For the past two years, curators at the American Swedish Institute (ASI) have been diligently at work cataloging and creating an inventory of the museum’s extensive collection of objects. Its material collections include Swedish glass and textiles, and artwork by Swedish-American artists. Now, for one night only, visitors can enjoy a firsthand look at these Nordic treasures.
On Thursday, August 11,“Turnblad Treasures in the Mansion: Exploring ASI’s Material Collections” will be open from 6:30-8 p.m. For tickets, which are $30 for members and $35 for non-members, go here. Among the objects on display are fine arts by Swedish-American artists active in the Upper Midwest, selected works by renowned Swedish artists, and artwork pertaining to the Turnblad family. The Turnblads are well represented otherwise as well. Patriarch Swan Turnblad’s National Guard uniform is part of the show.
The exhibition also includes folk arts by Swedish immigrants and Swedish-American artisans and craftspeople from the mid-1800s to the present, as well as Swedish handicrafts; decorative arts, particularly objects produced by Swedish-American artists active in the Upper Midwest and glass by Swedish makers; and there are the more quotidian objects that provide insight into the day-to-day lives of Swedish Americans in the Upper Midwest.
Objects of glass, wood and cloth are included. FIKA will provide historically inspired cocktails for sustenance.
By Camille LeFevre
Photos courtesy of American Swedish Institute