THE HISTORY OF SOLVANG • THE HERITAGE OF DENMARK
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Elverhøj News:

IN THE NEWS at the ELVERHØJ MUSEUM
August/September 2005

INSIDE OUT
Sept. 23 thru Nov. 6

Inside Out “Inside Out” artists Gene Inglis-Ward, Ilona Rymer and Charlotte Valestra strike a pose exhibit mascot and greeter Vencenti and his dog Luigi

On exhibit in the gallery September 23 through November 6 is Inside Out, an exhibition of 2-D art created by the studio artists of Gene Inglis-Ward. The adult students’ work encompasses a variety of mediums, with an emphasis on watercolors and on subject matter reflecting both interior and exterior settings. Over 50 original pieces will hang in the gallery with dozens of additional paintings and original note cards available for sale. 

An innovative art teacher, Gene’s students often work in watercolors, although the show also includes works in mixed media and acrylic. With an extensive education in fine arts, Gene’s background includes work with renowned artists and many years of teaching. She is noted for her versatility and creativity in watercolor, collage, mixed media and acrylics.

A reception for the artists will be held on Friday evening, September 23 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.  There will be live music and refreshments. Please come, meet these talented area artists, and view their newest works.

The exhibition includes work by: Andrew Andersen, Mary Ellen Barnard, Lee Barranco, Margie Bowker, Sharon Connolly, Marilyn Coyle, Dorthea Dunlap, Ingrid Guttman, Inglis-Ward, Sheryl Knight, Barbara Lago, Cherryl Larrigan, Sally Jones, Kristina Mapes, Vera Margolis, Joan Mitchell, Eddie Paaske, Cheryl Partridge, Elizabeth Potter, Ann Poulson, Marcy Reffeto, Diane Reuter, Ann Richards, Jane Roark, Jane Rowney, Ilona Rymer, Barbara Thomson, Aury Todd, Sheila Underwood, Sharon Volk, and Barbara Young.

Living History Days
September 17 & 18

Living History DaysThe 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. 

Living History DaysDemonstrated 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.

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.

DIORAMA ADDITIONS UNDERWAY

DIORAMA ADDITIONS UNDERWAY Diorama volunteers work on additions. Pictured are Helen Fitzgerald, Lois Vind and Shirley Heap

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.

Read the Valley Living Article: Striving for Small Scale

Bronze & Brush exhibit
Through September 18

Bronze & Brush Bronze & Brush artists Pat Roberts, Eve Armson and Nancy Becker

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.

Don't miss the Sculpting Demonstration by Pat Roberts
Sunday, August 21, 2:00 p.m. in the gallery

WISH LIST

  • Filing cabinets, desk height
  • Lightweight round folding tables
  • Conference table and/or chairs
  • PA System

ATTERDAG COLLEGE CLASSES
LIFELONG LEARNING

All classes are held at the Museum and are limited in size. Advance registration is required. Scholarships are available.

For more information, or to reserve your space, call the Museum at (805) 686-1211.

KID’S SATURDAY ART WORKSHOPS Young artists show off their stamping projects—and their paint-covered hands—during a recent class.

KID’S SATURDAY ART WORKSHOPS
SATURDAYS - October 8, 22
November 5 and 19

10:30 AM to noon

Free for members

$10 per class for non-members

Kids in first through fourth grades will explore a variety of art mediums in these fun Saturday morning classes. Professional artists/teachers will lead students with something new each Saturday. Classes are held in the Museum Gallery and are limited to 15 students.

Class flyers will be distributed through area schools and information will be published in newspapers in September. For information or registration, phone the Elverhøj Museum at 686-1211.

DANISH OPEN-FACED SANDWICHES (SMØRREBRØD)
SAT, OCTOBER 9, 10 AM to NOON

Else Danish Open-Faced Sandwich Class$25 for members, $35 for non-members

Else Lassiter returns to lead this popular class in the art of preparing the tasty and versatile Danish open-faced sandwich. Creative and imaginative combinations of food are used for the artfully constructed smørrebrød (which literally means bread and butter), with an emphasis on creative garnishes and presentation.

Danish Open-Faced SandwichesElse trained at a Danish cooking school and spent summers working in hotel kitchens in Denmark. Her classes always fill quickly, so be sure to call today to reserve your space. Class is held in the upstairs office area of the Museum and is limited in size.

 

 

(Includes all food preparation materials, beverages and an instruction booklet)

 

THE 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.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

We invite you to join our dedicated and enthusiastic staff of volunteers. Current opportunities include:

  • Docent
  • Meeting and guiding visitors
  • Collections Management
  • Document artifacts
  • Scan historical photos
  • Sort and organize photos

 

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