Los Angeles Culture Challenge for April 2016 & Festival of Books

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April 2016Usually, April means the annual Scandinavian Festival is around the corner. Sadly, this year it is not happening. In November 2015, the Scandinavian American Cultural and Historical Foundation Board of Directors voted to postpone the 42nd Annual Scandinavian Festival until 2017. It seems they found themselves with not enough time to plan properly for this year. They promise to be back in 2017 “with a 42nd Festival of which we will all be proud!” However, there are many other events and activities to broaden your cultural understanding and appreciation of our area, and another of my favorite LA events is also on this month, the Los Angeles Times’ Festival of Books.

* WEEKEND OF APRIL 2 & 3 *

Fowler BendatCelebrate/Demonstrate: Photographs of Global LA by Cindy Bendat, Fowler Museum at UCLA, ongoing until May 8, 2016. Featuring compelling images of festivals and political rallies, this exhibition highlights the extraordinary cultural diversity of the greater Los Angeles area. California-based photographer Bendat has documented community events in Southern California and throughout the world for several decades. Her photographs offer visitors an intimate view of three kinds of annual celebrations held in and around Los Angeles: a late-October fiesta for the Guatemalan folk saint San Simón, mid-January Orthodox Ethiopian Timket (Epiphany) festivities, and the mid-April Cambodian New Year or Chaul Chnam Thmey. These images illustrate the ways in which immigrants maintain homeland traditions in the United States and express their ethnic and cultural identity.

Undiscovered Chinatown Walking TourThe Undiscovered Chinatown Tour, Chinatown, Downtown, Saturday 4/2, 10:30am-1pm. Visit a temple, an herbal shop, art galleries, antique stores, and more when guided to the unique treasures–not to mention great bargains–to be found in Chinatown. Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to wind your way through a myriad of alleyways, plaza stalls, and classical courtyards to discover the charm of L.A.’s Chinatown. This tour is offered every first Saturday of the month.

Barnsdall Art Park SundaysBarnsdall Art Sundays—Austria: Hundertwasser Inspired Painting, Junior Arts Center at Barnsdall Art Park, Hollywood/Los Feliz, Sunday 4/3, 10am-12pm. Join instructor Quan Trang for a free family art workshop in a real art studio. All materials are provided. Each Sunday a different culture and media are featured.

Bowers JapaneseJapanese Cherry Blossom Festival, Bowers Museum, Santa Ana, Sunday 4/3, 11am-3:30pm. Join the Bowers Museum in celebrating the Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival with art, music, and dancing.

LACMA AndellAndell Family Sundays—Poetic Printmaking, LACMA, Sunday 4/3, 12:30pm-3:30pm. After exploring how Japanese printmakers added poems to their scenes of life and landscape in 18th- and 19th- century Japan in the special exhibition Living for the Moment: Japanese Prints from the Barbara S. Bowman Collection, write poetry, make music, and learn printmaking in art workshops. Also 4/10, 4/17, and 4/24.

* WEEKEND OF APRIL 9 & 10 *

Festival of BooksFestival of Books, USC Campus, Downtown LA, Saturday 4/9 and Sunday 4/10. Enjoy two days of not only books and authors, but also music, food, art, culture, and fun. The Festival of Books is Los Angeles Times’ annual celebration of ideas, creativity, and the written word. The Festival brings book lovers and fun seekers of all ages together with their favorite authors, artists, chefs, musicians, and entertainers. Go Metro and avoid the hassle of finding parking. You’ll also save 10% on your total purchase of official 2016 Festival of Books merchandise, including mugs, T-shirts, and more. The Expo Line will drop you directly at the south end of the festival. For more information, see the Program Guide, the official program for the festival with articles, a map, schedule, exhibitor list, and more.

Renaissance Pleasure FaireRenaissance Pleasure Faire, Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, Irwindale, Saturdays & Sundays, April 9 to May 22. Travel back to the 16th century and experience the glory of life during the Renaissance era. There will be artisans of all media, entertainment galore, food trucks and booths, games and rides (including pony and camel rides), a Kids Kingdom (with games, crafts, story-telling, song, shows, and characters), and a gnome quest!

Aquarium of the Pacific International Childrens DayInternational Children’s Day Festival, Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach, Saturday 4/9 & Sunday 4/10. Celebrating the amazing talents of children of all cultures, this festival features West African, Mexican, Pacific Islander, Cambodian, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Persian dance performances. Enjoy performances by a children’s choir and martial arts demonstrations. Kids of all ages can partake in an international percussion circle, face painting, and Native American and Pacific Islander traditional children’s crafts and games.

Chumash Day18th Annual Chumash Day Powwow and Inter-Tribal Gathering, Malibu Bluffs Park, Saturday 4/9 & Sunday 4/10. This year’s 18th annual Chumash Day Powwow will celebrate Native Americans from all over the country. Hundreds of tribes will gather at Malibu Bluffs Park. Native American food, craft vendors, tribal ceremonies, and dances will be a part of the event on both days. Grand Entry will take place 1pm at Saturday and 12pm on Sunday.

Barnsdall Art Park SundaysBarnsdall Art Sundays—Thailand: Thai New Year Elephant Patch, Junior Arts Center at Barnsdall Art Park, Hollywood/Los Feliz, Sunday 4/10, 10am-12pm. Join instructor Sofia Mas for a free family art workshop in a real art studio. All materials are provided. Each Sunday a different culture and media are featured.

LACMA AndellAndell Family Sundays—Poetic Printmaking, LACMA, Sunday 4/10, 12:30pm-3:30pm. Check out how Japanese printmakers added poems to their scenes of life and landscape in 18th- and 19th- century Japan in the special exhibition Living for the Moment: Japanese Prints from the Barbara S. Bowman Collection. Then write poetry, make music, and learn printmaking in art workshops. Also 4/17 and 4/24.

* WEEKEND OF APRIL 16 & 17 *

Bunkai Sai44th Annual Bunka-Sai Japanese Cultural Festival, Ken Miller Recreation Center, Torrance, Saturday 4/16 & Sunday 4/17. Come enjoy Japanese culture at the Bunka-Sai Festival sponsored by the Torrance Sister City Association. There will be an anime contest; Kamishibai storytelling; Aikido, Judo, Kendo, Naginata, and Karate; Koto, Taiko, Minyo, Shamisen, and Odori; Ikebana and Bonsai; Shodo calligraphy and tea ceremony; Origami, Roketsu, and Kimekomi Ningyo Dolls; arts and crafts boutiques, games for children, hourly drawings; and food.

Andell Family Sundays—Poetic Printmaking, LACMA, Sunday 4/17, 12:30pm-3:30pm. Check out how Japanese printmakers added poems to their scenes of life and landscape in 18th- and 19th- century Japan in the special exhibition Living for the Moment: Japanese Prints from the Barbara S. Bowman Collection. Then write poetry, make music, and learn printmaking in art workshops. Also 4/24. 

* WEEKEND OF APRIL 23 & 24 *

Annenberg Space for PhotographyREFUGEE, The Annenberg Space for Photography, Century City, opens April 23 and continues until August 21. Through images created by five internationally acclaimed artists, REFUGEE explores the lives of refugees from a host of diverse populations dispersed and displaced throughout the world. The exhibit features photographs taken in Bangladesh, Cameroon, Colombia, Croatia, Germany, Greece, Mexico, Myanmar, Serbia, Slovenia, and the United States.

