About Us

About Gladje

Glädje is a contemporary art gallery, custom frame shop, creative space and Scandinavian-inspired boutique located in the heart of Lindstrom, Minnesota. We showcase exceptional fine art, handcrafted work, and thoughtfully curated home decor and gifts from both local artists and sustainable Nordic makers.

Founded by artist and curator Jana Lensing, Glädje was built on the belief that art and good design should feel personal, welcoming and connected to everyday life. Our gallery features a mix of two-dimensional and three-dimensional artwork, including painting, photography, sculpture, glass, ceramics, fiber art, jewelry and functional wood craft – selected to create a warm and inspiring environment that feels more like a home than a traditional gallery. A place where visitors can slow down, explore and discover something that resonates.

In addition to our art exhibitions, Glädje offers a selection of sustainable home decor and gifts from Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland, reflecting our dedication to eco-friendly materials, ethical craftsmanship, and timeless Scandinavian design. We partner with Nordic brands and makers who prioritize quality, longevity, and responsible production. each item is chosen with intention to bring beauty, functionality, and environmental care into everyday living.

Mission

Our mission at Glädje is to cultivate a warm, inspiring space where art, creativity, and community thrive.

We are dedicated to supporting local and regional artists, offering high-quality curated exhibitions, and we connect people to art in ways that are personal, joyful, and accessible.

We are equally committed to sustainability and thoughtful living through our curated collections of Scandinavian home decor and gifts from Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland, we champion eco-friendly materials, ethical production and timeless design that enriches everyday life.

Our custom framing studio embodies this same commitment. We use sustainable materials and reversible, conservation-quality framing methods, following the guiding principle of the framer’s motto: “do no harm.” Every frame is crafted with intention, protecting artwork while honoring it’s story.

Through intentional curation, responsible craftsmanship, educational programs, and genuine connection, Glädje strives to be a place where creativity is nurtured, community is strengthened, craftsmanship is celebrated and visitors feel welcomed, inspired and at home.

Glädje is also a creative community hub hosting artist-led workshops, art classes and hands-on experiences for adults and youth. Our goal is to inspire creativity, support artists and create community and meaningful connections through the arts.

Whether you’re searching for one-of-a-kind artwork, sustainably made Scandinavian home goods, a meaning gift, professional custom picture framing, or opportunities to learn from working artists , Glädje offers a welcoming space for collectors, beginners, and art lovers alike.

Visit us in Lindstrom, MN and experience a gallery where creativity craftsmanship and community come to life.

Our History

Nestled in the heart of downtown Lindstrom—America’s Little Sweden—Glädje is a welcoming art and gift gallery where creativity, community, and Scandinavian charm come together.
Our name, Glädje (Swedish for “delight”, Norwegian for “joy”), was inspired by Philippians 4:8: “Delight in these things.” That spirit of joy and gratitude lives in everything we do.

We believe art is for all. Our mission is to make art accessible and inspiring by supporting local and regional artists working in every medium and for every budget. Inside our spacious gallery, you’ll find a thoughtfully curated selection of fine art, handcrafted furniture, and unique gifts—each piece chosen to bring warmth and beauty into daily life. Around every corner, there’s something new to discover and delight in.

Our custom framing studio honors the framer’s motto, “do no harm.” With over 6,000 frame choices and a sustainable approach, we handle every piece with care and integrity—preserving the artwork and the memories it holds. No job is too big or too small and we pride ourselves in being a problem solving community, finding solutions for all types of artwork and collections, including cleaning and restoration.

Glädje grew from a legacy of creativity. Eight years ago, founder MaryAnn Jindra welcomed Jana K. Lensing to Gustaf’s Up North Gallery as Assistant Gallery Director. Over two and a half years, MaryAnn mentored Jana, nurturing both her business acumen and her artistic vision. In 2019, Jana carried that legacy forward, rebranding the gallery as Glädje—expanding the artist roster, elevating the Scandinavian aesthetic, and creating a space that feels as inviting as home.

An artist her entire life, Jana K. Lensing deeply appreciates the time, skill, and heart that each artist invests in their work. As Glädje’s Owner and Director, she finds joy in curating the gallery—pairing two-dimensional and three-dimensional pieces much like one would in a home, creating a sense of harmony and connection. At Glädje, visitors are welcomed as friends. Whether you’re a collector, a shopper, or a framing client, the connection here is real and genuine—and that shared sense of delight is what makes Glädje truly special.