National Exhibition of Folk-Art in the Norwegian Tradition
Rosemaling, Weaving, Woodworking, Knifemaking
Vesterheim's Gold Medalist Virtual Portfolio Launched! Currently includes medalists from 1969 through 2008.
Folk artists from all over the country entered pieces in the exhibition this July. There were 144 pieces this year and lots of activity as judges awarded ribbons and bidders hoped to buy their favorite pieces. Congratulations to all of the entrants and thanks again to Kate Rattenborg of Decorah and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans for sponsoring the exhibition this year! Check here for a list of 2010 exhibition winners.
Every year collectors and fans flock to buy, or simply marvel at, the artwork entered in Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum’s National Exhibition of Folk-Art in the Norwegian Tradition. This exceptional exhibition of knifemaking, rosemaling, weaving, and woodworking by the very best contemporary American artists working in the Norwegian tradition will be on view again next year during Nordic Fest, the last full weekend in July. The exhibition is sponsored by Kate Rattenborg of Decorah with additional support from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.
“Every year brings new and exciting artwork for the exhibition, often blending traditional designs with contemporary creativity,” said Laurann Gilbertson, Vesterheim textile curator.
“It is always interesting to see how pieces in different techniques still relate to one another—similar colors and patterns can be found, but with a different twist among rosemaling, knifemaking, woodworking, and fiber art,” added Gilbertson.
Many of the pieces in the exhibition will be for sale by silent auction. Bids must be placed in person, but you need not be present at the conclusion of the auction.
Along with selling their pieces, exhibitors also compete for ribbons. Judges award Blue, Red, and White Ribbons representing points that accumulate over successive exhibitions toward a Gold Medal. Judges also present Honorable Mention Awards and Best of Show Awards. Visitors are invited to vote for People’s Choice Awards.
The exhibition is held in conjunction with Decorah’s Annual Nordic Fest, which is always the last full weekend in July.
Artists are invited to enter their Norwegian-style pieces. Complete rules are available below, as well as a printable entry form. If you would like to print the rule book, click here. If you would like more information, contact Laurann Gilbertson at info@vesterheim.org or at (563) 382-9681.