Skylight StudiosNew Americans, Skylight Studios, Century City, opens April 23 and continues until August 21. In conjunction with the REFUGEE exhibit, the New Americans installation at Skylight Studios features a collection of stories on refugees who were resettled  in the United States to start a new life through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. The installation features “The Refugee Project,” an interactive visual narrative created from 40 years of UNHCR refugee data; New Roots, a long-form multimedia experience by visual journalist Sarah Ann Jump featuring a Congolese refugee family resettling in Rochester, New York; several short films of refugee families sharing their experiences as they resettle in California and adapt to their new lives; and a photo series by blogger and photographer Brandon Stanton of Humans of New York which features the personal stories of refugees recently cleared for resettlement in America.

Barnsdall Art Sundays—Armenia: Pomegranate Vase, Junior Arts Center at Barnsdall Art Park, Hollywood/Los Feliz, Sunday 4/10, 10am-12pm. Join instructor Sarah Hage for a free family art workshop in a real art studio. All materials are provided. Each Sunday a different culture and media are featured.

Fowler—Art of the AustronesiansArt of the Austronesians: The Legacy of Indo-Pacific Voyaging, Fowler Museum at UCLA, opens Sunday 4/24 and continues until 8/28. Art of the Austronesians explores the history and development of the arts and cultures of the Austronesian-speaking peoples—from their prehistoric origins in what is now Taiwan to their successive seafaring migrations over millennia throughout the Philippines, Indonesia, the Pacific, and beyond. The first major exhibition in the United States to examine the visual arts of the entire Austronesian world comparatively in a single project, it features a number of important pieces from the Fowler’s. Additional works borrowed from private California-based collections, many on view to the public for the first time, contribute to the remarkable breadth of the installation.

Andell Family Sundays—Poetic Printmaking, LACMA, Sunday 4/24, 12:30pm-3:30pm. Check out how Japanese printmakers added poems to their scenes of life and landscape in 18th- and 19th- century Japan in the special exhibition Living for the Moment: Japanese Prints from the Barbara S. Bowman Collection. Then write poetry, make music, and learn printmaking in art workshops.

Fowler—KIC sailingKids in the Courtyard: Let’s Go Sailing, Fowler Museum at UCLA, Sunday 4/24, 1pm-4pm. Take a look at the beautiful boats in Art of the Austronesians: The Legacy of the Indo-Pacific Voyaging and imagine going on your own journey. Create a mini sailboat and test it out in the fountain. You’ll even have the chance to paddle around the courtyard in the Fowler’s land-faring “boat.”

Related posts:

  1. Los Angeles Culture Challenge for March 2016
  2. Los Angeles Culture Challenge for February 2015
  3. Los Angeles Culture Challenge for December 2014

Los Angeles Culture Challenge for March 2016

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March 2016

March offers many opportunities to explore all that Los Angeles has to offer. There’s an ongoing photography exhibit that highlights the cultural diversity of the area. Tours, festivals, and workshops offer the opportunity to explore cultures more deeply. Guatemala, Ethiopia, China, Iran, South American cultures… where will you go this month?

 

* WEEKEND OF MARCH 5 & 6 *

Fowler BendatCelebrate/Demonstrate: Photographs of Global LA by Cindy Bendat, Fowler Museum at UCLA, ongoing until May 8, 2016. Featuring compelling images of festivals and political rallies, this exhibition highlights the extraordinary cultural diversity of the greater Los Angeles area. California-based photographer Bendat has documented community events in Southern California and throughout the world for several decades. Her photographs offer visitors an intimate view of three kinds of annual celebrations held in and around Los Angeles: a late-October fiesta for the Guatemalan folk saint San Simón, mid-January Orthodox Ethiopian Timket (Epiphany) festivities, and the mid-April Cambodian New Year or Chaul Chnam Thmey. These images illustrate the ways in which immigrants maintain homeland traditions in the United States and express their ethnic and cultural identity.

Undiscovered Chinatown Walking TourThe Undiscovered Chinatown Tour, Chinatown, Downtown, Saturday 3/5, 10:30am-1pm. (Offered every first Saturday of the month). Visit a temple, an herbal shop, art galleries, antique stores, and more when guided to the unique treasures–not to mention great bargains–to be found in Chinatown. Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to wind your way through a myriad of alleyways, plaza stalls, and classical courtyards to discover the charm of L.A.’s Chinatown.

Los Angeles Lantern FestivalChinese American Museum’s Lantern Festival, El Pueblo Historical Monument, Saturday 3/5, 12pm-7pm. Join Angelenos beneath Chinese lanterns in the vibrancy of Downtown L.A. for the 15th annual Los Angeles Lantern Festival. The free signature event marks the closing of the Lunar New Year festivities with engaging community booths, live entertainment, music, arts & crafts, and food trucks.

Bowers Carnival FestivalCarnival Family Festival, Bowers Museum, Santa Ana, Sunday 3/6, 11am-4pm. Celebrate at the Bowers Museum with Carnival-inspired art projects, music, and live performances. All day there will be face painting, art projects (Carnival masks), and beignet tasting. Highlights of scheduled events include a fashion show of Bolivian Carnival dresses, Brazilian martial arts, and dance and music performances.

Barnsdall_Art_Park_SundaysBarnsdall Art Sundays, Junior Arts Center at Barnsdall Art Park, Hollywood/Los Feliz, Sunday 3/7, 10am-12pm. Celebrate culture and creativity at the Junior Arts Center at Barnsdall Art Park. Come for a free family art workshop in a real art studio. All materials are provided. Each Sunday a different culture and media are featured. Visit their website to see schedule.

LACMA Art of ChinaAndell Family Sundays—Art of China, LACMA, Sunday 3/6, 12:30pm-3:30pm. From ancient pottery and jade carvings to exquisite furniture and landscape paintings, check out the variety and beauty of Chinese art. Then, make your own artwork inspired by the collection in workshops.

* WEEKEND OF MARCH 12 & 13 *

Fowler on the TownFowler on the Town: Botánica and Injera: A Guatemalan and Ethiopian Experience, Saturday 3/12. Cindy Bendat’s images capture the diverse populations of Los Angeles, such as the Guatemalan and Ethiopian communities. During this off-site program, join Curator of Latin American and Caribbean Popular Arts Patrick A. Polk to explore a Guatemalan botánica (a religious goods store) in the mid-Wilshire district and then enjoy an Ethiopian lunch in nearby Little Ethiopia. See website for reservation information.

NowruzNowruz: Celebrating Iranian New Year, LACMA, Sunday 3/13, 11:30am-7pm. Join Farhang Foundation as they celebrate Iranian New Year (Nowruz) and the first day of spring with a full day of activities throughout LACMA’s campus. The event will feature live performances, music, dance, storytelling and calligraphy for children, a traditional Iranian costume parade, and more.

Family Jam MasksFamily Jam: Masks, Drums, and Song, Fowler Museum at UCLA, Sunday 3/13, 2pm-4pm. Feel the beat and experience the colorful power of a masked-dancing performance from Guatemala. Learn about the inspiring way of Wanaragua, where warriors of indigenous and African descent disguised themselves and fought for survival against British invaders. Afterward, make your own mask. Search the gallery for photos of Guatemalan celebrations in Celebrate/Demonstrate: Photographs of Global LA by Cindy Bendat and enjoy the final day of Disguise: Masks and Global African Art.

Barnsdall Art Sundays—Ancient Rome: Lares Altars, Junior Arts Center at Barnsdall Art Park, Hollywood/Los Feliz, Sunday 3/7, 10am-12pm. Celebrate culture and creativity at the Junior Arts Center at Barnsdall Art Park. Come for a free family art workshop in a real art studio. All materials are provided. Each Sunday a different culture and media are featured.

