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| THE HISTORY OF SOLVANG • THE HERITAGE OF DENMARK |
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The Living Mythology of Hans Christian Andersen
On exhibit in the Museum gallery through January 29 is “The Living Mythology of Hans Christian Andersen.” The exhibit celebrates the 200th anniversary of the birth of Andersen, one of the world’s most beloved authors. Featured is the selected work of more than 20 California artists. “This is a very creative and contemporary look at the man, his stories and life,” says Executive Director and Curator Esther Jacobsen Bates. “Also included in the exhibit are items from the Museum archives and private collections.” A reception for the artists was held on Saturday evening, November 12. The highlight of the event was a presentation of awards, attended by an enthusiastic and appreciative standing-room only crowd. The $1500 Best of Show Award went to Rick James Marzullo for his acrylic on canvas “Christian in the Middle,” an eye-catching profile of Andersen set against a Danish flag with sketches from 32 H.C. Andersen stories in the flag’s bright red background. Additional awards included:
Jurors were Tim Anderson, curator of the San Luis Obispo Art Center, and HC Andersen specialist Casey Reynolds.
2006 MEMBERSHIP DRIVE UNDERWAY The Elverhøj Museum of History and Art depends on your support to sustain programs, services and facilities. Memberships and donations are an important contribution to the museum financial foundation, the preservation of archives unique to our area, and support of exhibitions, events, classes and services. Benefits for members include invitations to all museum events and exhibits including the annual Christmas party, special members-only rates for classes and events, a 10% discount on most Museum Store purchases, and the quarterly newsletter. For your convenience, included in this newsletter is a membership donation form. For more information, contact the museum at (805) 686-1211 or click here for membership information. HOLIDAY SHOPPING AT THE MUSEUM STORE The Museum Store features many gift ideas including handcrafted items made by museum volunteers and local artists. New items are arriving just in time for holiday gift giving. Games, jewelry and holiday decorations have just arrived. Danish specialty items include decorative items, mugs (Bedstefar, Mormor, Farfar, etc.), and Christmas ornaments. Also new to the store are a variety of Museum logo gift items. As an added bonus, Museum members receive a 10% discount on most Store purchases. “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. VALLEY WINES & VALENTINES Join us as we celebrate Valentine’s Day with our annual fundraiser, Valley Wines and Valentines. The tenth annual event will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 14, 2006. Admission is free and the public is welcome. Valentine’s Day treats, including a sumptuous cheese board, fruit and chocolates, will be served. A variety of award-winning local wines will be available for tasting. Adding to the evening’s festive ambience are candlelight, live music and the popular and abundant raffle prizes. The winners of the Fabulous Valentine Raffle will be drawn during the event. Grand Prize is “Cupid’s Wine Cellar,” a 24 bottle wine collection donated by local vintners. Two lucky First Prize winners will each receive a 12 bottle wine collection. Prizes include gift baskets, restaurant gift certificates, jewelry, chocolate, gifts, and more. Raffle tickets are $3 each or 8 for $20 and will be enclosed with event invitations. Beginning January 15, tickets will also be available at Book Loft in Solvang, at the museum or by phoning (805) 686-1211. All proceeds support Elverhøj Museum programs, exhibits, services, and facilities. THANK YOU DOCENTS Our dedicated museum docents are an integral part of the museum and we depend on their continued support and generosity of time to keep our doors open to the public. Docents represent the Elverhøj Museum of History and Art and serve as advocates for the Museum within the community. We can not possibly thank them enough.
H.C. ANDERSEN FAMILY EVENTS On Saturday, December 17 from 10:30 to noon, children ages 6 to 12 are invited to Jule Fest, a morning of holiday activities. They will make Danish Christmas ornaments, including traditional paper woven hearts and cones, at various craft stations. Casey Reynolds will read an Andersen Christmas story beside the festively decorated Christmas tree and there will be Danish Christmas treats for all. Advance registration is required. No charge for members, $5 for non-member. On Sunday, January 8 from 2 to 3:30 PM, master papercutter Rick James Marzullo wields his scissors for a Paperklip Demonstration. Just as H.C. Andersen entertained adults and children with his art, you will be amazed at Marzullo’s intricate and intriguing creations. There is no charge for admission and all are welcome. On Saturday, January 14 at 2 PM Casey Reynolds presents H.C. Andersen: Myth and Reality. Her lively presentation will delight and inform you with slides, facts, anecdotes and more. There is no charge for admission. Suggested audience: Ages 8 and up.
