Join us as we celebrate Valentine’s Day with our annual fundraiser, Valley Wines and Valentines. The annual event will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Saturday February 14. Admission is free and the public is welcome.
There will be plenty of Valentine’s Day treats, including as a sumptuous cheese board, appetizers, fruit and chocolates. A variety of award-winning local wines will be available for tasting. Music will be provided by “Shes My Band,” with Pamela Harris on pedal harp and Carole Ann Colone on percussion (photo below).
The winners of the Fabulous Valentine raffle will be drawn during the event. Grand Prize is “Cupids Wine Cellar,” a 24 bottle wine collection donated by local vintners. Two lucky First Prize winners will each receive a 12 bottle wine collection. An abundance of prizes will be awarded, including gift baskets, restaurant gift certificates, jewelry, chocolate, gifts, and more. A small, but select, silent auction will feature a handful of items including special wine magnums, gift certificates and baskets.
Raffle tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20 and are available for purchase at Elverhøj. Invitations, which include 5 raffle tickets, will be mailed to members.
Proceeds from the event fund Museum programs, exhibits, services, and facilities. For more information or to obtain tickets, phone the Museum at (805) 686-1211.
An open call for entries has been announced for a juried art exhibition opening April 18 in the Museum Gallery. Artists age 16 and over are invited to explore the concept of “Lost & Found” through collage and assemblage. Entries may be two- or three-dimensional. A $1,000 jurors award and lesser awards will be presented at the opening reception on April 18.
Selections will be made from prints or digital images; the deadline for receipt of entries is 4 pm on Sunday March 15. The links below provide the Prospectus and Rules and and Entry Form. For more information, phone the Museum at (805) 686-1211.
Reception January 31 ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE EXHIBIT
JANUARY 31 thru APRIL 11
Opening January 31 in the Gallery is “All You Need is Love.” Featured will be work by artists Karen Gearhart-Jensen, Rebecca Gomez, Suzan Hamilton-Todd, and Lindy Kern. This exhibit explores diverse aspects of this vast topic. Each of the four artists has created a visual experience honoring the longing, joy, and suffering that is part of inviting love into our lives.
A reception for the artists will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on January 31. The public is invited to view the exhibition and meet the artists. Refreshments will be served and there is no charge for admission.
Love and family relationships that transcend time and space limitations are represented in the work of Gearhart-Jensen. She explores connections between parent and child with nature binding those themes together. Printmaking is combined with collage and photography in pieces that engage the viewer with both visual and emotional power.
“Whats Going On,” an ongoing series by Rebecca Gomez, is executed in dry pigment on canvas in one twelve-part work. A related group of images engages nature as a collaborator in multi-media work based on photography. The work represents a kind of looking deep, recognizing an inevitable connectedness in all of creation.
Hamilton-Todd finds solace, inspiration, and an unbroken means of communion with her beloved late husband in her series of multi-media works featuring images of hawks. Over time and across cultures, the hawk is a powerful symbolic force, which is reflected in Hamilton-Todd’s energetic, moving, uplifting works.
Ceramic artist Lindy Kern bears witness to world conditions with a collection of clay figures created to convey a narrative message. The archetypal figures address both personal and collective responses to the present state of the world. The artist also creates vessels that reflect a love of Earth elements and nature’s landscape.
The show will remain on display through April 11, 2009.
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.
One of the new history panels is illustrated at right: “Solvang and the World at War.” Original photos, papers, and memorabilia were scanned, digitally restored if necessary, and printed with archival ink on archival paper. Text is also printed on archival paper.
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 not a definitive history of Solvang, but rather a series of important vignettes or stories about key milestones. 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.
Do come to Elverhøj soon and browse through the scrapbook of your community’s history.
CHEERS FOR VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers at Elverhøj were honored at a festive champagne brunch on December 16. More than 50 people enjoyed a delicious and abundant buffet in the restaurant at the Hadsten House Inn. Ken Johnson, president of the board of directors, welcomed the group who filled the room and enjoyed the warm fire and camaraderie. The tables were festively decorated with a gift of appreciation for each volunteer.
Pictured enjoying the champagne brunch for the volunteers are (left to right) Ruth Plambeck, Inge Jacobsen, Barbara and Bo Pedersen, Wee Woodward and Joan Mitchell.
Executive Director Esther Jacobsen Bates spoke briefly about the value of volunteer time and how their contributions of time, talent and energy make a difference at Elverhøj and in the community. She was joined by Administrative Assistant Kimberly Davis and together they recognized the role and contributions of each volunteer.
Honored for their service and involvement were docents, board members, and committee chairpersons. Special awards were presented to retiring docent Grethe Larsen and outgoing board member Pat Roberts.