* WEEKEND OF MARCH 19 & 20 *

LACMA Art of ChinaAndell Family Sundays—Art of China, LACMA, Sunday 3/20, 12:30pm-3:30pm. From ancient pottery and jade carvings to exquisite furniture and landscape paintings, check out the variety and beauty of Chinese art. Then, make your own artwork inspired by the collection in workshops.

 

Barnsdall Art Park SundaysBarnsdall Art Sundays—Japan: Koi Fish Wind Sock, Junior Arts Center at Barnsdall Art Park, Hollywood/Los Feliz, Sunday 3/7, 10am-12pm. Celebrate culture and creativity at the Junior Arts Center at Barnsdall Art Park. Come for a free family art workshop in a real art studio. All materials are provided. Each Sunday a different culture and media are featured.

* WEEKEND OF MARCH 26 & 27 *

Blessing of AnimalsBlessing of the Animals, El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument, Downtown LA, Saturday 3/26. This tradition of blessing the animals for the benefits they provide mankind dates back to the 4th century, when San Antonio De Abad was named the patron saint of the animal kingdom and began to bless animals to promote good health. It has been celebrated in the Plaza since 1930. Bring your pets to be blessed. Blessing begins at 2pm and lasts for an hour. Line-up for the blessing begins at 1pm. There will be live entertainment, a petting zoo, and free pony rides from 12pm to 5pm.

Related posts:

  1. Los Angeles Culture Challenge for February 2015
  2. Los Angeles Culture Challenge for April 2016 & Festival of Books
  3. Los Angeles Culture Challenge for December 2014

Helping Solve Family Homelessness with a Field Trip and a Run

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I have chaperoned MANY field trips during my years as a parent of two elementary school kids and a teacher for several years before then. They have all been interesting and educational in their own ways. However, I don’t think any of them have been as meaningful as the one when I accompanied Doobie’s third grade class to Upward Bound House’s Family Place earlier this school year.

Upward Bound House Family Place

Upward Bound House’s mission is to eliminate homelessness among families with children, and Family Place is one of their projects. Not only does Family Place offer transitional housing for homeless families, but it also provides parenting and life skills classes for parents and enrichment activities for children, among many other services, as the families work to move on to permanent, self-sufficient housing.

Throughout our years at our elementary school, Upward Bound House has always played a great role in our community service opportunities. We have collected loose change to put in a “Pennies from Heaven” jar to help furnish an apartment. We have donated cans of food to Family Place’s The Pantry through our school’s annual Marathon Canned Food Drive (where we sponsor members of our school community who are running in the LA Marathon by pledging cans of food for one of their 26.2 miles). And every year the school encourages all families to participate in the UBH “Home Run for Kids” walk/run, which our family was able to do a couple of years ago.

On our field trip to Family Place, a representative first spoke to the students about what Family Place is and does, and then she took us on a tour of the facilities. Our first stop was the underground garage.

Upward Bound House Garage

Upward Bound House Bicycles

This was the part of the tour that I found most interesting. It wasn’t just a garage. Besides being brightly painted and offering bicycles for use, it housed The Pantry and Hidden Treasures. Both of these “stores” offered items to the families at no cost. The money they would otherwise have spent on food and clothing can now be added to their savings for use down the line when they move into their own housing.

Upward Bound House The Pantry

Upward Bound House Hidden Treasures

We continued through the facilities, even seeing a furnished apartment. We wrapped up the tour with a visit to common areas and an outdoor courtyard which included a play structure and vegetable gardens.

Upward Bound House Outside

Upward Bound House Library

Sonny, my oldest son, also visited Family Place as a third grader. I didn’t go on that field trip. I have been familiar with the mission of Upward Bound House, but I haven’t known anything too specific about it. Now that I’ve visited Family Place myself and heard and seen what they do for families in need, I have a whole new appreciation and understanding about UBH and Family Place. Donating loose change and canned food and participating in a run will have much more meaning for us now that we know exactly what goes on there and how our donations are being put to use.

On Sunday, March 6, 2016, Upward Bound House will present its fourth annual ”Home Run for Kids” along San Vicente Boulevard in Brentwood. There will be a 5K and a 10K Walk/Run and also a Kiddie K. All proceeds go directly to UBH. There will be an expo and pre- and post-race entertainment for the whole family. The event draws crowds of community members and over 1,200 registered runners and walkers, about which 200 come from our school.

It looks like our calendar is free of other sports events that morning, so we look forward to participating again and doing our small part to help solve family homelessness in Los Angeles. If you’re a local resident, consider joining us!

Home Run for Kids Walk/Run

 

Related posts:

  1. Inspirations to Get Out
  2. Beach Days

Explore LIFE at The Annenberg Space for Photography with Kids

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Are you familiar with The Annenberg Space for Photography in Century City? It’s a favorite outing of mine—a unique cultural destination in a surprisingly peaceful setting. A friend introduced me to it with a National Geographic exhibit back in 2014. Since then I have taken my visiting parents to another exhibit there. And then this past holiday break, I took my own family, including my kids, to see the current exhibit, LIFE: A Journey through Time.

LIFE at AnnenbergI highly recommend a trip to the Photography Space to see the current exhibit, and it’s a great one for the kids as well. LIFE: A Journey through Time, on display through March 20, is a photographic interpretation of life on Earth from the Big Bang to the present by acclaimed National Geographic photographer Frans Lanting. In order to complete this project, Lanting spent many years traveling the world, including visiting some very remote locations and unique museum collections. The result is a “celebration of planet Earth that aims to educate and inspire through images and stories of the incredible biodiversity that surrounds us.”

What I liked so much about the exhibit was how it was organized. All the pieces, in this case the images, fell so nicely into place in my mind. The organization also helped the kids understand and appreciate the exhibit so much more. It’s easy to enter an exhibit and feel overwhelmed with the sudden abundance of images. In this case, however, we could proceed step by step focusing on one section at a time.

As described on their website, the exhibit is organized into the following sections, each with a multitude of fascinating images:

  • “Elements” interprets Earth’s early history and shows interactions among the five classical elements: earth, air, fire, water and space.
  • “Beginnings” traces life from single-celled origins into more complex forms in the sea.
  • “Out of the Sea” evokes the time when life first ventured ashore.
  • “On Land” covers the period when plants and animals colonized solid ground.
  • “Into the Air” highlights the evolutionary innovations of birds and flowering plants, ending with the cataclysmic events that caused the demise of the dinosaurs.
  • “Out of the Dark” portrays the rise of mammals.
  • “Planet of Life” envisions the collective force of life as a sixth element shaping our planet.

There is an activity guide available for kids. Kids are promised a “fun treat” if they bring the completed guide back to the front desk. There’s nothing like a “treat” to motivate my kids. I tried to warn them that the front desk’s definition of “fun treat” probably wasn’t the same as their idea. They took a chance.

The guide was a bit superficial. It would have been great if the guide had followed the organization of the exhibit and explored the themes a bit, but at least the guide got them thinking a little about what was going on around them.

When they turned in the completed guide, they were offered a choice of two stickers from a sheet since they had already received the toy bus on the way in. You can imagine how my 9- and 11-year-old boys felt about receiving stickers for a prize when they were hoping for a “fun treat”.

Another part of the exhibit that I really enjoyed was the documentary short film. The documentary gave us a look at what went on behind the scenes of Lanting’s multi-year LIFE project. (There has always been a documentary as part of the exhibits I’ve gone to at the Photography Space, and they have always been a highlight of the visit.)