ATTERDAG
COLLEGE CLASSES Winter classes will be offered in February and March and will include:
Class sizes are limited and advance registration is required. Specific class information will be available in January. Please look for articles in your local paper, on the web at www.elverhoj.org, or call the Museum at (805) 686-1211. George Lockwood paintings - A BRUSH WITH NATURE
As a boy, George explored the outdoors, camping, hunting and fishing in the western US and Mexico. As a student at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, he spent the summer months packing mules in Yosemite National Park. Those experiences eventually led him to Alaska where he obtained his guide license and led clients to some of that state’s most remote and beautiful corners. Art was at first a hobby, but soon clients were commissioning paintings of the locations and animals viewed during their trips with George and his winter months were devoted to painting. In 1989 he moved to Prescott, Arizona to broaden his range of subject matter and devote more attention to art, continuing to guide in Alaska during summer months. George and his family currently live in the Santa Ynez Valley. GRANT NEWS The Elverhøj Museum is supported by a variety of local foundations and organizations. Their gifts provide funds for special projects and purchases and are a major source of funding. The Santa Barbara Foundation recently awarded the Museum a $1500 capital grant to fund the purchase of a new computer. The timing couldn’t have been better as the letter of approval came just two days after the old computer completely failed. Within ten days a new computer had been purchased, installed and networked. We are happily working on the new equipment and very much appreciate the support and confidence of the SB Foundation. A grant proposal submitted to TheWood-Claeyssens Foundation was recently approved. The $5000 gift will be used for two projects. The primary project will be the purchase and installation of a new ADA approved drinking fountain in the Museum garden. The grant also provides funds for reproduction of archival photographs. We anticipate seeing these projects completed early in 2006. ANDERSON/RASUMUSSEN - MUSEUM BENEFACTORS Outside of the Brandt-Erichsen family and the City of Solvang, Solvang couple Paul E. Anderson and Betty A. Rasmussen are the largest benefactors of the Elverhøj Museum. They arrived in Solvang in early 1990, seeking refuge in their retirement from the city life in San Francisco. They chose Solvang particularly because of its Danish connection. Betty, one of eight children, was born in Denmark and Paul cherished and adopted his wife’s heritage. Paul was born in 1925 in Iron River, Michigan to Anders Anderson and Mamie Hendriksen Anderson. He was a proud veteran of World War II and a graduate of the University of Michigan (Phi Beta Kappa) and its law school, graduating first in his class. He was a practicing tax attorney and law professor teaching tax law at the University of California, Hastings College of Law in San Francisco. Some of his former students include local attorneys and Judges such as Jack Collison and Paul Halme of Solvang, Judge Rodney Melville of Santa Maria, Stanley Roden and Kurt Pyle of Santa Barbara. Upon their arrival in Solvang, Betty and Paul immediately became involved in local organizations including Dania, Danish Brotherhood and the local chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Paul died February 2, 2002, and Betty died May 21, 2004. Together they left large, local bequests to Solvang non-profits, remembering the Santa Ynez Valley Hospital Foundation, Solvang Lutheran Home, Bethania Lutheran Church and the Elverhøj Museum. When their mutual estates were finally settled, Elverhøj Museum received $614,600 from Paul and Betty’s estates. As per their wishes, these funds have been placed into a permanent endowment. This support has and will further enable the Museum in its mission to preserve Solvang’s history and heritage. This is a wonderful example of how a couple’s life efforts can continue into the future for the benefit of their community. “STRANDED” WITH CASH PETERS The show first aired in August and immediately created a barrage of opinions, comments, and . . . . visitors. Cash Peters, as his website says, “Tells it like it is, with a no-holds-barred humor that is paradoxically merciless and endearing.” Love it or hate it, the show created much conversation and attention for Solvang and the Elverhøj Museum. The show airs on the Travel Channel twice each Monday evening, showcasing a variety of locations. The Solvang episode will air again in early 2006. PHOTOS NEEDED We are seeking photos of Solvang from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s for use in a new permanent exhibit. We welcome donations of originals or the opportunity to borrow photos and scan them for reproduction. Please come by the Museum or phone Esther at 686-1211. DIRECTOR’S NOTES As I write this column, the mood is festive and 2005 is drawing to a close. It is a time for celebration and reflection. It has been a year filled with “new”: new faces, new members, new programs, new exhibits and new experiences. As of the end of November, we have welcomed nearly 10,000 visitors to the Museum during 2005. They came from near and far and included visitors from 33 states and over 20 foreign countries. We also welcomed many new members and supporters as programs and services were expanded. Our 2005 art gallery exhibits attracted many new visitors, as well. “The Photography of Henry Diltz” brought in many first-time local visitors, as did “California Pottery” and “Bronze & Brush.” They came for the art, but stayed and enjoyed viewing the historical and cultural exhibits. The classes have all been full to capacity. It’s fun to watch the kids come for classes and return to guide family and friends on Museum tours. The response to classes with Danish cultural themes has been enthusiastic and robust, creating wait lists and demand for future classes. In October I had the priviledge of traveling to Iowa to attend the Danish American Conference and visit the Danish Immigrant Museum. I had never visited the Midwest, and had a great time touring the capital and the countryside, meeting many interesting people, and forging new working relationships. I look forward to 2006 and the many new adventures ahead. But always I hold close the support, friendship and guidance that is shared with me by so many of you—our members and supporters. Glædelig Jul!
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WEDDINGS AT THE ELVERHØJ
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. 
We continue the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of storyteller Hans Christian Andersen with a variety of special events.
The winter gallery exhibit debuts February 3, 2006 and features the work of award-winning wildlife and landscape artist George Lockwood. Inspired by first-hand knowledge of wildlife, George’s images record his personal experiences and his passion for the outdoors.
The State of Alaska commissioned George to paint two of their duck stamps and both were voted best duck stamp design in the nation for their respective years. He won the titles of California Ducks Unlimited Artist of the Year 1998-99, Ducks Unlimited International Artist 1999-2000, Vermont State duck stamp 1998, Birds in Art International Exhibition 1998. Other awards include Foundation for Northern American Wild Sheep Artist of the Year, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Featured Artist, and award winning artist at the Pacific Rim Wildlife Art Show. He will be a featured artist in a book currently in production, "The Best of Wildlife Art II."