Each National Norwegian-American Folk Art Exhibition at Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum features enormously skilled practitioners of rosemaling, weaving, woodcarving, knife-making, and metalwork. From the Vesterheim website: “It showcases the self-expression of contemporary artists who create folk art rooted in Norwegian traditions. The mission of this exhibition is to celebrate the past, present, and future of folk art by encouraging and inspiring emerging and established folk artists to develop their craft. Artists submit work for evaluation by a team of judges, who offer feedback on their pieces and award ribbons to the very best work.”

Congratulations to the ribbon winners in the weaving category for 2024!

Blue Ribbon and “Best in Show”

Carol Culbertson, Evansville WI

Vest in Danskebrogd Technique 

It has taken several years of experimenting to find a way to weave correctly shaped pieces to stitch together for a vest. Drawing on many years of experience as a seamstress, this year has been the most successful. It was very exciting to stitch the pieces together and have a comfortable vest to wear.  

I began with Navajo weaving techniques 40 years ago and changed to Norwegian techniques in the last 10 years. One of my favorites is tapestry weaving which is found in both traditions.

Red Ribbon

Kathleen Doyle Almelien, Washington IA 

Young Boy’s Woven Stocking Bands 

My grandson will wear these garters so I selected symbols to protect and hold wishes for him. The Saint Andrew’s Cross is for humility, the 8-pointed star communicates the hope for abundance, the checkerboard is where the game of life is played. The diamond is the woven shape of the sun. The triangular arrows guide man’s time and direction.   

I weave on a vertical loom made by Ole Rue of Vinje, Norway. As I have been investigating band weaving, I began noticing the reoccurring band motifs that mark region/valley and the bands’ use as a shield to protect and repel evil.

White Ribbon

Carol Culbertson, Evansville WI

“Stained Glass” Wall Hanging in Krokbragd Technique 

This wall hanging is a double-point krokbragd (bound weave). With an abundant supply of leftover yarn, I was looking for a way to use some of it. After thinking about how this yarn could be used for several months, a stained-glass window idea popped into my head. After several drawings, using the double-point krokbragd technique seemed like the answer.  

I began with Navajo weaving techniques 40 years ago and changed to Norwegian techniques in the last 10 years. One of my favorites is tapestry weaving which is found in both traditions.  

White Ribbon and “People’s Choice” Award

Helen Scherer, Shawnee KS 

“Medieval Monuments” Wall Hanging in Krokbragd Technique  

Nine medieval sites in Norway and Denmark inspired the abstract patterns and colors in this wall hanging. From the top down:  

1. Crosses and Ribe Cathedral, Lauge and Mette Paintings, Hans Tausen Statue  
2. Candles and Hamar Cathedral Ruins, Sira Brynjulf Haraldsson (d. 1348)  
3. Horse Runes and Akershus Fortress, Canons  
4. Birkebeiner Skis and Håkon’s Hall, High Seat Tapestry 
5. Axes and Nidaros Cathedral 
6. Clubs and Dale-Gudbrand’s Farm in Hundorp 
7. Stone Runes and Harald Bluetooth, Jelling Runestones 
8. Ing Runes and Harald Fairhair, Haraldshaugen 
9. Gift Runes and Unearthed Gullgubber, Bornholm 
10. Crosses and Stars, Poinsettias  

My first weaving teacher was my mother, who emigrated from Gudbrandsal. I frequently travel to Scandinavia to meet relatives and friends, explore the sites, and visit museums. The weaving I enjoy most is based on traditional Norwegian techniques.  

October 2024