Besides the fact that the current exhibit is very kid-friendly, there are many other reasons that make The Annenberg Space for Photography a good family excursion, at least for this exhibit. First of all, the Photography Space is of reasonable size and you can be done in an hour, or even less if needed. Also, admission is always free (they validate parking and you only pay a nominal parking fee). Finally, it is located in a unexpectedly peaceful park. There’s open space to run around in. There are games (bocce and bean bag toss at least one of the times I was there) available for public use. There are many eateries to get a snack or lunch at as well (just don’t expect much choice on a weekend visit, which is when our family went and only one place was open, but that may have been due to the holiday season as well).

Century Park bean bag toss Century Park bocce

On the Saturday of the last weekend of the exhibit, March 19, the Photography Space will be hosting a Family Fun Closing Weekend Celebration. Not only will the Wildlife Learning Center present their exotic rescue animals, but there will also be face painting, storytime for babies and toddlers, a musical performance by Move ‘n Play Music, and a meet-and-greet and book signing by Awkward Family Photo creators. See website for specific schedule and more information.

I would love to hear about any experience you have with The Annenberg Space for Photography!

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Los Angeles Culture Challenge for February 2016

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February 2016

In the upcoming month, Angelenos have a lot to choose from if they want to experience something out of the ordinary. Not only are there several Lunar New Year and African American History celebrations coming up, but there are also events highlighting Mardi Gras and Scottish customs. What will you choose to explore? I welcome feedback on any events you attend…

* WEEKEND OF FEBRUARY 6 & 7 *

Undiscovered Chinatown Walking TourThe Undiscovered Chinatown Tour, Chinatown, Downtown, Saturday 2/6, 10:30am-1pm. (Offered every first Saturday of the month). Visit a temple, an herbal shop, art galleries, antique stores, and more when guided to the unique treasures–not to mention great bargains–to be found in Chinatown. Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to wind your way through a myriad of alleyways, plaza stalls, and classical courtyards to discover the charm of L.A.’s Chinatown.

27th Annual Mardi Gras CelebrationFarmers Market Mardi Gras, The Original Farmers Market, 3rd & Fairfax, Saturday 2/6, 5pm-10:30pm. L.A.’s favorite Mardi Gras celebration returns for its 27th year straight. It features the finest New Orleans and Zydeco music, strolling parade bands, down home Southern cooking, activities for kids, bead throwing, and much more.

 

Barnsdall_Art_Park_SundaysChina: New Year Dragon Puppets (Family Art Workshop), Junior Arts Center at Barnsdall Art Park, Hollywood/Los Feliz, Sunday 2/7, 10am-12pm. Join instructor Quan Trang for a free family art workshop in a real art studio. All materials are provided. Each Sunday a different culture and media are featured. This particular Sunday, special Chinese sweets will also be offered.

Chinese New Year FestivalBowers Chinese New Year, Bowers Museum, Santa Ana, Sunday 2/7, 11am-3:30pm. Celebrate the Year of the Monkey at the Bowers Museum’s Chinese New Year Festival with art projects, music, performances, and more!

6th Annual Lunar New Year Festival, USC Pacific Asia Museum, Pasadena, Sunday 2/7, 11am-5pm. Experience how the Lunar New Year is celebrated in China, Korea and Cambodia. At this year’s festival, celebrate with music, dance, art making, storytelling, and a host of other family-friendly entertainment that explores the arts and cultures of Asia and more.

Family Day: A Day of Global DisguiseFowler Family Day, Fowler Museum, UCLA, Sunday 2/7, 1pm- 4pm. Participate in a special program for all ages inspired by Disguise: Masks and Global African Art and Celebrate/Demonstrate: Photographs of Global LA by Cindy Bendat. Disguise yourself in the spirit of Mardi Gras and Carnival celebrations, participate in a commedia dell’arte workshop, and enjoy performances of masked art. At 3pm, witness the Baile del Torito (Dance of the Little Bull), a Mayan dance drama practiced throughout Guatemala and southern Mexico.

A Path Appears: Actions for a Better WorldSkirball-a-path-appears, Skirball Cultural Center, ongoing until February 21. Inspired by the bestselling book A Path Appears by Pulitzer Prize–winning journalists Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, the exhibition is both a gallery installation and a community engagement project—a place where every visitor can take practical, results-driven steps to bring about social change. Get inspired inside innovatively designed pavilions exploring four critical humanitarian issues: education, health, good jobs, and empowerment. Tap into the power of grassroots action as you learn of organizations—both local and around the globe—that are developing workable solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems. Then join in building a better world as you engage with ActionLab, a mobile-friendly tool that uses storytelling to promote social change and spark a commitment to human rights.

 * WEEKEND OF FEBRUARY 13 & 14 *

Chinatown Chinese New Year117th Annual Golden Dragon Parade, Chinatown, Downtown, Saturday 2/13, 1pm. The parade includes almost two dozen floats, multiple marching bands, government officials, various dignitaries, entertainers, local business leaders, and cultural groups.

 

ScotsFest

Queen Mary ScotsFestival, Queen Mary, Long Beach, Saturday 2/13 & Sunday 2/14, 9am-6pm. The Queen Mary’s ScotsFestival & International Highland Games XXIII in Long Beach kicks off the Scottish Festival and Highland Games season offering guests a glimpse into Scotland’s rich culture and history featuring an array of activities from Highland athletics and dancing to Lowlands music and cuisine.

Symbols of Kindness, USC Pacific Asia Museum, Pasadena, Sunday 2/14, 10am- 6pm. Join as the museum celebrates the many ways the people of Asia express kindness to others. Admission to the galleries and the day’s programming are FREE all day. Special activities include Silk Road Story Time (10:30am & 11:30am), Art Activity (10:30am–4:30pm), and Spotlight Tours (11am & 1pm).

Celebrating Black History MonthCAAM, California African American Museum (CAAM), Exposition Park, Sunday 2/14, 11am-5pm. Join CAAM as they celebrate Black History Month with a slate of exciting programs.

 

* WEEKEND OF FEBRUARY 20 & 21 *

Eco-Star African AmericanAfrican-American Art Festival, STAR Eco Station, Culver City, Saturday 2/20, 11am-4pm. Enjoy African drumming and dancing, art exhibits, interactive art projects, BBQ, games, and local vendors.

Huntington Chinese New YearChinese New Year Celebration, The Huntington, Pasadena, Saturday 2/20 & Sunday 2/21, 10:30am-4:30pm. Celebrate the Lunar New Year at The Huntington as the Year of the Monkey begins. This two-day family event includes lion dancers, plus crowd-pleasing mask-changing performances, martial arts demonstrations, Chinese music, calligraphy and brush painting demonstrations, displays of penjing (Chinese bonsai) and scholar’s stones, and more.

African-American History Month: Aaron Douglas Collage (Family Art Workshop), Junior Arts Center at Barnsdall Art Park, Hollywood/Los Feliz, Sunday 2/21, 10am-12pm. Celebrate Black History Month with Jose Sanchez. Learn about Aaron Douglas, an African-American painter and graphic artist who played a leading role in the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s, and create collages.

Fowler Feast your EyesKids in the Courtyard: Feast your Eyes, Fowler Museum, UCLA, Sunday 2/21, 1pm-4pm. Let the tortilla be your canvas for this very tasty day. Watch as artists in the Great Tortilla Conspiracy silkscreen images on tortillas with chocolate. Make edible art with corn (maize), cheese, and chocolate; sample “corny” foods; and learn all about the social history of maize and the many ways this delicious food can be prepared in celebration of the opening weekend of José Montoya’s Abundant Harvest: Works on Paper/Works on Life.

