Welcome!

Cost: $120 (8-week course)

Do you have a box of old letters in your attic that you’ve never been able to read? Are you out of touch with your family back in the old country? Or would you just like to pick up another language? If so, this is the class for you! This course will focus on basic Norwegian language skills in the Bokmål style. Learn how to ask for directions, describe people and objects, express dates, and carry on conversations, all without any intrusive apps!

Your teacher, Bjorn Killerud, is a lifelong Norwegian speaker with a passion for the language and for Norwegian culture. With him, you’ll also learn about some of the curiosities of Norwegian life, such as lutefisk, trolls, and the country’s strange relationship with a famous cartoon duck! Come join the fun in this interactive class for all ages and ability levels!

Register here by January 1st! (Register here)

Schedule: Wednesdays from 6:30 – 8:00 PM

(8 Classes Total)

January 8, 15, 22, 29
February 5, 12, 19, 26

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

This activity is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Instructor – Liz Bucheit from Crown Trout Jewelry in Lanesboro, Minnesota

Ever wonder why sølje pins have those shiny dangles with silver disc drops? These discs are called “spoons” or “shells” in Norwegian. Silver has long been a protective element against evil and abduction by the hulder folk in Scandinavia. Legend has it that should you run into the devil wearing your sparkling sølje he would see his own reflection and run away! Don’t run away from a chance to create your own silver and gold washed earrings in this short class designed to introduce you to the beauty of Scandinavian silver work. Students will assemble up to 2 pairs of earrings using multiple disc elements suspended from sterling silver French hook ear wires. A willingness to use hand tools (pliers) is required. Extra magnification is recommended for close work if needed. (Cheaters, magnifying lamps, jeweler’s loupe) Pliers will be provided by instructor.

March 1st, 2025
1-4pm Class capacity: 12 students per class

$135 per person

Register Here!

Instructor – Liz Bucheit from Crown Trout Jewelry in Lanesboro, Minnesota

Come explore the ancient tradition of chain making! You’ll use “Viking Knitting,” a centuries-old looping technique, to create a beautiful fine silver bracelet with a variety of unusual clasps. Historically, this unique method of weaving resembles “nålbinding” knitting and was used to fabricate everything from sweaters to netting for catching fish! You’ll have the opportunity to complete a bracelet in a single day – no previous experience required – and all tools and materials will be provided. Add a charm for an additional charge or bring one of your own!

March 2nd, 2025
9am-4pm (break for lunch)

Class minimum – 6 students Class maximum – 10 students

$250 per person

Register Here!

Join us for a storytelling open mic!

January 18th, February 8th, and March 8th
Saturdays from 1-4 PM
Light refreshments will be provided.

Do you have a family story from the past describing your ancestors’ experience in emigrating to this country? Stories can be from immigrants originating from any of the Nordic countries and their first-born. Subjects can be but not limited to; conditions in the Mother country leading to emigration, the voyage experience, point of entry experience, US or Canada, mode of travel to area of settlement, structures constructed such as dugouts, sod houses, log or wood-framed houses, barns, churches, etc, survival, work experiences, natural challenges such as blizzards, droughts, floods, grasshopper invasions.

If you have an object handed down through generations that relates to a story, please bring it.

This will be an open-mic format so as participants arrive, a sign-up sheet will be provided. Folks that want to come just for listening are certainly welcome. Maybe a story will materialize while attending?

If you are able to attend, please RSVP by e-mailing:

[email protected]

Walk-ins welcome.

* Stories should be limited to 15 minutes to allow time for the other presenters.

Join us for our book club!
Open to all, we will read a variety of styles of fiction
from all the Nordic countries (in English).

The last day of the Sylvsmidja Jewelry Exhibition. 12pm to 4pm

Join us at 7pm for flutists Paula Gudmundson and Rose Fife to present Jewels for Flute, a concert bound to sparkle.

Join us for our book club!
Open to all, we will read a variety of styles of fiction
from all the Nordic countries (in English).