Category Archives: Travel

American Swedish Institute: Art & Travel, Minneapolis, MN

Have you ever driven or walked by a place that pulls you in, invites you to wonder what mystery lies behind its magical walls? The mansion/castle of the American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis, MN is such a place! Filled with history, culture, art, and fabulous special exhibits, it tells a different story of Swedish immigrants to Minnesota than that written in Swede Hollow. Enjoy this colorful blog!

Swede Hollow: St. Paul, MN (Travel)

Itching to travel again, I am exploring the world in my backyard, exploring my roots, and engaging with friends I have missed during the pandemic! This journey took us to Swede Hollow Park and neighborhood, St. Paul, MN. We walked in a well-hidden, lush park. It awakened my awareness of my Swedish roots. My blog explores both!

Norway House: Art & Travel, Minneapolis, MN

As pandemic restrictions lift, a fun way to take baby steps back into exploring the world beyond our doorsteps is to discover our local cultural sites! Unable to travel to Norway, the special exhibit of emigration from Norway to USA through art and stories at the Norway House is well done. Check out highlights on my blog.

Art for Mothers Day (Whistler)

Famous Art of Mothers. “Whistler’s Mother” comes to mind; vicariously described as an American icon and a Victorian Mona Lisa. The artist was annoyed that viewers called it a “portrait;” it was an “arrangement in grey and black,” its official title. Interesting details on this famous painting are highlighted in this week’s Mother’s Day blog.

Race Horses in Art: Kentucky Derby Runs Again (Degas)

Known for his renditions of ballet dancers, Edgar Degas’ paintings of race horses in this week’s blog honor the famed Kentucky Derby which historically runs the 1st Saturday in May. His race horses reveal the same impressionistic style as his dancers, and his unique “snapshot” compositions. Learn more in this week’s blog discussion.

The Last Supper: Art for Holy Week (Leonardo da Vinci)

Maundy Thursday: “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci is one of most recognized art of all times. As Christians observe the last supper of Jesus with his disciples this week, this painting highlights the event and the individuals involved. My blog provides an Armchair Visit to its home base in Italy, close up photos, and insight into this masterpiece.

Jesus Cleanses the Temple: Art for Holy Week (El Greco)

Holy Week! The week between Palm Sunday and Easter, was literally set in motion by Jesus Cleansing the Temple and Driving out the Money Changers, as seen in 4 dramatic paintings by El Greco. My blog highlights not only these 4 paintings, but also the most important week in the Life of Jesus Christ—and for us.

Fitness in Art and Life (Greece)

Healthy living and fitness are a recurring theme during the pandemic to combat this deadly disease. The focus on fitness as seen in the Olympic Games was key to living and witnessed in their famous sculpture such as the Diskobolos and Doryphorus – highlighted in this blog.

Art in Ice in Minneapolis (MN)

Art In Ice celebrates Art in the cold Minnesota winter! Enjoy five key artworks from the Mia collection interpreted in ice sculpture in Minneapolis parks. Photos, reflections, highlights, travel tips from our fun Art In Ice field trip this week, along with my “awards” for each sculpture are available on my blog.