Norwegian artists travel to Decorah for first time since pandemic

DECORAH, Iowa (KCRG) – Four years ago, the pandemic shut down most of the world. But one tradition is just now returning after many others have bounced back.

“It just feels really special at Nordic Fest to be able to have Norwegians here again,” said Andrew Ellingsen, Director of Folk Art Education at the Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School.

For the past week, two Norwegian artists, Hege Nilsen and Anne Hesvik, have been teaching traditional Norwegian art classes at Vesterheim National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School in Decorah.

It’s a tradition that dates back to the 1960s.

“It has been a really joyful week having them here, the students have been talking about how special it is to get to work with folk artists from Norway,” said Ellingsen.

But this is the first time Norwegian artists have been able to make the trip to Decorah in five years. A lasting side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We had invited folks to come last year and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services list of applications for visas was so backed up that we didn’t get the paperwork through in time, and so we had to cancel classes that were fully sold out last year,” said Ellingsen.

This year, community members who signed up for classes are learning how to make coastal Sami jewelry and handbags and traditional rosemaling and school leaders say they’re thankful to be able to have that culture back.

“I think no one could have predicted how long and how much COVID impacted things and it’s really lovely to be in a place now where it feels safe to bring people together to make folk art,” said Ellingsen.

And with Nordic Fest this weekend, Ellingsen said their guests are also happy they were able to make the journey.

“They feel a real sense of responsibility to represent Norway and to represent their culture well,” said Ellingsen.

Continuing to share and keep Norwegian culture alive, learning from those who live it firsthand.

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