“Slovenians in the U. S. Today” on Display in Ljubljana

What’s it like to be Slovenian-American in 2020? An outdoor exhibition in Ljubljana answers that question in English and Slovenian. “Slovenians in the United States Today” is on display in the art park in front of the Slovenian National Archives, the show sponsor, and is extended through June, 2020. The exhibition is curated by Joe Valencic, the Cleveland-based writer, historian and lecturer who traveled to forty states to ask Americans what keeps them Slovenian. Nearly all of the eighty photographs were shot by him. He reveals how Slovenian communities from coast to coast express Slovenian culture with festivals, food, music, education and organized activities.

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Each photograph explains a facet of the Slovenian identity in the U. S. Images range from an SNPJ fraternal lodge meeting in Enumclaw, Washington; to mother-and-daughter potica bakers in Rock Springs, Wyoming; to an authentic double kozolec hay rack on the main square of Willard, Wisconsin; to the National ClevelandStyle Polka Hall of Fame museum in Cleveland; and young Kres Slovenian folklore dancers at Slovenefest in Pennsylvania.

Slovenian culinary traditions include the Kranjska klobasa and krofe- donuts, with their preparation often a family aff air. There is also a section on music, especially the Slovenian- or Cleveland-style polka and the Polka Mass which are featured in countless festivals. Every sizeable Slovenian community has its own Roman Catholic parish or cultural hall or both. The Slovenian community’s affi nity for language and communication is refl ected in newspapers, radio shows, online broadcasts and websites.

Highlights include a map of Slovenian communities in the U. S. and portraits of presentday Slovenian-American achievers, such as First Lady Melania Trump, astronaut Sunita Williams, entertainer Joey Miskulin, Minnesota Governor Amy Klobuchar, and rock parodist Weird Al Yankovic. There are also high-profi le Slovenians on the American scene, including basketball star Luka Doncic and philosopher Slavoj Zizek.

“Every generation of Slovenians in the U.S. takes advantage of the technology, resources and talents available to reinvigorate and celebrate their identity,” said Valencic in his opening remarks. “Today you can learn the Slovenian language online, while social media create virtual Slovenian communities for every interest. We’re still Slovenian, but with an American accent.” Dr. Bojan Cvelfar, director of the Archives, plans this exhibition to be the fi rst of a series presenting Slovenians around the world, such as in Canada, Argentina and European countries.

“Slovenians in the U. S. Today” will also travel to other towns in Slovenia. An American version of the exhibition will tour the U. S., beginning in 2021.

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By Joe Valencic