Vesterheim is inviting Decorah-area residents to explore Norwegian-American decorative painting from home with a free online webinar scheduled for October 4, 2026. The Cultural Connections program will examine how traditional rosemaling can be reshaped as contemporary botanical art while maintaining a connection to established techniques.
The one-hour session will take place on Zoom from 3 to 4 p.m. Central Time. Because the program is online, participants in Decorah and elsewhere can attend without traveling to a museum or other venue. Registration is required to receive the free Zoom link.
Ten boreal plants will guide the designs
Artist Tara will present 10 original botanical designs inspired by plants from the boreal ecosystem. 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.
Along with viewing the designs, participants will see a demonstration of how traditional rosemaling brushstrokes can be reimagined to reflect the distinct forms and character of each plant. The presentation is intended to introduce contemporary botanical design without separating it from the established rosemaling tradition.
Program connects art with plant-classification history
The webinar will also briefly connect contemporary botanical art with the history of plant classification. That portion will include background on Carl Linnaeus and his apprentice Anders Dahl. Vesterheim’s program notes that Dahl’s name continues in the word “dahlia.”
The October program may be of interest to people following Norwegian-American arts, traditional craft techniques or botanical design. Those interested can register through Vesterheim’s event information. The event listing also points attendees toward the museum’s broader schedule of Cultural Connections programs.
For Decorah residents, the online format provides access to the Vesterheim program without an in-person trip, while the registration requirement means participants must sign up in advance to receive the connection details.