My Atrium is Your Echo Chamber no. 2 by Gianna Tesone: Acrylic on canvas; 132cm x 152cm; 2025
An art exchange marks the 200th anniversary of Norwegian immigration to the United States.
In honor of the bicentennial of the first wave of Norwegian immigration to the United States, Edina gallerist Gregory Rich is unveiling Motherland, a groundbreaking international art exchange. This creative partnership between Rich’s 9 Mile Gallery and Galleri Semmingsen in Oslo, Norway, celebrates shared culture, artistic innovation and enduring ties between two nations.
The year 1825 marked a pivotal moment in Norwegian-American history when the sloop Restauration sailed from Stavanger, Norway, carrying 52 Norwegians to the U.S. That voyage sparked generations of migration and cultural fusion. Now, 200 years later, Motherland honors that spirit of exploration and connection. “This is the beginning of a long and rewarding relationship,” Rich says. “This is an important time to reaffirm the shared cultures in Minnesota and Norway.”
Folded Quiet by Moira Bateman: Mud dye, organic peace silk, flat thread, wax, linen frame; 61cm x 46cm; 2025
The initiative took shape after Rich connected with Anja Kroll of Norway House, a Minneapolis-based cultural organization that is a Motherland participant. Rich traveled to Norway with Kroll. “She and I went to visit a bunch of different galleries. She set up some meetings, trying to find the right match. Then I found an amazing gallery called the Galleri Semmingsen. It’s in the old diplomatic zone of Oslo. Right around the corner from the original U.S. Embassy,” he says.
The gallery, run by Astrid Hilde Semmingsen, made an immediate impression. “I went in, and I knew this was the one I wanted to partner with,” Rich says. Semmingsen is excited for the initiative. “This is the beginning of a long and rewarding relationship,” she says. “Art has the power to transcend borders. This initiative allows us to reflect on the intertwined journeys and create new narratives together.”
Astridene by Kristen Amanda: Acrylic on linen; 150cm x 120cm; 2025
That new narrative began in August when pieces of art from five Norwegian-American artists were installed at Galleri Semmingsen. “Astrid is a bit of a numerologist, and she likes the number five a lot. So she wanted five pieces from five artists,” Rich says. “I’ve chosen and presented her a number of artists, and we decided to go with five of my favorites.”
Three of the five American artists traveled to Oslo for the exhibition’s opening. In return, three Norwegian artists will bring their work to 9 Mile Gallery in Edina for an exhibition from October 4 to November 30. Before the main installation, a sampling of their work was displayed at Norway House’s Minneapolis gallery at the end of September.
My Father and Me by Bob Hest: Graphite on canvas; 75cm x 59cm; 2025
A limited-edition commemorative wool blanket, designed by featured artist Bob Hest and produced by Faribault Mill, will serve as a flagship piece for the project. “We were very honored to have been asked to help create this very special blanket for a very special occasion,” says Paul Mooty, vice chairman and partner at Faribault Mill. “It’s a wonderful and unique way to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Norwegians coming to the United States. The impact our immigrant ancestors have had in our country is remarkable, and there is something special about a company founded by a German immigrant 160 years ago making a blanket to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Norwegians coming here. It seems so appropriate. I am, in fact, a quarter German and a quarter Norwegian, so this has real meaning for me as well.”
The Oslo gallery’s exhibit will run for three weeks, after which unsold works will be featured in the former U.S. Embassy. “So it will be a three-week installation, which is fabulous for the artists,” Rich says.
Motherland is only a part of a larger initiative called Crossings. In addition to this exchange, the organizing partners are already dreaming of future collaborations. Plans are in the works for an exhibition, featuring Native American artists from Minnesota and indigenous Saami artists from Scandinavia, expanding this initiative into an ongoing platform for cultural connection.
9 Mile Gallery
Instagram: @9milegallery
