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| THE HISTORY OF SOLVANG • THE HERITAGE OF DENMARK |
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The Elverhoj Museum of History and Art will celebrate the holiday season in traditional Danish style at the annual Christmas Party, Sunday December 3 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. This popular event features food and treats made by museum volunteers and traditional Danish Christmas festivities. The Museum glows in its holiday trim, with a 12 foot tree decorated with handmade Danish Christmas ornaments as the focal point. The celebration, which is open to the public, includes Danish open-face sandwiches, homemade Danish Christmas cookies and chocolates, and Christmas cheer. Santa will stop by with treats for the kids. Live music and the Danish Christmas tradition of ‘dancing’ around the tree are the highlight of the evening’s festivities. Papercutting artist Rick James Marzullo will make a special appearance from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. He will be signing 2006 Elverhoj Christmas ornaments which feature an original papercutting design created especially for the first annual museum ornament. Admission to the Christmas party is $10 per person with complimentary admission for museum members and children under eight. For more information, phone the museum at (805) 686-1211 “Central Coast Collection” “Central Coast Collection,” a new exhibit featuring the works of twenty-six Santa Barbara county artists, debuts on Friday, November 17 at the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art in Solvang. A reception for the artists will be held on Saturday, November 18 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Museum, 1624 Elverhoy Way in Solvang. Refreshments will be served, including wine, appetizers and desserts. There is no charge for admission. The exhibition features the work of members of the Artists Guild of the Santa Ynez Valley, a non-profit organization open to professional and amateur artists. Their works showcases a variety of art mediums, including watercolor, oil and acrylic paintings; collage; photography; pen and ink stippling; fiber arts; and mixed media. This show offers collectors a special opportunity as all of the art will be available for purchase. Exhibitors are: A.H. Andersen, Mary Ellen Barnard, Lori Bell, Mayra Bell, Fiddle Bird, Peggy Brierton, Carol Carbine, Gwen Cates, Marilyn Hoback Cronk, Jessica Datin, Donna Friedmann, Rebecca Gomez, Ron Guthrie, Joan Jones, Cherryl Larrigan, Sandra Olson Liatsos, Letty Manker, Syd McCutcheon, Sally Meister, Joan Mitchell, Lorna Morck, Zita D. Nielsen, Ann Raleigh, Diane Reuter, Jean Rittenberg and Paul Roark. Jurying of entries for the exhibition was done by Brenda French. A retired high school art teacher, Ms. French earned her Master’s in Art Education and serves as a Santa Barbara County Arts commissioner. She has been curator and organizer of the Lompoc Valley Arts Council “Best of the Best” countywide show for the past three years.
“Immigrants” -- Graphic images from
LIVING HISTORY DAYS The Elverhøj Museum of History and Art invites you to Living History Days, Saturday Exhibits come to life as volunteers demonstrate spinning and weaving in the museum’s Immigration-Era Room which features pre-industrial Danish artifacts. Bobbin lace makers will be on hand to answer questions and create samples of their exacting and intriguing work. Demonstrations will also include knitting, carding and other fiber arts.
