The Dynamic Geological History of Norway

with Dr. Scott Burns

November 5, 2021, 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Doors Open at 6:30 PM

Nordia House

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NORDIC NORTHWEST MEMBERS: FREE

GENERAL ADMISSION: $10

ARTS FOR ALL: $5

Norway is one of the most beautiful countries in the world.  The many fjords that were carved by glaciers are truly stunning. Dr. Burns, who has Norwegian ancestry, will talk about the origin of these very old rocks, the present day glaciers, the beautiful fjords that were carved by glaciers, incredible landslides there called quick clay landslides, the rugged coastline, the oil and natural gas reserves, challenges of building roads in the rugged country, and will end talking about Spitsbergen which is the closest set of islands to the North Pole and is administered by Norway - very unique place. He gave this talk five years ago, but it has been completely revised! Come and enjoy!

Scott is a Professor Emeritus of Geology and Past-Chair of the Dept. of Geology at Portland State University where he just finished his 31st year of teaching. Scott specializes in environmental and engineering geology, geomorphology, soils, and Quaternary geology. In Oregon, he has projects involving landslides and land use, environmental cleanup of service stations, slope stability, earthquake hazard mapping,  Missoula Floods, paleosols, loess soil stratigraphy, radon generation from soils,  the distribution of heavy metals and trace elements in Oregon soils,  alpine soil development, and the terroir of wine.  

His BS and MS degrees are from Stanford University in California, plus a Ph.D. in geology from the University of Colorado, Boulder. He has memberships in over 20 professional organizations and is active in the Association of Engineering Geologists, Geological Society of America, National Association of Geology Teachers, and the Soil Science Society of America.  He is past president of the Oregon Society of Soil Scientists and the Oregon Section of the Association of Engineering Geologists.   

Influence of Nordic Architecture in the Northwest with John Nelson

January 7, 2022, 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Doors Open at 6:30 PM

Nordia House

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NORDIC NORTHWEST MEMBERS: FREE

GENERAL ADMISSION: $10

ARTS FOR ALL: $5

Nordic architecture has had a profound influence on the Northwest. Explore the developments and concepts that have founded Nordic architecture in its integral relationship to nature and joy of space and light.

John is an Oregon native  with family roots in the border region of Sweden and Norway. He received a BLA from the University of Oregon School of Architecture and Allied Arts followed by an MSc from the University of Edinburgh, UK, School of Urban and Regional Planning. His academic concentration in design and urban development continued as an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, until returning to Portland to enter private practice. His firm, The Mitchell Nelson Group, Inc., provided multi-discipline design and planning services for 30-years until merging with Maul Foster Alongi, Inc. where John joined the Board of Directors until retirement in 2014.

Mount Hood Steiner Cabins with Lloyd Musser

February 4, 2022, 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Doors Open at 6:30 PM

Nordia House

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NORDIC NORTHWEST MEMBERS: FREE

GENERAL ADMISSION: $10

ARTS FOR ALL: $5

Lloyd Musser, local historian, and curator of the Mt. Hood Cultural Center and Museum, will explore the history of Steiner cabins in the Northwest, including features of Fogelbo that make these cabins distinctive. 

bio coming soon!

Exploring Nordic Runes with Debra Carus

March 4, 2022, 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Doors Open at 6:30 PM

Nordia House

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NORDIC NORTHWEST MEMBERS: FREE

GENERAL ADMISSION: $10

ARTS FOR ALL: $5

Join Debra Carus, talented NW artist of Elentari Handverk as she explores the meaning and history of runes in Nordic culture and shares her translation of them to modern jewelry. 

Local artist and goldsmith Debra Carus creates fine jewelry with gold, silver, precious gems and glass enamels. Drawing heavily upon her Norwegian heritage, she uses traditional jewelry methods like filigree (used in the Norwegian bunad jewelry called solje) in modern, updated pieces. She also favors Scandinavian motifs and mythology, incorporating stories and runelore into her custom work. Debra also uses Scandinavian gems and minerals, and loves to highlight her work with luminous transparent glass enamels reminiscent of Norwegian artists of the late 19th century.  Debra is a passionate teacher, sharing her methods with beginners to advanced professionals in her classes all over the Pacific Northwest.