to Elsa Orescan: 2019 Amandus Johnson Volunteer Award Recipient

Don’t be surprised if you visit the museum events in Delaware, serving on the on a Thursday, you are welcomed by this accreditation committee with Margaretha year’s Amandus Johnson Service Award Talerman, organizing the handmade goods recipient, Elsa Orescan. You would never sale at the Julmarknad, and of course guess that Elsa is 89 years old either! She planning events for the Royal Visit in 1994! says, “I am blessed to be able to do the things I do at my age—it’s my good Swedish In recent years, Elsa has been a great genes.” connector between the museum and the other Swedish organizations she is involved Elsa and her husband lived in this area at in such as the Augustana Heritage Society several points in their lives from the 1960s and the Delaware Swedish Colonial Society. onward, and became involved at the We are thrilled that she continues to be a museum in the 1980s. Since that time, Elsa regular front desk volunteer on Thursdays has been an active and involved member whenever she is not driving across the of the Swedish Museum Singers, country to visit with friends. Genealogy Club, and many event committees to plan galas and dinners. Please join us at this year’s annual meeting One of her favorite memories is of working on September 15th at 3pm when we will in the kitchen with her son Jud when he present Elsa with the Amandus Johnson was around 20 years old, cutting up and Volunteer Service Award. preparing the herring for the Sillbord dinner. Other interesting projects included helping with ASHM’s gift shop table at

Connecting Cultures and Community 3 To Register For Events call 215-389-1776, or visit online at Upcoming Events and Registration Info www.americanswedish.org/calendar.htm

There is always something going on at the Class subscription for Beginners and Intermediate celebrates the 320th anniversary of Holy Trinity American Swedish Historical Museum. See Part I is $180 for members, $245 for non- (Old Swedes) Church in Wilmington and the ways in below for scheduled events. Please check with members. Conversation subscription is $150 which this church has kept Swedish heritage alive the Museum to confirm dates and other details. for members, $215 non-members (cost of in Delaware. Speakers include experts in church’s Refunds will not be granted for cancellations after text books not included). furniture and furnishings, early church graffiti, and the registration deadline. To register for events its Swedish pastors. Following the conference, by phone call (215) 389-1776. Online registration Nordic Changes: Works by Diane Burko attendees have the option to meet at Holy Trinity is available through links in the museum’s email Exhibit Opening for a behind-the-scenes tour of one of America’s announcements or on the Events Calendar page of Sunday, September 29 oldest churches. Registration includes breakfast our website,www.americanswedish.org/events. 1:30pm-5pm and lunch, $60 per person ($35 for students and Join ASHM for the opening of Nordic Changes: teachers). Early bird $50 registration by October MONTHLY PROGRAMS: Works by Diane Burko. Diane and guest curator, 11th. Registration deadline is Friday, October 25th. Toddler Time Dr. Kirsten Jensen, will lead a walk-through of the 10:30 am - 11:30 am gallery between 3:30 and 4:00. At 2:00, Diane will Lucia Rehearsals The third Tuesday of each month join a panel of local experts to discuss the impacts Sunday November 10th and ASHM offers specially designed of climate change in the Philadelphia area. Saturday 23rd November programs to introduce Swedish This event is free with museum admission and 2pm-4pm culture through art, science, and refreshments will be served. Museum members are invited to literature in fun and creative ways to children ages have their children participate in 18 months to 4 years old. The cost is $5 per child Upcycled Craft Fair our annual Lucia performance on December 6th or free for museum Household Members. There is Sunday, October 13th and 7th . They are sure to have fun dressing up as no charge for accompanying caregivers. Register Noon-5pm tomtar, pepparkakor, folk dancers, star boys, and by phone or online. Learn about creative reuse at this special museum Lucia and her attendants while singing traditional craft fair! Local artists and craft vendors will show Swedish Christmas songs. Attendance at both Tuesday August 20: Crayfish Party! how they have taken “reduce, reuse, and recycle” rehearsals is required. Please call or visit our Tuesday September 17: The Dala Horse to the next level. Take the opportunity to do some website for more information. Tuesday October 15: Landscapes of the early holiday shopping while doing something North good for the planet. You might even find inspiration A Date with Paint for your own creativity. $5 craft fair admission, free Friday, November 22nd Tuesday December 17: Warm Holiday for children under 12. Includes museum access 7pm-9pm Traditions Draw inspiration from our Nordic Changes exhibit

