Minneapolis Public Schools

Join us at the American Swedish Institute for a private guided tour of two special exhibits:

Nordic Echoes — Tradition in Contemporary Art is the first major traveling exhibition of contemporary Nordic folk arts and cultural traditions from the Upper Midwest (North and South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan). Featuring 55 works by 24 contemporary artists whose practices are informed by Nordic traditional skills, the exhibition will showcase the malleability and persistence of these traditions in the U.S. Looking at painting and textile traditions as well as works in wood and metal, Nordic Echoes highlights how variations on traditional themes and innovations have led to the emergence of living, evolving forms. No longer static objects rooted in an imagined past, these works explore themes of identity and belonging as well as how traditions have been shaped by their U.S.-based environments.

Featuring artists living and practicing within the pan-Nordic regions of North and South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, the exhibition demonstrates how traditions have been passed down and changed or altered by new generations, often shaped by the Upper Midwestern environment and landscape by using local materials. A skinnfeld or hudteppe (usually a sheepskinlined coverlet in Norway) takes on new dimensions in Robin Carlson’s fullsized buffalo hide, while Lisa Wiitala’s ryijy (Finnish pile rugs) pay tribute to the local berries of the Upper Peninsula. The exhibition also looks at how artists explore questions of identity and belonging. Tia Keobounpheng’s weaving and film speak to her Finnish family connections as well as her newly discovered Sámi heritage, and Talon Wilson’s metalwork creates a meeting place between the skills and knowledge he gained in studying blacksmithing in Sweden and the Dakota traditions that are his heritage.

Handwoven: Between Chaos and Order - Experience the vibrant sensory textile works from expressive Swedish artist Emelie Röndahl in a new exhibition at the American Swedish Institute.

Emelie Röndahl (b. 1982) creates large-scale figurative textiles that challenge and expand the possibilities of rya, a traditional Scandinavian weaving technique. Based in Falkenberg, Sweden, Röndahl holds a PhD in Fine Arts and Crafts from HDK-Valand in Gothenburg, where her research explored the contemporary potential of rya weaving. Her work spans textiles, sculpture, and moving image, often addressing themes of the body, identity, and self-perception.

As a textile artist, Emelie challenges tradition by showcasing new aspects of rya, creating depth and duality in her works, which can be viewed from both sides to tell a deeper story. Her large, woven pieces can be unclear at first, but they reveal themselves upon closer examination. Her works ask viewers to slow down and look closely. Instead of trimming the excess threads, she intentionally lets them hang, where they appear to be “crying.” 

Your registration is good for admission during their open hours of 10 am - 8 pm. 

Meet inside the main entrance at The American Swedish Institute located at 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407. 

For questions or to register, please contact SW Community Education at 612-668-3000.

If tour is full, please enroll for the waitlist. We will contact you if a space becomes available.