Nordic lifestyles on display at museum

Scandinavian cultural demonstrations are scheduled at the Museum of North Idaho in conjunction with their feature exhibit Nordic Roots Run Deep.

• The first demonstration is May 15 from 2-4 p.m. Ginny Lee, local rosemaling artist and teacher, will demonstrate "rose painting." Norwegian rosemaling has its counterpart in several countries including the Swedish blomstermalning or Flower Painting.

Each style is named for the area where it originated, such as Telemark or Os. Lee has studied each summer for several years with a gold medalist rosemaler and is a member of the local Sons of Norway lodge.

• On May 22, 2-4 p.m. violinmaker and musician Arvid Lundin will play tunes from Sweden and Norway on the violin and the Hardanger Fiddle, an instrument unique to Norway. Lundin owns Lundin's Violins in Coeur d'Alene.

• June 19, 2-4 p.m. Artist David Cox will discuss and show Swedish and Norwegian tine boxes plus the fragile-appearing Norwegian stars woven from reeds. Tine (teen-ah) boxes, also known as bentwood boxes, are constructed from a thin piece of bentwood laced together with tree roots. Cox has taught the craft at a woodworking school in Coeur d'Alene and is also a member of Sons of Norway in Spokane.

• Oct. 9, 2-4 p.m. Pamela Silk will demonstrate woven hearts which are used on Christmas trees in most Scandinavian countries. People of all ages can learn to weave paper heart baskets and go home with a basket for their Christmas tree. Silk has taught the paper basket weaving and other aspects of Norwegian culture at local elementary schools and Boy Scout Merit Badge University. These classes were part of the Adopt-a-School Program sponsored by Sons of Norway. Silk is a member of the local Sons of Norway lodge. October 9 is Leif Erikson Day.

The Museum is at 115 Northwest Blvd. The hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is $3 for adults, $1 for children 6-16, under 6 is free, and a family rate of $7 for two adults and children under 16.

Information: 664-3448