By Nancy (Buck) Lopez
The Nordic folk art exhibit consists of approximately 100 rosemaled
pieces, accompanied by many lovely examples of raw woodenware made
mostly in Norway. The original collection of rosemaling began in
1975 while Florence Buck was preparing for an exhibition as part of the
sesquicentennial celebration of Norwegian immigration to America.
The exhibition opened at Pacific Lutheran University’s Mortvedt Library
on January 5, 1976, and consisted of 72 original pieces from well-known
Norwegian rosemalers. Thirty-three of these pieces, purchased by
Florence, are part of the exhibit now on display in the Scandinavian
Cultural Center.
Florence herself was an accomplished rosemaler, and several of her magnificent pieces are in the exhibit. Also included is her first piece, a small wooden bowl painted in a Hallingdal design, dated 1975. The exhibit also features pewter and woven tapestries from Norway, Swedish folk art, and an impressive collection of framed Carl Larsson prints.
Florence Viola (Shjeflo) Buck (1927-2004) was an artist, a teacher, and
a collector. She was steeped in the sounds, sights, and aromas of
her heritage, which nurtured her soul and laid the foundation for the
course her life would take. She left a wonderful legacy for her
family and friends, having enriched their lives through her knowledge,
enthusiasm, and generosity. Her children, Nancy Lopez, Mike Buck, and
Tom Buck are honored to see this wonderful collection displayed at the
SCC for all to enjoy, knowing their mother would have been very
pleased. We hope that your appreciation of Nordic art, and of
rosemaling in particular, will be enhanced by your visit to the
Scandinavian Cultural Center.
Included in the exhibit is this colorful Hallingdal plate by Nils Ellingsgard, who is considered to be Norway’s major scholar on rosemaling, and the “father of Hallingdal painting in America.”
The Scandinavian Cultural Center Council has decided to hold the first
ever Annual Meeting of the membership of the Scandinavian Cultural
Center! This will be your opportunity to meet Council members,
welcome the newly elected officers, and hear about how the business of
the Center is conducted. We’ll also let you in on our plans for
upcoming events and our goals for the future. There will be door
prizes, entertainment, and, of course, refreshments! Admission is
free. Mark your calendars NOW and PLAN TO ATTEND this very
important meeting. Watch for your invitation in the mail!
May 21 is the date of the Greater Tacoma Norway Centennial Banquet at
Normanna Hall! Please call me right away if you would like
tickets, as the seating is limited, and we expect to sell out
(253-564-2832). We have a wonderful evening in store for you!
Thanks to Betty Larson for planning the Nordic Garden Party and to
Carol Kemp and Inge Miller for the Hans Christian Andersen
program! They were both very successful events! (I'm still not
quite sure why I volunteered for the part of the witch in the fairytale
parade . . ) We are very fortunate to have such talented people
working to provide us with such top quality programs. I know that
there are many more to thank who worked on both events—we truly
appreciate you all!
One area where we could use some help is in our Classes
Committee. We are looking for just the right person to coordinate
a variety of classes, so that we can make full use of our beautiful
Center. If you think you'd be able to help out, please give me a
call!
We all send our best wishes and God bedring! to Audun Toven, who is home recuperating after surgery.
P.S. In case you're wondering…… If you have visited our web
site lately, you’ve noticed that it has changed; we are temporarily
using only the current issue of the "Scandinavian Scene." I can
assure you that several people have been working on a brand new,
improved site for a very long time! I’m hoping that it will be up
and running very soon. Keep the faith!
Looking forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!—Hilsen, Janet
Saturday, May 21, 5:00 PM, Normanna Hall, 1106 South 15th Street, Tacoma $35/person. Limited Seating—Paid Reservations Required. For info/reservations, call Janet Ruud 253-564-2832, <ruudj1norw@aol.com>
Norwegian-American organizations in the greater Tacoma area (Daughters
of Norway, Sons of Norway, Nordlandslaget, Ålesund Sister City
Committee, the Western Rosemalers Association, and the Scandinavian
Cultural Center Council) have come together to present the "Greater
Tacoma Norway Centennial Banquet" on Saturday, May 21, at the Normanna
Hall in Tacoma. The event, which will begin with a Social Hour at
5:00 PM, will be a commemoration of Norway's 100 years as an
independent nation, and a special occasion to celebrate Norway's
Constitution Day (Syttende Mai).
Caterer Shirley Haukeli will present a sumptuous Norwegian
buffet. Musical entertainment will be provided by members of the
PLU Jazz Ensemble (who will be leaving shortly thereafter on tour to
Norway) and French horn soloist Danielle Lemieux, who has studied in
Norway with renowned horn player Frøydis Ree Wekre. Danielle was
the featured soloist with the Tacoma Concert Band on April 29.
