Decorah residents will be able to explore Norwegian-American rosemaling, botanical art and the history of plant classification from home this fall when Vesterheim presents a free online Cultural Connections webinar on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
The one-hour program is scheduled for 3 to 4 p.m. Central time and will feature artist Tara demonstrating 10 plant-inspired rosemaling designs. The session will be held online rather than at Vesterheim or another in-person venue, allowing local viewers to participate without traveling.
Ten plant-inspired designs
The demonstration will center on 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, those plant subjects will guide both the painting demonstration and the discussion of traditional and contemporary design. The presentation will show how established rosemaling techniques continue to develop and how historic craft methods can be adapted for modern botanical artwork.
That focus connects Norwegian-American brushwork with contemporary botanical art. Participants will be able to see how familiar plant forms are transformed into decorative designs while learning about the relationship between traditional methods and newer artistic interpretations.
Program also examines plant classification
The webinar will go beyond painting techniques to explore the history of scientific plant classification. The presentation will reference Carl Linnaeus and his apprentice, Anders Dahl, connecting the development of scientific classification with the plant-centered artwork in the demonstration.
Dahl’s influence provides an additional link to the program’s subject because his name is part of “dahlia.” That detail connects the scientific history discussed during the webinar with the plants represented in the rosemaling designs.
Registration required for Zoom access
Registration is required to receive the Zoom link and other connection information. Vesterheim has not listed a separate registration deadline, so prospective participants should register before the webinar begins to receive the meeting details needed to join.
The event is promoted for Decorah residents, although its online format may allow people outside the area to participate as well. For local residents interested in rosemaling, botanical design or plant history, the Oct. 4 session brings those subjects together in one free cultural program.