Folk Art Apprentice Program

Enjoy this video of 2022 Vesterheim Folk Art apprentices!

For over 50 years, Vesterheim Folk Art School has celebrated the rich craft traditions of Norway, blending historic techniques with contemporary interpretations while nurturing a community of skilled folk-art instructors. We are proud to offer this unique professional development opportunity to aspiring folk art teachers, designed to deepen your knowledge, refine your teaching skills, and connect you to a community of like-minded individuals passionate about preserving and advancing folk art tradition.

The Vesterheim Folk Art Apprenticeship Program is for individuals who intend to become handcraft teachers and are currently highly proficient in their craft. This program will connect master folk artists with up-and-coming teachers in order to ensure sure continuity and longevity of Norwegian and Norwegian-American folk art traditions.

You are encouraged to apply if:

You have a passion for Scandinavian folk art.

You have been studying and exploring one of the following folk art traditions:

Weaving, Woodworking, Metalworking, Knifemaking, Rosemaling, Jewelry, Fiber Arts, or Nordic Cooking

You have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in your discipline and are looking for opportunities to develop your teaching skills.

You are looking for guidance and mentorship to teach more effectively.

Up to two apprenticeships may be awarded mid-June and will take place between August 2025 and July 2026. The Vesterheim curatorial and folk art education staff will serve on the selection committee. 

Each awarded artist will receive a stipend of $500 to help cover the costs of travel and lodging for the apprenticeship retreat. Additionally, each mentor will receive $500 travel and housing stipend and $750 honorarium to support their time and experience. 

Program Details: 

• Mentorship & Collaboration: Apprentices will work closely with their mentor for at least three days, with both mentors and apprentices encouraged to join the full week-long residency. Opportunities for discussion and advice from experienced instructors will be available. 

• Teaching Development: Apprentices will refine their teaching style through hands-on instruction, learning both in-person and online teaching methods to reach diverse audiences. 

• Four Free Classes: Apprentices receive four free folk-art classes (valued up to $800) to observe various teaching methods. 

• Priority Registration & Discounts: Apprentices get priority registration for all classes during their apprenticeship and a 60% discount on additional classes. 

If you are accepted, you agree to:

• Travel to Vesterheim for a mentor/mentee retreat during your year-long apprenticeship. Vesterheim will coordinate dates with the awarded apprentice to ensure staff availability to support both you and your mentor. 

• Attend four FREE folk art classes: You must enroll in one online class in a new discipline and attend two in your primary discipline, and one in a in person folk-art class. After each class, you will write a reflection on the class experience, teaching style, and how it informs your future teaching goals. 

• Arrange your own accommodation during your retreat and class participation. Affordable homestay options may be suggested by staff upon request. 

• Create a Vesterheim class proposal inspired by the collection, for either online or in-person learning to teach along with your mentor. 

• Demonstrate enthusiasm for preserving and sharing Norwegian-American folk art traditions  

The upcoming deadline is May 15, 2025.

Apply online now.

This application will require:

• Up to six high-resolution photos showcasing your best work. 

• Two professional references who can speak to your abilities as a folk artist or teacher, neither of whom are your chosen mentor. 

• A letter of intent from your mentor. 

• Proposed dates on when both you and your mentor can visit Decorah. 

• Your chosen Mentor needs to have taught with Vesterheim within the past 5 years. 

This program is supported in part by the Dennis and Ruth Green Endowment.