Ellen Lindner: Art & Creativity

I was recently surprised to receive an email from the Art in Embassies program.  This program borrows art from artists, museums, etc. and installs them in the residencies of American ambassadors all over the world.  Artists can apply to participate in this program, but I never got around to it.  However, the program found me.  Cool!

The email asked for the loan of one of my pieces for display in the Tallinn, Estonia ambassador’s residence.  Wondering where Estonia is?  I did too, until a Scandinavian cruise took me there.  Estonia is on the eastern side of the Baltic Sea.  It’s just west of Russia and just south of Finland (across the Bay of Finland.)

The capitol of Estonia is Tallinn, a delightful town which has a walled medieval section. 

It features narrow cobblestone streets, roofs with clay tiles, and occasional glimpses of  onion roofs adorning Russian Orthodox churches.

Until 1990 Estonia was under Russian control.  As a result, it’s currently experiencing some growing pains and challenges. 

I imagine the new ambassador, Michael Polt, will have challenges as well, so I’m delighted to support his efforts in such a wonderful setting.

The Polts have requested my piece Lakeside Citrus for their exhibit. 

I am happy to loan it to them, and I hope it will brighten their days during the long dark Estonian winters.

Ellen Lindner