* WEEKEND OF FEBRUARY 27 & FEBRUARY 28 *

The Broad Musical ExplorersMusical Explorers, The Broad Stage, Santa Monica, Saturday 2/27, 11am or 1pm. Bring the whole family to experience the international sounds of LA with this one-of-a- kind music program direct from Carnegie Hall. After its Broad Stage debut last season, Musical Explorers returns for another action-packed weekend of cultural discovery and sweet-sounding adventure. From Bluegrass ballads to Yiddish folk tunes, you and your children will learn songs, share stories, and explore the rich musical histories that live right in our own backyard. For ages 5 and up. To buy tickets, visit website.

Aquarium of the Pacific African American FestivalAfrican-American Festival, Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach, Saturday 2/27 & Sunday 2/28. The aquarium hosts its 14th annual African American Festival celebrating the rich diversity of African American and African cultures. The weekend will feature live entertainment, arts and crafts, ethnic food, and more. Festival performers include Mardi Gras second line dancers, hip hop and break dancers, tap dancers, jazz musicians, interactive drum circles, West African dancers, and storytellers.

Related posts:

  1. Los Angeles Culture Challenge for March 2016
  2. Los Angeles Culture Challenge for April 2016 & Festival of Books
  3. Los Angeles Culture Challenge for February 2015

Scandinavian Film Festival LA 2016: Intense and Touching

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Scandinavian Film FestivalIt’s that time of year again when the Scandinavian Film Festival takes place in Los Angeles over two weekends (Jan 9 &10 and 23 & 24). There were not a lot Norwegian films on the schedule this year, only the documentary Maiko: Dancing Girl (about a Japanese girl who becomes a star ballerina at the Norwegian National Ballet) and thriller/disaster movie Bølgen (The Wave). Luckily, The Wave fit into my schedule the first weekend, and I was even able to take 11-year-old Sonny. Continue reading →

Related posts:

  1. Barnsdall Arts Sundays, fun for the whole family!
  2. Family Hike: Hollywood Sign
  3. Los Angeles Culture Challenge for February 2018: Nordic Spirit Symposium, Lunar New Year, African American History Month

What I’ve Read: Thoughts on Books I Read in 2015

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My Books of 2015I always enjoy finding out what others have read, are reading, or plan to read. If it’s something I’ve already read, it usually brings back warm memories, like good times with an old friend. If it’s something new to me, I often add it to my want-to-read list. I’m especially grateful for my book club which often forces me to read books I would never have chosen on my own, and in most cases I thoroughly enjoy. Here are the books I read this past year, in order of completion.

Tell the WolvesTell the Wolves I’m Home by Carol Rifka Brunt – This was a book that someone in my book club brought to our holiday 2014 book swap. At the end of the evening, it ended up in my hands, and we chose to read it for the next meeting. It’s the story of 14-year-old June and her relationship with her uncle Finn, who dies young and was really the only person who truly understood June. It was a very moving book which I highly recommend.

 

Me Before YouMe Before You by Jojo Moyes – My mother had recommended the author, and somehow I selected this book. It’s the story of a young woman who forms an unlikely relationship with a quadriplegic man. It had interesting characters and a moving story that kept me totally engaged. Nothing thrilling, just a very well-told story. It was one of my favorites this year; I highly recommend it. I recently learned that a movie based on the book is being released this summer so make sure you read the book before you see the movie.

Mr PenumbraMr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan – This was a book I suggested for my book club based on a high school friend’s strong recommendation on Goodreads. She’s a voracious reader, teacher, and writer; I highly value her recommendations. It was a great story of a mysterious bookstore and secret society, and I liked how modern-day technology was intertwined with the story of old-fashioned books. I read it on my kindle, but I recently learned that the cover actually glows in the dark.

The MartianThe Martian by Andy Weir – This was suggested by a book club member, and I was not totally on board. A science fiction book about a man stuck on Mars? That was certainly not a book for me, but I went along with the choice. I thought the first 50 pages were a little slow, but then I was hooked. I loved the main character’s resourcefulness and humor. My 11-year old son read the book as well and devoured it in 3 days (late nights!). I have not seen the movie yet.

 

NeddiadThe Neddiad: How Neddie Took the Train, Went to Hollywood, and Saved Civilization by Daniel Pinkwater – Daniel Pinkwater is a quirky, amusing author. When I learned he’d written a kid’s chapter book that took place in Los Angeles, I was curious. He didn’t disappoint. It’s a weird, surreal tale of a young boy’s road trip to Los Angeles and his adventures with a shaman, a ghost, and three friends. It’s the first in a series that continues with two books with similar odd titles.

All the LightAll the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr – This was another book club selection, one that I was totally on board reading. I was thoroughly engrossed as I jumped between the lives of a blind French girl who had to flee from Paris to the coast of France when the Nazis occupied Paris and a German orphan who ended up in a Hitler Youth academy and went on the monitor and track Resistance movement. Slowly but surely, their lives converged, but not like I thought they would. If you haven’t already read it, you should.

West of the MoonWest of the Moon by Margi Preus – I read this book because of my interest in children’s books relating to Norwegian history and culture. It is not only a historical look at Norway in the 1800s and Norwegian immigration to America at that time, but it also provides a peek into the little known world of Norwegian folk tales by interweaving these tales into the story.

 

Svoem-med-dem-som-druknerSvøm med dem som drukner by Lars Mytting – This was my Norwegian read this year. Best book all year for me, as I wrote in a previous post. Too bad it’s not translated into English so I can recommend it to more people. Update: English translation is now out, The Sixteen Trees of the Somme.

 

 

AmericanahAmericanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – This was not only highly recommended by my friend who had loved Mr. Penumbra, but I also saw it on “My Top Books of 2014” at Noriko’s Random Bits, the blog of another writer/teacher/friend who’s an avid reader. I love books as a way to experience other people’s lives, especially those of foreign and diverse cultures. This was a story about a Nigerian immigrant to the US and her later return to Nigeria. I liked how it brought me into a race and culture about which I had little knowledge and opened my eyes to so many new ideas.

Sunlit NightThe Sunlit Night by Rebecca Dinerstein – In an edition of the Norwegian American Weekly, I saw that Dinerstein was soon coming to LA to promote her debut novel. I was intrigued. She was an American who had gone to Northern Norway for a year to write and had even learned the language. I convinced a friend to join me to hear her speak. Her story was interesting, and I put her book on my want-to-read list. The book is about two strangers from New York City who meet in Northern Norway’s Lofoten area during the season of the midnight sun. I really enjoyed the descriptions of the area and the midnight sun.

Boys in the BoatThe Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James Brown –This was another book club selection that I would not have picked out for myself, but I loved it. I really enjoyed getting a glimpse of what life was like back in the 1920’s and 30’s and thought it was interesting how the story included glimpses of Germany during that time as well. After reading it, I have so much more understanding and tremendous admiration for the sport of rowing. If the Summer Olympics come to LA in 2024, I definitely want to see eight-oared rowing. I gave the young readers adaptation of this book to my 11-year-old son for Christmas and he finished it overnight. I highly recommend the story for young and old alike.

Paper TownsPaper Towns by John Green – I don’t remember how I came about reading this one. Most likely it was because I enjoyed John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars and I needed something to read and it was available as an ebook from the library. The book was fine but not one that I would necessarily recommend.

 

 

One Plus OneOne Plus One by Jojo Moyes – Our book club was having a hard time reuniting again after summer break so I had some extra time to read books of my own choosing. After such an enjoyable time with Moyes’ Me Before You (and the sequel wasn’t out yet), I chose this one. It was also a very good read, but there were too many similarities between this and the other one that it wasn’t as enjoyable. But don’t get me wrong, it was still very good.

 

Girl in the Spiders WebThe Girl in the Spider’s Web by David Lagercrantz – My book club wrapped up the year with this one. You might be familiar with Swedish author Stieg Larsson’s Millennium series about pierced and tattooed superhacker Lisbeth Salander and investigative reporter Mikael Blomqvist. Larsson died and Lagercrantz continued the series with this one. I didn’t feel the book contained the same suspense as the others and Salander was more on the outside of the story than I would have liked, but overall a very engaging read.

