“CHROMA CRAZE”

The final Cocktails at the Castle event took place this past weekend at the American Swedish Institute. The event takes place twice each summer – usually in May and September – and bookends all of the other summer festivities I attend.

For the past six years these events have been an important part of my summer plans, and I look forward to sharing them with friends.

Waiting for the event to begin.

The greeter at the door.

A work in progress. Aerosol painted mural.

Flamenco music . . .

. . . And dancing demonstrations.

 Obligatory horse head photo.

Last weekend’s theme was “Chroma Craze,” and it featured the art and textile collections of Gudrun Sjoden. With a quick visit to the ASI’s website, we can learn a great deal more about Sjoden and her work:

          “For more than 40 years, one of Scandinavia's most 

          unique designers and entrepreneurs has been creating 

          whimsical fashion collections and spreading cheerful 

          splashes of color all over the world. Gudrun Sjödén is 

          a renowned Swedish designer and entrepreneurial force 

          whose boldly feminine clothing collections are inspired 

          by nature and global folk motifs. Gudrun Sjödén — A 

          Colourful Universe is a U.S. exhibition premiere and a             

          collaboration with the American Swedish Institute that 

          celebrates Gudrun's career, history and inspirations. This 

          visually striking installation, displayed throughout ASI's 

          Osher Gallery and the Turnblad Mansion, shares her 

          original watercolors, samples of her clothing and textiles, 

          historical catalog photographs and information about her     

          inspiration.”

It’s no secret that I love color, so it should be no surprise that I was drawn to her vibrant textiles and colorful clothing collections. Their creative interpretations were both remarkable and uplifting at the same time, and definitely fit in with the rest of the evening's entertainment and festivities.

Everyone had the opportunity to help make a Togetherness Crown.

There were a larger number of young people there this time, 

and it was so much fun watching these twenty-year olds . . .

. . . Dancing to covers of the disco songs I danced to in my 20's!

In addition to Sjoden’s collections, CATC included live music on the outdoor stage, a DJ spinning indoors, inter-active art demonstrations, pedal-powered spinning art, scientific art, Flamenco and Bollywood dance demonstrations, and much more. These events always manage to incorporate the mansion’s current exhibit in a fun and innovative way.

The finished work.

The Bollywood dancers . . .

. . . Tried to teach members of the audience their moves.

The ASI is located in the former Turnblad Mansion. Swan and Christina Turnblad began construction on the Chateauesque home in 1903, and the family lived in it from 1908-1929. At that time the estate was donated to the American Institute for Swedish Arts, Literature, and Science, which grew into the current American Swedish Institute.

Scientific art.

Pedal-powered art.

Watercolors.

The Cocktails at the Castle celebrations are amazing summer events, hosting close to 2000 people each evening. They have become some the summer parties to attend in Minneapolis and never disappoint. If tradition holds, the next event should take place in May 2019. Mark your calendars now, and make a note to watch for more information.