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Quality journalism needs your support to thrive. Donate and keep the facts flowing. DECORAH — A special folk art show, "Past/Present/Future of Folk Art," at Vesterheim, the national Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, is open now through January 11, 2026. The show features 103 pieces by contemporary artists from all over the country and abroad to honor folk art masters of the past; draw inspiration from contemporary culture bearers; and explore what folk art might become in the future. "If you think you've already seen folk art, you have not seen this. The artistry, details, and creativity of the pieces are so impressive, and the stories to go with them are so inspiring. It's hard to convey the breadth and depth of this exhibit, and the love and work that clearly went into each piece," Andrew Ellingsen, Vesterheim director of folk art education said. "From stick sculptures to painted cardboard boxes to woven jewelry, inspired by the beauty of nature, beloved mentors, international cultures, and a mix of old and new techniques, you will find something to turn your head or drop your jaw or make you laugh. Truly, we hope everyone comes out to celebrate how these artists are sharing their craft and reinventing folk art," he continued. The exhibit is made possible thanks to generous support from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Iowa Arts Council, which exists within the Iowa Economic Development Authority. The artworks in the exhibition were chosen by a selection committee made up of Jerry Johnson, rosemaler, Stoughton, Wis.; Jennie Knoebel, Senior Grants & Programs Manager for Iowa Arts Council, Des Moines, Iowa; Anna Rue, Associate Director of the Center for the Study of Upper Midwestern Cultures who works on the Sustaining Scandinavian Folk Arts in the Upper Midwest Project, Madison, Wis.; and Hannah Tulgren, folk and contemporary artist, Decorah, Iowa. Judge's Choice Awards will be announced during Decorah's Nordic Fest celebration on July 24. There will be a reception to honor all of the artists in the show on July 24 from 5-6:30 p.m. in Vesterheim Commons. Many pieces are for sale both at the exhibit and online at store.vesterheim.org. Never a dull moment! Subscribe to the free DecorahNews.com newsletter and stay one step ahead with local news and information you just can't get anywhere else.

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From Rosemaling to Cardboard Sculptures: Vesterheim Explores the Future of Folk Art