DIRECTOR'S NOTES


The first part of 2005 has been an extraordinary time at the Elverhøj Museum. The rainy winter AND spring months did not keep the visitors away, as more than 3,000 people came to the Museum. The winter gallery exhibit, featuring images of popular musicians by photographer Henry Diltz, received an unprecedented response. The Artist Reception and Slide Show evenings were enjoyed by hundreds, in spite of torrential rain during both events. The multi-generational appeal of the Diltz images and stories was remarkable, and many visitors experienced their first trip to the Elverhøj Museum.

My goal is to provide a variety of experiences for visitors, with new exhibits, programs and classes to entice you. Our classes, offered for both youth and adults, are consistently filled to capacity. Friday evening events have been very popular and will continue to be offered on an occasional basis.

Of course, none of this could happen without our many fabulous supporters--volunteers who meet the public and assist in all areas of operation, the board of directors, individuals and businesses who donate their labor to assist with building maintenance and improvements, and those who donate towards funding operations and programs.

Like the platforms the Danes build on their roofs to entice nesting storks-and good luck-we all work together to offer a platform for preserving Solvang's history, celebrating its Danish heritage, and promoting the arts.

--Esther Jacobsen Bates

ELVERHØJ WELCOMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS


Welcome to five (5!) new board members. Solvang Heritage Associates, the board of directors for the Elverhøj Museum of History and Art, has undergone a recent expansion, bringing an infusion of new talent and expertise to the board. New board members are:
Ken Johnson is a recent arrival in the Santa Ynez Valley, retiring here from the East Coast. Having sold his company, Kristensons Petroleum, Inc, he and wife Carol vacationed in the SB area and visited the Santa Ynez Valley. They decided, almost on impulse, to purchase a home and relocate to the area. They frequently return to the East Coast, visiting their four children and six grandchildren. Ken is active in community organizations, volunteering with United Fund, Habitat for Humanity, Good News Home for Women, Rotary and the Vikings. Proud of his Scandinavian roots, Ken brings to the board an expertise in business management and has been an active member of the Building and Grounds committee. He and Carol (one of our new docents) live in Santa Ynez.

A. Art Kaslow, D.D.S., a lifelong resident of Solvang, attended local schools and went on to obtain his B.S. and Doctor of Dental Surgery degrees. He then served active duty in the US Army for five years, including four in Europe. In 1988, he returned home to open his dental practice, transforming the office in Solvang where his father had practiced medicine sine 1957. "I refresh vivid memories each time I visit the museum," says Art. "I recall being instructed as a young child in the studio, the wonderful art classes taught by Martha Brandt-Erichsen in what was at that time her home studio. I have a draw to this special place and want to keep its character and feel intact for future generations." Art, the 2005 SYV Man of the Year, is active in a host of community organizations. He and wife Terri reside in Solvang and have three children: Rachael, Calah and Zak.

Glenda Madrid is a third generation Dane living in the SY Valley. Her local roots go back to grandparents Viggo and Cora Tarnow who moved to Solvang in 1924 and ran the Atterdag College from 1938 to 1952. She is Asst. Controller of Los Padres Bank, having worked in the banking industry in Paso Robles and the Santa Ynez Valley for more than 20 years. A former Danish Days Maid, she has been active in the various community organizations and volunteered in her children's many school and sports activities. Glenda has supported the Elverhøj Museum for years, assisting with fundraisers, food prep for the annual Christmas party, and currently is working on additions for the diorama cottage display.

Pat Roberts, local businessperson and horsewoman, is also well known for her artistic talents. Specializing in bronze, she has exhibited nationally and internationally and has collectors in 13 countries, including Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. A Valley resident since 1966, she owns and manages Flag Is Up Farms with husband Monty. She served 20 years on the board of Solvang Theaterfest and was a member of the Arts Outreach board. She was honored as the Woman of the Year, 2004 by the Girl Scouts of America. Pat resides in Solvang with husband Monty and has three adult children.

Barbara Weber is a graduate of UCSB with a degree in Art and English. She taught in Santa Barbara before partnering with her husband on a Fulbright professorship to Japan. A community volunteer, she has been active with the SB Museum of Art and the Friends of the Library in the Santa Ynez Valley. She has spent years involved with family businesses in a variety of capacities. Barbara has been actively involved with the Elverhøj Museum, serving as docent since 1995, assisting with Museum Store operations and exhibits. Her elegantly creative flower arrangements are featured at many receptions and events. A resident of Solvang, her adult children, Dean and Kay, also reside in the area

DOCENT NEWS

The Elverhøj Museum docents have had an active schedule during the past few months. Five new docents joined the team, completing their training and beginning to work with the public during the last month. Welcome to new docents Annette Bredall, Clarice Christensen, Dotty de Lambert, Inge Jacobsen and Carol Johnson.

The "seasoned" docents all completed a Refresher Course. The new handbook was used as a guide as docents participated in a half-day class, updating touring skills and training in safety and museum policies and procedures.

The April meeting featured guest speaker Mike Young of the City of Solvang Fire Department. On April 19, a group of 10 docents traveled to Casa del Herrero, a museum on a fabled Montecito estate, for a tour of the historic buildings and beautiful gardens. The May meeting featured guest speaker Ken Harwood, a retired professor and university dean whose very interesting topic was "Solvang and Sideways: An Economic Look."

Make friends. Influence people. Be a docent at the Elverhøj Museum!

No previous background required. To learn more, contact Esther or Ann at 686-1211 or email info@elverhoj.org.)

Solvang Exhibit TV & DVD player: SOLVANG ROTARY AWARDS $2500 GRANT

Visitors and members of Solvang's Elverhøj Museum of History & Art will now be able to see popular historical documentaries such as interviews with Solvang's historical families and Atterdag College's early days on a modern day big screen thanks to a grant by the Solvang Rotary Foundation of the Rotary Club of Solvang. The $2500 grant enhances the exhibit in the Solvang Room which soon will feature a 26" flat panel TV and DVD player for all visitors. Everyone is invited to come see the latest addition to the museum and witness the recognition of the Museum's value to the community as a preserver of history and local landmark. These DVDs, which have received outstanding reviews, are available for purchase in the Museum Store. This is the second grant from the Rotary Club of Solvang, adding to the $500 grant made last year to help fund the new youth classes and programs. This gift supports a growing consensus within the Santa Ynez Valley that the Elverhøj Museum of History and Art is a deserving and integral part of our heritage which should endure for future generations. The donation was part of the proceeds generated from the Rotary Club's annual Monte Carlo Night fundraiser.


WISH LIST

Lightweight round folding tables
Conference table and/or chairs
PA System
Drinking fountain for garden