Nestled in the heart of the town of Milan is a magical place of fantasy, art, color and design. Trestuen is Swedish for “Tree Room” and elements of nature are incorporated throughout this truly unique home. If you have an interest in the Scandinavian arts, the folk arts, rosemaling or art in general, the Karen Jenson Trestuen Garden Gallery will fill you with wonder. Trestuen is the result of 50 years of art, creativity and passion by the renowned artist and rosemaler, Karen Jenson.
Specializing in Norwegian rosemaling and Swedish dalamalning, Karen painted commercially at her home for 50 years. Every room is a work of art with beautiful examples of her artwork adorning furniture, fixtures and surfaces throughout the house.
Karen and her husband purchased the home in the early 1960s and set down roots in Milan where they raised their 4 children. The original home was a typical nondescript midwestern house. With the help of identical twin contractors and artists, Arvid and Aaron Swenson, Karen set about transforming the house into a masterpiece of design, color and Scandinavian art. The house now includes a gallery, painting studio, master bedroom, Swedish bedroom, Norwegian bedroom, library, and Swedish inspired kitchen. Surrounding the home are the beautiful gardens which are a fine example of another of Karen’s great passions, gardening. Karen was also a great collector and started collecting at the age of 20. The Trestuen Gallery is home to the works of many artists including Sigmund Aarseth, Hans Sandom, Phillip Odden and Arvid & Aaron Swenson.
For photos and more information, please visit our Facebook page “Karen Jenson Trestuen Garden Gallery”.
It is the Milan Village Arts School’s hope that the Trestuen Gallery will be preserved in perpetuity for all to enjoy. Support our capital campaign to secure the future of Karen Jenson’s home for the use and preservation by the Milan Village Arts School.