Reminiscing about the books I read in 2015 was a fun experience. I’m proud of my reading accomplishment this past year. It was quite a few books (14!) of different genres and on a variety of topics. I look forward to another productive year of reading, and welcome your recommendations!

Disclaimer: AVikingInLA is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Related posts:

  1. What I’m Thinking of Reading for 2019 #ScandiReadingChallenge
  2. What I’ve Been Reading Lately (January 2020) & Reading Challenges Wrap-Up
  3. What I’ve Been Reading Lately: April 2017

Los Angeles Culture Challenge for January 2016 & Scandinavian Film Festival LA

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January 2016Happy New Year! Is one of your new year’s resolutions to get out more and take advantage of what your city has to offer and to experience something new? January offers many such opportunities for folks in Los Angeles. Popular recurring events continue, such as the weekly family art workshops at Barnsdall Art Park, monthly walking tours of Chinatown, and the annual Scandinavian Film Festival (which is already marked on my calendar, I plan to see the much anticipated Norwegian film The Wave). There are also special events such as the exhibition A Path Appears: Actions for a Better World at the Skirball and Toyota Symphonies for Youth at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. There’s a variety of activities from which to choose. What will you attempt?

* WEEKEND OF JANUARY 2 & 3 *

Undiscovered Chinatown Walking TourThe Undiscovered Chinatown Walking Tour, Chinatown, Downtown, Saturday 1/2, 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (Offered every first Saturday of the month). Visit a temple, an herbal shop, art galleries, antique stores, and more when guided to the unique treasures–not to mention great bargains–to be found in Chinatown. Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to wind your way through a myriad of alleyways, plaza stalls, and classical courtyards to discover the charm of L.A.’s Chinatown.

2016-Oshogatsu-Festival-Year-of-MonkeyOshogatsu Family Festival – Year of the Monkey, Japanese American National Museum, Downtown, Sunday 1/3, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Ring in the New Year and the Year of the Monkey with fun arts ‘n crafts, food, exciting cultural activities, and performances.

Skirball-a-path-appearsA Path Appears: Actions for a Better World, Skirball Cultural Center, ongoing until February 21. Inspired by the bestselling book A Path Appears by Pulitzer Prize–winning journalists Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, the exhibition is both a gallery installation and a community engagement project—a place where every visitor can take practical, results-driven steps to bring about social change. Get inspired inside innovatively designed pavilions exploring four critical humanitarian issues: education, health, good jobs, and empowerment. Tap into the power of grassroots action as you learn of organizations—both local and around the globe—that are developing workable solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems. Then join in building a better world as you engage with ActionLab, a mobile-friendly tool that uses storytelling to promote social change and spark a commitment to human rights.

* WEEKEND OF JANUARY 9 & 10 *

Scandinavian Film FestivalScandinavian Film Festival, Writers Guild Theater, Beverly Hills, Saturday 1/9 & Sunday 1/10 (also weekend of 1/23 & 1/24). This is a yearly showcase of films from northern Europe and its Baltic neighbors. During the course of two weekends, the festival screens not only films submitted by Nordic countries to the Academy for consideration in the “Best Foreign Language Film” category, but also other Nordic feature films, short movies, and documentaries. During the first weekend is the screening of Norwegian disaster film Bølgen (“The Wave“) followed by the Opening Gala and Ceremonies. See website for schedule and ticket information.

Barnsdall_Art_Park_SundaysAncient Rome: Lares Altar (Family Art Workshop), Junior Arts Center at Barnsdall Art Park, Hollywood/Los Feliz, Sunday 1/10, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Join instructor Quan Trang for a free family art workshop in a real art studio. All materials are provided. Each Sunday a different culture and media are featured.

Bowers_KwanzaaKwanzaa Festival, Bowers Museum, Santa Ana, Sunday 1/10, 11:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Celebrate the beauty and excitement of the African American cultural experience in America with a Kwanzaa ceremony, spoken word, drumming and dancing, and 3rd Degree Blues Band.

Free Second Sunday: Thailand, USC Pacific Asia MuseumUSC Pacific Asia Museum, Pasadena, Sunday 1/10. The museum is one of a few U.S. institutions dedicated to the arts and culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands. Join them this Sunday as they celebrate the arts and culture of Thailand. Activities include Silk Road Story Time, an art activity, Spotlight Tours, and a music/dance/art demo by Thai Community Arts & Cultural Center. See website for schedule. In addition, visitors can peruse permanent and special exhibitions and explore a special interactive family-friendly exhibition called Journeys: The Silk Road which takes guests along the legendary trade route that linked Europe and Asia for more than a thousand years. Admission to the galleries and the day’s programming are free all day.

* MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. WEEKEND OF JANUARY 16 & 17 & 18 *

Barnsdall_Art_Park_SundaysUSA: MLK Day Posters, “I Have a Dream” Painting (Family Art Workshop), Junior Arts Center at Barnsdall Art Park, Hollywood/Los Feliz, Sunday 1/17, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Join instructor Quan Trang for a free family art workshop in a real art studio. All materials are provided. Each Sunday a different culture and media are featured.

CAAMCAAM’s Annual “Cake for King” Community Celebration, California African American Museum, Exposition Park, Monday 1/18, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. CAAM invites the entire LA community to join them for their annual recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday and his life’s work as a charismatic and dedicated leader of the modern civil rights movement. CAAM will offer an art workshop, documentaries, face painting, story time, and slices of homemade birthday cake (while supplies last).

* WEEKEND OF JANUARY 23 & 24 *

TSFYToyota Symphonies for Youth: City of Light: Debussy’s La Mer, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Downtown, Saturday 1/23 & 1/30 at 11:00 a.m. The LA Phil’s pioneering Symphonies for Youth mix music with fun and fantasy for children ages 5 to 11 (children under two not admitted). Tour the colorful and rich orchestral music of France with the Los Angeles Philharmonic in celebration of the LA Phil’s French festival. Come for the chance to experience a live orchestra through the fantasy of theater. Each performance is preceded by a choice of art workshops, including an instrumental petting zoo, dance, and more starting at 10am. Buy tickets in advance.

Scandinavian Film FestivalScandinavian Film Festival, Writers Guild Theater, Beverly Hills, Saturday 1/23 & Sunday 1/24. During the second and last weekend of this yearly showcase of films from northern Europe and its Baltic neighbors, you can view a children’s animated movie from Finland, Moomins On The Riviera, based on popular Finnish comic strips, among many other films. See website for schedule and ticket information.

Barnsdall_Art_Park_SundaysBali: Shadow Puppets (Family Art Workshop), Junior Arts Center at Barnsdall Art Park, Hollywood/Los Feliz, Sunday 1/24, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Join instructor Sarah Hage for a free family art workshop in a real art studio. All materials are provided. Each Sunday a different culture and media are featured.

* WEEKEND OF JANUARY 30 & 31 *

TSFYToyota Symphonies for Youth: City of Light: Debussy’s La Mer, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Downtown, Saturday 1/30 at 11:00 a.m. The LA Phil’s pioneering Symphonies for Youth mix music with fun and fantasy for children ages 5 to 11 (children under two not admitted). Tour the colorful and rich orchestral music of France with the Los Angeles Philharmonic in celebration of the LA Phil’s French festival. Come for the chance to experience a live orchestra through the fantasy of theater. Each performance is preceded by a choice of art workshops, including an instrumental petting zoo, dance, and more starting at 10am. Buy tickets in advance.

