artists

What variety in art you can find in Sweden!
If you come on the tour, you will get a chance to see
high art and primitive; paintings, sculptures, and
weaving; new, old, and ancient pieces; subject matter
from the religious to the profane.
Sweden has such an old culture and rich history,
compared with the United States.    Art in some form is
infused into every aspect of life, especially having to do
with the folk culture.
You will see the great variety in style and subject
matter painted on church walls and ceilings from the
11th through the 19th century.   You will see town
sculptures celebrating 16th century royalty, as well as
20th century folk musicians.   You can inspect
wonderfully crafted wearing apparel that is even now
being made as a cottage industry by individuals in their
homes.
Visit museums of art: the impressionist Anders Zorn,
the romanticist Carl Larsson, or the woodcarver
Döderhulten. Visit the artist studios in the old town
artist colony in Gävle.
Most of all, just appreciate the practical artistry
connected with just about everything in the folk culture
as we travel 1500 miles or more through several
regions.    You will see how the styles, while always
very Swedish, vary widely from place to place.
Dalmålning, a special regional art style in Dalarna, is
wonderful:    Pictures, usually with biblical motif, but
with huge flowers all around and with all the characters
in 18th-century dress.   Also in Dalarna are the
traditional highly decorated toy horses which have
become a national symbol.
In Småland are the glassworks, where fine crystal is
fashioned by hand before your eyes.   Swedish glass is
world-renowned for its high quality and beautiful design.

Enjoy nature, music, traditional food, old buildings,
wonderful people,    .......and the art.

-Tim Rued