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Greetings!
Summer is finally here, construction is under way, and we've launched our "ASI To Go" series, starting with the Northern Spark festival this past weekend. You can join us at a number of upcoming events or take advantage of several online resources that can help you stay informed and connected to ASI during construction.
We are very excited about the iPad application created for us by Adolfson & Peterson Construction. The app allows you to explore floor plans and new spaces, learn about the environmentally friendly features of the new Nelson Cultural Center, access construction camera images, and more. It is available as a free download from the iTunes Store. If you don't have an iPad, don't despair! We now have images from our construction camera - refreshed once every 15 minutes - available right on our home page.
We're also posting construction photos on Facebook, tweeting about activities on site, and sending out monthly Expansion Project Update emails (subscribe by entering your email address on our home page and updating your settings). Speaking of Facebook, our Museum Shop is currently running a haiku contest that challenges you to write a haiku, post it on ASI's Facebook wall, and then vote for your favorite on the Museum Shop blog (and encourage your friends to do so as well!). The contest ends June 16, and the winner will receive a prize package worth more than $200 from ShopSwedish.com.
On a final note, we have a special offer to share with you. Cirque du Soleil's touring production OVO is now playing in the Twin Cities - under the trademark blue-and-yellow Grand Chapiteau (Big Top) at the Mall of America. Friends of American Swedish Institute can receive a 40% discount on select performances now through June 19! Click here to get your tickets today!
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| ASI To Go | This summer, while the Turnblad Mansion is closed, ASI is going on the road! Find our "ASI To Go" team at a number of arts and cultural community events this summer, including Nisswa-st�mman, Walker Open Field, Midsommar at Gammelg�rden Museum, Svenskarnas Dag (see full article below), and more! Join us for fun summertime activities, chat with ASI staff about the Campus Expansion project, get the latest information on construction progress, and look for special giveaways. A full list of ASI To Go activities is available on our Events page.
A team of ASI staff will be at the Walker Art Center on three Fridays this summer (June 17, July 15, August 19), teaching and playing Kubb, a Swedish lawn game in which you knock over wooden blocks by throwing wooden sticks at them. You can play with a friend, a group, or against other attendees. Friday is Game Day at Walker Open Field, so dip out of work early and pull up a chair or a patch of grass and challenge friends to a game.
 Visit the Walker website for more information and to learn what else is happening.
Because we are not able to host our own Midsommar Celebration this year due to construction, we are joining other organizations to celebrate, in many cases bringing kubb games and flower head wreath making to add to the fun! We're celebrating at Gammelg�rden Museum in Scandia on June 25, at Svenskarnas Dag on June 26, and at the Science Museum on June 22. If you can't join us for head wreath making at any of these events, you can download the instructions here and make your own! |
| Svenskarnas Dag | 
Join us on Sunday, June 26 from 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. to celebrate Midsommar at the 78th annual Svenskarnas Dag at Minnehaha Park in Minneapolis. Find ASI's booth, where you can make your own flower head wreath, play family bingo, chat with ASI staff about our construction project, do a family art activity or play a game of Kubb.
Don't miss the majst�ng (maypole) raising at 11:15 a.m., and stick around for a program full of Nordic music and dance starting at 12:30 p.m. Among others, performers include the four-fiddle group "0914" from northern Sweden, the ASI Male Chorus, the St. Paul Swedish Male Chorus, the Svenskarnas Dag Girls Choir, the Vasa Jr. Folk Dancers, and the Twin Cities Swedish Folk Dancers. You can also visit with vendors and exhibitors, purchase Swedish meatballs and other goodies, and see the crowning of the 2012 Miss Svenskarnas Dag Queen.
This event is free and open to the public. For more information and a schedule of events, visit www.svenskarnasdag.com or call Ted Noble at 612-825-8808. As parking may be limited, we encourage you and your family to "go green" by biking or using public transportation.
