Decorah residents will be able to explore Norwegian-American rosemaling, botanical art and the history of plant classification without leaving home this fall. Vesterheim will host a free, one-hour online Cultural Connections webinar from 3 to 4 p.m. Central time Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
The virtual program will feature artist Tara demonstrating 10 rosemaling designs inspired by plants found in the boreal ecosystem. During the session, Tara will also discuss traditional craft, botanical art and the history of how plants are classified.
What viewers will see
The demonstration will be built around plant forms used as the basis for decorative designs. The featured subjects are Trout Lily, Rowan Berry, Lady’s Slipper, Blue Flag Iris, Wild Rose, Coral Root, Arrowhead, Pipsissewa, Marsh Marigold and Maple Leaf.
According to the event information, the plant subjects will guide both the painting demonstration and the discussion of traditional and contemporary design. The presentation will examine how established rosemaling techniques continue to develop and how historic craft methods can be adapted for modern botanical artwork.
That approach connects Norwegian-American brushwork with contemporary botanical art. Viewers will be able to see how familiar plant forms can be transformed into decorative designs while learning about the relationship between traditional methods and newer artistic interpretations.
The program also explores plant classification
The webinar will extend beyond painting techniques to the history of scientific plant classification. The presentation will reference Carl Linnaeus and his apprentice, Anders Dahl, linking the development of scientific classification with the plant-centered artwork featured in the demonstration.
Dahl’s influence provides an additional connection to the subject: his name is part of “dahlia.” That detail ties the scientific history discussed during the program to the plants represented in the rosemaling designs.
How Decorah residents can attend
The program will take place online rather than at Vesterheim or another in-person venue. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link and other connection information.
Vesterheim has not listed a separate registration deadline. Prospective participants should register before the webinar begins so they can receive the meeting information needed to join the session.
The remote format means Decorah viewers will not need to travel to attend. Although the program is promoted for Decorah residents, the online format may also allow people outside the area to participate.
For local residents interested in rosemaling, botanical design or plant history, the Oct. 4 session brings those subjects together in a single free cultural program. Vesterheim’s online format also allows the museum’s programming to reach participants beyond its physical location.