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LIVING HISTORY DAYS
Docents, clad in colorful Danish costumes, will demonstrate a variety of Christmas crafts, including woven paper hearts and paper stars. Volunteers will also display techniques used in the decorative art of Rosemaling, which means “rose” or “flower” painting. On exhibit in the gallery will be “Inside Out,” a show featuring the works of Santa Ynez Valley studio artists. Rounding out the weekend activities are music and docent-led museum tours of the historical, cultural and art exhibits.
Several years ago, the idea of a diorama depicting early Solvang was brought to life by a matching grant from the Santa Barbara Foundation and donations from Elverhøj Museum members and supporters. Almost a year was taken up with design and construction of a cottage in the rear garden area to house the diorama. Meanwhile, co-chairmen Johannes Jaeger and Ed Hansen began constructing and painting the miniature buildings to be placed on display in the diorama, eventually completing 39 replicas of early Solvang buildings. Following the passing of talented woodcraftsman Johannes, his daughter Glenda Madrid volunteered to continue in her father’s footsteps by working on the diorama’s scenic representation of Solvang. Joining Glenda and Ed in the project are Helen FitzGerald, Marie Jaeger, Lois Vind and Shirley Heap. They have volunteered countless hours in this “labor of love” and continue to be as enthused as the members who started the project. The diorama is currently closed to visitors as work continues. Many new building are being constructed and added to the original plan, doubling the original number on display. These include the landmark Mission Santa Ines built in 1804, Solvang Garage and many additional houses and barns. Street designs have been revamped to accommodate the additions and ground cover has been painted in and textured. Details are being added, including a hill above Solvang and many trees and fences, giving a more realistic visual image of the area in its early years. The volunteers are working diligently with a goal of completing the majority of the work for viewing during the busy “Living History Days” event held during Danish Days weekend. Work will continue into 2006 on additional buildings, landscaping, audio narrative and exhibit brochures. BRONZE & BRUSH EXHIBIT
On exhibit through September 18 in the Museum gallery is “Bronze & Brush: The Spirit of Rural Valley Life.” Sculptor Pat Roberts and painter Nancy Becker have teamed up for this show focusing on the pastoral pleasures of the Santa Ynez Valley. Also featured is watercolor artist Eve Armson, noted for her scenic rural locations and buildings. “These three talented women understand and capture the beauty of our rural valley,” says Executive Director Esther Jacobsen Bates. “The diversity of medium, texture and color creates a visually interesting exhibit.” Acclaimed sculptor Pat Roberts’ work is in private and corporate collections throughout the world. Living with her husband, Monty, on their beautiful Solvang horse farm has given her the opportunity to study the subject she loves best: the horse in motion. An accomplished horsewoman who has bred, trained and exhibited horses, Pat began sculpting more than thirty years ago. A celebrated artist, her bronze sculptures are exhibited both in the United States and internationally. Nancy Becker spent much of her youth on horseback exploring the Angeles National Forest. Rugged vistas, a spectrum of colors, light and shadow were all part of her artistic development. She earned a B.A. in Art Education and taught in local schools before relocating to San Luis Obispo County. Becker is noted for images of tranquil pastoral scenes painted in oil on canvas. Watercolor artist Eve Armson’s art career began as an interior designer. Her many clients, among them Bill Gates, valued her drawings and flair for creating with shapes and forms. She opted for an early retirement ten years ago and began painting. Known for her spare, visual economy, she paints with watercolors, often selecting architectural objects in rural settings. SCULPTING DEMONSTRATION BY PAT ROBERTS
An acclaimed sculptor, Roberts often works in the sunny kitchen studio at her Solvang ranch. Slowly and patiently, she creates each new piece, often spending a year or more on the process. Her demonstration will cover techniques used in the creation of a bronze sculpture, from concept to completion. Acclaimed sculptor Pat Roberts’ work is in private and corporate collections throughout the world. Living with her husband, Monty, on their beautiful Solvang horse farm has given her the opportunity to study the subject she loves best: the horse in motion. An accomplished horsewoman who has bred, trained and exhibited horses, Pat began sculpting more than thirty years ago. A celebrated artist, her bronze sculptures are exhibited both in the United States and internationally. CALL FOR ENTRIES: HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN JURIED EXHIBIT The Elverhøj Museum will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Hans Christian Andersen by inviting