Vesterheim Folk Art School is thrilled to welcome Norwegian instructors back to Vesterheim campus for the first time since 2019! Anne Hesvik is teaching Ornamentation in Rosemaling, and Hege Nilsen is teaching Traditional Coastal Sámi Handbag and Traditional Coastal Sámi Jewelry. The students have enjoyed these warm and engaging teachers and are learning lots of new skills!
Hege Nilsen lives and works in Kåfjord, a village in Troms og Finnmark county, Norway. In addition to her work as an EMT, Hege celebrates her Coastal Sámi culture by making traditional handcrafts, including leatherwork and jewelry with pewter and mica embroidery and embellishment, and through storytelling. She works with a community of Sámi artists, teaches handcraft classes, and has demonstrated at Høstfest, an annual festival in Minot, North Dakota, several times. In 2024, Hege Nilsen won the Boušši prize. The prize is awarded by Riddu Riđđu in collaboration with the Center for Northern People and is given to persons or associations who have made an effort to make Sea Sámi language and culture visible.
Anne Hesvik began rosemaling as a 14-year-old, when she started decorating Hardanger fiddles that her father made. Later, she studied interior painting at the famous Sand School in the Ryfylke district of Rogaland County. Anne continues her study of decorative painting by studying old examples in castles, cathedrals, cabins, and museums in Norway and throughout Europe. She is passionate about sharing the inspiration she gains from the old forms, styles, and traditions, and she is equally excited to be involved in the evolution of this tradition by creating pieces that express something of herself.
View this gallery of pictures from the classes!
