MINNEAPOLIS—Cocktails at the Castle—Fantastical Worlds, the American Swedish Institute’s signature “museum party done right,” takes over the Turnblad Mansion and outdoor courtyard on Friday, June 1, 7–11 p.m., 2018, with an evening full of quirky surprises saluting the work of Finnish sculptor Kim Simonsson, on view now at ASI through July 15. Simonsson’s beguiling “Moss People” and other ceramic sculptures in The Fantastical Worlds of Kim Simonsson exhibition inspire a night of live music and DJ-curated dance tunes, performances, hands-on activities, moss experts and FIKA Cafe’s award-winning food and drink. General admission tickets are $17 for ASI members and $20 for non-members. ASI membership includes year-round admission and discounts to special events and the Museum Store. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m., Friday, May 4, and may be purchased through ASImn.org. For more information, visit call or 612-871-4907. ASI is located at 2600 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN.

Cocktails at the Castle—Fantastical Worlds encourages many types of creative exploration. Live music is a highlight with the haunting synth-pop of Graveyard Club and psychedelic dance-punk by Gramma’s Boyfriend. Make your own unique ceramic “seed bombs” with Northern Clay Center, encounter surprise pop-up performances, dance the night away with DJ/sound system FEEL FREE Hi Fi, check out moss up close with the experts from the U of M's College of Biological Sciences Conservatory and grab a local brew from party partner Indeed Brewing’s tap cart. Of course, don’t miss FIKA’s festival bites and one of their refreshing, crafted cocktails.

Kim Simonsson’s otherworldly life-sized ceramic figures, such as a kneeling “Moss” girl talking to a two-headed bunny, are contemporary creations that invite viewers into a world inspired by fairy tales, ceramic tradition, pop culture, movies, Finland’s primeval forests and Simonsson’s own rich imagination. This is his Midwest debut and largest exhibition to date with more than 35 sculptures that the artist hand-installed throughout the historic Turnblad Mansion and in the modern Osher Gallery. The Star Tribune wrote that, “...his sculptures offer up singular emotional experiences.”

TICKETS: Cocktails at the Castle—Fantastical Worlds, Friday, June 1, 7–11 p.m.

Cocktails at the Castle regularly sells out, so get your tickets early! Advance Tickets: $17 for ASI members and $20 general public admission (plus ticket fees). ASI members must enter the promotional code (check the Posten listing or contact our Member/Donor Services Coordinator at Info@ASImn.org) before hitting the purchase button to receive the discounted price. If space is still available on the night of the event, $25 tickets may be purchased at the door. This event is limited to people age 21or older. All guests must present valid ID upon entry. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m., Friday, May 4. Please purchase online through ASImn.org


Press Contact: Karen R. Nelson
Karen.N@ASIMN.org, 612-870-3373

ASI is located at 2600 Park Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55407.

THE AMERICAN SWEDISH INSTITUTE: (ASI) is a vibrant arts and culture organization, historic mansion and museum founded in 1929 by Swedish immigrant newspaper publisher Swan J. Turnblad, ASI’s mission is to be a gathering place for all people to share experiences around themes of culture, migration, the environment and the arts, informed by enduring ties to Sweden. ASI was named Minnesota’s “Best Surprise” by Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine and The Wall Street Journal called ASI “[a] model of how a small institution can draw visitors through exciting programming.”

ASI MUSEUM HOURS: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Noon–5 p.m.; Wednesday, Noon-8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday, Noon–5 p.m., closed Monday.

Regular museum admission: $10 adults, $7 ages 62 +, $5 ages 6–18 and full-time students with ID. Free for ASI members and kids ages 5 and under.

FIKA, ASI’s award winning café, is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.; Wednesday, 8:30 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

The ASI MUSEUM STORE is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Wednesday 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Sunday, Noon–5 p.m.



SUPPORTERS
Thanks to our Cocktails at the Castle Party Sponsors including Indeed Brewing. The exhibition project is presented with support from the Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation and Karin Larson. Hospitality Sponsors include the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot.


Minnesota artist activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund, and a grant from the Wells Fargo Foundation Minnesota. Special thanks to ASI contributing members and donors, whose contributions help make our programs, exhibitions and community work possible.