The program for the evening will include the presentation of the
Scandinavian Cultural Center's Outstanding Service Award. The SCC
Council is pleased to announce that this year’s award recipient is
Betty Larson. Betty is currently serving as vice-president on the
SCC Council and is a long-time member and supporter of the
Center. The name of the recipient of the first "Greater Tacoma
Peace Prize" will also be announced at the banquet. Special
guests Bill Baarsma (Mayor of Tacoma), Laura Polcyn (Assistant to the
President at PLU), and Kim Nesselquist (Norwegian Vice-Consul)
will be on hand to honor the recipients.
The evening will conclude with dancing to the music of "Sylvia and
Fjordsong."
The Fulbright Program, the U.S. government's flagship program in
international educational exchange, was proposed to the U.S. Congress
in 1945 by then freshman Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas. In
the aftermath of World War II, Senator Fulbright viewed the proposed
program as a much-needed vehicle for promoting "mutual understanding
between the people of the United States and the people of other
countries of the world." His vision was approved by Congress and signed
into law by President Truman in 1946.
Fulbright grants are made for a variety of educational activities,
primarily university lecturing, advanced research, graduate study, and
teaching in elementary and secondary schools. More than 250,000
participants --chosen for their leadership potential-- have had the
opportunity to observe each other’s political, economic, and cultural
institutions through this program.
Pacific Lutheran University is proud to announce that two students in
the Scandinavian Area Studies Program have joined the prestigious list
of Fulbright recipients. Maja Petersen and Heather Short bring the
number of PLU Fulbright scholars studying in Norway to six.
Heather Short (Bellingham, WA) graduated last December with a major
in Education and a minor in Norwegian. Encountering the challenge
of multi-cultural education during her student teaching, Heather has
decided to research this topic further, exploring ways in which Norway
assists new immigrants assimilate into the educational mainstream.
By Inge Miller
Saturday, April 2, 2005, marked the 200th anniversary of the birth of
Denmark’s beloved storyteller, Hans Christian Andersen. It was an
occasion for celebration all around the world. The Scandinavian
Cultural Center Council was privileged to host a special celebration
here at Pacific Lutheran University. The two-hour program began
with the singing of the Danish National Anthem while Tage Christiansen
carried the Dannebrag (the Danish flag). Susan Young (SCC
Director), event co-chairs Carol Kemp and Inge Miller, and the
200-year-old H.C. Andersen (portrayed by Tage Lanng) welcomed everyone,
and the fun began!
A festive fairytale parade began with “The Ugly Duckling” and ended
with a beautiful swan, just as it happened in the famous
fairytale. Between these two, a long line of fairytales (38 in
all!) came to life—Thumbelina, Princess On the Pea, The Swineherd, The
Sandman, The Little Match Girl, The Snow Queen, and The Emperor’s New
Clothes. Carol Kemp and Inge Miller presented short narratives as
each “fairytale” crossed the stage and bowed reverently to the
200-year-old H.C. Andersen who was seated in a place of honor.
A much younger version of Andersen was played by internationally
renowned storyteller, Randel McGee. McGee masterfully told several
fairytales, illustrating them with intricate paper cuttings while
capturing the imagination of children and adults alike. Inge
Miller shared several poems written by H.C. Andersen, and the Danske
Sangvenner (directed by Professor Louis Christiansen) performed several
of Andersen’s compositions.
Andersen’s dear friend, Jenny Lind, often referred to as “The Swedish
Nightingale,” made a surprise appearance toward the end of the
program. Annette Dennis DePuydt, who portrayed Jenny Lind, lent
her magnificent soprano voice to several of Andersen’s songs, and
performed selections from the Danny Kaye movie about the fairytale
writer’s life. The audience joined
her in the singing of
“Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen,” bringing a tear or two to many
Danish eyes. Tage Lanng (the older H.C. Andersen), then invited
everyone to join him at the birthday cake buffet. A beautiful
cake covered in marzipan and decorated with a silhouette of H.C.
Andersen was the main attraction, but the two kransekager and literally
hundreds of delightful chocolate Sarah Bernard confections also
disappeared “as dew for the sun” (an old Danish expression!).
“Jenny Lind” receives bouquet of roses, and 200-year-old H.C.
Andersen
a birthday gift, while the cast of fairytale characters takes
a final bow.
"Official Dignitaries" -- Jorgen Madsen as Charles Dickens (a close
friend of H. C. Andersen); Tage Lanng as 200-year-old Anderson; Randel
McGee as H. C. Andersen in his prime; Ben Young as the Emperor of China
in "The Nightingale."
Audun Toven gets ready for his
role as Klod Hans in the fairytale parade.
