The Nordic Heritage Museum in Seattle presents ‘Imaging the Arctic’, starting Dec. 12, 2014

The Nordic Heritage Museum’s new exhibition “Imaging the Arctic: Communicating Climate Science through Art” will be on display December 12, 2014 – February 22, 2015.

“This exhibition deals with issues and themes that have long been at the forefront of public discourse in the Nordic counties: climate change, gender equality in the sciences, and the marriage of science and the arts,” said Nordic Heritage Museum CEO, Eric Nelson, of the Museum’s upcoming exhibition in Seattle, Washington. “It is thrilling that we are able premiere the exhibition iteration of the work these brilliant women have been doing together.”

The Nordic Heritage Museum is pleased to premiere Imaging the Arctic, an interdisciplinary exhibition featuring the work of local artist Maria Coryell-Martin, University of Washington scientist Dr. Kristin Laidre, and Finnish photographer Tiina Itkonen. This fascinating exhibition will be on display December 12, 2014 – February 22, 2015.

The exhibition Imaging the Arctic is a product of an interdisciplinary collaboration merging art and science. On view for the first time, Imaging the Arctic explores the impact of climate change on West Greenland’s ecology and culture through the work of three accomplished women.

“The project is largely about inspiring interest, stewardship, and communication about the Arctic and climate science through a collection of stories which involve working with artists in the field,” said Laidre, “Our goal is to illustrate this interesting region, the people that live there and the issues that they’re facing.” Coryell-Martin said, “Collaborating with Kristin has given me the opportunity to explore a region that so few people can access. Her research brings deeper meaning to my sketches and paintings as they go beyond being just environmental portraits, to having a story within a scientific context. Working together, we can use art as a hook for scientific outreach and education.”

In the spring of 2013, Coryell-Martin accompanied Laidre and her research team to West Greenland. Coryell-Martin she created a collection of ink and watercolor sketches and stories while the scientists collected data on narwhals and polar bears. Her fieldwork is the basis for a series of large studio paintings further exploring the environment. Tiina Itkonen’s evocative photographs of the Greenland landscape and Inuit people add another intimate perspective on the rhythm of life in the Arctic. “There are parallels between art and science,” says Laidre, “how you perceive things, the use of creativity to interpret the world in some way, and to inspire and inform others.”

This exhibition is supported by The American-Scandinavian Foundation and ScanDesign.

RELATED PROGRAMS AND EVENTS 

Member Preview: December 11, 2014, 6pm — A special event for our members. Be the first to see the exhibition before it opens to the public.

Film: Last Days of the Arctic: January TBD — In partnership with the Icelandic Club of Greater Seattle the Museum will screen the documentary Last Days of the Arctic, about Icelandic photographer Ragnar Axelsson (Rax), who has photographs people in Arctic regions and documents the effects of climate change on their lifestyle.

Exhibit Lecture: Imaging the Arctic — Thursday January 29, 2015, 7 pm — Dr. Kristin Laidre and Maria Coryell-Martin will give a slide show presentation about their field research, art and collaboration. After the lecture the exhibit will open for viewing.

Film: The New Northwest Passage — Tuesday, February 3, 2015, 7 pm — Join us for a screening of the documentary The New Northwest Passage, which tells the story of our 4-month voyage, which began in Victoria, British Columbia, took us through the Bering Strait and across the top of North America before we reached our final port of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The film includes stories of scientists researching climate change issues; it captures an Inuit caribou hunt, aspects of Arctic maritime history and the challenges of a small-budget Arctic expedition. By filmmaker Cameron Duck.

For Students: Virtual Expedition to Greenland – Saturday, February 7, 10 am-11 am — Join local expeditionary artist Maria Coryell-Martin, featured in our exhibit Imaging the Arctic, for a Virtual Expedition to Greenland! As we explore the Arctic environment through a multimedia helicopter journey, we’ll learn and practice field sketching techniques. This program is open to children ages 8 and up. Younger participants are welcome if accompanied by an adult. Space is limited – reservations are required.

Craft School: Field Sketching: Arctic Animals – Saturday, Feb 21, 10am-3pm — Expeditionary artist Maria Coryell-Martin leads this sketching workshop at the Burke Museum, co-sponsored by the Nordic Heritage Museum.

Nordic Lights Film Festival: Expedition to the End of the World — As part of the Nordic Lights Film Festival, the Museum presents this Danish documentary. Expedition to the End of the World follows a motley crew of explorers and artists as they venture into unchartered territory on the northern coastline of Greenland. Because of climate change, this remote area has become accessible to boats, at least vessels willing to break through some hefty icebergs. On the other side of these floating barriers is an untouched world of nature, archaeological discoveries and, of course, prospectors for oil.

ABOUT THE NORDIC HERITAGE MUSEUM: With over 55,000 visitors annually, the Nordic Heritage Museum is a cultural treasure in the Pacific Northwest. It is the only museum in the United States that represents

the cultural heritage of all five Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. The Museum’s mission is to share Nordic culture with people of all ages and backgrounds by exhibiting art and objects, preserving collections, providing educational and cultural experiences and serving as a community gathering place. The Nordic Heritage Museum presents a wide range of vibrant programs including contemporary art exhibitions, outstanding concerts, lectures and films and a variety of special events throughout the year.

The Nordic Heritage Museum is located at 3014 NW 67th Street, Seattle, WA 98117. Museum hours: Tues-Sat 10 am to 4 pm; Sun 12 noon to 4 pm; Mon closed – Admission: $8 general; $7 seniors & college students; $6 children 5 and older; FREE for children under 5 and Museum members; free on first Thursdays. 

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