Barnsdall_Art_Park_SundaysItaly: Marionettes (Family Art Workshop), Junior Arts Center at Barnsdall Art Park, Hollywood/Los Feliz, Sunday 1/31, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Join instructor Sarah Hage for a free family art workshop in a real art studio. All materials are provided. Each Sunday a different culture and media are featured.

Related posts:

  1. Los Angeles Culture Challenge for March 2016
  2. Los Angeles Culture Challenge for December 2014
  3. Norwegian Language Opportunities in Los Angeles

Holiday Gift Ideas for Vikings in Your Life

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Gift Guide 2015Do you have friends or family with Norwegian or Scandinavian heritage? Or are you looking to open your friends’ and family’s minds to new authors, settings, and cultures? Here are some of our Scandinavian favorites for you to consider this holiday season. You can’t go wrong with books for both kids and adults, products to promote quality family time, and items to help create a cozy Scandinavian Christmas.

BOOKS FOR KIDS

Here are some of our favorite children’s books related to Norwegian history and culture.

Magnus ChaseMagnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard by Rick Riordan: This is the first in a new series by popular children’s author Rick Riordan. You many know him as the author of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, the Kane Chronicles, and the Heroes of Olympus, in which Greek and Roman mythology act as the background. In Magnus Chase, however, Norse mythology takes center stage. Sonny devoured this book and is eagerly looking forward to book #2.

The Blackwell Pages (Loki’s Wolves, Odin’s Ravens, and Thor’s Serpents) by K. L. Armstrong & M. A. Marr: The Blackwell Pages is a trilogy that takes place in modern day Blackwell, South Dakota where most people are direct descendants of Norse gods Thor and Loki. Now Ragnarok is coming, and it’s up to the main characters to fight in the place of the long-dead gods to save the world.

Vikings at SunriseViking Ships at Sunrise (Magic Tree House #15) by Mary Pope Osborne: This book is just as much about monks in Ireland during the Dark Ages as it is about Vikings. Jack and Annie travel back in time on a quest to retrieve a special book. While there, Vikings raid the Irish settlement. The companion non-fiction book, Magic Tree House Fact Checker #33: Vikings, would make an ideal addition to the gift to round out the focus on Vikings. It answers a variety of questions about Viking life.

West of the MoonWest of the Moon by Margi Preus: This story interweaves Norwegian folk tales into two sisters’ quest to emigrate to America in the 1800s. From the author’s website: “After having been separated from her sister and sold to a cruel goat farmer, Astri makes a daring escape. She retrieves her little sister, and, armed with a troll treasure, a book of spells and curses, and a possibly magic hairbrush, they set off for America.”

The Klipfish CodeThe Klipfish Code by Mary Casanova: Marit, a 12-year-old girl, and her younger brother are sent to a remote fishing island to live with their grandfather and aunt while their parents stay home to help with the resistance movement during WWII. At one point, Marit finds herself in a situation where she decides to take action despite warnings from her grandfather. This story also sheds light on a little known fact about the Nazi occupation of Norway: one in ten teachers were rounded up and sent to concentration camps for their refusal to teach Nazi propaganda to Norwegian schoolchildren.

Shadow on the MountainShadow on the Mountain by Margi Preus: This is the story of 14-year-old Espen who joins the Norwegian Resistance during WWII. Espen begins by delivering illegal newspapers, then serves as a courier, and finally becomes a spy, dodging the Gestapo along the way. Preus incorporates archival photographs, maps, and other images to tell this story based on the real-life adventures of Norwegian Erling Storrusten, whom Preus interviewed in Norway.

Snow Treasure by Marie McSwigan: This is based on a true story about a group of Norwegian children who smuggled nine million dollars in gold past Nazi sentries during World War II.

Adventures with Waffles by Maria Parr: Written by a Norwegian author and translated, this story takes place in Norway and is about the adventures of two best friends, a boy and girl.

Doctor Proctor Fart PowderDoctor Proctor’s Fart Powder by Jo Nesbø: This is a humorous 4-book series by popular Norwegian mystery author Jo Nesbø. Both my kids thoroughly enjoyed these books. You could start slow with book #1 or go all out and buy the boxed set of all four books which includes a whoopee cushion.

BOOKS FOR ADULTS

If you’re looking for a book for someone who can read Norwegian, I strongly recommend Lars Mytting’s Svøm med dem som drukner. It is one of my all-time favorites. (You can read my thoughts about it here.)

For English language readers who want to step into the world of Scandinavia, I recommend the following Norwegian authors and their translated books.

The RedbreastJo Nesbø is the author of the popular Harry Hole series about a recovering alcoholic police inspector. The series begins with two books set outside of Norway, but then it continues in Oslo with book #3, The Redbreast (book #1 in the Oslo Sequence). The story in this book alternates between the last days of WWII on the Eastern front and modern day Oslo. The Oslo Sequence contains 8 books for those readers who become hooked.

My Struggle KnausgaardKarl Ove Knausgaard is the author of a 6-volume autobiographical series called My Struggle. The first 4 volumes have been translated into English. I have read the first volume and was surprisingly engaged in his exploration of his struggle with his father. (You can read my thoughts about the first volume here.)

Girl in the Spiders WebAnd finally, there’s the oldie but goodie Swedish author Stieg Larsson’s Millennium Series, which is a thrilling series about pierced and tattooed superhacker Lisbeth Salander and investigative reporter Mikael Blomqvist and their quests to solve crime cases. The series now continues with The Girl in the Spider’s Web by David Lagercrantz which was released this past September.

American authors have also seized the opportunity to use Norway as a setting for their writing.

Sunlit NightIn The Sunlit Night, Rebecca Dinerstein writes about two strangers from New York City who meet in northern Norway’s Lofoten area during the season of the midnight sun. I have always been fascinated by that area of Norway and really enjoyed the emphasis on the setting in this novel. The phenomenon of the midnight sun is incredible to begin with, and experiencing it in northern Norway to boot is unique.

Norwegian by NightIn Norwegian by Night, Derek B. Miller tells the story of Sheldon, an elderly Jew, who recently moved from New York City to live in Oslo with his granddaughter and her new Norwegian husband. Sheldon is witness to a crime and takes the victim’s son to safety. “As Sheldon and the boy look for a safe haven in an alien world, past and present weave together, forcing them ever forward to a wrenching moment of truth,” the book jacket says. I am currently thoroughly absorbed in this book.

FAMILY FUN

Do you want to facilitate some quality family time? Consider these family friendly gifts.

There are some great looking Norway-themed puzzles out there! You can choose a traditional flat puzzle (go somewhat manageable with a 1000-piece puzzle or go big with a 3000-piece puzzle), but I’ve also discovered 3D and “augmented reality” puzzles.

           

And for families looking to use their Norwegian during family game time, there is a Norwegian language Bananagrams version with the letters æ, ø, and å.

Or to help get the family outside, consider the Viking game of Kubb. It’s a lawn game where you try to knock your opponent’s blocks down followed by their king. All ages can enjoy this game.

Is there a girl in your midst you would appreciate a new addition to their doll collection? Consider a Norwegian Barbie from the Barbies of the World Collection.

                                    SCANDINAVIAN CHRISTMAS

You can’t have a true Scandinavian Christmas without proper lights, baked goods, and chocolate.

candelabra-karin-natural-7          Krumkake      Freia

Window candelabras are a popular sight in Norwegian windows during Christmas time and add a cozy feel to the dark days, and they are a beloved staple in my home, too, during the holiday season. A krumkake iron griddle will help families fulfill the traditional Norwegian Christmas custom of baking seven sorts of baked goods, one of which is a krumake, a rolled up waffle cookie. And of course, there’s nothing like some true Norwegian Freia milk chocolate to sweeten up the holiday season.