The Auxiliary Presents: and paint your own northern landscape! Make Crayfish Party A Cross Stitch Workshop time to spend time with someone you love before Friday, August 16 Saturday, October 19th the busy holiday rush at this exclusive museum 6:30pm 10am-1pm date night experience. Our instructor will walk you Get a taste of Swedish summer at Join the Auxiliary for a fun day of needle work. This through painting your very own Nordic scene as you our annual Crayfish Party! Enjoy cross stitch workshop is designed for beginners enjoy a sample flight of Scandinavian chocolate! a buffet of crayfish or Swedish and includes all supplies. Basic skills will be This event is BYOB and the price includes all class meatballs, along with crisp bread, cheese, potatoes, covered and instructors will help you create a supplies. Pre-registration required, deadline cheese pie, and glass of aquavit all outside under beautiful cross stitch project based on Swedish November 19th. $35 members, $40 non-members. our beautiful lighted and decorated tent. $50 for patterns. Refreshments provided. Pre-registration ASHM and SACC Philadelphia members, $60 for required, $20 for museum members, $25 for Julbord non-members. Register by phone or online by non-members Friday, December 6th August 12th. 6pm Fall Concert- Jenny Lind’s America Join us for a very special Annual Meeting Thursday, October 24th Swedish holiday tradition. Sunday, September 15 Reception 5:30pm, Concert 6:30-8:00pm Cocktails and an authentic 3pm Soprano and Harpist Zoe Vandermeer and New Christmas smorgasbord dinner are followed by the ASHM members are welcome to join us for our York pianist/conductor Richard Nechamkin Lucia procession. The Christmas Market is open all annual meeting, where the Amandus Johnson present their delightful program ‘Jenny Lind’s evening. Members $55, non-members $65, children Volunteer Service Award will be presented to Elsa America’, a potpourri of songs and arias sung by $25. Cash bar. Register by phone or online by Orescan. Marja Kaisla will be speaking on a new Miss Lind on her American Tour 1850-1852. Enjoy November 26th. exhibit focusing on Finnish children relocated music composed for Miss Lind, Welsh triple harp during World War II. and piano solos featuring music dedicated to Lucia & Christmas Market Jenny Lind, a rousing 1850 vocal version of the Saturday, December 7th Swedish Language Class ‘Jenny Lind Polka’, and the Swedish Nightingale’s 11:30am-4:30pm Conversation: Mondays favorite opera arias. Members $25, non-members Drop in for our family-friendly September 16-November 18 $30. Pre-registration is encouraged. Lucia Fest, with Lucia processions (5:00-6:30) at 1pm and 3:15pm. The Beginner Part I: Mondays New Sweden History Conference: Celebrating Christmas Market includes your favorite holiday September 16-November 18 Holy Trinity’s 320th Anniversary deli items, Christmas decorations, and gifts, and (6:45-8:45pm) Saturday, November 2nd the SWEA bakery tables will be open all day. The Intermediate Part I: Mondays September 8:30am-3pm Swedish Christmas Café will be selling holiday 16-November 18 (6:45pm-8:45pm) Location: Lazzaretto Ballroom, foods and sweets for your refreshment. Admission Brush up on your Swedish with our language 99 Wanamaker Ave, Essington, PA 19029 is $12 for non-members, $8 for members, children classes! Join instructors through a ten week The New Sweden History Conference is a day- 4-12 $5, and children under 4 are free. Reservations course on the intricacies of the Swedish language. long exploration of the life and legacy of the New are not required, but tickets may be purchased in Sweden Colony (1638-1655). This year’s topic advance on our website. 4 Autumn 2019 | Vol. 38, No. 3

