Marie Olofsdotter’s story began in Sweden, where she was born and raised. After studies in fine art and physical theater in Stockholm, she left Sweden to attend clown school in the US. Marie moved to Minnesota, worked in theater, and has exhibited her artwork in galleries and museums. She has created a number of picture books, such as the award-winning Sofia and the Heartmender. Other accolades include a Minnesota Book Award and multiple Minnesota State Arts Board Artist Initiative grants.
Today, much of her love for narrative art is expressed through poetry and mixed media. At the core of Marie’s work lies an unwavering belief in the power of creativity as a tool for self-expression, building bridges, and healing. This is why being a teaching artist—a creative muse for over 30 years—is central to her practice. Her poetry and paper arts classes have helped thousands of people of all ages express themselves creatively.
Teaching Artist Statement
Through a whole-brain approach incorporating movement and drawing into my writing program—and using poetry to inform visual arts classes—I inspire even the most reluctant students to create. Gifted young writers flourish with the help of prompts that set the stage for their unique voices.
Having taught poetry residencies in hundreds of K-6 classrooms across Minnesota, I have also visited libraries to lead paper arts and poetry workshops. I have worked with diverse adult and senior populations in low-income high-rises, assisted living facilities, and memory care units. In my card-making workshops for older adults, I use high-end materials and inventive techniques, customizing every activity to fit their specific needs.
During my two years in clown school, I learned the art of improvisation, where a key component is to be fully present and “make the other performers look good.” To say yes. I apply this philosophy to my work as a teaching artist and the Steve Linsner quote that says, “a clown is a poet who is also an orangutang” is a true story.
Learn more about Marie in her April 2020 Artist Spotlight Interview.
Program Offerings
Virtual and Remote Programs
See an example virtual residency from Marie and learn what to expect from a remote program!
Virtual Residency: Peace Poetry
Look at the world through the eyes of a poet, through the lens of peace. Reflect on the idea of peace and create poems rich in imagery. Students will be inspired by the poetry of Alberto Blanco, N. Scott Momaday, Langston Hughes and more through a 5 video series featuring Marie and accompanying handouts that can be incorporated right into your virtual classroom. Students will learn forms and prompts that will help them celebrate and better understand peace in their own words. Students can receive feedback through a Flip Grid or additional live meet office hours.
Workshops
Workshops range from 1 to 2.5 hours, with content tailored for specific age groups—from children aged eight to older adults. Please note: Mixed Media Paper Dolls is an adults-only class.
Card Making
Create a unique greeting card! Learn how to craft a pop-up design, a peek-a-boo card, or even a mushroom house. Add a custom tag, a secret message in a tiny envelope, or an extra page to create a mini-book. Use edge cutters for a fun finish, and embellish your creation with collage papers, stickers, rhinestones, and ribbons. These inspiring materials and inventive designs are a springboard for artists of all levels.
Book Arts
Create a unique book arts piece: a hardcover accordion book to keep as a gift for yourself or someone special. We use book board covered in decorative papers for the covers and sturdy watercolor paper for the inside pages—perfect for writing, drawing, or painting. Add a secret envelope and a hidden window, then walk away with a precious keepsake.
Mixed Media Paper Dolls for Adults
Rediscover the creative play of paper dolls. Participants receive a template to personalize using collage papers, sari silk, lace, and more. The head, arms, and legs are movable, attached with brad fasteners. The dolls can be fantastical, ornate, or grungy—a fun art piece that provides an opportunity to set an intention while playing with colors and shapes.
Poetry: Your Voice is a Kaleidoscope
Find your voice and write poems that sparkle. Learn to use valuable writing tools while being introduced to poets from around the world. Incorporate figurative language, sensory details, and rhythm into new works. Through creative visualization, sketching, and list-making, we get the ideas rolling; then, we share our poems aloud to let the written word come alive.
Residencies
Every residency is tailored to the specific age group, with session frequency and duration customized for each program.