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| ASI's "From the Land, Of the Hand" Handcraft Exhibit on View | 
We are thrilled to be partnering with our neighbor The Center for Changing Lives, where our summer exhibit on Swedish handcraft - the culmination of our "Year of Swedish Handcraft" program sponsored in part by the Minnesota State Arts Board - is on display.
This exhibit interprets the historical importance and modern rebirth of Swedish handcraft in Minnesota by highlighting work created by youth and adult workshop participants and artist instructors. Over the past year, workshops at ASI on seven types of craft have covered ceramic tile making, glass fusing, woodcarving, birch bark weaving, felting, wire work, and wheat weaving.
Seven original videos documenting each of the workshops that were part of "A Year of Swedish Handcraft" are available for viewing on YouTube. You can easily access them by visiting the Exhibits page on our website.
The exhibit is on display at The Center for Changing Lives (2400 Park Avenue S) May 26 - August 13. (Please note: during that time the Turnblad Mansion will be closed for renovations.) Admission is free, exhibit hours are Mon.-Thu. 8 a.m.-8:30 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and free parking is available.
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| ASI Programs Can Come to You this Summer! | 
A number of cultural programs are available to come to your adult or youth group this summer (and beyond!). Programs for adult groups include "A Year of Swedish Holidays," "Swedish Immigrant Trunk" (our most popular program!), and "Christmastime in Sweden." These programs are led by experienced ASI instructors and are great for your church group, book club, assisted-living facility, nursing home, or any other group you belong to. Call Dianne at 612-870-3345 to inquire about rates and set up a program.
"Swedish Treasures: A Talk with the Curator" New this summer, ASI Curator Curt Pederson is also available to give presentations in the community, at your club, church or senior center. Curt is a knowledgeable and engaging speaker, who threads a measure of humor through his talks, and will accompany his presentation with an artifact or two and a slide show. The fee for his presentation is $150 plus mileage if your location is beyond 10 miles from ASI. To engage Curt as a speaker, contact him at 612-870-3362 or curtp@americanswedishinst.org.
Last but certainly not least, ASI summer culture programs for youth are perfect for schools, camps, scouts and neighborhood groups wanting extra hands-on fun this summer. We bring the program and materials to you and your group! Programs include the Swedish Immigrant Trunk, A Year of Swedish Traditions, and Celebrate Midsommar. Contact Ingrid at 612-870-3374 or ingridnl@americanswedishinst.org for more information and reservations.
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| About the American Swedish Institute | 
Founded in 1929 by Swedish immigrant newspaper publisher Swan Turnblad, the American Swedish Institute is an historic house, museum, and cultural center offering a variety of programs designed to celebrate Swedish culture.
The American Swedish Institute serves as a gathering place for people to share stories and experiences around universal themes of tradition, migration, craft, and the arts, all informed by enduring ties to Sweden.
The American Swedish Institute, a museum and cultural center of distinguished history and international reputation, exists to:
Preserve and share the landmark 1908 Turnblad mansion;
Celebrate and teach about Sweden and Swedish-America; and,
Promote and practice the values of respect for all peoples and the environment that are exemplified in the Nordic countries.
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Sagaform "Season"
Pie Dish
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The delightful Sagaform "Season" Pie Dish was featured in the June issue of Cooking Light Magazine!
Normally priced $35, only $31.50 for ASI members.
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Sagaform stands for joyful, innovative gifts for the home, kitchen and the set table- indoors and outdoors. Joyful gifts for friends or family, or to spoil yourself with.
Sagaform has the perfect gift choice for Saturday nights' dinner hostess, or the new neighbor you want to welcome, or for yourself when you want to brighten up your day.
Browse our selection of Sagaform gifts at ShopSwedish.com!
Don't want to wait? Place your order online and call Kate at 612-870-3378 to schedule a pick-up at the Institute.
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Join our email list or update your profile to receive our monthly Campus Expansion Updates! |
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