MOTHERLAND ART EXCHANGE
Celebrating 200 Years of Shared Heritage Through Contemporary Art
In honor of the 200th anniversary of the first organized Norwegian emigration to the United States, 9 Mile Gallery (Minneapolis), Galleri Semmingsen (Oslo), and Norway House proudly present Crossings—a landmark international art exchange program.
This powerful collaboration pays tribute to the journey of the 52 emigrants aboard the Restauration in 1825 and celebrates the deep cultural connections that continue to thrive between Norway and Minnesota, home to the largest population of ethnic Norwegians outside of Norway.
Join us for a powerful evening of art and cultural reflection at Galleri Semmingsen in Oslo, as we celebrate 200 years of Norwegian immigration to the United States through the Motherland Art Exchange.
This special exhibition brings together the work of five contemporary Norwegian-American artists whose pieces explore themes of heritage, migration, memory, and identity. The event marks the opening of the international art exchange commemorating the bicentennial of the 1825 emigration voyage of the Restauration.
This invitation-only preview is part of the larger Crossings project, in collaboration with 9 Mile Gallery (Minneapolis) and Norway House. Be among the first to experience the artwork before it travels to the United States later this fall.
Upcoming Exhibitions
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Oslo, Norway
Galleri Semmingsen
August 6, 2025 and 27, 2025Five Minneapolis-based Norwegian-American artists will present 25 works in Oslo, each reflecting personal and collective themes of identity, migration, and memory. All five artists will be present for the opening reception.
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Minneapolis, USA
9 Mile Gallery
October 4 – November 30, 2025Five contemporary artists from Norway will exhibit 25 original works in Minneapolis, bringing a modern lens to traditional heritage and innovation in Nordic art.
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Special Preview
Norway House, Minneapolis
September 27, 2025Be among the first to view the Norwegian artists’ works before their debut at 9 Mile Gallery.
Limited-Edition “Crossings” Blanket
In connection with the exhibition, a blanket has been produced by Faribault Mill in Minneapolis, featuring a design by artist Bob Hest titled “Lofoten.”
Twenty-five pieces are available for sale in the gallery at 2,550 NOK each. Size: 107 x 165 cm.
This item is available for pre-order only. To reserve yours, click the button below to send us an email with your name, quantity, and any questions.
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Designed by Minnesota Artist Bob Hest • Made by Faribault Woolen Mill Co.
Celebrate heritage, artistry, and connection with the Crossings Blanket, a limited-edition wool throw honoring the 200th anniversary of Norwegian emigration to America.
Woven in collaboration with Faribault Woolen Mill Co., one of Minnesota’s most storied textile makers, this heirloom-quality blanket features original artwork by acclaimed Minneapolis artist Bob Hest, whose bold yet intimate style captures the journey between two homelands.
Inspired by the historic 1825 voyage of the Restauration, the Crossings Blanket blends Nordic minimalism with Midwestern warmth—symbolizing the enduring ties between Norway and the United States.
Looking Ahead: Indigenous Voices and Cultural Bridges
"Crossings" is just the beginning. Future collaborations will include exhibitions that spotlight Native American artists from Minnesota and Saami artists from Scandinavia, exploring themes of Indigenous resilience, expression, and shared storytelling across borders.
A Transatlantic Partnership
This exchange is made possible through the vision and partnership of:
Gregory Rich, Gallerist at 9 Mile Gallery
Astrid Hilde Semmingsen, Gallerist at Galleri Semmingsen
Norway House, with the Royal Patronage of His Majesty King Harald V of Norway
Together, we invite you to experience the power of art to reflect history, transcend borders, and imagine new futures.