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IN THE NEWS at the ELVERHØJ MUSEUM
Fall 2009 |
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LIVING HISTORY FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 19 & 20
 Step back into the old world culture of Denmark during the Living History Festival at Elverhøj Museum of History and Art. Held annually in conjunction with Solvang’s Danish Days, the 2009 festival will take place on Saturday and Sunday, September 19 and 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Volunteers in handmade Danish costumes demonstrate a variety of Old World craft and folk arts, fiber arts, and more. Enjoyable and educational activities are planned for all ages. Admission is free.
Exhibits come to life as volunteers demonstrate spinning and weaving in the museums Immigration-Era Room which showcases pre-industrial Danish artifacts. Scandinavian fiber arts such as Viking knitting, card weaving, Hardanger Renaissance lace making, and Nolbinding will be demonstrated in the Museum’s main room and gallery. Bobbin lace makers will create samples of their exacting and intricate work, even offering guests an opportunity to try their hand at this centuries old art.
 Traditional Danish crafts, including Christmas decorations such as woven paper hearts and paper stars, will be constructed by volunteers who will give samples to visitors. Rick James Marzullo will demonstrate Papirklip, the popular Danish folk art of paper cutting. His amazing ability to create intricate designs with materials as simple as paper and scissors has earned him national recognition.
Demonstrations under the trellis in the museum garden will feature stone carving and woodcarving using a variety of hand tools and techniques. These skills were practiced by many early peoples, including the Vikings. You can even try your hand at creating a small stone carving.
Docent-led tours of the museum’s historical, cultural and art exhibits will be available throughout the weekend. Bring the family during this special free weekend event and enjoy a journey back in time.
LIVING HISTORY FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Demonstrations and interactive activities throughout the weekend:
Scandinavian Christmas crafts
Bobbin Lacemaking
Docent led tours
Childrens “I Spy” activities
Various Old World fiber arts
Hardanger and Nolbinding, Sunday, 1 to 4 pm
Papirklip, Saturday, 1 to 2 pm and Sunday 11 am to noon
Spinners, Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 1 pm
Stone carving and Lost Wax demonstrations, Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm
Wood carving demonstrations and activities, Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm
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NEW DVD CHRONICLES SOLVANG HISTORY
Danes are curious people. When they immigrated to America they often kept in touch with each other. When a group of Danes found a good place to farm and live they told others to come join them. Such a place is Solvang, California. . . .
 So begins a newly-produced DVD now screening in Elverhøj’s Solvang Room and available in the Museum Store for $15. Entitled Solvang, Danish Colony in California, it tells the fascinating history of a little town that grew into an internationally-known tourist destination.
Personal interviews bring to life the pioneering Danish families that made Solvang flourish. These early settlers had a great capacity for work, but also for enjoyment. When times were tough they persevered and helped one another. They came to love their new home, but always treasured their Danish background. Priceless old photographs and more contemporary images supplement their rich oral history.
June Christensen, Elverhøj board member, was the executive producer and researcher on this project. People interviewed include: Elise Lindegaard Bates, Thor Brandt-Erichsen, Harlan Burchardi, Elisa Larsen Duus, Erik Gregersen, Leona Ibsen, Regina Iversen, Ivo Nedegaard Jacobsen, Marie Tarnow Jaeger, Florence (Flossie) Jensen, Eiler Johansen, Anker Johnson, Monica Fauerso Kramer, Elna Larsen, Daryl Nielsen, Donald Nielsen, Kathryn Iversen Nielsen, Roger Nielsen, Edna Paaske, Abeline Jensen Petersen, Robert Petersen, William Petersen, Else Jensen Statom, Marian Johnson Walker, Gerda Svendsen Willis, Lucille Wulff, and Viggo Richard Wulff.
An informative narration by videographer Bent Myggen sets these interviews in context. Myggen also did camera work, editing and production. Funding for the DVD project came from the Santa Barbara Foundation, The Valley Foundation, and private donors.
To order the Solvang, Danish Colony in California DVD for $15, email info@elverhoj.org or call the Museum at 805-686-1211. This will be a keepsake to treasure and an imaginative gift for family and friends.
NEW SOLVANG ROOM EXHIBIT
History, someone has said, is the stories we tell ourselves. In Elverhøj’s Solvang Room, the so-called Scrapbook on the Wall — a series of large panels of photos and text — tells the stories of Solvang from 1910 to the present. A team of talented people have worked together for many months to assemble this special exhibit.
Just as with a personal scrapbook, material for these history panels has come from a variety of sources. We have rummaged through Elverhøj’s records to find historical treasures: oral history tapes, family genealogies, old letters, personal reminiscences, the museum’s extensive photo collection, local newspaper clippings, school board records, event programs, souvenirs and memorabilia, published and unpublished histories of Solvang, student theses on Solvang, and more.