IN APPRECIATION OF DOCENTS
Docents are an integral part of the museum. We depend on their support and generosity of time to keep our doors open to the public. They are the welcoming faces and informed voices representing the Elverhøj Museum and serve as advocates within the community.
We invite you to join our enthusiastic group of docents. All you need is an interest in and appreciation of Solvang’s history, Danish cultural heritage, and/or art. We ask that you be ready to commit to one or two shifts per month; each shift is three to fours hours. In return, you will interact with interesting people, learn about your community, and have the opportunity to participate in a variety of special outings and events at area institutions.
Please stop by and see our docents in action or call (805) 686-1211 for more information.
Our wonderful 2009 docents:
Cherie Alstott
Liz Bland
Annette Bredall
Sonja Cartwright
Clarice Christensen
Jill Clevenger
Joy Deming
Beatriz Djernaes
Clara Ehrsam
Eva Etzel
Sandy Gregersen
Elisabeth Jacobsen
Inge Jacobsen
Marie Jaeger
Elizabeth Jensen
Carol Johnson
Marilyn Johnson
Alma Lancaster
Agnes Larsen
Else Lassiter
Maggie LePley
Mary Mathiasen
Kate Nielsen
Barbara Pedersen
Ruth Plambeck
Jean Roed
Olive Saunders
Edel Schonfeldt
Beverly Smith
Lois Vind
Barbara Weber
Wee Woodward
MUSEUM IMPROVEMENTS
Work continues on the building and grounds, with a new office entry stairway and deck nearing completion. Plans are being drawn up for improvements at the front entry. During 2009, we will be working extensively in the back garden, installing artifacts (including the Burchardi Dairy milk bottle) and explanatory signage. Inside, permanent exhibits will be freshened up or revamped to include more artifacts and information.
Workers place a new support beam for the upstairs office deck. The deck and stair replacement is expected to be completed in February.
ELVERHØJ CHRISTMAS PARTY
Elverhøj celebrated the holiday in festive Danish style at the annual Christmas Party. The museum twinkled with candlelight and the 12 foot Christmas tree, adorned with handmade Danish Christmas ornaments, glowed in the center of the gallery. Guests danced around the tree — a Danish holiday tradition — singing holiday carols. “It was such a fun evening,” said Executive Director Esther Jacobsen Bates. “The music, the fabulous Danish foods, and the festive atmosphere make this annual party a favorite for all ages.”
Santa and Mrs. Claus greeted guests, listening to children’s Christmas wishes and handing out gifts. Bent Mygen played seasonal music on the piano and guitar and the Statom family lead the dancing around the Christmas tree.
More than 40 volunteers worked to make the evening a success, including Marie Jaeger who coordinated a team that prepared 800 delicious Danish open-faced sandwiches. Special thanks to all the volunteers who baked Christmas cookies; Bent Clausen, Gabrielle Robbins and JoAnn Verkler for their specially made sandwich toppings; and to our sponsors — Ingeborg’s Homemade Chocolates, Nielsen’s Market and Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery.
FUNDS GRANTED
The Elverhøj Museum depends on financial support from memberships, donations and grants. Several organizations have recently awarded grants. Their gifts are a major source of funding for operating support, special projects, and purchases.
For the first time, Elverhøj was selected to receive a Montecito Bank & Trust 2008 Community Dividends award. The $5,000 gift recognized the “extraordinary work and significant contribution made to the community’s quality of life.” Executive Director Esther Jacobsen Bates was presented the award at a celebration luncheon at the Montecito Four Seasons Biltmore (photo below).
Montecito Bank & Trust reps Larry Edwards (back, left) and Linda Johansen (front, center) with Santa Ynez Valley award recipients including Esther Jacobsen Bates (back right).
The Santa Barbara Foundation recently awarded the Museum a general operating support grant in the amount of $7,850. The funds are to be used to assist with the salary for expanded hours of the operations/administrative assistant.
A grant of $10,000 fromTheWood-Claeyssens Foundationwill be used for several purposes including research and printing expenses related to a Solvang History project and for general operating support.
CHALLENGES OF TODAY
Contributed by Ken Johnson, President Solvang Heritage Associates,Board of Directors for Elverhøj
Last quarter I discussed “Yesterday,” i.e. founding Solvang and implementing the vision of Elverhøj Museum. In this issue I want to highlight some challenges we face “Today,” as the City of Solvang grows and changes, and as we take over both the ownership and maintenance of the museums physical facilities.
Challenge of Being Vital Today
In its early days, Solvang built its population base by attracting Danes and other Scandinavians, who came primarily from rural parts of the U.S. and Europe. Today, the population of Solvang is much like any other American city. It is a melting pot of different backgrounds, ethnicities, and nationalities. This presents a challenge to Elverhøj, because we have chosen not only to preserve Solvang’s history and Danish culture, but also to remain a vital focal point in Solvang’s present life.
