Nordic Heritage Museum to open new exhibitions this week

This week, Ballard’s Nordic Heritage Museum is opening two new exhibitions. On Friday, March 9, “Celebrating 75 years of the Seattle Weavers’ Guild” and “Here and There: Contemporary Nordic-American Ceramics” will be open to the public. A preview reception will be held tonight, March 8, for museum members and invited guests from 6 to 8 p.m.

The Museum says the textile art exhibit is, “commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Seattle Weavers’ Guild with an exhibition that highlights a rich variety of Nordic weaving techniques and continuing traditions.” The exhibit will, “feature work by over 30 members of the Seattle Weavers’ Guild, including pieces created by members during studies in the Nordic countries, as well as recent pieces that showcase distinctive Nordic techniques such as the long-pile rya, ribbed Swedishripsmatta, and Norwegian krokbragd, among others.” The exhibit will also feature a hands-on area that will allow visitors to try simple weaving techniques.

From the Museum:

“I’m excited about this exhibition because it features works by women who have chosen to communicate their personal and collective experience of heritage through the art and craft of weaving” said Dr. Lizette Gradén, the NordicHeritageMuseum’s new Chief Curator. “Though these textiles are created by individuals, they embody a universal message that speaks to the influence of Nordic heritage on both individuals and their communities.”

The ceramic exhibit coincides with the upcoming Annual Conference of NCECA (National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts) being held in Seattle this spring. The exhibit will feature 11 acclaimed local and national ceramic artists, “exploring themes of place heritage, Nordic design, craft, technique, and traditions.” Artists include Diane Baxter, Patsy Thola Chamberlain, Gina Freuen, Larry Halvorsen, Jeanette Harris, Lars Husby, Lena Lönnberg-Hickling, Kicki Masthem, Anders Ruhwald, Susan Stewart, and Lars Westby.

“We are thrilled to be a part of the community-wide celebration sparked by the significant gathering of ceramics artists and educators who will be attending the NCECA conference,” said CEO Eric Nelson. “The works on display at the Museum are by artists who are exploring their Nordic identity in ways that will intrigue and delight those who visit the exhibition.”

For more information about the exhibits, or to view a schedule of weaving demonstrations offered this Saturday, visit the Nordic Heritage Museum’s site.