The Hans Christian Andersen 2005
bicentenary will commemorate the birth of Denmark’s beloved poet
and storyteller. The aim of the bicentenary celebration is to promote
worldwide awareness and appreciation of this multi-talented man.
The celebration will concentrate on three main areas: arts and culture,
education, and tourism, and will offer productions appealing to wide
audiences, as well as events suited for smaller audiences. The
Scandinavian Cultural Center Council is proud to take part in this
year-long project
You are invited to attend an affair to remember Saturday, April 2, 2:00 PM, celebrating the birth of H.C. Andersen. Reservations required by March 23. Adults $10, Children (under 12) $5. For more information, call (253) 535-7349.
Carol Kemp and Inge Miller, Event Co-Chairs
Internationally acclaimed storyteller and artist Randel McGee will don
the character of Hans Christian Andersen and tell some of the author’s
his best-loved fairytales. Victoria Gydov, dramatic coloratura
soprano/actor, will delight her audience as she portrays Jenny Lind,
whose lifelong friendship with Andersen is well known. The Danske
Sangvenner, a Danish singing group under the direction of Professor
Louis Christiansen, will sing songs written by Andersen, and fairytale
characters will “come to life” right before your eyes as they take part
in a festive and colorful costume parade. An exhibit of exquisite
half life-size models dressed in authentic historical Danish folk
costumes of the period, handmade by Danish artist Esther Grølsted, will
be on display in the Cultural Center. A Danish “birthday
cake buffet” will be served, and, of course, no birthday party would be
complete without gifts. So, at each place setting there will be a
small gift just for you! Several lucky guests will also receive a
special door prize from Denmark.
Coinciding with the headliner event on April 2 (the date of Andersen’s
birthday), the SCC Council will maximize the benefit of Randel McGee’s
visit by offering performances free of charge to various local schools,
senior care homes, and boys and girls clubs. On Friday, April 1,
he will visit the Spanaway/Parkland Library and Peninsula Library in
Gig Harbor. He will travel to Ballard immediately after the SCC
event for a special evening appearance on April 2 at the Nordic
Heritage Museum.
This 4-day celebration is supported, in part, by funding from the Arts
and Cultural Services Division, Pierce County Arts Commission.
This exhibition features twenty half-size recreations dressed in Danish
costumes from the period of 1770-1860 (created by Esther Grølsted);
water color paintings by Beth Beyerholm; handwoven textiles made by
Kamma Gudmand-Høyer, Bente Dam and Edith Pape; handmade printed fabrics
made by Birgitte Tolnov and Inger Nøhr; delicately handcrafted lace
cross cloths; and nine vintage headdresses (ca. 1800-1870).
This exhibit was made available by the National Museum of Denmark,
the Nordic Heritage Museum in Ballard, and was funded by Dale and
Jolita Benson.
You are cordially invited to a Nordic Garden Party on Saturday,
March 19, 10:00 pm, in the Scandinavian Cultural Center, Pacific
Lutheran University. $10 per person.
Along with coffee and tea, a traditional Scandinavian dessert will be
served. Musical entertainment will be provided by Beth Kollé, a
talented harpist from Seattle. Susie Perrin from Watson’s
Greenhouse and Nursery will share tips on selection of plants, and will
demonstrate how to make hanging baskets, stunning boxes, and
planters. Following her presentation, Susie will answer gardening
questions from the audience.
You are encouraged to wear a hat, just for fun!
Reservations are required by March 11. Call 253-535-7322
Tickets also available at the PLU NW Scandinavian Gift Shop on South Garfield Street
Bits and pieces……As you know the Scandinavian Cultural Center Council
meets monthly to plan interesting programs, exhibits and classes.
We have also been working very hard the last several months on a
revision of our Policies and Procedures (formerly called the Bylaws),
which has now been approved. Thanks to all of you who worked so
hard on that committee!