Louis Christiansen encourages
the audience to join the
Tasty treats from Nielsen’s Danish Bakery in Seattle were
enjoyed while sitting at tables beautifully decorated in blue and white
colors. The centerpiece on each table was an elegant glass swan
filled with fresh flowers. Special gifts were placed at each
place setting to serve as lasting reminders of this very special
day. When the program ended, guests were left with the feeling
that “another Andersen fairytale had come to an end!”
This 4-day celebration is supported, in part, by funding from the Arts and Cultural Services Division, Pierce County Arts Commission.
The Nordic Garden Party took place on the afternoon of Saturday, March
19. A welcome greeting was presented by the event coordinator
Betty Larson, who assured the 150 guests in attendance that “this”
garden party had all the qualities of a true Nordic garden party,
complete with linen tablecloths and napkins, hot coffee, delicious
desserts, and lots of fresh flowers. Following a delightful vocal
and instrumental music performance by accomplished harper
Beth Kollé,
guests enjoyed an informative presentation by master gardener Susie
Perrin from Watson’s Greenhouse and Nursery. Many guests
wore stylish hats just for fun, and several lovely hats were made
available for those who forgot to wear one! It was a memorable
afternoon with family and friends, and one we are sure to repeat in the
future!
Beth Kollé shared in the fun by wearing a festive
hat during her marvelous
performance.
Sisters MJ Stackpole and Beco Larson enjoyed spending
time together,
and several other family members joined them at their table.
The Nordic Garden Party provided the perfect opportunity for Gerda
Hunter and daughter Laura (our two newest members!) to enjoy a
memorable afternoon together. (Photos by Ed Larson)
A very special thanks to Thrivent for Lutherans for partially funding this event.
By Laila Hansen
During the recent symposium, “Pathways to Peace: Norway’s Approach to
Democracy and Development,” presented by the Wang Center for
International Programs at Pacific Lutheran University, the Scandinavian
Cultural Center and the University Gallery at Ingram Hall were exhibit
sites for many unique artifacts from Namibia and Norway. The
exhibit items revealed distinct similarities between the folk art of
both countries.
Special arrangements were made to include the artwork of fifteen
students in the silver/goldsmith program at Valle Vidaregåande
Skule. Each student contributed two pieces. The first
piece, a traditional heart-shape necklace or bracelet, was made in the
traditional filigran technique common to Norway. The second, more
contemporary piece was crafted to represent students’ homes and
communities, in keeping with the theme of the symposium (Pathways to
Peace) and idea that peace begins at home.
Stein Olaf Hansen
(the son of SCC members Laila and John Hansen) is spending the year
studying at Valle Vidaregåande Skule, and will return next fall to
continue his career in fine arts. His pieces are pictured above (the
large necklace on the left and the heart-shaped bracelet in the
center). Stein’s sister, Tove Laila, is a senior at PLU (December
’05) with a double major in Design and Norwegian. Tove Laila’s
artistic talents were evident in her graphic design creations used to
publicize the exhibit. Tove was a recipient of the SCC
scholarship in September 2001. Both of their parents are very
active artists—Laila in textile design and John in the building and
rosemaling of reproduction Norwegian furniture.
Setesdal is a valley in Aust-Agder in the south, central part of
Norway. It follows the river Otra which runs north from
Kristiansand. Traveling 2-1/2 hours by car or bus will bring you
to the picturesque town of Valle, where Valle Vidaregåande Skule is
located. Valle is a small town with around 1,700
inhabitants. It is steeped in the rich traditions of folk music,
national costumes, arts and crafts, building traditions, and especially
silverwork. It is also the birthplace of Bjug Harstad, founder of
Pacific Lutheran University. If you would like to find out
more about Valle Vidaregåande Skule, you can visit the
website at www.valle.vgs.no
The exhibition of Danish folk costumes, on display from February 12 through April 17, was returned to the National Museum in Copenhagen. This spectacular exhibit of half-size recreations dressed in Danish costumes from the period of 1770-1860 was by far one of the most well-received exhibits in the history of the SCC. The Scandinavian Cultural Center Council wishes to thank Dale and Jolita Benson for providing the funding for this exhibit.
A special thank you also goes to long-time member and avid supporter of
the SCC, Dagny Ordahl Vaswig. Dagny has consistently attended a
majority of our events, always with camera in hand. Many of the
photographs used in our newsletter were provided by 
Dagny.
Through the years, her photography has created a pictorial history of
Scandinavian Cultural Center events and exhibits. Dagny has
donated countless hours to taking and developing her photographs, and
has presented them to the SCC at great personal expense. Thank
you, Dagny. Your support is greatly appreciated!
A familiar sight at SCC events—Dagny and her camera!
Dagny, wearing her bunad from
Nordfjord, where her father, Rev.
M.B.
Ordahl, was born in Årdal
Valley.
WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS
Arlene Hoveland (Eatonville), Gerda Hunter (Kent), and Laura Hunter
(Kent). The Scandinavian Cultural Center Council also welcomes
our newest Council member, Judy Laursen (Tacoma).
