“Nordic Customs and Costumes on Tile”
(June 1 - 30, 2010)

The Dacotah Prairie Museum announced a showing of ceramic tile murals by California artist, Elaine Odland Cain, for the month of June, 2010. The exhibit was entitled “Nordic Customs and Costumes on Tile” and was an accumulation of life-size murals presented in a mosaic of ceramic tiles.

The display opened at the Museum on June 1st and closed on June 30, 2010. A reception for the artist with music and refreshments, was held for the public on Saturday, June 5. The exhibit and reception were both held in the Lamont Gallery on 2nd floor.

Elaine Odland Cain was born in Britton, SD, and married her childhood sweetheart, Joseph Cain, who was from Claremont. Elaine’s career in teaching brought her a lifetime love of learning and a great appreciation for heritage and the unique qualities of those she came in contact with, students, families and fellow teachers. Upon retirement, Elaine and Joseph relocated to California and became involved in local customs and heritage in the area around their city of La Habra, California. She has been involved in projects with the Danish Museum, and many Swedish Celebrations and Festivals there but her work also includes much of the traditions and customs of Norway, where her ancestors originated.

Cain’s grandmother’s grandmother traveled from Norway as a single mother with her 11- year-old son to homestead by the Missouri River near Meckling. “Dakota Territory was a harsh but rewarding place to have landed,” relates Elaine. “All immigrants brought with them colorful pieces of their heritage. I use my art to portray many of their customs and costumes.”

To make life-size murals, Elaine places single tiles (about 6 inches by 6 inches) together to create a large painting surface. After she completes a glaze painting, the tiles are fired and only then do the vibrant colors appear. Cain series of murals, which includes Norwegian, Danish, and Swedish designs will make up this exhibit at the Dacotah Prairie Museum. The couple will travel to South Dakota to transport and help set up the display, but Elaine hopes that her murals might find a permanent home in the state of her birth.

For information on past exhibits in the Lamont Gallery, please click here