 
People have shared their personal photo albums, scrapbooks, and stories with us. Organizations have donated information about themselves. Other museums have generously assisted. A UCSB intern and a Cal State researcher contributed some expertise. Even the Danish embassy got involved and furnished photos of Denmark’s royal family.
What you can now see is a series of important vignettes or stories about key milestones in Solvang’s history rather than a complete and definitive history. The history panels start with Danish immigration to America, progress through the founding and growth of Solvang, and in a generally chronological way, guide the viewer through stories about local culture, influential people, and events. You can also read about Solvang cowboys, how the automobile came to the Valley, how Solvang reinvented itself, the three visits from Danish Royalty, and learn about ring riding and hitting the cat out of barrel, among other things.
Although this exhibit is still a work in progress, it has been generously supported by The Valley Foundation, The Wood-Claeyssens Foundation, MIS Associates, and Premier Imaging Products.
October 17 dinner
SUNDOWNER AT ELVERHØJ
 On Saturday, October 17, at 6 pm, Elverhøj embarks on an evening of fun, fine food, and entertainment. Called “Sundowner at Elverhøj,” the event has an African Safari theme, derived from the stunning exhibit in the Museum Gallery, Out of Africa: Recent Photography by Susan Jørgensen (September 12 - November 1).
Safaris in Africa come to a halt at sunset during a time called “sundowner” when travelers relax with food and refreshment. And that is what the Sundowner at Elverhøj is all about.
Appetizers and drinks will be served in the Museum Gallery where Jørgensens images will provide the perfect context. A delicious meal will be prepared and served by New West Catering, well known for its appealing menu based on fresh local food and its elegant presentation. Musical entertainment will be followed by a live auction of five luxury-class packages. Elverhøj will be transformed to an Out of Africa environment and our Sundowner guests will be pampered. Event proceeds will benefit the Museum and its activities.
Tickets for the evening are $100 per person. Three Patron Tables for 8 guests are available for $1,000; these include unique gifts, a signed commemorative poster by Jørgensen and premium seating. Expect your Sundowner invitation in the mail soon. Seating is limited to 100.
The theme of Safari resonates at Elverhøj these days. The Jørgensen exhibit in the Museum Gallery is based on the photographer’s recent safaris in Tanzania, Botswana, and Namibia. In addition, Elverhøj, in its role as a museum, is always on exploratory trips through history and art. And now it is embarking a new journey, to raise funds to ensure the Museum’s stability and long-term sustainability.
For more information, to order tickets, or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please phone the Museum at (805) 686-1211.
October 24
“WILD TALES” SATURDAY
 The closing of the exhibition, Out of Africa, is like the end of a safari with a time to gather around the campfire and share stories. The Elverhøj Museum and photographer Susan Jørgensen will host “Wild Tales” on Saturday October 24. Stories begin at 4 pm. Some will be tales from her safaris and some will be reflections on her involvement with the land and with animals. The signs and metaphors from Nature have guided much of her work and her life’s outlook. Some stories have nurtured artwork; some are simply stories that have provided markers on life’s journey.
As a kid, Susan Jørgensen would try to get to the mailbox first when Outdoor Life and Field & Stream arrived at the house. She opened the magazines looking in particular to a one-page expose called It Happened to Me. This was a boxed feature with drawings and words of some real life, wildlife tale like being chased up a tree by a Grizzly bear or getting caught in quicksand or a whirlpool. She read them with great interest, knowing it might be helpful for possible encounters and experiences. Even as a kid, she wanted to be prepared and loved/respected the interface with nature.
Along with a small circle of friends, including writer Dan Gerber, Jørgensen will share her stories. Gerber also lives in the Santa Ynez Valley and finds inspiration in Nature. Both he and Jørgensen share roots in the Midwest, a fondness for foxes, travels to Africa, and a love of fly-fishing.
The public is welcome to listen and to share. There is no charge for admission.November 6, 7, 8
“QUEEN OF ARTS” SHOW & SALE
 Mark your calendars for the return of the popular Queen of Arts Show and Sale, November 6-8. The eleventh annual event begins with a lively opening reception and sale on Friday November 6 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. Guests can enjoy wine and appetizers while shopping and meeting more than 25 California artists and crafts people showing their original, handmade work. The show and sale continues Saturday November 7 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Sunday November 8 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. There is no charge for admission.