artists to create art interpreting or embodying the living mythology of Andersen. Works may interpret any aspect of the stories or life of Andersen. Explorations demonstrating the continuing significance and influence of the archetypal characters, powerful storytelling, or sense of place in Andersen’s literature are welcomed. Artists may submit work in any style, from traditional to contemporary. All artists age 18 and over working in any media except video, installation, or performance art. All work must be original, no reproductions allowed. Maximum size for two-dimensional work is five feet in height or width. Maximum size for three-dimensional work is three feet in width and six feet in height. There will be a Best in Show award of $1500, to be paid to artist at the time of opening reception for the show. Other awards will also be presented. Calendar of Events/Deadlines
Entry Fees/Submissions
Entrants will be notified by mail (sent by 9/30/05) of acceptance or non-acceptance. Slides, prints, or CDs of work not accepted will be returned with notification. Slides, prints, or CDs of accepted work will be retained by the Elverhøj Museum until the end of the exhibit. All accepted works MUST arrive at the Elverhøj Museum between November 3 and November 6, 2005, hand-delivered or shipped. The artist is responsible for all packaging and shipping expenses. If needed, shipping requirements will be sent on request to artists whose work is accepted. All work must be properly wired for hanging and labeled on the back with the artist’s name, title of work, medium, and price. All work must be original and must match the slide or image submitted at entry. Art that does not have the qualities indicated in submission materials will be disqualified. The Elverhøj Museum will take a 30% commission on sales made during the exhibition. The selling price is determined by the artist. Works not for sale are to be listed NFS by artist, with a value stated for insurance purposes. Selected artwork may be used for promotional purposes, or reproduced as a poster for sale without a fee to the artist; release required on Entry Form. Works of art will be insured only while on the premises. Artists are responsible for insurance during transit. Slides and submission media will be handled with the utmost care; but the museum will not assume responsibility for lost or damaged submission materials. VALLEY FOUNDATION AWARDS GRANT We are pleased to announce that the Board of Directors for The Valley Foundation approved a grant of $4803 to the Museum at its July meeting. The gift is funding in full for two projects: a docent workstation and an interpretive display unit for the garden. The first project, a custom-built docent workstation, is in the final stage of construction. It will be installed in the Main Room of the Museum in early September where it will function as an efficient visitor greeting station, Museum Store sales desk with flip-down counter that meets current regulations for the disabilities act, and food/beverage serving area at events. The second project, a weatherproof display unit, will be installed in the rear garden near the bell tower and provide interpretive text about the bell and other garden area details. The on-going support of The Valley Foundation enables the Museum to better serve and educate the public with improved Museum operations and enhanced exhibits. Please come and admire the results of this generous gift. The historic building and carefully manicured cottage gardens provide a beautiful backdrop for intimate weddings. The garden with its abundant year-round blooms and corner gazebo creates a lovely setting for any wedding party. The bell in its stately tower can chime, marking the presentation of the newly married couple. The garden area comfortably accommodates up to 150 guests. Call (805) 686-9533 for information about availability and the reasonable rates. |
The Elverhøj Museum of History and Art will be hosting Living History Days on Saturday and Sunday, September 17 and 18. The Museum has special extended hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for this popular annual event. Featured are museum docents and volunteers demonstrating Old World crafts. Bobbin lace makers will be on hand to answer questions and create samples of their exacting art. Spinning and weaving will be demonstrated in the museum’s Immigration-Era Room, which features pre-industrial Danish artifacts. 
Demonstrated in the gallery will be the fascinating art of Danish papercutting, with local artist and master papercutter Rick James Marzullo wielding his scissors. His amazing ability to create art with materials as simple as paper and scissors has garnered national attention. Included in the gallery demonstrations will be knitting, carding and other fiber arts.
Sculptor Pat Roberts returns to the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art on Sunday, August 21 at 2 p.m. for a Sculpting Demonstration. Her work is featured in the current gallery exhibit, “Bronze & Brush: The Spirit of Rural Valley Life.” The public is invited to attend her hands-on demonstration. There is no charge for admission.