Third Conference on
Norwegian Woven Textiles
Hosted by
Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum and Luther College
Decorah,
Iowa
October 21-23, 2005
Click here for an itinerary of the conference.
Click here to download a conference registration form (PDF).
This is the third Conference on Norwegian Woven Textiles (CNWT) initiated by the Norwegian Textile Guild (NTG). NTG formed in 1994 with the aims of studying Norwegian weaving techniques, expanding knowledge by translating key publications from Norwegian to English, compiling bibliographies of publications on topics related to Norwegian textiles, and registering traditional textiles in private collections. In addition to a quarterly newsletter, the group stays in touch through gatherings at conferences such as Convergence, tours to Norway, and the Conference on Norwegian Woven Textiles.
KEYNOTE AND SPECIAL SPEAKERS
Marta Kløve Juuhl grew up in Voss, attended Statens Lærerskole i Forming in Oslo, and taught weaving for 20 years. She now lives in Indre Arna, near Bergen, where she teaches art at the high-school level. She has been active in projects, particularly in Voss and Arna, to register and reproduce old textiles.
Ellen Kjellmo is lecturer emeritus at Høyskolen in Bodø. In addition to teaching courses in art and craft, she developed and oversaw a program for Sami students of traditional douddje. She has extensively researched the båtrya (“boat rya” or woven-pile coverlet) of northern Norway and has shared its rich history in presentations and her book, Båtrya i Gammel og Ny Tid.
Annemor Sundbø, from Ose i Setesdal, began her career as a weaving teacher after studying at Statens Lærerskole i Forming in Oslo. Now she teaches workshops, researches, and publishes on topics related to Norwegian knitting. She is the author of Everyday Knitting: Treasures from a Ragpile and Setesdal Sweaters: The History of the Norwegian Lice Pattern. Sundbø is the first lecturer in a new Vesterheim program established in memory of Grace Rikansrud, a talented artist and teacher.
Therese Hauger is director of Hordamuseet, a folk museum for the rural districts in Hordaland County that surround Bergen. Hauger has a master’s degree in art history with an emphasis on applied art from the University of Bergen. Her thesis was titled New Norwegian Jewelry, 1945-1990.
Margaret Hayford O’Leary is professor and chair of the Norwegian Department at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, where she has been teaching language, culture, and history courses since 1977. She has a special interest in music and is lead singer for The Lost Norwegians, a folksong group.
Workshops
Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum will offer workshops before and after the conference in topics related to the Norwegian textile tradition. In addition to workshop leaders from the U.S. and Canada, Norwegian instructors include Marta Kløve Juuhl (warp-weighted loom weaving), Annemor Sundbø (antique Setesdal embroidery), and Ossian Kidholm (spinning).
Book Signing
Authors of selected publications on Norwegian textiles will be available to sign their books on Saturday evening. Conference participants may purchase the books at the Vesterheim Museumsbutikk on Friday evening or bring their own copies to the signing Saturday evening. Please check the Vesterheim website after October 1 for a list of participating authors and books. Authors must register for the conference and request to participate no later than September 5. The CNWT Planning Committee will select books and notify authors via email. No book sales may be conducted during the conference without prior approval of the committee.
Vendors and Advertising
Because of space constraints, there will not be vendors at the Conference for Norwegian Woven Textiles. Businesses and artists may take out one-page advertisements in the conference proceedings, which will be distributed to all registrants. An advertisement is the only way to reach registrants; there will not be opportunities to share brochures, flyers, or coupons. Request advertising information on the form when you register, or contact Laurann Gilbertson (563-382-9681, textiles@vesterheim.org) before September 30.
Exhibitions
Frisk og Flink! Fresh Artwork by Clever Weavers
A Common Thread: Weaving Traditions of Norway and Sweden
Weaving Bewitchment: Gerhard Munthe's Folk-Tale Tapestries
Travel to Decorah
The easiest way to travel to Decorah is by car. The closest airports are: Rochester, Minnesota (1.5 hours), La Crosse, Wisconsin (1.5 hours), Minneapolis/St.Paul International (2.5 hours), and Cedar Rapids, Iowa (2.5 hours). Rental cars are available at all airports. The closest Amtrak station is La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Lodging
The Hotel Winneshiek is offering a special package for seven-night
conference + class stays. Contact Nancy Nelson (800-998-4164) for the
package rate. Rate is per person. Tax not included.Hotel Winneshiek
104 East Water St., Decorah
Package rate: $663
Blocks of rooms for October 20-22 have been reserved at the following
motels under the name “Vesterheim Conference.” To take advantage
of special rates, make reservations before September 20. Prices are per
person, tax not included.
Country Inn by Carlson
1202 Hwy. 9 West, Decorah
563-382-9646
Rates per night: $60 for Thursday, $70 for Friday/Saturday
Heartland Inn
705 Commerce Dr. (Hwy. 9 East), Decorah
563-382-2269
Rate per night: $67
Super 8 Motel
810 Hwy. 9 East, Decorah
563-382-8771
Rates per night: $56 for single room, $60 for double room
For additional lodging options, contact the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce (800-463-4692 or www.decorah-iowa.com).