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DECORAH — The annual Benefit Auction for Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, will be held online from noon (CST), Saturday, October 6, until 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 13. Items are available to view now at www.biddingforgood.com/VEST-AUCTION. It's easy to register and bid from anywhere in the world! The auction has 74 items, including one-of-a-kind folk art pieces by artists working in the Norwegian tradition. There is a tremendous selection of rosemaling (Norwegian decorative painting), beautiful weavings, traditional needlework, jewelry, Norwegian clothing, and creative woodworking. Don't forget the chance to win an incredible 8-day European River Cruise for two in 2024 from Viking Cruises. Many of the pieces in the benefit auction are donated by Vesterheim Gold Medalists and exhibition ribbon winners from Vesterheim's biennial judged competition, "The National Norwegian-American Folk Art Exhibition." Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Vesterheim Annual Fund in support of Vesterheim's Folk Art School, which has provided classes since 1967 in fiber arts, woodworking, painting, cooking, jewelry, blacksmithing, knifemaking, and more. At the Folk Art School, students and instructors create a community of learning and experience the joy of making something by hand. "Vesterheim is very grateful to everyone who donated to this auction. Through exceptional support from artists and donors, combined previous auctions have raised more than $195,000 for the Folk Art School," said Kim Toussaint, Vesterheim Benefit Auction coordinator. "Please help support Vesterheim Museum and help keep these wonderful Norwegian folk-art traditions alive," Toussaint added. Contact Kim Toussaint at 563 382-9681, or email ktoussaint@vesterheim.org, with auction questions. Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to engage in the conversation of the American immigrant journey through the lens of the Norwegian-American experience. Vesterheim offers innovative and interactive exhibits, classes, and programs, both at the dynamic campus and park in scenic Decorah, Iowa, and online at vesterheim.org and Vesterheim social media. For more information on exhibits, classes, programs, tours, membership opportunities, and ways to donate and volunteer, connect at vesterheim.org, (563) 382-9681, and Vesterheim, 502 W. Water St., P.O. Box 379, Decorah, Iowa, 52101-0379. Feed your curiosity! Subscribe to the free newsletter and indulge in all that's local. Your friends will be impressed.

Support your local businesses

Bid on Norwegian Treasure: Vesterheim's Auction Opens October 6