As a result, Elverhøj has widened its interests, activities, and outreach. We hold wonderful art exhibits and lectures featuring local, regional, national and international artists. We celebrate Valentine’s Day and Christmas with parties that welcome the community at large. During Solvang’s Danish Days we hold a Living History Festival for tourists and locals alike. We sponsor an annual “Queen of Arts Show and Sale” open to community artists and crafters. Students from area schools and youth groups tour the Museum regularly, and adults and children from the community enthusiastically take various classes offered by Elverhøj. Our facilities are available for community meetings, as well as the occasional wedding.
Challenge of Museum Ownership
When the Brandt-Erichsen family wanted to preserve their Elverhoy House as a museum, they initially donated it to the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Society. Later, the City of Solvang took over the ownership and maintenance of the physical facilities, while the non-profit Solvang Heritage Associates and the Executive Director operated the Museum. This worked well until the City began experiencing budget shortfalls and maintenance began to suffer. After much concern, the Board undertook negotiations with the City, which resulted in the transfer of ownership and maintenance to the Solvang Heritage Associates in June of 2007.
A volunteer Buildings and Grounds Committee has been formed to assist the Executive Director with maintenance and improvement projects. It holds monthly work parties that are getting many of the small chores done. Larger needs are being met by outside contractors. Thus far they are being paid with funds from the negotiated settlement with the City. The Board would greatly appreciate more volunteers, particularly from the trades, to help with these chores. Please contact Executive Director Esther Jacobsen Bates or her assistant, Kimberly Davis, if you want to help.
Next quarter, you will be hearing about plans for dealing with “Tomorrow.” A quick preview:plans include an Annual Fund Drive, the first in our history, to help with the financial side of maintaining the Museum.
GIVING
This series of occasional articles is designed to inform and educate about charitable giving options.
The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 is not only noteworthy as a “rescue” plan, but also as a tax relief strategy to investors, especially IRA owners. Under this Act, the IRA Charitable Rollover provision that expired at the end of 2007 has been extended. IRA owners over 70 and 1/2 years of age are permitted to contribute up to $100,000 directly to charitable organizations from their IRA accounts tax-free until December 31, 2009.
The IRA owner, however, is not entitled to take an additional income tax deduction for the charitable gift, and there are several requirements that must be met in order to ensure that the charitable IRA distribution will be excluded from gross income:
The IRA owner must be at least 70 and 1/2 years of age on the day of the transfer to charity.
The donation must be made directly from an IRA (including inherited IRAs). Other types of retirement plans (i.e. 401(k), profit sharing plans, etc.) do not qualify, although any assets rolled from these types of plans into an IRA would.
The donation must be made directly to the charity. For example, a check made payable to the IRA owner and subsequently signed over to the charity would not qualify.
The charity must be a public charity.
A distribution will only qualify if the contribution would normally be able to be deducted in full. Certain donations such as raffle tickets where only a portion of the amount qualifies for a charitable income tax deduction, would not qualify at all under this special IRA provision.
The donation must be made from assets which would otherwise be considered a taxable distribution.
IRA owners who are or will be 70 and 1/2 in 2008 and 2009 may wish to seriously consider making a distribution from their IRA to a charity. While IRA Charitable Rollover cannot be used to fund life income gifts such as annuities and trusts, it may be used to honor outstanding pledges to charities. It is truly a unique opportunity to save on taxes while working to meet philanthropic objectives.
DIRECTOR’S NOTES
A new year brings fresh opportunities and new challenges. This is a great time to build on past successes and look forward. We have planned a wide array of programming and exhibits for 2009, with activities and events for youth and adult. Winter classes begin again in February, with courses that include children’s art, Danish cultural workshops, and crafts.
Work continues on the building and grounds, with a new office entry stairway and deck nearing completion. Plans are being drawn up for improvements at the front entry. During 2009 we will be working extensively in the back garden, installing exhibits (including the Burchardi Dairy milk bottle) and explanatory signage. Inside, permanent exhibits will be freshened up or revamped to include more artifacts and information.
The key elements of our success are volunteers, committees, and membership. Volunteers are involved in all operations and events at Elverhøj. This energized group of more than 65 people contributes time and talent on a regular basis. Committee members guide and assist with education, finance, maintenance of facilities, fundraising, special events, art exhibits, history, the Museum Store, and more. I can not thank them enough for their valuable contributions!
Membership dues provide the basis for our annual operating income and are the financial backbone for all programs and services. Each membership makes a difference — especially in this challenging economic climate.
I want to extend my gratitude for all your support and invite you to visit and experience Elverhøj’s warm and welcoming vitality.
Esther Jacobsen Bates
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.
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.
“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. 
Download the museum Brochure