2005 is Year of Design in Sweden

2005 is Year of Design in Sweden
Sweden is known for a tradition of excellence in marrying form and function, from its fine glassworks to designs from popular Swedish-based retailers like H&M clothing and IKEA home and housewares.

Now Sweden is celebrating its design masters by designating 2005 as a "Year of Design," with exhibits throughout the country.

The Lindshammar Glassworks, known for brilliantly colored painted glass, is observing its 100th anniversary, and visitors are invited to drop by its museum, showroom and shop.

Svenskt Tenn, a furniture and textile store, has a special design display through April 23, while Stockholm's National Museum hosts an exhibit from April 28 to Oct. 2 called "Konceptdesign: The Shape of Thought." The exhibit explores questions like what makes a design beautiful, and who decides what's beautiful.

The island of Oland and the Smaland-Blekinge region of southeastern Sweden are known for their glass artistry. Works by their finest artisans will be on display June 18 to Sept. 4.

Swedish plastic designs from 1950 to 1975 will be showcased later this year, Oct. 2 to Nov. 13, at the Smalands Museum in Vaxjo.