National Exhibition of Folk-Art in the Norwegian Tradition

Rosemaling, Weaving, Woodworking, Knifemaking

Vesterheim’s annual National Exhibition of Folk Art in the Norwegian Tradition is the museum's major summer show and will be on view in the galleries on the third floor of the museum’s Main Building from June 7-July 28, 2012, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, with museum admission fee.

The judged exhibition includes knifemaking, rosemaling (Norwegian decorative painting), weaving, and woodworking, all by contemporary American artists working in the Norwegian tradition. The judging occurs in conjunction with Decorah’s Nordic Fest celebration, the last full weekend of July, and winners are announced at that time. Judges award Blue, Red, and White Ribbons representing points that accumulate over successive exhibitions toward a Gold Medal. Judges also present Honorable Mention and Best of Show Awards. Visitors are invited to vote for People’s Choice Awards. Gold Medalists cannot compete for ribbons, but can compete for Best of Show Awards and People’s Choice Awards. Many of the pieces in the exhibition are for sale by silent auction.

Vesterheim invites artists to enter their pieces in the exhibition each year. Guidelines for 2011 are online at the links below and are for reference only. The 2012 exhibition will open earlier than previously years, so begin preparing your artwork now and look for an updated version of rules and deadlines to be posted early in 2012. If you have questions, contact Laurann Gilbertson, Chief Curator, at or at (563) 382-9681.

Vesterheim's Gold Medalist Virtual Portfolio Launched!
Currently includes medalists from 1969 through 2008.

Congratulations to the 2011 Ribbon Winners and Gold Medalists! Check here for the list.