Docents, clad in colorful Danish costumes, will demonstrate a variety of Danish Christmas crafts, including woven paper hearts and paper stars. Rounding out this fun and educational weekend of free activities are docent-led museum tours of the museum’s historical, cultural and art exhibits. On exhibit in the museum gallery is “Reflections In Wood” featuring works by members of the Santa Ynez Valley Woodworking Guild. Included are pieces large and small in a wide variety of beautiful, rare and exotic woods. Every piece on exhibit is an original, displaying handmade craftsmanship and superb wood. The Elverhoj Museum of History and Art is a historic handcrafted structure, located just two blocks south of the village center in Solvang. It was the dream home of Viggo Brandt-Erichsen and his wife, Martha Mott. He was an internationally recognized painter and sculptor and she was an accomplished painter and art teacher. In 1949 the Brandt-Erichsens began building their home in a style derived from the large farmhouses of 18th century Jutland in northern Denmark. They incorporated many elements of Scandinavian architecture into the design and spent nearly three years constructing their home which, in 1988, became the Elverhøj Museum. Ornamental wrought ironwork, sculptures, a carved redwood main entry door, and hand painted wall panels are just some of the permanent imprints of this remarkable family. The Elverhoj Museum of History and Art is located at 1624 Elverhoy Way in Solvang. There is no charge for admission; suggested donation is $3 per person. Members and children 12 and under are free. For more information, (805) 686-1211. SEPTEMBER 9 THROUGH NOVEMBER 5 SANTA YNEZ VALLEY WOODWORKING GUILD Reception for SYV Woodworking Guild Saturday at Elverhoj Works by members of the Santa Ynez Valley Woodworking Guild will be on display at the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art from September 9 through November 5. The exhibition, “Reflections In Wood,” features pieces large and small in a wide variety of beautiful, rare and exotic woods. A reception for the artists will be held on Saturday, September 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served, including wine, appetizers and desserts. There is no charge for admission. The SYV Woodworking Guild was formed in 1994 and has expanded to include woodworkers from Atascadero, Nipomo, San Luis and Los Osos. Exhibiting members are Richard Farwell, Ken Frye, George Paes, Dave Seymour, Mike Stanton, Pete Thomsen and Bud Tullis. Every piece on exhibit is an original, displaying handmade craftsmanship and superb wood. This is a special opportunity for collectors as most of the pieces are available for purchase. Pete Thomsen, a charter member of the Guild, describes creating pieces for the show as “our outlet.” The Solvang resident says, “We get to create our own things without any limitations. You will see mirrors, coffee tables, dressers and a variety of other special pieces.” The public is invited to free demonstrations featuring two of these talented woodworkers in action. On Saturday September 23, Ken Frye will demonstrate “Marquetry Inlay” from 2:00 to 4:00 PM under the gazebo in the Museum garden. “Turning Peppermills and Natural Edge Bowls” will be the focus of a demonstration with George Paes on Saturday September 30 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. The Elverhoj Museum of History and Art, 1624 Elverhoy Way in Solvang, is open 1-4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, noon-4 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Sunday and by appointment. There is no charge for admission. Suggested donation is $3. Members and children 12 and under are free. For more information, call the Museum at (805) 686-1211 ATTERDAG COLLEGE CLASSES: LIFELONG LEARNING FALL ADULT CLASSES
Class sizes are limited and advance registration is required. For more information call the Museum at (805) 686-1211.
FIRST ANNUAL
ELVERHØJ INTRODUCES CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT We are excited to announce the introduction of our first annual, limited edition Christmas ornament. This beautiful original features artwork by artist Rick James Marzullo imprinted on a fine quality 3 ¼” round glass ball. The ornament comes in its own gift box, ready for holiday gift-giving. The Elverhøj ornaments will be available in the Museum Store beginning October 1. To reserve your ornament(s) now, please visit our website—www.elverhoj.org—or phone the Museum at (805) 686-1211. Quantities are limited. Delivery via U.S. mail is available. FAMILY HISTORY PROJECT UPDATE By the end of 1911 there were 26 married couples living in Solvang. We are especially pleased with the response from their descendants, having received15 completed histories from this group with another five in progress and expected soon. This response rate (nearly 80%) has been a strong endorsement of the Family History Project and its goal of preserving Solvang’s early history and Danish cultural heritage. For those of you who have already submitted your Family Histories, the files are still open. You may add to your history at any time. If you come across a good photograph, find a special certificate or discover anything new that you would like to include in your family’s folder, feel free to bring it in or mail it to the museum. We want your Family History as complete as possible. To those who have received the questionnaire and have not yet completed it, please give it your best effort. If you have not received the questionnaire and you feel you should have, please call the Museum at (805) 686-1211 and we will correct the oversight.
NEW DOCENTS NEEDED! For over 10,000 visitors each year, docents are the Museum’s welcoming face and informed voice. We invite you to join this special group. 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 three-hour shifts per month. In return, you will meet a great group of volunteers and visitors, learn about your community and have the opportunity to participate in a variety of special outings and events at area institutions. Please stop by to see our docents in action or call Esther at 686-1211 for more information.