The council has also been implementing a plan to help us clarify our
relationship with PLU and develop a statement of understanding for the
future of the SCC. We still have some more to do, but we have
come a long way! Did you know that the cost of routine
maintenance and insurance on a building with the square footage of the
SCC would cost about $15,000 a year! Our partnership with PLU
provides us with many advantages. Taking care of our beautiful
SCC is just one of them!
You may have noticed in our calendar of upcoming events that there is
no mention of our annual Spring Banquet in May. That’s because
the SCC is working with many Norwegian organizations in Tacoma to plan
the Greater Tacoma Norway Centennial Banquet, to be held on May
21. It promises to be an exciting evening, with delicious food,
entertainment, special guests, the first awarding of the Tacoma Peace
Prize, and dancing after dinner! Our own Outstanding Service
Award will also be presented at this gala event.
Other interesting programs are scheduled for March, April and
May! Our Program Chair, Betty Larson, has put together a
delightful Nordic Garden Party (wear a hat!), in recognition of the
Scandinavian love of fresh flowers. And the party on April 2, to
celebrate the 200th birthday of Denmark’s beloved Hans Christian
Andersen, will be outstanding! Carol Kemp and Inge Miller are in
charge of this extraordinary event. The current exhibit of
historical Danish costumes provides the perfect complement to H.C.
Andersen program. Coming May 7 at 7:30 pm is an outstanding
lecture by Robert Hedin, Director of the Anderson Center for
Interdisciplinary Studies in Red Wing, MN. Hedin is a fine poet
and translator of Norwegian poets, including Rolf Jacobsen, perhaps the
most important modern Norwegian poet, and more recently, Olav Hauge, a
unique and accessible writer also well known and beloved in
Norway. The SCC Council is partnering with PLU’s Master of Fine
Arts Program to bring this outstanding lecture to you. A
reception will follow.
Thanks to those of you who donated to our SCC Scholarship Fund in
memory of Florence Buck. We are so grateful for her service to
the SCC, and the celebration of her life on Jan. 23 was a moving
tribute to her! Florence’s incredible collection of Norwegian
folk art will be the next exhibit in the SCC. The grand opening
will coincide with Norwegian Heritage Festival on April
30.
Hilsen! - Janet
Saturday, April 30, 11:00 am. Admission is free
The annual Norwegian Heritage Festival is filled with fine food and
traditional Norwegian arts and crafts, demonstrations, and sales.
Musicians and singers from around the Greater Puget Sound will
entertain all afternoon, and children and adults alike will enjoy
storytelling, Norwegian games, rosemaling, and craft sessions.
Traditional Norwegian food choices include pølse med lompe (Norwegian
hot dogs), rømmegrøt (cream pudding), smørbrød (open-faced sandwiches),
and authentic baked goods. More than 500 individuals attend the
Norwegian Heritage Festival each year, including PLU students,
faculty, staff, and the general public.
The first Norwegian Heritage Festival took place at PLU in 1975 with
the visit of Norway’s King Olav V. The purpose of the festival
was to acquaint the King with Northwest immigrant traditions. Its
overwhelming success has led to yet another time-honored tradition on
the PLU campus. This year’s festivities will include new elements
to commemorate Norway’s centennial. Complementing this event is a
unique exhibit entitled, Nordic Folk Art: The Florence Buck Collection,
on display April 18 through Fall 2005. The exhibit will feature
the entire folk art collection of the late Florence Shjeflo Buck.
The opening reception will take place as part of the Festival.
The Norwegian Heritage Festival is a combined effort of the
Scandinavian Cultural Center, Daughters of Norway Embla Lodge #2, Sons
of Norway Norden Lodge #2, Nordlandslaget Nordlyset, and the Western
Rosemalers Association. Info: Kris Suter 253-535-9399
<ksuter@stmartin.edu>
Saturday, May 21, 5:00 PM
Normanna Hall, Tacoma
$35/person (Reservations are required)
The Greater Tacoma Norway Centennial Banquet is planned for Saturday,
May 21, the result of collaboration among several Norwegian
organizations in the greater Tacoma area. This historic event is part
of a stream of yearlong activities commemorating Norway’s 100 years as
an independent nation. The centennial gala will also celebrate Norway's
most beloved holiday, Syttende Mai (17th of May - Constitution
Day). The event will take place at the historic Normanna Hall,
home of Sons of Norway, Norden Lodge #2. More than 200 guests are
expected to attend. Sponsoring organizations are the Scandinavian
Cultural Center, the Daughters of Norway Embla Lodge #2, Sons of Norway
Norden Lodge #2, Nordlandslaget-Nordlyset, Western Rosemalers
Association, and the Tacoma Aalesund Sister City Committee.