NORDIC HERITAGE MUSEUM CELEBRATES SILVER ANNIVERSARY
A gala Silver Jubilee Banquet was held on Saturday, April 30, at the
Westin Hotel in Seattle. SSCC President Janet Ruud and SCC
Director Susan Young attended the affair and joined Nordic organization
leaders in offering congratulations to the Nordic Heritage Museum for
25 successful years.
MEET GEIR NESS, CREATOR OF THE NORWEGIAN FRAGRANCE “LAILA”
On May 18, the Tacoma Nordstrom store will be the setting for a special
evening with Geir Ness, creator of the Grammy Awards women's fragrance
"Laila" and men's fragrance "Geir." Dinner will be served at 7:00
PM and Geir will be on hand to tell the story of his company. The
cost of the event is $10 + tax (pre-paid). Guests will receive
samples of Laila and Geir fragrances, and a chance to purchase a
beautiful new gift set. The set includes a handbag/mini tote
containing 3.4 oz. Eau de Parfum ($69.00 value), the 7 oz. hand and
body cream, and a shimmering body powder with camellia extract—a
$300.00 value on sale the evening of the event for only $88.00.
Geir will also bring the collectable bottle (pure perfume) he designed
for the Grammy Awards. The value of this product is $100.00, and
will be a gift to attendees with any Laila purchase. For
reservations, contact the store directly (253-475-3630) and ask for
assistant manager Tammy Plyler.
SCANDINAVIAN AMERICAN HALL OF FAME IN CALIFORNIA
On April 9, four well-known Norwegians were inducted into the
Scandinavian-American Hall of Fame (SAHF) in California as part of
Norway’s Centennial celebration of independence. The SAHF is a
project of the Scandinavian American Cultural and Historical
Foundation, Inc. The 2005 inductees are:
Mildred (Babe) Didrikson Zaharias (1911-1956), daughter of Norwegian
immigrants, who acquired the nickname “Babe” after hitting five home
runs in one game. She was chosen Female Athlete of the Half
Century by the Associated Press in 1950.
Knute Rockne (1888-1931), legendary Notre Dame football coach, born in Voss, Norway.
Sonja Henie (1912-1969), born in Oslo, Norway, began ice-skating at age
six, and four years later was the Norwegian national figure skating
champion.
Sondre Norheim (18251897), born and raised in Morgedal in Telemark, Norway, he became a master of downhill skiing.
CELEBRATE SYTTENDE MAI AT PLU’S NW AND SCANDINAVIAN GIFT SHOP
Stop by PLU’s Northwest and Scandinavian Gift Shop on May 17 to help
celebrate Norway’s Constitution Day (Syttende Mai). (20% discount
from 12 noon to 5:30 PM)
HELP NEEDED FOR RESEARCH PROJECT
Luci J. Baker is doing research on Scandinavian Migration and
Emigration to the Pacific Northwest. She needs help identifying
ALL resources that talk about Scandinavians in Alaska, Washington, and
Oregon, for an annotated bibliography. Contact Luci at 2615 NW 56th
Street #204, Seattle, WA 98107—email
<ljbaker2@earthlink.net> if you have information to help with
this important research.
Nordic Folk Art: The Florence Buck Collection. On display April 18 through Fall 2005.
Coinciding with Norway’s centennial celebration as an independent nation, and inThis historic event is part of a stream of yearlong activities
commemorating Norway’s 100 years as an independent nation (See p. 3).
First Annual Meeting.
Thursday, June 23, 7:00 PM. Free Admission
All members of the Scandinavian Cultural Center are invited and
encouraged to attend this very important meeting. Our members
will learn about what is happening in the Center, such as programs and
events that have taken place, the financial status of the SCC, and
future plans and goals (See page 2)
Danish Sisterhood Meeting, Wednesday, May 4, 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM (no meeting in June)
Info: 253-843-2249
Norwegian Hardanger Embroidery Group, Wednesdays, May 11, 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM
(no meeting in June) Newcomers are welcome. Info: 253-759-7292
Danish Sangaften, No meeting in May or June. Info: 253-984-6700
Nordlyset Nordlandslaget Annual Strawberry Fest, Saturday, May 11 (Private Event)
Info: 253-460-1575
Norwegian Rosemaling Group, Wednesdays, May 18 and 25, June 15, 22, and 29
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Experienced painters are welcome. Info: 253-841-3392
SCC Executive Board Meeting, Mondays, May 16 and June 20, 4:00 to 5:30 PM, UC 214
SCC Council Meeting, Mondays, May 16 and June 20, 5:30 to 7:00 PM, SCC
Norwegian Language Classes, Mondays, 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. Info: Audun Toven, 253-535-7314