What’s happening in the world of Norwegian-inspired folk art today? See for yourself at the annual “National Exhibition of Folk Art in the Norwegian Tradition!” at Vesterheim, the national Norwegian-American museum and heritage center. This judged exhibition of original woodworking, knifemaking, rosemaling, and weaving by contemporary artists from all over the country will be on view from June 8 to July 29, 2017, and is sponsored by Decorah Bank & Trust.
This year the exhibition includes 160 pieces from 21 states. “With brand new pieces by both returning and first-time artists, this exhibition is an incredibly inspiring show,” Zach Row-Heyveld, Vesterheim’s Exhibitions Manager, said.
As part of the exhibition, artists compete for ribbons. Judges award Blue, Red, and White Ribbons representing points that accumulate over successive exhibitions toward a Vesterheim Gold Medal. Judges also present Honorable Mention Awards and Best of Show Awards. Visitors vote for People’s Choice Awards. Ribbons are placed next to winning entries on July 28, opening day of Decorah’s Nordic Fest celebration.
Artists may choose to offer their pieces for sale by silent auction. Bidding begins on July 27 at 9:00 a.m. and ends on July 29 at 4:00 p.m. Bids must be placed in person. Please visit the exhibition for more information on bidding. There will be free admission all day on July 6 for Free First Thursday, and on July 27.
Through 33,000 artifacts and 12 historic buildings, Vesterheim, the national Norwegian-American museum and heritage center in Decorah, Iowa, shares the most comprehensive collection of Norwegian-American artifacts in the world. This treasure is also a center for folk-art education, offering a wide variety of classes in authentic Norwegian folk art every year. For more information on the museum’s exhibitions, classes, events, membership opportunities, and ways to donate, check Vesterheim’s website at vesterheim.org, call (563) 382-9681, or write to Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, 502 W. Water St., P.O. Box 379, Decorah, IA, 52101-0379.
