Vesterheim Folk Art School has a long reputation as a place that fosters community. Whether in our online or in-person programs, we strive to offer an inclusive space where people of diverse ages, backgrounds, and abilities can gather and celebrate handcraft traditions. Through story sharing, making, and learning as a community, we keep folk art alive and moving forward. The Folk Art School offers several ways to provide better financial access for all. Scholarships are supported by gifts to Vesterheim’s annual fund.

Our scholarship program is designed as a pay what you can model. We encourage anyone with financial need to apply. Applicants may apply for a scholarship once per year to be used toward one class.

The goals of the scholarship program are as follows:

• To support the learning of those with professional aspirations in a particular folk-art discipline or area of study.
• To increase the diversity of age and race in Vesterheim’s student body.
• To offer greater opportunities to residents of the Decorah area.
• To make our programming available to those with financial need.

For in-person classes, scholarships apply only to tuition. Students are responsible for providing their own lodging, covering any materials fees for the class, and providing their own tools.

For online classes, a kit of materials is sometimes included in the course registration fee. Scholarships will be applied to the total cost of an online course, including the kit of materials.

Examples:

• 20% tuition discount
• 60% tuition discount
• Full tuition scholarship

If one of these options isn’t the appropriate one, a student may request a specific percentage or dollar-amount discount on tuition and pay the remainder.

Vesterheim offers a 60% discount for in-person class tuition on a space-available standby basis to any year-round resident living within 50 miles of Vesterheim. Students will be notified about the availability of an opening in the class 21 days before the starting date of the class period. Discounts do not include materials fees. If local area residents want a guaranteed place in a class, they must pay regular class tuition.

The local standby option is supported by Decorah’s Depot Outlet.

In-person class tuition for full-time enrolled Luther College students and members of the Oneota Weaver’s Guild is discounted 60% on a space available, standby basis. Students will be notified about the availability of an opening in the class 21 days before the starting date of the class period. Discounts do not include materials fees. If regional partner members want a guaranteed place in a class, they must pay regular class tuition.

The Emerging Artists Scholarship Program helps to cover the cost of tuition and materials to study folk art at Vesterheim.

The goals of the Emerging Artists Scholarship Program are: to offer financial assistance to those in need; promote diversity and inclusion in age, gender, and race; and support young folk artists who have aspirations of developing their craft.

Any artist between the ages of 18-40 is eligible to apply and can apply for one or more class experiences each year including material and tools costs and lodging stipends. Emerging Artist Scholarships are only available for in-person classes.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. If awarded, the artist will receive payment on the first day of their program.

Vesterheim members at all levels receive class discount all year long! Find out more and join today.