The entertainment will include various local music groups, and honored
guest speakers, and guests will enjoy a sumptuous Norwegian feast
(provided by professional caterer Shirley Haukeli). Tickets will
be sold to cover the cost of the event. Awards will be presented,
including the newly established Greater Tacoma Peace Prize and the
annual Scandinavian Cultural Center’s Outstanding Service Award.
After the banquet, the festivities will continue with dancing to the
music of "Sylvia and Fjordsong." Nordic costumes are
encouraged. For info/reservations, call Janet Ruud
253-564-2832 <ruudj1norw@aol.com> or Alyce Fletcher
253-759-2108 <sewinfool6@aol.com>
Sunday, April 3, 3:00 pm, Lagerquist Concert Hall, Mary Baker Russell Music Center.
Pacific Lutheran University’s School of the Arts and Department of
Music present the Lila Moe Memorial Concert featuring violinist Svend
Rønning, pianist Lisa Bergman, and organist David Dahl. This
all-Norwegian recital will include works by Bjarne Brustad, Ole Bull,
David Dahl, Edvard Grieg, Christian Sinding, and Johann Svendsen.
Tickets $8 (general) $5 (students and seniors) $3 (PLU alumni).
Under 18 free. For information: 253-535-7457
<www.plu.edu/~music> Reception follows in the Scandinavian
Cultural Center
Sharon Bongfeldt (Tacoma), Daughters of Norway, Embla Lodge #2
(Tacoma), Bruce and Pamela Gassman (Tacoma), and Elizabeth Nierman and
Torrence Schmidt (Wenatchee).
Our popular Norwegian cooking classes are just around the corner.
Be sure to mark your calendars for Saturday, March 12 and Tuesday,
March 15, 10:00 am to 12 noon, $5 per class. Members of
Daughters of Norway, Embla Lodge 2, will be demonstrating how to
prepare Hvete brød, Parsnip Balls, Lunsj i form, Norwegian Beet Salad,
Fruit and/or Vegetable Soup, and Cream Rice with Lingonberries.
An expert chef from Norway will demonstrate how to make instant mashed
potato lefse and flatbread. You will receive copies of the
recipes, and we will be sampling the items after the class.
Reservations are not required, so save the dates and plan to attend
both classes. We guarantee you will have a great time and will
enjoy all the recipes! For more information, please contact
Judith Willison at 1-253-838-4232. Fall classes are already
planned for October 13, 18, and 29. We plan to have a Julebord—a
traditional Christmas smørgåsbord—you won’t want to miss it!
On Saturday, April 2, 7:00 pm, you are invited to A Celebration of
Modern Vikings! Acclaimed Swedish artist Bertil Vallien and the
Team Vallien Vikings will perform Fire and Ice, a dramatic
demonstration of the intricate art of creating beautiful sculpture by
casting molten glass into sand molds. Scandinavian appetizers
will be served. Museum hot shop, galleries, theater, and store
will be open.
Fire and Ice is presented by Modern Vikings: The Scandinavian
Initiative, underwritten by the Nordic Council of Ministers; the
Kingdom of Crystal (the famed glass-making region of Sweden); and the
Consulate General of Sweden, Los Angeles. This event is
complimentary for Museum of Glass members and other invited
guests. Space is limited. Reservations are required by
March 29. Call the Museum at 253-284-4719 or email
<info@museumofglass.org>
On Tuesday, March 8, 5:00-7:00 pm, world renowned Swedish jazz
guitarist Tomas Janzon will perform at the IKEA store in Renton (600 SW
43rd Street). Admission is free. For more information, email <tomas@tomasjanzon.com> or call IKEA at
425-656-2980.
