National Exhibition of Folk Art in the Norwegian Tradition

Rosemaling, Weaving, Woodworking, Knifemaking

Contemporary artists from all over the country exhibit their knifemaking, rosemaling (Norwegian decorative painting), weaving, and woodworking in Vesterheim’s annual National Exhibition of Folk Art in the Norwegian Tradition. This is the museum’s major summer exhibition and the most important show for folk artists working in the Norwegian tradition.

The judged exhibition will be on view June 11 - July 27 in the museum’s Main Building. Ribbon winners and Gold Medalists are announced in conjunction with Nordic Fest, Decorah’s city-wide celebration of Norwegian heritage, which begins this year the evening of July 25 and runs throughout the day July 26 and 27.

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 and it's a great way for folk-art fans to add to their own collection, or start a new one.

Meet the artists, visit with folk-art instructors from Norway, honor the Ribbon Winners in this year’s National Exhibition of Folk Art in the Norwegian Tradition, and celebrate the new Gold Medalists! Everyone is invited to Vesterheim’s Folk-Art Banquet on Friday, July 26, in Luther College’s Peace Dining Room. Whether you are an artist, art enthusiast, or interested in learning more about Norwegian folk art, please attend. There will be a social hour with a cash bar at 6:00 p.m., followed by a buffet dinner at 6:45 p.m. The cost is $25 per person. Reservations are due July 19. Contact info@vesterheim.org or 563-382-9681 to reserve your spot.

Vesterheim invites artists to enter their pieces in the exhibition each year. Guidelines and entry forms for 2013 are posted below. 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.