Poetry: Your Voice is a Kaleidoscope
During a poetry residency, students develop a portfolio of work while being introduced to useful poetry tools and exploring poets from around the world. My whole-brain approach engages the imagination through visualization, sketching, list-making, and mask improv. Together, we explore sensory details and figurative language—such as metaphor and simile—alongside the use of pattern and repetition. Each day, we share our poems aloud in celebration of our work. This residency is adaptable for all ages; the younger writers (grade 2 and up), in particular, find inspiration in the playful brainstorming techniques.
Book Arts
Create and design an original book arts piece. This residency can stand alone or be combined with Poetry: Your Voice as a Kaleidoscope, which allows newly written work to be put into a handcrafted book. In a poetry and bookmaking combo class, there are many projects to choose from, such as an accordion book in the shape of a house or a hardcover accordion book constructed with handmade papers from around the world. Create a stick-bound book or a 3D pop-up creature made from a variety of inspiring materials. Bookmaking is magical at any age; a mask-inspired poem in combination with a 3D pop-up monster works wonderfully for grades 2–4.
Fairy Tales
Explore the timeless territory of magic and write an original fairy tale. Students will record the hair-raising adventures of a main character who sets out on a magical journey to save a troubled world. Along the way, they will encounter menacing villains and mystical beings. Students are encouraged to invent their own settings, characters, and plots. This program is ideal for grades 4 and up. As an option, Swedish myths, folk beliefs, and mythical figures could be introduced for a culturally specific experience.
Roots: An Exploration of Ancestry
In a curriculum called ROOTS, students explore their cultural heritage through poetry, letter writing, and bookmaking. They write an autobiographical poem, create a family tree, recall memorable moments on a timeline, and compose a letter to their future selves. These pieces are kept in a handmade accordion book, serving as a memento for years to come. This project is ideal for students in grades 4–8.
Art Journaling
Art journaling is a playful, intuitive art form. We use drawing, painting, collage, writing, and doodling as tools for self-expression. Participants work in pre-made journals or hardcover accordion books they make themselves. To spark the imagination, we look at the work of other artists in journals from around the world. Single words, clippings, poems, and quotes serve as a springboard for the art in our journals. This program is designed for students in middle school, junior high, and up.
Artful Aging Workshops and Residencies
All activities are modified to meet the needs of the participants to ensure that they are accessible for everyone; additionally, the number of sessions and their length are customized to match the goals of the program.
Paper Arts: Cards, Bookmaking
In the card-making program, participants create unique greeting cards with up to ten techniques to choose from. Options include pop-up designs, peek-a-boo cards, and even a mushroom house. Participants can add a custom tag, a secret message in a tiny envelope, or an extra page to transform their card into a mini-book. We use edge cutters for a final touch and embellish with a variety of collage papers, stickers, rhinestones, and ribbons. These inspiring materials and inventive designs are perfect for artists of all levels, making card-making one of the most popular Artful Aging programs.
In this bookmaking program, students choose between two unique projects: a hardcover accordion book or a house-shaped accordion book.
- Hardcover Accordion: Construct covers from book board and decorative papers, using sturdy watercolor paper for the interior. This “keepsake” includes interactive elements like a hidden window and a secret message envelope.
- House Accordion: Built from house-shaped poster board, these books feature vibrant collage papers from India. This design provides the perfect backdrop for personal photos and reflections.
Poetry, Quotes, Words
Adding a poetry component is the perfect final touch for a paper arts class. Students can add quotes, individual words, or one-line poems to their cards. For book arts, they can craft original poems using figurative language and repetition, turning their work into a meaningful memento of their life stories.
Professional Development
Creating Space for Imagination
An art workshop for educators provides professional development, creative rejuvenation, and classroom-ready strategies. Participants learn how to create an art-infused curriculum, a poetry-focused program, or a literary project with complementary book arts. These projects can be designed around any theme, such as nature, peace, or home.
“Marie drew students into the poetry writing process easily. She had good examples and brainstorming activities for the students to easily become involved and be able to write a poem each day. She was well prepared and grade level appropriate, and fun and easy to work with.”
Ms. Mach, Meadow