tH.E. Karin Olofsdotter, Ambassador Images from of Sweden to the US, speaking at Recent Events Spring Ting.. Photographs by ASHM Staff qOutstanding Achievement Honoree, textile artist Helena Hernmarck accepting her award with Chairman of the Board Erik Muther at Spring Ting

p Participants singing along to the Norwegian national anthem on May 17th, Syttende Mai.

tThe museum hosted an orienteering day where participants got to try out the sport in FDR Park

uOur Executive Director Tracey Beck speaking to the press on Sweden’s National Day

t During May’s Toddler Time kids got to learn more about turtles.

qAt this year’s Midsommar celebration we had award-winning Swedish folk music band JAERV perform.

pThe Swedish Meatballs along with new Midsommarklubben president Karin Kornaga in front of the maypole at Midsommar.

tParticipants engaging in ring dances at the museums Midsommar celebration.

p At June’s Toddler Time, children practiced dancing around the Maypole in the Grand Hall in preparation for Midsommar.

Connecting Cultures and Community 5 Candidates for the Board of Governors

The ASHM Nominating Committee presents Pew Charitable Trusts. She has a BA in years, Sylvia, was an elementary school the following candidates for three-year terms Spanish and English from Valparaiso teacher. They enjoy traveling and volunteering on the Board of Governors beginning in University and an MPA from the University of for several organizations. Earl serves on the September of 2019. Pennsylvania’s Fels School of Government. In board of directors, or as an officer, of several her personal time, Roberta enjoys social of them. For 1-1/2 years, he served as Acting TO SERVE a 1st TERM: dancing, following the Philadelphia political Executive Director of the Kalmar Nyckel and cultural scenes, and exploring different Foundation – owner and operator of the ABBY SHAW has worked in the field of city neighborhoods via bicycle. It was during a Tall Ship of Delaware. He serves as archival storage materials for museums for sightseeing ride that she discovered the ASHM. Commissioner on the Delaware 20 plus years. She is presently employed by Struck by the museum’s beauty and Commission of Veterans Affairs. Hollinger Metal Edge as an eastern historical significance, she married her fiancé representative for marketing, sales and new on the Grand Hall staircase several months JOINING the Board as product development. She worked as part of later. Roberta has served a three-year term on Midsommarklubben’s the administrative staff of the Conservation the ASHM Board of Governors and is Chair of Elected President: Center for Art and Historic Artifacts for 8 the Membership Committee. years, including serving as its executive KARIN KORNAGA was born and raised in director for 4 years. Abby has served on EARL SEPPALA has Bachelors and Masters of Bollnäs, Sweden. She came to Montclair, NJ the ASHM Museum Committee for several Science degrees in Mechanical engineering from after graduating from gymnasiet, arriving by years and currently serves as chairman of the Michigan Technological University. He is also a the ship Gripsholm in 1962. After a year as an committee. She assisted with the planning graduate of the U. S. Army Command and au pair she found secretarial work in New York for the ASHM exhibition, Go Swedish: General Staff College. He pursued concurrent City. She moved to San Francisco and after a Smörgåsbord and Beyond and other civilian and military careers. As an Engineer, few years got married to an American and had exhibitions during her tenure. Abby Shaw has he was employed by the E.I. DuPont Co. for 30 2 children. Her family moved to Philadelphia an MA in the History of Art from the University years followed by four years with Dade Behring, in 1971. Since retiring from the IRS, she has of Michigan and is a member of FACTS (Fine Inc. and then retired in 2000. Earl was awarded enjoyed getting more involved at ASHM where Art Care and Treatment Standards). four United States and three foreign patents. she has been a member for over 30 years. In As a commissioned officer of the United States addition to being the elected President TO SERVE a 2nd TERM: Army, he served 2 ½ years on active duty of Midsommarklubben, she is an active followed by 30 years of service in the Education and front desk volunteer, former ROBERTA S. PETUSKY has been a Delaware Army National Guard. Upon member of the Swedish Museum Singers, and Philadelphia resident for more than 20 years retirement in 1993, he was promoted to member of the Auxiliary. Karin received the and works in the Board Services unit of the the rank of Brigadier General. His wife of 56 museum’s Amandus Johnson Award in 2017.