DRINKING
FOUNTAIN
PROJECT The two basin drinking fountain, funded by a grant from The Wood-Claeyssens Foundation, is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines. Project sponsors include: David Goldstien, architect; Alpers Construction; Bates Concrete Construction; Hans Duus Blacksmith; and Rick James Marzullo.
Reception Nov. 18 A reception for the artists is scheduled for Saturday, November 18 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Refreshments will be served, including appetizers and desserts prepared by Guild members. Exhibiting Guild members include both amateur and professional artists who work in a wide range of media (oil, acrylic, watercolor, colored pencil, collage, mixed media, fiber) and styles (realism, abstraction, impressionism, fantasy). The Artists Guild of the Santa Ynez Valley, founded in 1973, is a non-profit organization open to Central Coast artists and supporters of the arts. Its purpose is to encourage local artists to grow in artistic ability, to enable them to exhibit their works for sale, and to promote awareness of the arts in the community-at-large. MISSION STATEMENT DIRECTOR’S NOTES Modern design is part of the Danes' national identity and daily life. The blending of contemporary and old world designs fascinated my twenty-six year old daughter. We especially enjoyed our time visiting with my cousins, two of whom live in beautifully renovated 17th century farm houses. Inside the old buildings the furnishings and décor are decidedly modern, with sleek lines and light woods. The stylized lighting and art added to the appeal as did the flowering plants in the windows. Even though I have been to Denmark four times, I was again awed by the centuries of art and architecture. The old town of Ribe, established in 705, was a favorite. The cobblestone streets, the old buildings still in use, and the fabulous view from the top of the cathedral were all memorable. And we loved Copenhagen—the fast-paced cosmopolitan city with its castles, harbor and long history. The highlight of the trip was spending time with family. We were welcomed into their homes and their lives, fed way too much tasty food, and escorted around the countryside. It had been 28 years since I last visited with many of my cousins and it was fascinating to reconnect and find a strong family bond. My uncles and aunts were great tour guides and provided us with the best “bed and breakfasts” in Denmark. The most emotional moment for me was seeing again the tiny island of Aarø. Located off the east coast of southern Jutland, Aarø was home to my paternal grandparents. As we rode the ferry to the island, I felt surrounded by memories of earlier visits with my grandparents and visions of my father’s childhood in the beautiful and isolated setting overlooking wetlands and the sound. Sharing the experience with my daughter was unforgettable. As I returned to the office I reflected on life’s journeys and how interesting it is that I work each day literally surrounded by the celebration of the immigrant experience and the Danish cultural heritage of the town of Solvang, its early residents, and my family. Esther Jacobsen Bates
“VINTAGE VENDORS” ON DISPLAY It’s interesting to look at the array of businesses represented and how they differ from many of today’s tourist-based enterprises. In the first half of the twentieth century, Solvang business owners catered to the local population; the tourist trade did not appear until after World Way II. The archival photos show Solvang as it transitions from a new town with a dirt Main Street to a busy community center circa 1940. “Vintage Vendors” will remain on exhibit through Fall of 2006.
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Elverhoj Museum celebrates Christmas in Danish style on Sunday December 3
Download the Central Coast Collection Exhibit Postcard (300k) 
and Sunday, September 16 and 17. The Museum has special extended hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for this free annual event which features museum docents and volunteers demonstrating Old World crafts. 
Master papirklip artist Rick James Marzullo will demonstrate the fascinating art of Danish papercutting in the Museum Gallery. His amazing ability to create intricate designs with materials as simple as paper and scissors has garnered national attention. 
The word “docent” comes from the Latin verb docere, meaning “to teach, conduct, lead into, take care of, learn.” The Elverhøj Museum of History and Art’s 30 active docents do all of that and more, every single day the Museum is open.
A new exhibit, “Vintage Vendors,” is now on exhibit in the Main Room of the Museum. It features an interesting collection of give-away and logo items from early Solvang businesses. Augmenting the exhibit are archival photos of downtown Solvang from1914 and into the 1940s. The exhibit features items as diverse as plates and pencils, flyswatters and yardsticks, all bearing information about businesses that served Solvang and Santa Ynez Valley residents. 
WEDDINGS AT THE ELVERHØJ