Cultural Connections: Decorative Wall Paintings of Sweden with Pieper Bloomquist (Webinar)

Curious if Swedish Dalmålning, Bonadsmålning, and Norwegian Rosemaling are art cousins? You’re in luck! Join vibrant folk artist Pieper Fleck Bloomquist on a journey into the enchanting world of Swedish Wall Painting. Step back to the 18th and 19th centuries, when lively wall hangings brightened Swedish farmhouses, capturing the playful spirit of their creators. With a treasure trove of photos from her Swedish adventures, Pieper unveils the secrets of historical painters—captivating designs, stories, and the materials that brought these masterpieces to life. But wait, there’s more! Pieper revives this tradition, weaving community stories and human moments to keep the magic alive. Prepare for an enchanting exploration of art and history that’s as charming as it is fun! Pieper Fleck Bloomquist is a contemporary folk artist with nearly 30 years’ experience painting in the traditions of Swedish dalmålning and bonadsmålning. Using either modern acrylics or the traditional materials of linen/jute, traditional gesso, and egg tempera, she creates painted tapestries with scenes that narrate modern human stories – drawing inspiration from family traditions, her experience as an oncology nurse, and rural life in the Upper Midwest. She has found her voice in helping local communities and elders tell their stories using these traditions – all with the goal of creating awareness and appreciation for folk art, its connection to a heritage, and the ability it has to connect us all through our stories. A Minnesota native, now based in Grand Forks, ND, Pieper is a recognized Culture Bearer by Arts Midwest, active with the North Dakota Council on the Arts, and with the Bonadsmuseum Unnaryd in Sweden. She is considered one of the museum’s two living professional Bonad painters, with a permanent exhibit among the historical paintings on display. Pieper loves to teach and study the historical paintings. She is a regular instructor at the American Swedish Institute and North House Folk School. She has twice been granted a Folk Arts Fellowship through the American Scandinavian Foundation.