Emilie Heidemann

3 weeks ago | isthmus.com | Emilie Heidemann

You might say summer starts early in Stoughton, with its annual mid-May Syttende Mai festival that celebrates Norway’s Constitution Day. It’s not unusual to see people wearing bunads, the traditional Norwegian folk costume, and eating lefse, a Scandinavian flatbread made with riced potato and often topped with a simple combo of butter and sugar. Even if you missed Syttende Mai, there are plenty of other reasons — and opportunities — to enjoy a Stoughton summer.

1 month ago | isthmus.com | Emilie Heidemann

“We try to keep music accessible,” Toffer Christensen says, his voice permeating the soon-to-open Atwood Music Hall. “We want people to go out and see as many shows as possible.” Christensen, co-owner of the new venue at 1925 Winnebago St. as well as the Bur Oak, down the street, is in some ways sticking his neck out with the new hall, which, at its 700-seat capacity, will need to attract some national touring bands to fill its space.

1 month ago | isthmus.com | Emilie Heidemann

“We try to keep music accessible,” Toffer Christensen says, his voice permeating the soon-to-open Atwood Music Hall. “We want people to go out and see as many shows as possible.” Christensen, co-owner of the new venue at 1925 Winnebago St. as well as the Bur Oak, down the street, is in some ways sticking his neck out with the new hall, which, at its 700-seat capacity, will need to attract some national touring bands to fill its space.

Mar 11, 2025 | isthmus.com | Emilie Heidemann

A 2005 black gown made of 40 pounds of river rocks and lead weights. Red mittens with tassels from 1950s Norway. A large 1956 Frank Lloyd Wright-made screen print on linen in earthy tones. A 20th century Chinese indigo robe with intricately sewn designs. An early 1900s Hungarian camisole embroidered on cotton, and a 2024 binder cover made in response to a question of “What did trans-masculine people wear as undergarments during the Edwardian era?” And butterflies, butterflies, and more butterflies.

Feb 7, 2025 | isthmus.com | Emilie Heidemann

The women are gathered around a table inside a meeting space at the Meadowridge public library, smiling, laughing and greeting one another in both Spanish and English and exchanging hugs. One attendee says she emigrated from the Dominican Republic, and another from Honduras. More are from other Latin countries. On pieces of paper cut into circle shapes, they draw their favorite meal.