Early folk artists in Sweden painted mainly to decorate the dismal and dark interiors of their homes. These paintings included scenes of everyday life, floral paintings, and Bible stories. Their interpretation of one Bible story originated the flowering “kurbit” or cucumber vine. In the story, God shielded Jonah from the scorching sun by creating an exploding cucumber vine. The vine or kurbit produced a profusion of colorful fantasy flowers. You may have seen these kurbits in Swedish folk art. Take a look at them here.
Now you have a rare opportunity to learn to create Kurbit painting yourself. Carol Bender, who was born in Red Wing and has relatives of Swedish descendent in the Lake Pepin area, will be conducting an introductory class in how to do Kurbit folk art as a part of the Midsommar Festival on Friday, June 21, from 7 -9 p.m. and Saturday, June 22, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Carol’s relatives were early organizers of two churches. Oscar Fryklund, her great-uncle, had a storefront in Stockholm and was a local photographer well-known for his hand-tinted pictures of the bluffs of Lake Pepin, particularly those of the famous Maiden Rock. Carol is excited to present this class in Stockholm.
The cost for Carol’s class is $95 which includes canvas, brush, and paints. To register for her class, call Ingebretsen’s at 612-729-9333. Plan to bring your lunch or have lunch on your own. The class will be held at Samla Rum, N2089 Spring Street in Stockholm. After class enjoy Stockholm’s Midsommar celebration.
This Friday, May 24, we invite you to enjoy local folk music by songwriter and flat picker Sue West at the first free outdoor concert of the season at SideSpot, Evening Song: Music and Village Stroll. Winner of Rural Roots Music Commission 2009 Folk Music CD of the Year Award, Sue has a large repertoire of solo folk music. She accompanies herself on guitar and other stringed instruments.
When you are in town this weekend, stop by Ingebretsen’s.
We’d love to see you again,
Diane and staff
Ingebretsen’s
WISCONSIN
