Wander Minnesota: Lars Lerin At The American Swedish Institute

There's an amazing exhibit going on right now at the American Swedish Institute: The Watercolor Worlds of Lars Lerin. If you don't know who that is, well, this is your chance to learn -- and it's an amazing opportunity.

Don't assume that you've ever seen watercolors like these. Lerin is a contemporary Nordic artist who's doing extraordinary things in the medium, focusing both on nature and on the urban/suburban worlds around him, or reflecting his travels to India and Iran. His work can be both impressionistic and highly detailed.

It's an enormous honor to have his work at the Swedish Institute, since his work has not been exhibited in North America for more than 30 years. He's highly regarded in the Nordic art world.

It's hard to imagine a more fitting exhibit space than the Swedish Institute. Not just because Lerin is Nordic, but because his work, crossing from nature to city, embodies both contemporary and traditional in its artistic forms. With the Swedish Institute inhabiting both the grand old Turnblad Mansion and the contemporary Nelson Cultural Center -- and the exhibit spread across both buildings -- the themes are richly explored in differing surroundings.

The exhibit is here only through May 22, so don't wait -- it's likely to be especially popular towards the end of its run. And be sure to allow enough time during your visit for a bite to eat at the Institute's stellar restaurant, Fika.

What else is happening in our state? Be sure to check out WCCO 4 News At 10 on Sunday nights, where you can learn more in the weekly segment, Finding Minnesota.