Introducing ASHM’s New Marketing Assistant, Jennie Skynäs

Hello, I am the new Marketing Assistant here University of Sussex in England, which led me at the museum. I grew up in the small village to get my BA in English from University of of Stallarholmen, right on Lake Malaren, Gothenburg and move down to Spain to work as where I would spend my time enjoying all the an English teacher. Now, I once again find myself fine things that the Swedish countryside has in a new city in a foreign country and I could not to offer. Growing up, my dad would take me be more excited to see what this year at ASHM on road trips across USA which planted has in store for me! a seed in my mind that I would seize the opportunity to live in other countries and experience other things than my everyday life back home in Sweden.

As soon as I graduated from Swedish high school I packed by bags and my life since has been heavily influenced by my love for the English language. From moving to Jersey, Channel Islands in the UK to work as an au pair, to studying English Literature at

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Contributions To the Collection Gifts In Memory of Ragnhild Bergqvist Silver Kristina & John Antoniades William Eaton The ASHM has recently received several Fernando & Luciana Aspesi Dr. & Mrs. Paul Engstrom generous fine-arts donations to its Görel Bengtzon & Roman Hrycushko Kathi Keefe Bo Bergqvist Catherine & Fredrik Khayati collection. The Delaware Swedish Colonial Mr. & Mrs. Peter Biberman Kristina & John O’Doherty, Society has donated a painting of the Fort Richard & Marlene Bluestein in memory of Dorothy Springer Kleppe Christina Monument in Wilmington, Delaware A. Raymond Bossert Abby Shaw Elisabeth & Wayne Brown by artist Michael Brock. Dr. Signe Rooth, a Robert & Ingrid Cagan Bronze supporter of the museum since 1953, donated Lorraine Conley Jens & Allison Clausen two paintings by well-known Swedes. One is Ken & Kerstin Cook Rose Marie G. Oster Thomas & Jane Edel Kristina & John Antoniades, a watercolor by singer, Axel Evert Taube. This John & Carin Foster in memory of Peter Newman lovely image shows a ship in Australia’s Peggy Franck Christer & Patricia Baeckstrom Adelaide Bay painted in a free moment Roy & Linda Friedlander Marianne Baeckstrom Mary Gifford John Basinski, in memory of Peter Newman during the singer’s tour and is dated 1928. Ulla M. Heinicke Sandra E. Brown Signe’s second painting is by Axel Törneman Susan Marie Heist Keith & Hilma Cooper and depicts a scene in Paris in an Kerstin Hoeldtke Samuel & Janet Heed Elisabeth Hohman Wendy & William Holden, expressionistic style. A young, wealthy Jayne & Peter Hunt in memory of Florence Anderson Chatas girl with her parents scoffs at a crowd of Margaretha Joelsson Thomas F. & Mary Ann Hudson homeless people. In Signe’s words: “This Jane Johnston Doris Lehman Joseph & Josephine Keating Mary Anne Carlson Morgan little girl—she is not very nice!” Jodie Klein Jere & Birgitta Paddack Karin Kornaga Eleanor D. Redfield New Members Suzanne & David Mattern Barbara & Kenneth Rideout, in memory of Peter Newman May 1-July 15, 2019 Robert Meredith Midsommarklubben Christian Roden Friend Kristina & John O’Doherty Will Springer, in memory of Dorothy Springer Kleppe Christine Söderman & Noel Figueroa Maud Palmer Rev. Dr. Kim-Eric Williams & Ms. Ruth Nelson Rizzi Robert & Alice Powell Friends Household Helena Englund-Sarkees Len & Flo Beck Allison & Robert Britt-Stewart Kirk & Shelly Seagers Alice Christensen Chris & Jennifer Bush Lori Shaer Morris & Birgitta Davis Linda Conzentino Katarina Sheronas The Gould Family Lindsey & Marcus DeSutter-Duval Barbara Sippel Sylvia Holteen Patrice Donnelly & Paul Boben Inger & Andy Stone Alice Hurwitz John & Patricia Evenwell Ann-Charlotte Storer Karin Kornaga Dr. Christer Fuglesang John & Nancy Swaney Marlin R. Mattson, M.D. Allie & Zach Hilovsky-Semenetz Margaretha Talerman Thomas Nilsson Kayleigh & Anthony Jones-Heiler Roger & Carol Thorne William Nilsson, Jr Claire & Michael LeMasters-Fox Kerstin & Bjorn Tyreus Donna Ellen Norling O’Connell Dan & Sarah Liddick-Hacking Gunilla & Herbert Westin Maud Palmer Jessica & Adam Meres-Pfendt Harold & Maud Witt Carolyn Peterson Dan & Allison Muller-Frank Carina Åhren & Robert Weir Molly & Dan Pak-Dinsmore John & Kerstin Radel Christine & Jason Rudloff-Pirrung Linda T. Raffa & James O’Riordan Heather & Michael Sisson Annual Giving and Margaret D. Rogers Courtney & Brendan Tomlinson-Grady Contributions Ellen T. Rye David O. Segermark Jessica & David Ullestad-Katz May 1-July 15, 2019 Rachel & Mohammad von Vital-Juboori Patricia Spampinato Serafimer Theresa Stuhlman Individual Anonymous Ralph A. Swanson Colleen Blaisdell Inger M. Zeller Jill Pearson Reider Vasa Dr. & Mrs. Mark Martz Senior/Student Mary McCoy Maryanne Olivieri Erik & Nicole Muther Hannah Pingry Jim & Sophia Waker Susan G Wilson Gold Roberta Petusky In Memoriam Bank of America Charitable Foundation ASHM lost some very special members in the last few Countess Clarissa Bonde months. We send our condolences to their friends Sophia Louise Bonde and family. Mrs. Marshall A. Mundheim Timothy Nurvala & Al Wulff Ragnhild Bergqvist Virginia Swedberg Florence Anderson Chatas James & Cynthea Traverso Dorothy Springer Kleppe Peter Newman

Connecting Cultures and Community 7 NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID 1900 Pattison Ave. Philadelphia, PA Philadelphia, PA 19145 215.389.1776 Permit No. 1350 www.americanswedish.org

americanswedish @americanswedish

Connecting Cultures and Community

Addition to the Language Class Team!

ASHM offers a variety of classes to engage your curiosity about Sweden. Swedish Beginners Part I is a basic introduction to language and culture. Swedish Intermediate Part I builds on skills and encourages discussions in Swedish. Conversation is the highest level in the program and is for advanced students to continue to hone their skills. No matter your level, there is a class for you! If you are unsure of where you might fit in, be sure to contact us directly and we can help assess which class is best for you.

New ASHM Marketing Assistant Jennie Classes are held on Mondays from Skynas is excited to take on a duel role this September 16-November 18. Class fall as she will be joining Carina Åhren as a subscription for Beginners and Swedish language class instructor. Jennie Intermediate Part I (6:45-8:45pm) is $180 is from Stallarholmen and has prior for members, $245 for non-members. experience as a langauge teacher. Jennie Conversation (5-6:30pm) subscription is will be leading Swedish Beginners Part I and $150 for members, $215 non-members will be happy to share her travel adventures (cost of textbooks not included). To register, while introducing new Swedish vocabulary. please email Lauren Burnham at [email protected].

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