"Experience the Heart of Rosemaling: From Norwegian Roots to American Practice

featuring Vesterheim Gold Medal Winner Nancy Odalen Saturday, June 20,2026 at 1:00 PM A Live-only event in the Livsreise Auditorium The common heritage shared by artists from America and Norway is rich with creativity, tradition, and cross-cultural inspiration. Both nations celebrate their artistic roots through vibrant exchanges, collaborative works, and the adoption of unique techniques, especially in folk arts. One such tradition, rosemaling, has become a symbol of Norwegian decorative art that deeply influences American artists with Scandinavian ancestry. In the Spring of 2025, the American-Scandinavian Foundation awarded Nancy Odalen and her apprentice Ella Becker as winners in their Scandinavian Folk Arts Traditions program. The two women traveled to Norway during last summer to meet expert rosemalers. This trip was aimed at enhancing their craft and fostering connections with the rosemaling community. Nancy last spoke at Livsreise 2022 so this talk will bring the audience up-to-date how this newly gained experience has given her more insight into her craft. Stoughton is so lucky to have her creating beautiful rosemaled items here as she walks in the steps of other local famous rosemalers such as Per Lysne, Ethel Kvalheim, Patty Tofsland, Vi Thode and Ann Nelson. This is a Live-only event in the Livsreise Auditorium