The Norwegian Embassy participated in the Around the World Embassy Tour in Washington, D.C. on May 3, and this was the second year that Vesterheim was invited to participate. During the event, visitors “traveled the world” as they went from embassy to embassy to experience the food, art, dance, fashion, and music of different countries. More than 50 embassies opened their doors.
It was an beautiful day and a wonderful opportunity to showcase Vesterheim to a new group of people. The Norwegian embassy grounds were packed with over 3,000 visitors who happily witnessed what Vesterheim is all about.
Vesterheim staff Diane Wagner and Andrew Ellingsen, along with Vesterheim Trustee Craig Trygstad, attended the event on behalf of Vesterheim, and Luther College staff and students were on hand to offer mini-language lessons! The following artists were on hand to share their craft:
- David and Lynn Susag from Lanesboro, Minnesota — wooden bowl turning on a spring pole lathe and skinnfell.
- Kathleen Almelien from Washington, Iowa — band weaving
- Lise Lorentzen from Bel Air, Maryland — rosemaling
- Marit Nelson from White Sulfur Spring, West Virginia — traditional rosemaling stroke work as face painting
“It was so fun to see how interested the visitors were in the folk art demonstrators,” Diane said. Everyone was mesmerized watching David Susag turn bowls with his spring pole lathe, and Marit Nelson was a hit doing face painting with her own original rosemaling designs.
Vesterheim was honored and grateful to be part of the festivities for the day. Diane said, “We value the great working relationship we have with the Norwegian Embassy and the opportunities this relationship opens up for Vesterheim.”
In addition to the event on Saturday, Diane, Andrew, and Craig had separate meetings with Norwegian Ambassador Huitfeldt to discuss additional opportunities to share Norwegian and Norwegian-American arts and culture. They also met with Senator Grassley’s Legislative Director to discuss how federal funding cuts are impacting Vesterheim and other arts, cultural, and tourism organizations in Iowa.
Vesterheim’s presence at this event was supported by a generous gift from the Huebner Education Fund. Enjoy some photos of the day!
