Decorah residents interested in Norwegian-American art, botanical design or traditional craft techniques can take part in a free online program from home this fall. Vesterheim will host a one-hour Cultural Connections webinar on Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 3 to 4 p.m. Central Time.
The Zoom program will feature artist Tara demonstrating 10 original rosemaling designs inspired by plants from the boreal ecosystem. Because the event is online, participants will not need to travel to Vesterheim or another venue. The program is also open to people outside Decorah, but everyone who plans to attend must register in advance.
Ten plants will shape the demonstration
During the presentation, viewers will be able to follow how traditional brushwork can be adapted to reflect the distinctive form and character of each plant while remaining connected to established rosemaling techniques.
The featured plants are:
- Trout Lily
- Rowan Berry
- Lady’s Slipper
- Blue Flag Iris
- Wild Rose
- Coral Root
- Arrowhead
- Pipsissewa
- Marsh Marigold
- Maple Leaf
Vesterheim says the session is intended for people interested in modern botanical art, traditional craft techniques and the established rosemaling tradition. The demonstration will examine how the shapes and characteristics of plants can influence contemporary decorative painting.
Registration is required for the Zoom link
There is no charge to attend, but participants must complete Vesterheim’s registration process before the webinar. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link and other connection information. Access details are expected to arrive before the October 4 session.
For local residents, the online format means the program can be watched from home while still connecting Decorah participants with a broader audience. Vesterheim’s event information directs attendees to the museum’s wider schedule of Cultural Connections programs.
Program adds plant-classification history
The webinar will go beyond the painting demonstration by briefly connecting contemporary botanical art with the history of plant classification. That background will include Carl Linnaeus and his apprentice Anders Dahl.
Dahl’s name remains part of the word “dahlia,” providing a historical link between the plant-focused artwork and the development of plant classification. The combination of rosemaling, botanical design and Norwegian-American arts offers attendees a look at how traditional craft practices continue to develop in contemporary art.
Residents who want to participate should register ahead of time. Completing that step is necessary to receive the Zoom information for the October 4 program.