The viking connection

Culture | May 31st, 2017

There is a big opportunity to learn viking spirit by studying abroad in Scandinavia, provided by Viking Connection Programs. The opportunity is for anyone who would love to study the crafts of Viking Age Scandinavia, by either going abroad as an apprentice or by participating in any of the classes taught by visiting master artists.

For the details, the apprenticeship programs are one to two weeks long. The programs are to encourage the students focus on themselves and spend one-to-one time with a master artist in Scandinavia. The crafts that the students will learn are well documented, with examples from the Viking Age.

Students will be selected based on their commitment to the craft they want to study, their prior record of involvement with the craft they learned from the apprenticeship programs.

A specific artist database will be compiled during the coming months, after the festival season is over. Students can look up for what types of art forms would be matching with their interest.

The database is arranged by topics for art forms such as blacksmithing, leather work, bone and antler carving, etc. This organization is asking for anyone who wishes to be on the database, providing their works as well as contact information that may be shared on the website in public.

“It is important to keep in mind that when people Google the words “Viking art,” the images in the search results will be largely fantasy and misrepresentative of Viking Age Scandinavia. It is one of our goals to make sure we provide the public with access to historically accurate information about the arts, crafts, and material culture of the period,” the Viking Connection Director, Tim Jorgensen said, ““We hope the students will carry on what they learn and share their knowledge with others.”

To apply the program, students can visit www.vikingconnection.org, email, or print and mail a copy to the director, Tim Jorgensen. 2018 applications are due July 30th, 2017. There will be one fully and one partially funded apprenticeship. A committee will review the applications. Applicants must have a valid passport through 2018 and be residents of ND, MN, SD, IA, WI, or MI.

There is an upcoming event to experience the Viking spirit in person on June 23 and 24. The event is the 40th annual Scandinavian Hjemkomst and Midwest Viking Festival, a celebration of Nordic cultures this year from the myths of Valhalla to medieval Europe and the American frontier.

The festival will be held at the Hjemkomst Center in Moorhead. The admission fee is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, and free for children under 12 years old when accompanied by a paid adult.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

Viking Connection http://www.vikingconnection.org/

Midwest Viking Festival June 23-24

Hjemkomst Center, 202 1st Ave N, Moorhead

http://www.hcscconline.org/scandinavian-hjemkomst-and-midwest-viking-festival/