Keeping ChristmasFor families with a Norwegian background, they might enjoy the book Keeping Christmas: Yuletide Traditions in Norway and the New Land, which looks at Christmas traditions from Norway and Norwegian America. With “scores of accounts of ancient and modern Christmases, with recipes and photographs, this book reminds Norwegians and Norwegian Americans of their connections to each other and explains how their celebrations differ on this joyous family holiday” (book jacket). I have the book and it comes out every Christmas season. I read a different part of it every year and always learn something new and interesting.

SUBSCRIPTION TO NORWEGIAN AMERICAN WEEKLY

Norwegian American WeeklyAnd last but not least, for your family and friends with a Norwegian background, consider giving them a subscription to Norwegian American Weekly. It has been “the voice of Norway in America” for 125 years. It is the only Norwegian-American newspaper in existence. I always look forward to receiving this newspaper. I enjoy reading about Norwegian happenings at home and abroad and often get book recommendations from them as well.

For many more of my favorite Norwegian and Scandinavian items, please check out my store here.

Do you have suggestions for other gifts that would hit the spot with Norwegians and other Scandinavians? I would love to hear about them in the comments.

God jul!

Disclaimer: AVikingInLA is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

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Los Angeles Culture Challenge for December 2015 & Swedish Christmas Fair

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December 2015December is always a busy time with the winter holidays approaching, but if you have some time left over, there’s plenty of special events happening to either explore your own heritage or open your mind to new cultures and traditions or global concerns. Another of my favorite Scandinavian events happens this month, the Swedish Christmas Fair. It’s a busy, festive one-day affair which always leaves me with a cozy Christmas feeling.

* WEEKEND OF DECEMBER 5 & 6 *

Skirball-a-path-appearsA Path Appears: Actions for a Better World, Skirball Cultural Center, ongoing until February 21, 2016. Inspired by the bestselling book A Path Appears by Pulitzer Prize–winning journalists Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, the exhibition is both a gallery installation and a community engagement project—a place where every visitor can take practical, results-driven steps to bring about social change. Get inspired inside innovatively designed pavilions exploring four critical humanitarian issues: education, health, good jobs, and empowerment. Tap into the power of grassroots action as you learn of organizations—both local and around the globe—that are developing workable solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems. Then join in building a better world as you engage with ActionLab, a mobile-friendly tool that uses storytelling to promote social change and spark a commitment to human rights.

Undiscovered Chinatown Walking TourThe Undiscovered Chinatown Tour, Chinatown, Downtown, Saturday, 10:30am-1pm. (Offered every first Saturday of the month). Visit a temple, an herbal shop, art galleries, antique stores, and more when guided to the unique treasures–not to mention great bargains–to be found in Chinatown. Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to wind your way through a myriad of alleyways, plaza stalls, and classical courtyards to discover the charm of L.A.’s Chinatown.

KIC_try_new_faceKids in the Courtyard: Try on a New Face!, Fowler Museum Courtyard at UCLA, Sunday, 1pm-4pm. Marvel at the ways artists in Disguise: Masks and Global African Art have transformed themselves and their surroundings. Then try your hand at disguising your appearance. Take on a whole new persona as you paint your face or have designs drawn on your face by artists in attendance at the event.

* WEEKEND OF DECEMBER 12 & 13 *

LACMA_ICFFLos Angeles International Children’s Film Festival, LACMA, Saturday & Sunday. The 11th annual Los Angeles International Children’s Film Festival returns to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The festival will present more than 100 films from around the world—full-length and short animation, live action, and documentary films—organized for different age groups, from toddlers through teens. Select filmmakers and actors will be present for Q&A sessions after each screening.

SWEA_Xmas36th Annual Swedish Christmas Fair, Torrance Cultural Arts Center, Torrance, Sunday, 10am-5pm. The fair features artisans and stands presenting the best of Swedish fine art, handicraft, books, jewelry, toys, decorations, and much more. Enjoy a traditional Swedish lunch or “fika” (coffee break) with delicious home baked sweets. You can even enjoy an invigorating glass of hot glögg (mulled wine). The radiant Lucia Pageant is performed twice during the day, at noon and at 3pm. Make sure to time your visit so you’ll be there for the Lucia procession. There’s also a children’s corner with crafts, games, and a possible visit with Santa.

hanukkah-festival-2015Hanukkah Family Festival, Skirball Cultural Center, Sunday, 11am-4pm. The light of hope, courage, and perseverance that burns in each of us makes it possible to achieve amazing things together. At this year’s Hanukkah Family Festival, celebrate with music, dance, art making, storytelling, and a host of other family-friendly activities that explore this theme and more. Families of all backgrounds welcome!

USC Pacific Asia MuseumFree Day at USC Pacific Asia Museum, Pasadena, every 2nd Sunday of the month. Established in 1971, the museum is one of a few U.S. institutions dedicated to the arts and culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands. The museum’s mission is to further intercultural understanding through the arts of Asia and the Pacific Islands. In addition to the permanent and special exhibitions, there is a special interactive family-friendly exhibition called Journeys: The Silk Road where visitors can explore the legendary trade route that linked Europe and Asia for more than a thousand years. Also, every second Sunday of the month is a special storytime and with a hands-on craft. This Sunday’s theme is Philippines.

* WEEKEND OF DECEMBER 19 & 20 *

Hot Chocolate NutcrackerDebbie Allen’s The Hot Chocolate Nutcracker, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Downtown, Friday at 7:30pm and Saturday at 1pm and 7pm. Following the idea of the original, it’s Christmas Eve and the Johnsons are having a grand party. The Christmas gifts are shared and young Kara receives a Nutcracker filled with hot chocolate – her favorite. She falls asleep and the journey begins when the Nutcracker comes alive! Kara takes the audience on a mystical, magical journey, from Candy Cane Land, Egypt, the Indian Rainforest, Bollywood, Jazzland, and the Land of the Kimono Dolls. Must buy tickets in advance.

Olvera Street Las PosadasLas Posadas at Olvera Street, El Pueblo Historical Monument, Downtown, Saturday and Sunday, 5:30pm-8:30pm. Every evening beginning December 16th and continuing through Christmas Eve, a procession depicting Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem is presented by Olvera Street merchants. Visitors are encouraged to join the candlelight procession singing Christmas carols in English and Spanish. There is a children’s piñata breaking and live entertainment each evening, along with complimentary champurrado and pan dulce.

* WEEKEND OF DECEMBER 26 & 27 *

This seems to be a quiet weekend for events.

* WEEKEND OF JANUARY 2 & 3 *

Undiscovered Chinatown Walking TourThe Undiscovered Chinatown Tour, Chinatown, Downtown, Saturday, 10:30am-1pm. (Offered every first Saturday of the month). Visit a temple, an herbal shop, art galleries, antique stores, and more when guided to the unique treasures–not to mention great bargains–to be found in Chinatown. Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to wind your way through a myriad of alleyways, plaza stalls, and classical courtyards to discover the charm of L.A.’s Chinatown.

2016-Oshogatsu-Festival-Year-of-MonkeyOshogatsu Family Festival – Year of the Monkey, Japanese American National Museum, Sunday, 11am-5pm. Ring in the New Year and the Year of the Monkey with fun arts ‘n crafts, food, exciting cultural activities, and performances.

Related posts:

  1. November 2019: Los Angeles Culture Challenge Including Scandinavian Films and Christmas Fairs
  2. Los Angeles Culture Challenge for December 2014
  3. Los Angeles Culture Challenge for February 2015