“Karin Larsson: Let the Hand be Seen,” American Swedish Institute, June 8 through October 27, 2024

The highly-anticipated exhibit “Karin Larsson: Let the Hand be Seen” opened yesterday with great festivity at the American Swedish Institute (ASI), where it will be on display through October. Members of the Scandinavian Weavers and Rag Rug Weavers of the Weavers Guild of Minnesota were on hand to demonstrate the art of Swedish-style rag rug weaving and will continue on key dates through the run of the exhibit.

In addition to Karin Larsson, we took inspiration from a 14-meter rag rug in ASI’s permanent collection. It was woven by Maria Jonsson in the province of Värmland, Sweden and donated to ASI in the 1950s.

Judy Larson, coordinator of the Rag Rug Group, warped a vintage Glimakra loom in “Swedish blue” and designed our first rug to feature a wedge pattern like the ones in Jonsson’s rug. (Thanks to Patty Johnson of Color Crossing for lending her loom.)

Besides weaving at the loom, volunteers demonstrated the entire process of rag-rug weaving, from preparing fabric to finishing techniques. Finished rugs are also on display.

The collections staff at ASI has also put together a display about Hilma Berglund, one of the founders of the Weavers Guild of Minnesota.

Weaving demonstrations will be held on the following Thursday evenings from 5:00 to 8:00 PM: June 13, and 27, July 11 and 25, August 8 and 22, September 5 and 26, October 10 and 24. Note: Admission to the museum will be free after 3:00 PM.

In addition, demonstrations will be held at ASI’s Midsommar Celebration, Saturday, June 15 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Cocktails at the Castle, Saturday, September 14, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Note: These are ticketed events, so admission is required.

A special thank-you to the staff of the Weavers Guild of Minnesota and the American Swedish Institute for coordinating this volunteer program. Stay tuned to the blog for more articles on this ground-breaking exhibit!

For more information, please visit the ASI website:

Karin Larsson: Let the Hand be Seen