Astrid Tollefsen’s “Following the Waters, Voices from the Final
Norwegian Emigration” is now available. This is a stunning new
oral history about courageous Norwegian emigrant fishermen and their
families in the 20th century. Lars Fure, in the book’s foreword,
states, “Stories between Norwegians and Americans fill this wonderful
book...this 500-plus page book, (complete with hundreds of photos, art
and illustrations)...is part national history, part family history, and
a tribute to the struggles and achievements of Norwegian
emigrants.” Info: <astrid2000@earthlink.net> or
<home.earthlink.net/~astrid2000>
Tacoma-Pierce County Sister Cities presents the 3rd Annual
International FILM & FOOD FESTIVAL, every Thursday night
(February-April 2005), at the Blue Mouse Theater. $15 each or
$120 for all ten films. Doors open at 6:00 pm for food and
cultural events. Films start at 7:00 pm. On April 7, don’t
miss “Kitchen Stories” (Aalesund, Norway), a wistful comic story and a
gentle satire of post-war farm life and meddling efficiency
experts. For complete film list, call 253-752-2242 or visit the
website at <www.tacomafilmfood.org>
Historical Danish Folk Costumes. On display February 12 through April 17.
From the National Museum of Denmark, half-size recreations by Esther Grølsted (See p 2).
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 in memory of a long-time member and avid supporter of the
Scandinavian Cultural Center, this exhibit will feature the entire folk
art collection of Florence Shjeflo Buck. The opening reception
will take place on Saturday, April 30, as part of the annual Norwegian
Heritage Festival.
SUNDAYS, 1:00-4:00 PM — TUESDAYS/WEDNESDAYS, 11:00 AM—3:00 PM
(NOTE: CENTER WILL BE CLOSED SUNDAY, MARCH 27)
Nordic Garden Party. Saturday, March 19, 10:00 AM. $10 per person. Reservations required. For more information (See p. 3).
Hans Christian Andersen (1805-2005): Celebrating 200 Years. Saturday, April 2, 2:00 PM
Adults $10, Children (under 12) $5. Reservations are required. For more information (See pp. 1-2).
Norwegian Heritage Festival. Saturday, April 30, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Free Admission
This year’s festival will feature some new and exciting changes to our
regular program in honor of Norway’s celebration of 100 years as an
independent nation (See pp. 4-5).
Greater Tacoma Norway Centennial Banquet. Saturday, May 21, 5:00 PM. $35/person
This historic event is part of a stream of yearlong activities
commemorating Norway’s 100 years as an independent nation (See pp. 4-5).
Danish Sisterhood Meeting, Wednesdays, March 2 and April 6, 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM Info: 253-843-2249
Danish Sisterhood Breakfast, Saturday, April 16, 9:0 AM to 12 NOON. Info: 253-843-2249
Norwegian Hardanger Embroidery Group, Wednesdays, March 9 (no meeting in April)
9:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Newcomers are welcome. Info: 253-759-7292
Norwegian Cooking Classes, Saturday, March 12 and Tuesday, March 15
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Newcomers are welcome. Info: 253-838-4232
Danish Sangerfest, Sundays, March 20 and April 17, 6:00-9:00 PM Info: 253-851-5959
Norwegian Rosemaling Group, Wednesdays, March 16 and 23; April 20 and 27
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Experienced painters are welcome. Info: 253-841-3392
SCC Executive Board Meetings, Mondays, March 21 and April 18, 4:00-5:30 PM, UC 214
SCC Council Meetings, Mondays, March 21 and April 18, 5:30-7:00 PM, SCC
Norwegian Language Classes, Mondays, 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. Info: Audun Toven 253-535-7314
Swedish Language Classes, Mondays, 6:00 to 9:00 P.M. Info: Kerstin Ringdahl 253-535-7586
Western Rosemalers Quarterly Meeting, Sunday, April 17, 7:30 PM