From unique folk crafts to fine art, there is a wide range of prices and tastes. Stone carving, glass work, ethnic art, tiles, collage, mixed media work, and paintings will be available. Jewelry artists creatively use vintage and contemporary beads, resin, and crystal with cold connection or torch construction. Pit-fired, hand-built, or thrown pottery work will be for sale, as well as original garden art handcrafted from steel, stone, and wood. Striking fashion or home décor accessories are offered by fiber artists. They incorporate hand painted fabric, antique kimonos, and/or felted fabric. Choose from a wonderful selection of handmade holiday ornaments and decorations to brighten your home.
VICTOR BORGE DISPLAY
 This year marks the centennial of the birth of accomplished world-famous Danish entertainer Victor Borge. A kiosk is traveling the country to celebrate the life of this great entertainer, a humorist and world-class pianist. Known as the “Great Dane” and the “Clown Prince of Denmark,” Borge was grand marshal for Solvang’s Danish Days parade in the 1960s.
The kiosk, which has images and video from both his personal life and his illustrious career, will be set up in the offices of the Santa Ynez Valley Visitors Association at 1511 Mission Drive, corner of Mission and Fifth. Sponsored by the Solvang chapter of Rebild National Park Society, Santa Ynez Valley Visitors Association, and Elverhøj Museum of History and Art, the display will be open Friday through Sunday, September 18-20 from 10 am to 4 pm daily.
DIRECTOR’S NOTES
 The last twelve months have brought record numbers of visitors to Elverhøj despite the struggling economy. Now, more than ever, people value meaningful experiences, especially those that are low in cost and high in value. Museums feed the soul while keeping spirits up, and are places of reassurance amidst the uncertainty of the times.
I am frequently asked how the economy is impacting Elverhøj. Like all of us, Elverhøj has seen a downturn in revenue. Budgets have been tightened and yet we are serving increasing numbers of visitors. We are keenly aware of the current economic challenges and the need for a healthy mix of revenue for sustainability.
We take pride in Elverhøj’s highly disciplined financial management. We run a lean organization and rely on our team of wonderful volunteers to help out with all areas of operations. We are proud of our expanded educational services, renovated historical exhibits, and invigorating art shows and events. Careful budgeting and oversight has allowed us to continue the maintenance and restoration of buildings and grounds that we started when we assumed ownership in 2007.
As we plan for the year ahead, and also consider the long-term sustainability of Elverhøj, it is clear we must diversify our financial base. Revenue from memberships, programs and foundations has declined. The Board joins me in recognizing the need for a comprehensive financial plan to ensure that Elverhøj is stable, strong and vital in the future.
We are extremely grateful to you, our members and supporters, for the inspiration, dedication and vision you provide. Recently you received an appeal from our Board for operating support. And shortly you will be receiving an invitation to our first Sundowner at Elverhøj — an evening of fine food, fun, and entertainment inspired by the “Out of Africa” photography exhibit. I ask that you affirm the value of Elverhøj to you and the community by responding to this appeal and/or attending the Sundownerdinner.
I invite you to visit Elverhøj and enjoy our many programs, displays and activities. Your support is very much needed and appreciated!
Esther Jacobsen Bates
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
AT ELVERHØJ
By Adria M. Griggs
Elverhøj is a joy for tourists of all ages. Many people travel from across the country and even the world to visit the Museum. Yet, only a limited number of our local children have seen Elverhøj and experienced all it has to offer.
We would like the local schools to use Elverhøj to their benefit; we enjoy educating children and working with teachers. Classroom teachers, however, must have reasons to bring their classes on field trips and must get them approved. Here at Elverhøj, where education is a priority, we are making it easier for teachers to get field trip approval. Elverhøj educational activities will be geared to each grade (kindergarten through eighth) and its specific educational standards. That will help us to be on the list of annual field trips taken by local school classes.
In years past, Elverhøj had teaching professionals carefully develop standards-based curricula for third and tenth grades. Now, the Museum has expanded this idea to include more grades. We possess the historical information and artifacts necessary to meet many different California Content Standards for various grades. Our goal is to have information and educational activities ready for grades kindergarten through eighth.
The standards-based curricula developed for local schools also benefit children visiting Elverhøj with their families. When they arrive, educational activities designed specifically for children are offered to them.
We hope that additions to our educational material will bring more families with children and more class field trips. Elverhøj is committed to the continued improvement of all of its educational programs.
Adria M. Griggs, born and raised in Santa Ynez, is now a credentialed teacher working in local schools and at the Elverhøj Museum as interim operations assistant.
 MUSEUM BROCHURE
The Elverhøj brochure was redesigned in 2008 for a fresh, new look. There are updated photos and expanded text relating the history of Solvang. Special thanks to Rob Jensen Art Direction Design, members of the Santa Ynez Valley Camera Club, and our sponsors: The Valley Foundation, The Wood-Claeyssens Foundation, and Solvang Rotary Foundation.
 Download the museum Brochure
 WEDDINGS AT ELVERHØJ
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. |
